Past Films

DIE HARD

DIE HARD

SUNDAY & WEDNESDAY

DECEMBER 30 & JANUARY 2

Is it a Christmas movie or isn’t it? Who cares? It’s one of the best action thrillers ever. Bruce Willis is New York cop John McClane, in LA during Christmas to visit his wife Holly (Bonnie Bedelia). When the skyscraper in which Holly works is taken over by a murderous gang it falls to McClane to save the day. Alan Rickman is superbly sinister as the chief villain. (“Do you really think you have a chance against us, Mr. Cowboy?”)

1988

Rated R

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

SUNDAY & MONDAY

DECEMBER 23 & 24 (CHRISTMAS EVE)

Frank Capra’s classic is a cherished Christmas tradition for countless families. Building & loan owner George Bailey (James Stewart) is all that stands between the good people of Bedford Falls and the wicked miser Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore). When misfortune strikes on Christmas Eve, George realizes, with the help of an angel named Clarence (Henry Travers), that he truly has a “wonderful life.”  ("No man is a failure who has friends.”)

1946

Rated PG

NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION

NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION

SUNDAY & WEDNESDAY

DECEMBER 16 & 19

The third in the popular vacation series finds Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) determined to a have a “good old-fashioned family Christmas.’’ But Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) and a house full of wacky relatives don’t make it easy. Chase and Quaid are joined by fellow Saturday Night Live alumni Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Brian Doyle-Murray.  Beverly D’Angelo is Clark’s always supportive wife, Ellen.  (“We checked every bulb, didn’t we?”)

1989

Rated PG-13 

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET

SUNDAY & WEDNESDAY 

DECEMBER 2 & 5 

A funny, touching, romantic favorite about the true meaning of Christmas. Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) is a popular department store Santa who claims he really is Santa Claus! His boss (Maureen O’Hara) is skeptical, as is her 8-year old daughter (Natalie Wood). When Kris’s sanity is challenged, it falls to O’Hara’s neighbor (John Payne) to defend him. ("It's not just Kris that's on trial, it's everything he stands for. It's kindness and joy and love…”)

1947

Rated PG

A CHRISTMAS STORY

A CHRISTMAS STORY

SUNDAY & WEDNESDAY

NOVEMBER 25 & 28

We double-dog-dare you not to love this heart-warming comedy from author Jean Shepherd. 9-year old Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) wants only one thing for Christmas: a "Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle.” But no one else seems to think it’s a good idea ("You'll shoot your eye out, kid!"). Darren McGavin plays Ralphie’s dad (“the Old Man”), whose taste in lamps is somewhat unusual. ("Aaah! ‘Fra-GEE-lee!’ It must be Italian!”) 

1983

Rated PG

Home Alone

Home Alone

SUNDAY & WEDNESDAY

NOVEMBER 18 & 21

The smash comedy starring Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who is mad at his family and wishes they would disappear.  When they accidentally leave for Christmas vacation without him, he gets his wish (“Yes!”). But he finds being “home alone” isn’t all fun and games (well, maybe it is) when two bungling burglars (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) force him to defend his house. (“You guys give up? Or are you thirsty for more?”) 

1990

Rated PG

PATTON

PATTON

SUNDAY & WEDNESDAY

NOVEMBER 11 (VETERANS DAY) & 14

Our Veterans Day presentation of the Oscar-winning Best Picture about one of World War II’s greatest generals. George C. Scott was named Best Actor for his performance as the colorful General George S. Patton, whose genius on the battlefield was sometimes overshadowed by his outspoken and controversial opinions. Beautifully restored in 4K digital, this widescreen epic is a powerful depiction of a true American original. (“Americans love a winner...”)

1970

Rated PG

2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY

2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY

SUNDAY & WEDNESDAY

NOVEMBER 4 & 7

Before there was Star Wars, there was 2001. Director Stanley Kubrick’s groundbreaking and visually stunning epic, described as “the ultimate trip,” dazzles the eye in this 4K digital restoration. Kubrick and science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke wrote the script about a mysterious monolith, a manned flight to Jupiter, and the HAL 9000, a “perfect” computer that is almost human—and not in a good way.  (“I’m sorry, Dave. I’m afraid I can’t do that.”)

1968

Rated G

Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice

OCTOBER 21 & 24

“It’s showtime!” Michael Keaton stars as Beetlejuice (“the ghost with the most, babe”) in this supernatural comedy from director Tim Burton. Ghosts Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis need help scaring off the Deetzes, a new family that has moved into their house. They reluctantly hire “freelance bio-exorcist” Beetlejuice, whose bizarre behavior is more than they bargained for. (“THAT is why I won't do two shows a night anymore. I won't.”)

1988

Rated PG

REAR WINDOW

REAR WINDOW

OCTOBER 14 & 17

One of the best from director Alfred Hitchcock, the “master of suspense.” James Stewart, confined to his New York City apartment with a broken leg, finds that “people watching” from his window helps to pass the time.  Things heat up when he and his girlfriend (Grace Kelly) begin to suspect one of his neighbors of murder. Wendell Corey plays Stewart’s police detective friend. (“People do a lot of things in private they couldn’t possibly explain in public.”) 

1954

Rated PG

Young Frankenstein

Young Frankenstein

SEPTEMBER 30 & OCTOBER 3

Gene Wilder is Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (“That’s FRONKensteen!”), struggling with the legacy of his infamous mad-scientist grandfather in this classic comedy from Mel Brooks.  The stellar supporting cast includes Marty Feldman as Igor (“It’s pronounced Eye-gor”), Madeline Kahn, Peter Boyle, Terri Garr (“Roll, roll, roll in ze hay,”) and Cloris Leachman as the late baron’s mysterious housekeeper Frau Blucher.  ("Yes, yes, say it…he vas my boyfriend!”)

1974

Rated PG

Labyrinth

Labyrinth

SEPTEMBER 23 & 26 

Muppets creator Jim Henson directed this musical fantasy about a teenage girl (Jennifer Connelly) who must enter the mythical world of the Labyrinth to rescue her kidnapped baby brother. Henson’s puppets are amazing, but it was the casting of David Bowie as the Goblin King that made this an iconic 80’s movie. Bowie’s five original songs include “Magic Dance,” which he performs with a gaggle of goblin puppets.  (“You remind me of a babe…”)

1986

Rated PG

Steel Magnolias

Steel Magnolias

SEPTEMBER 16 & 19

A comedy-drama that celebrates the warmth, grace, and grit of a close-knit group of women in a small Southern town. The A-list cast includes Sally Field, Julia Roberts (Oscar-nominated for her performance), Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, Daryl Hannah, and Dolly Parton as the big-hearted owner of the beauty shop where friends share the joys and heartaches that bind them together. ("Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.”)

1989

Rated PG

The King & I

The King & I

SEPTEMBER 9 & 12

You’ll “whistle a happy tune” while “getting to know” this popular Rodgers & Hammerstein musical, based on the real-life experiences of a 19th century Englishwoman who taught the children of the King of Siam.  Nominated for 9 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Actress (Deborah Kerr), and winner of 5. Yul Brynner won Best Actor for his performance as the King, a part he originated on Broadway.  ("Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera!”)

1956

Rated G

AMERICAN GRAFFITI

AMERICAN GRAFFITI

SEPTEMBER 2 & 5

Where were you in ’62? Writer/director George Lucas was a teenager in Northern California, and his experiences inspired this comedy set at the end of the summer after high school graduation.  The stellar cast includes Ron Howard, Cindy Williams, Richard Dreyfuss, Wolfman Jack and newcomer Harrison Ford. A nostalgic look at the era when rock ‘n’ roll was young, filled with hit songs from the period. ("One, two, three o’clock, four o’clock, rock...”)

1973

Rated PG

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND

AUGUST 19 & 22

The sci-fi movie that earned director Steven Spielberg his first Oscar nomination. The title refers to interactions with UFO’S: a sighting, physical evidence, and the third kind is contact. The climactic “mother ship” scene in which the alien creatures reveal themselves looks even more awesome in this 4K digitally restored director’s cut. (“If everything's ready here on the Dark Side of the Moon...play the five tones.”)

1977

Rated PG

The Karate Kid

The Karate Kid

AUGUST 12 & 15

The ORIGINAL from director John G. Avildsen (Rocky). Audiences and critics alike cheered this classic underdog story about a teenage boy (Ralph Macchio) who takes up karate. To win respect—and the girl (Elizabeth Shue)—he must face the school bully who belongs to the take-no-prisoners dojo “Cobra Kai.” Noriyuki "Pat" Morita earned an Oscar nomination as Macchio’s instructor, who has his own unique teaching methods. (“Wax on, wax off.”)

1984

Rated PG

STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN

STAR TREK II:  THE WRATH OF KHAN

JULY 29 & AUGUST 1

Considered by many to be the best of the original Star Trek movies, presented in a 4K digitally restored director’s cut.  William Shatner stars as Captain James T. Kirk and Leonard Nimoy plays Spock. (“I am a Vulcan. I have no ego to bruise.”) Ricardo Montalban gives a memorable performance as the villain Khan, a part he originated in the TV episode “Space Seed.” (“Do you know the Klingon proverb that tells us revenge is a dish that is best served cold?”)

1982

Rated PG

Heaven Can Wait

Heaven Can Wait

JULY 8 & 11

This hit comedy stars Warren Beatty as a pro quarterback who, through a heavenly mix-up, leaves earth before his time. He returns in a millionaire businessman’s body and resumes his football ambitions. Nominated for 9 Oscars, including Best Picture. With Julie Christie, Dyan Cannon (hilarious as the millionaire’s scheming wife) and Jack Warden as the exasperated trainer. (“This isn't going to work. You're playing football with a bunch of butlers!”)

1978
Rated PG

Dirty Dancing

Dirty Dancing

JUNE 24 & JUNE 27

You’ll have “the time of your life” at this romantic crowd-pleaser, set at a Catskills summer resort in 1963. Jennifer Grey (Ferris Bueller’s sister) plays Baby, a rich girl who finds herself attracted to a working-class dance instructor (Patrick Swayze).  Primarily known for tough-guy roles, Swayze’s experience with the Joffrey Ballet (who knew?) prepared him for the role.  We dare you to sit still during the film’s big finish. ("Nobody puts Baby in a corner.”)

1987

Rated PG-13