[Special Screenings] Local Showings of 'Harold and Maude,' 'Iron Giant,' 'Lawrence of Arabia,' More

Movie of the Week:

Harold and Maude
Hal Ashby’s classic cult comedy is simultaneously pitch-black and tremendously life-affirming. Young Harold experiences little joy in life until he meets (and subsequently falls in love with) septuagenarian Maude. She teaches him how to find the joy, changing him forever. Bay Theatre, 340 Main St., Seal Beach, (562) 431-9988; www.baytheatre.com. Fri., 10:15 p.m.; Sun., 6 p.m.; Mon. & Wed., 8 p.m. $6-$8.



Also Showing:

Ancient China
Highlights of this documentary film include dazzling re-creations of a Chinese village from 7,000 years ago, the Terra Cotta Army of the First Emperor and Beijing’s Forbidden City. Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, (714) 567-3600; www.bowers.org. Fri., 6:30 p.m. Free with museum admission.


Hellzapoppin’/Go West, Young Lady
The comedy team of Ole Olsen and Chic Johnson star in Hellzapoppin’, a farce set in the world of Broadway theater productions. Glenn Ford and Ann Miller star in Go West, Young Lady, a comedy Western featuring a special appearance from Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys. Long Beach School for Adults, 3701 E. Willow St., Long Beach, (562) 997-8000. Fri., 7 p.m. $1.


The Iron Giant
With his groundbreaking work directing and writing The Incredibles and Ratatouille for Pixar, filmmaker Brad Bird has firmly established himself as a legend in the era of modern animation. Prior to his tenure at Pixar however, Bird co-created and directed an astounding film called The Iron Giant, which displayed his unique ability to make animated films that are as appealing to adults as they are to children. Set in the late ’50s, The Iron Giant tells the story of the friendship between a boy and a robot from space that crash-lands on Earth, but the animation is the real highlight. Fluid and detailed, reminiscent of a bygone age, Bird’s design elevates the film from children’s diversion to high art. Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W. Malvern Ave., Fullerton, (714) 738-6595; www.themuck.org. Mon., 9 p.m. $5.


Lawrence of Arabia
Upon its release in 1962, Lawrence of Arabia swept audiences away with its dramatic portrayal of Thomas Edward Lawrence, an Englishman who rose to international attention by assisting the Arabs in their revolt against the Turks during World War I. David Lean’s trademark epic filmmaking combined with Peter O’Toole’s strong performance as Lawrence earned the film seven Academy Awards and established its place in cinema history as one of the grandest pictures ever made. The cinematography and scope of the storytelling means it’s worth seeing on the big screen, where you can see every grain of sand that blows into O’Toole’s piercing blue eyes. Regency South Coast Village, 1561 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, (714) 557-5701; www.regencymovies.com. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $6.50.




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.