Special Screenings

The Big Sleep. One of the definitive noir films, adapted from one of the definite noir novels, features Humphrey Bogart (in an iconic role as Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe) starring opposite his wife, Lauren Bacall. The plot is nearly impenetrably dense, but the performances are a joy to behold. Rumor has it that the initial cut of the film featured a few more scenes explaining the story, but these were eventually cut in favor of what the audience really wanted­­­­­­—interplay between Bogie and Bacall. Don't bother too much trying to follow the story. The Big Sleep is noteworthy primarily for its status as capital-N noir and for the always-entertaining chemistry of its two leads. Pierside SurfCity 6, 300 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, (949) 640-2370. Tues., 7:30 p.m. $7.

OTHER SCREENINGS

Antonia's Line.This film revolves around the matriarchy begun by a woman named Antonia, who, after World War II, returns to her Dutch village. With moments of magical realism interspersed with everyday realities of life, this is a movie that leaves the viewer feeling hopeful and cheerful. In 1995, Antonia's Linewon the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The film will be preceded by a delicious themed dinner (for an added cost) prepared by executive chef Greg Weile at Tangata Restaurant. Bowers Museum's Nora Kershaw Auditorium, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, (714) 567-3679; www.bowers.org. Thurs., June 7, 7:30 p.m. $8-$10. For reservations to the pre-film dinner, call Tangata Restaurant at (714) 550-0906.

Barefoot in the Park. This film, written by Neil Simon, features appealingly young Robert Redford and Jane Fonda as a married couple coping with life in a tiny New York apartment. Wouldn't recommend going barefoot in the park nowadays, that's for sure. Long Beach School for Adults, 3701 E. Willow St., Long Beach, (562) 997-8000. Fri., 7 p.m. $1 materials fee.

The Girl Hunters. Detective Mike Hammer comes off a bender and heats up the Cold War when Russian assassins go after his secretary. Tough guys don't get any tougher than this! It captures the world Mickey Spillane inhabits and even has lowbrow novelist Spillane dressed in his familiar porkpie hat playing the lead role. This film will be hosted by Keith Hall.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 theQueen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, (562) 684-4411; www.qmxroyal.com. Sat., midnight. $8.

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.