Movie of the Week:
The Haunting
The original (and superior) version. Parapsychologist Dr. Markway enlists the aid of three young people to help him establish the existence of spirits in the mysterious old Hill House. Terror ensues. Despite being more than 40 years old, this film retains its power to unnerve, thanks to its subtle yet effective use of sound. Bay Theatre, 340 Main St., Seal Beach, (562) 431-9988; www.baytheatre.com. Sun., 6 p.m.; Mon. & Wed., 8 p.m. $5-$8.
Also Showing:
American Graffiti
George Lucas wrote and directed this love letter to his teen years. A group of teenagers on the eve of graduation tool around their small hometown, racing cars, falling in and out of love, and pondering their futures. UC Irvine Film and Video Center, UCI, Humanities Instructional Building 100, Campus & W. Peltason drs., Irvine, (949) 824-7418; www.filmandvideocenter.com. Thurs., Oct. 16, 7 p.m. $3-$5.
The Best of Youth
This sweeping film spans four decades in a family’s life, addressing social, cultural and familial issues in Italy toward the end of the 20th Century. Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, (714) 567-3600; www.bowers.org. Thurs., Oct. 16, 7 p.m. $10.
Frankenstein
James Whale directed this horror classic, featuring Boris Karloff as Frankenstein’s monster. Mad scientist Dr. Frankenstein aims to create life by reanimating a corpse; unfortunately, the monster brought to life has been given an abnormal brain, which causes him to run amok. Richard Goad Theatre, 4250 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach, (562) 997-1494. Sun., 7 p.m. Free.
Jurassic Park
Steven Spielberg directs this adaptation of a Michael Crichton novel about an entrepreneur who creates a theme park where genetically resurrected dinosaurs roam. Soon enough, all hell breaks loose and everyone learns an difficult but important lesson about playing God. Regency South Coast Village, 1561 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, (714) 557-5701; www.regencymovies.com. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $6.50.
Q Film Festival
Long Beach’s Gay and Lesbian Center hosts this year’s Q Film Festival, a program of features, shorts and documentaries with gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and queer themes. Long Beach Gay and Lesbian Center, 2017 E. Fourth St., Long Beach, (562) 434-4455; www.centerlb.org. Fri.-Sun. See website for show times and ticket prices.
North By Northwest
Alfred Hitchcock directs Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint and James Mason in this tale of mistaken identity. Grant’s Roger Thornhill finds himself on a run for his life after foreign spies confuse him for a government agent they’ve been hired to kill. Often considered one of Hitchcock’s masterpieces. Regency Rancho Niguel, 25471 Rancho Niguel Rd., Laguna Niguel, (949) 831-4359; www.regencymovies.com. Thurs., Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m. $7.
Will Penny
Charlton Heston plays Will Penny, a jaded cowboy hired to patrol a ranch to look out for trespassers. When an abandoned woman and her child squat in his cabin, Penny decides to let them stay. Will the woman eventually melt his hardened heart? Long Beach School for Adults, 3701 E. Willow St., Long Beach, (562) 997-8000. Fri., 7 p.m. $1 materials fee.
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.
