Shoulder pads notwithstanding, the women of the twenties screen were more liberated than those of the forties, the supposed heyday of the women's picture, Mick LaSalle asserts in Complicated Women (New York: Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martin's Press, 2001, $25.95). Film critic for the San Francisco Chronicle, LaSalle explores the era before the Production Code, when "women on screen took lovers, had babies out of wedlock, got rid of cheating husbands, enjoyed their sexuality, held down professional positions without apologizing for their self-sufficiency...had fun. That's why the Code came in...to put the genie back in the bottle." LaSalle's book deals with Greta Garbo, Clara Bow, Jean Harlow, and importantly brings to light the contributions of forgotten stars such as Miriam Hopkins and Norma Shearer, featured in tonight's films. Molly Haskell wrote, "(This) is the best kind of film book, making us see with fresh eyes the women of pre-Code Hollywood, a truly revolutionary lot by any standards."Following the reading, LaSalle will sign copies of his book, which is available in the Museum Store or at the event, where everyone gets the members' 10% discount.