Film Series

Films and Dates, 2009

Raiders of the Lost Ark -- April 9

Armed with his wits and a whip, dashing archeology professor Indiana Jones travels three continents and battles Nazis, snakes, and supernatural forces to rescue the ancient Ark of the Covenant, the sacred box that contains the original Ten Commandments. Steven Spielberg directed Harrison Ford and Karen Allen, 1981.

Lady and the Tramp -- April 23

In this delightful Disney favorite, a gorgeous redheaded cocker spaniel from a lovely home is romanced by a rakish mutt-about-town. When she learns of his reputation in the song "He's a Tramp," from a slinky showgirl dog, she tells him to leave forever. Plot twists and a cadre of canine characters lead to a Darling family ending. 1955.

Superman II -- May 14

The adventures of Superman continue in this colossal blockbuster sequel. Superman is in love with and preparing to marry Lois Lane, who now knows his true identity. Before he can marry, he must give up his powers. He discovers that three super criminals from Krypton are on Earth with only one purpose: to destroy the Man of Steel in a titanic battle. Richard Lester directed Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder, 1980.

THIS FILM WILL BEGIN AT EXACTLY 5:45.

Gigi -- May 28

Leslie Caron is Gigi, a charming Parisian girl on the edge of womanhood, and Louis Jourdan is the bored young playboy who falls in love with her. Maurice Chevalier sings the delightful Lerner-Lowe songs, "Thank Heaven for Little Girls," and "Gigi." Winner of nine Academy Awards including Best Picture, this visual delight is set in turn-of-the-20th Century Paris. Directed by Vincent Minnelli, 1958.

The Odd Couple -- June 11

Two divorced men share a New York apartment - with hilarious results. Felix Unger is fussy and fastidious to a fault. Oscar Madison is the ultimate slob. Their lifestyle and personality conflicts make this an enduring and endearing story. Gene Saks directed Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, 1968.

The Maltese Falcon -- June 25

It is a sinister world of foggy nights, dark rooms, and many things not being what they appear. Tough-talking private eye Sam Spade confronts murderers, liars, and pretenders obsessed with finding a jewel-encrusted statue stolen during the Crusades. John Huston directed Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, and Peter Lorre, 1941.

Roman Holiday -- July 9

Vivacious Princess Ann escapes the boring demands of a royal tour only to be discovered by a worldly, witty American reporter in need of a good story. They share a fairy tale day of laughs and adventures among romantic Roman sites before coming to one of the most memorable, poignant endings in movie history. William Wyler directed Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, 1953.

A Place in the Sun -- July 23

Based on a real-life tragedy, an ambitious young man takes a menial job in his uncle's factory and aspires to join the affluent, powerful set he meets there. As he begins his climb, he falls in love with a beautiful, wealthy young woman. The chemistry between the two leads to a powerful love story, but his working-class girlfriend has ideas of her own. George Stevens directed Montgomery Clift, Elizabeth Taylor, and Shelley Winters, 1951.

Jailhouse Rock -- August 13

Elvis stars as a convict who learns to play the guitar and sing in prison. After his release, he becomes a sensation. Featuring the title song and "Treat Me Nice," the film captures the phenomenal charismatic energy and presence of the King of Rock and Roll at the peak of his career. 1957

Lover Come Back -- August 27

In this most successful of the Doris Day-Rock Hudson pairings, a cynical male advertising executive is challenged by a virtuous female counterpart. Plot twists and witty dialogue make for great fun and a chance to reminisce about "movies the way they used to be." 1961.

From Here to Eternity -- September 10

In this intense, simmering drama, young men and women who will become The Greatest Generation contend with illicit passions and power struggles on an army base near Pearl Harbor. In just weeks, the Japanese will attack them. Fred Zinneman directed Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, Frank Sinatra, Donna Reed, Deborah Kerr, and Ernest Borgnine in this winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture of 1953.

Bullitt -- September 24

Frank Bullitt is the movies' first glamorous, rebellious sports-car-driving cop. When an ambitious politician needs a guard for a mafioso with dramatic testimony, the chief turns to quick-witted Bullitt. There are copious plot twists, but the most memorable scene is the behind-the-wheel view of the car chase through the hilly streets of San Francisco. Peter Yates directed Steve McQueen, Jacqueline Bissett, and Robert Vaughn, 1968.

The Philadelphia Story -- October 8

Wealthy, glamorous socialite Tracy Lord is preparing for her second wedding. Despite the romantic nature of the occasion, she appears to have ice water in her veins. Her ex-husband and his tabloid reporter friend rush in to help her rediscover her heart. This is sophisticated comedy at its best. George Cukor directed Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, and Jimmy Stewart, 1940.

Dracula -- October 22

With an eerie, dark mountaintop castle, mysterious deaths, bloodlust, rats, flying bats, a grotesque count and his minions who sleep in coffins, this film, made during the early years of Hollywood, remains a horror classic. Tod Browning directed Bela Lugosi, 1931.

Chinatown -- November 12

Set in the sleazy underside of 1930s Los Angeles, this moody noir classic follows private eye Jake Gittes from a case of suspected adultery to entanglement in a huge convoluted scandal of greed, depravity, and corruption surrounding the city's water supply. Roman Polanski directed Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, and John Huston, 1974.

THIS FILM WILL BEGIN AT EXACTLY 5:45.

Bell, Book, and Candle -- December 10

It's Christmas Eve in New York, and a lovely but lonely young witch decides to create some companionship by putting a spell on her successful, attractive neighbor. She discovers, to her surprise, that the gentleman has potent charms of his own. Richard Quine directed James Stewart, Kim Novak, and Jack Lemmon, 1958.