Special Screenings

THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME
This 1932 film, in which a deranged aristocrat hunts humans for sport on his remote jungle island, has been copied by countless sci-fi/horror films and was allegedly one of the influences of the Zodiac serial killer. Long a favorite with PETA members (how does it feel to be hunted, humans?), the premise of the film is rather horrifying, especially given the time period in which it was released. Featuring King Kong's Fay Wray and Sullivan's Travels' Joel McCrae, The Most Dangerous Game will make you think twice next time you accept an invitation to your rich, eccentric uncle's house for dinner. This feature will be accompanied by a screening of Cobra Woman, featuring Maria Montez. The Friday Film Forum will present a pre-show program of shorts, cartoons and surprises. Long Beach School for Adults, 3701 E. Willow St., Long Beach, (562) 997-8000. Fri., 7 p.m. $1 materials fee.

Also showing:

Dogtown and Z-Boys.In this extremely popular action sports documentary, director Stacy Peralta, a Z-Boy himself, tells the inspiring story of surfer/skaters through interviews, archival film footage, and stunningly beautiful still photographs. Scheduled to attend this screening are Z-Boys Nathan Pratt, Craig Stecyk, Paul Constantineau, Chris Cahill, Allen Sarlo, Baby Paul Cullen, Wentzel Ruml, Z-Girl Peggy Oki and Ray Flores. Huntington Beach Art Center, 538 Main St., Huntington Beach, (714) 374-1658; www.surfcity-hb.org. Fri., 7:30 p.m. Free.

Singin' in the Rain.Frequently rated one of the most best American films ever made, Singin' in the Rain is a romantic musical that uses the difficulties Hollywood suffered as it transitioned from silent cinema to "talkies" as a backdrop. Featuring Gene Kelly, one of cinema's greatest hoofers, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O'Connor as the comic sidekick, this is a film that benefits greatly from a big screen projection, where all that MGM color and fancy footwork can be fully appreciated. Granada Beach (look for the large movie screen, Long Beach. Tues., 7 p.m. Free.

Spaceballs.This film marked the start of Mel Brooks' bronze age, in which he basically began making movies that were the cinematic equivalent of bad Mad Magazine film parodies. The film has many fans, and some undeniably funny moments, but unless you find dick jokes and bad puns funny, you might want to skip it. Regency South Coast Village, 1561 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $6.

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.