My personal favorite place to see a movie is at Old Town Music Hall (140 Richmond St, El Segundo, CA 90245). Decorated as a mini-movie palace of the 1920's, this theater has been providing classic films nearly every weekend since 1968. The centerpiece of the theater is the Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe organ, a 1925 instrument that was created to accompany silent movies. Though in recent years, the theater has expanded what decades are defined as a classic (some movies even are as late as the early 21st century), they still play silent movies here with the organ accompanying it live. For those newfangled talking pictures, the organ still plays beforehand. As well as movies, this place also hosts concerts, mostly of the jazz variety.
Here is the list of what this wonderful theater is playing this July.
July 5th
Silent starring Buster Keaton.
One of the most beloved silent comedies of all time, this film was a box office disappointment upon its original release. Yet over the years, movie lovers, the world over discovered what a masterpiece it is. Filled with great laughs, exciting action scenes (which hold up marvelously today) and a larger-than-life epic scale, this is comedian Buster Keaton at his absolute best.
With live accompaniment by organist David Marsh and an introduction by film historian Randy Haberkamp.
Sunday July 5, 2:30pm.
Get tickets here.
July 11th
Grease (1978)
Grease (1978)
Directed by Randal Kleiser. Starring John Travolta and Oliva Newton-John.
Probably the most popular movie musical of the 1970's. The unpretentious lighthearted feel makes endears this movie to new generations as well as old. The songs especially are a lot of fun. Who cares if the actors are obviously older than high school age.
Saturday July 11th, 2:30pm
Buy tickets here.
Laura (1944)
Directed by Otto Preminger. Starring Gene Tierney and Dana Andrews.
One of the all-time great film noirs. This spellbinding movie pulls you in from the opening scene. Style overflows from this classic with many images that stay in the minds of movie lovers long after they watch. A great cast, a well-written mystery and a great score by David Raksin makes this a true masterpiece of the genre.
Introduced by author and filmmaker Steven C. Smith.
Saturday July 11th, 7pm.
But tickets here.
July 12th
Forbidden Planet (1956)
Directed by Fred M. Wilcox. Starring Walter Pidgeon, Anne Francis and Leslie Nielson.
One of the most beloved sci-fi movies of all time. Made at a time when science fiction was treated as a children's genre, this film is anything but kiddie fare. Inspired by Shakespeare's The Tempest, this film is an intelligent and thought-provoking masterpiece that explores deep and dark themes dealing with the dark side of human nature. Still remains just as powerful today as it was back in the 1950's.
Introduced by special effects artist Craig Barron.
Sunday July 12th, 2:30pm
Buy tickets here.
Toons and Tunes
Part concert and part cartoon show, these special shows are pure delights. Hosted by singer Janet Klein, animation historian Jerry Beck and organist Randy Woltz, this show is filled with live music (featuring songs from the 1920's and 30's) and some classic 1930's cartoon shorts. A must see.
Sunday July 12th, 7pm
Buy tickets here
July 18th
Robin Hood (1922)
Silent, directed by Allan Dawn and starring Douglas Fairbanks and Alan Hale
Before the immortal Errol Flynn version, the most popular action star of the 1920's, Douglas Fairbanks, played the famous character in this still exciting 1922 silent adaption. A pure treat for the whole family as well as the first movie to receive a Hollywood premiere (at the Egyptian Theatre in 1922).
Accompanied by organist Robert York. Introduced by stand-up comedian (and granddaughter of Alan Hale), Samatha Hale.
Saturday July 18th, 2:30pm
Buy tickets here.
The Good, The Bad and the Ugly (1966)
Directed by Sergio Leone. Starring Clint Eastwood and Eli Wallach.
The most famous spaghetti western is also one of the definitive screen westerns. The final entry in The Dollars Trilogy (preceded by A Fistful of Dollars (1964), For a Few Dollars More (1965)), this features Clint Eastwood in his most famous role as The Man with No Name. With stylish direction by Sergio Leone and an iconic musical score by Ennio Morricone, this is a cinematic delight, even for those who think they may not actually like a western.
Saturday July 18th 7pm
Buy tickets here
July 19th
The Awful Truth (1937)
Directed by Leo McCarey. Starring Cary Grant and Irene Dunne.
One of the definitive 1930's screwball comedies. This film is directed by one of the greatest Hollywood comedy directors, Leo McCarey, who worked with Laurel and Hardy, The Marx Brothers and Charley Chase on some of their best films. He would win an Oscar for Best Director for The Awful Truth, and it is easy to see why. This is absolutely hilarious and can hold its own with more famous screwball comedies. Of course, this is helped by an incredible cast headed by Cary Grant (for whom this would help cement his screen image), Irene Dunne and Ralph Bellamy. The chemistry between Grant and Dunne makes them one of the greatest pairings in screwball comedy history.
Introduced by author and filmmaker Steven C. Smith
Sunday July 19th, 2:30pm
Buy tickets here.
July 25th
WALL-E (2008)
Animated Pixar classic directed by Andrew Stanton.
This is everything a Pixar movie should be. It is smart, funny, creative and very moving. Among the animated sci-fi fun is a surprisingly touching and lovely romance between the two main robots. Without saying anything but their names, these two characters feel so real to us and move straight into our hearts.
Saturday July 25th 2:30pm.
Buy tickets here.
Hairspray (1988)
Directed by John Waters. Starring Sonny Bono and Ruth Brown.
John Waters' most mainstream film is also one of his most enduring. This musical comedy is so much fun that it would later become a very popular Broadway musical.
Introduced by film historian Randy Haberkamp.
Saturday July 25th, 7pm
Buy tickets here
July 26th
Double Indemnity (1944)
Many consider this to be the greatest film noir of all time. It is easy to see why. Featuring all the hallmarks of the genre, legendary director Billy Wilder creates a movie that is possibly a definition of film noir. This dark and thrilling ride is held together by brilliant cinematography, great writing and a top-notch cast. Included in this top-notch cast is Fred MacMurray in one of his best dramatic roles, Edward G. Robinson at the top of his game and Barbara Stanwyck who gives a powerhouse of a performance.
Introduced by film historian Antonia Carlotta.
Sunday July 26th, 2:30pm
Buy tickets here.
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