This 1947 film, featuring Victor Mature and Richard Widmark, tells the story of Nick, a criminal who rats on his compatriots, only to have one of them return from jail desperate to kill him. Later remade (why the hell would you do that?) into a Nicolas Cage/David Caruso vehicle, the original remains far superior. Check out Widmark's performance as the psychotic gangster Tommy Udo, pushing an elderly wheelchair-bound woman down the stairs—a role that earned him a Best Supporting Actor nod. Long Beach School for Adults, 3701 E. Willow St., Long Beach, (562) 997-8000. Fri., 7 p.m. $1 materials fee.
also showing:
Alice Neel. A portrait of painter Alice Neel (1900-1984) featuring Neel herself, as well as Hartley Neel, Richard Neel, Chuck Close, Marlene Dumas and Robert Storr. Orange County Museum of Art, 850 San Clemente Dr., Newport Beach, (949) 759-1122; www.ocma.net. Thurs., May 24, 8:30 p.m. Free.
Liberty Film Festival. The Liberty Film Festival was founded in July of 2004 to celebrate free speech, patriotism, religious freedom and democracy by providing a forum in the heart of Hollywood for conservative and libertarian filmmakers. OC Pavillion, 801 N. Main St., Santa Ana, (714) 550-0550; www.libertyfilmfestival.com. Sat., 7:30 p.m. $29.
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow. Mysterious gigantic robots attack New York. Intrepid reporter Polly Perkins is on the story, and along with her old flame and daring pilot, Joe Sullivan, they set out on an around-the-world adventure to stop the mysterious Dr. Totenkopf from destroying the world. Orange Coast College, Fine Arts Building, Room 119, 2701 Fairview Rd., Costa Mesa, (714) 432-5599. Fri., 6:30 p.m. $5-$6.
Rocky Horror Picture Show. Some do Pilates, some do "The Time Warp." It's okay, boys, put on some makeup and look fabulous—a lot of girls are into ambiguous sexuality. Well, at least they were in Santa Cruz. Royal Theater aboard the Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, (562) 684-4411; www.qmxroyal.com. Sat., midnight. $8.
Spike and Mike's Sick and Twisted Festival of Animation. Now, I'm no prude, but I've always preferred the non-sick-and-twisted festival. It seems like more energy is spent being offensive than being creative in the Sick and Twisted showcase, but hey, that's got its place as well. Make sure to leave the kids at home: This stuff would make Walt Disney spin in his freezer. Royal Theater aboard theQueen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, (562) 684-4411; www.qmxroyal.com. Sat., 9 p.m. $8.
Superstar in a Housedress. This film examines the life and legend of Warhol transvestite superstar Jackie Curtis, a poet, playwright, performer and one of the great personalities of his time. The film includes interviews with 30 people who knew or worked with Curtis, inlcuding Alexis Del Lago, Harvey Fierstein, Paul Morrissey, Lily Tomlin, John Vaccaro, Holly Woodlawn and others. In addition, media personalities, writers and literary editors put Curtis' work and life in historical perspective. The film, which won Best Documentary at the Toronto Inside Out Film Festival, will be introduced by Marie Cartier, screenwriting lecturer in UCI's Department of Film and Media Studies. Plus, there will be a special appearance by Warhol superstar Del Lago. UC Irvine, Humanities Instructional Building 100, Campus & Peltason drs., Irvine, (949) 824-7418; www.filmandvideocenter.com. Thurs., May 17, 7 p.m. $3-$5.
Two or Three Things I Know About Her. This 1967 Jean-Luc Godard film is a commentary on the ways that modern industrial society degrades our souls. This screening will be introduced by Alexander Gelley, professor of Comparative Literature at UCI, and features a newly restored 35mm print. UC Irvine, Humanities Instructional Building 100, Campus & Peltason drs., Irvine, (949) 824-7418; www.filmandvideocenter.com. Thurs., May 24, 7 p.m. $3-$5.
Mail your press releases (and a videotape or disc, if available) to Special Screenings,OC Weekly, 1666 N. Main St., Ste. 500, Santa Ana, CA 92701-7417. Or send e-mail to tchild@ocweekly.com. All materials must be received at least two weeks before the screening.
