Los Angeles is the best place to be for movie-lovers interested in special events. Here are several film happenings in L.A. from Oct. 21-27, 2011. Some are festivals that run throughout the week while others are special presentations at famous Hollywood theaters.
Friday, Oct. 21, 2011
Start off your weekend with a one-time screening of "Edward Scissorhands" (1990) in 70 mm at USC's Bing Theater. A panel discussion precedes the film with composer Danny Elfman, costume designer Colleen Atwood, and art director Rich Heinrichs, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at 823 Exposition Blvd. General admission is $10.
Across town, the El Capitan Theatre presents "Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas" (1993) in 4D. The movie has been remade in Disney digital 3D, adding wind, fake snow, and a fog machine to enhance the experience. Price of admission is $12.50 to $23.00 for VIP seats. Check times. 6838 Hollywood Blvd.
The premiere of a brand new digital restoration of the classic war film "The Guns of Navarone" (1961) with Gregory Peck will screen at the landmark Eygptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd. This is an experience not to be missed for vintage movie buffs. The movie begins at 8:00 p.m. and costs $11.00.
"L.A. Rebellion: Creating a New Black Cinema" series presents six films tonight at UCLA's Bill Wilder Theater at 10899 Wilshire Blvd. The series continues through Dec. 17, with filmmakers in attendance for most showings. $9 at the door.
The International Skateboard Film Festival continues at the Downtown Independent, a vintage Hollywood theater at 251 S. Main, through Oct. 23. The film competition moves to the Aero Theater on Oct. 24 and 25 at 1328 Montana in Santa Monica. Admission is $12 per category.
Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011
Bring the family to the Heritage Square Museum, 3800 Homer Street, for a screening of "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" (1941) starring Spencer Tracy and Ingrid Bergman. Attendees are encouraged to wear warm clothing and bring a picnic, blankets, and chairs from home. $10, free for museum members, 7:30 p.m.
Cinefamily presents an Autumn Carnival with pumpkin carving, cider, a selection of shorts, and a screening of "Something Wicked This Way Comes" (1983), Ray Bradbury's classic tale. Co-star Shawn Carson will attend. The fun begins at 4:00 p.m., 611 Fairfax. $10.00.
Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011
Howard Hawks's "Land of the Pharaohs" (1955) will screen, appropriately, at the famous Egyptian Theater at 6712 Hollywood Blvd. as part of an Art Directors Film Society Series. A panel discussion will follow with art director Jim Hewitt and Egyptologists. Come dressed as your favorite pharaoh or dancing maiden at 5:30 p.m. The event costs $7-$11.
Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011
Mel Brooks's "Young Frankenstein" (1974) and "Love at First Bite" with George Hamilton (1979) will air at the magnificent Million Dollar Theater, 3rd and Broadway in downtown L.A., as part of the the Wednesday's Classic Film series at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $10.
Silent comedy buffs won't want to miss Celebrating Laurel & Hardy at the Billy Wilder Theater. A major preservation effort, the UCLA Archive presents rare footage of "Way Out West" (1937) and "The Music Box" (1932), in which our heroes famously attempt to move a piano up a flight of stairs. 7:30 p.m., $10.
Bela Lugoi Jr., filmmaker Mike Hill, and others will appear for a comic book signing and screening at the Aero Theatre of "Horror of Dracula" (1958) and "Curse of the Werewolf" (1961). The event begins at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011
"Ghost Story" kicks off a special evening honoring Academy Award-winning makeup artist Dick Smith ("The Exorcist") at the New Beverly Cinema at 7165 West Beverly Blvd. The show starts at 8:00 p.m. and costs $7.
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