Each summer I am reminded of why I love living in Austin, Texas. It would seem impossible to love Austin in the summer since the heat and humidity are almost unbearable. However, it is the summertime when I love Austin because from late May to early September I can escape to the Paramount Theatre and enjoy the cooling effects of air conditioning and the restorative power of great cinema.
The Paramount's Summer Classic Film Series begins this weekend and I've already planned by schedule around it for the next 3 months. I know it's not the only revival theater out there (and I'm thankful for that!), but it is Austin's only movie palace. It is my theater. And since this is my blog, I've combed the schedule to highlight some of the special screenings this season.
These certainly aren't the only films I would recommend seeing, since all the scheduled films are good (except maybe Showgirls, but even that is debatable). So, if you are lucky enough to be in Austin in the summertime check the full list of screenings online.
June 23: Wings (1927) - This tale of daring WWI flyboys filmed near San Antonio was the first film to win the Best Picture Oscar. This special screening will feature a live performance of an original musical score by Austin composer Graham Reynolds.
June 26-27: The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) - If the recent Russell Crowe "re-imagining" of the Robin Hood legend didn't quite buckle your swash, may I recommend this glorious Technicolor gem starring Errol Flynn? And just try to resist entering the archery contest which will precede each screening.
July 6-7: All That Heaven Allows (1955) - Director Douglas Sirk is known as the master of the "women's picture," a distinction which often gets his films labeled as melodramatic cheese. But there is so much more to his films than Velveeta; they offer a critique of the petty moralities and conventions of 1950s America. Heaven tells the story of a rich widow (Jane Wyman) who becomes the original "cougar" when she is unexpectedly wooed by her much younger gardener (Rock Hudson), much to the disapproval of just about everyone else in town. This film will be shown in a double feature with Sirk's Imitation of Life (1959) starring Lana Turner.
July 24-25: Top Hat (1935) - When the Paramount began showing classic films in 1975, this Astaire and Rogers musical was the inaugural picture. In honor of this 35th anniversary screening all tickets will be sold at 1975 prices - 50 cents!
August 11-12: Odd Man Out (1947) and Brighton Rock (1947) - Two excellent, but rarely shown examples of British film noir. A remake of Brighton Rock is set to be released this year, so don't miss this opportunity to see the original on the big screen.
August 17-18: The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964) and The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967) - Watching the absolutely beautiful Umbrellas on the big screen is a must for any classic film fan! But a double feature of French musicals starring Catherine Deneuve? Tres jolie!
August 24-25: Sunrise (1927) - A landmark film of the silent era, Sunrise was honored by the Academy for its "artistic quality of production." This screening of a restored print will include the original orchestral score.
For more viewing suggestions and profiles of some great films which I failed to mention here, read "The Greatest Stories Ever Told" by the staff at the Austin Chronicle.
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