Movie of the Week:
The Pink Panther
Director Blake Edwards and co-writer Maurice Richlin created a legendary comedy character with this film: Inspector Jacques Clouseau. Played with aplomb by Peter Sellers, Clouseau's bumbling attempts at detective work proved popular enough to launch a franchise. A priceless diamond is stolen, and Clouseau is assigned to the case. But will he be able to catch the thief before he destroys the reputation of the entire French police force. This is a classic slapstick film with one of Sellers' most legendary performances. Regency South Coast Village, 1561 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, (714) 557-5701; www.regencymovies.com. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $6.50.
Also Showing:
The Amazing Grace
This Nigerian film tells the story of British slave trader John Newton's voyage to West Africa and the events that inspired him to write the world's most popular hymn, “Amazing Grace.” Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W. Malvern Ave., Fullerton, (714) 738-6595; www.themuck.org. Mon., 9 p.m. $5.
Ancient China
Highlights of this film include dazzling graphic 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 of Cultural Art, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, (714) 567-3600; www.bowers.org. Fri., 6:30 p.m. Free with museum admission ($9-$12).
Arthur
The lighter side of alcoholism is examined in this comedy about a well-to-do lush who must choose between marrying someone he doesn't love in order to secure his vast fortune or a penniless woman who could make him very happy, but also very poor. The Bay Theatre, 340 Main St., Seal Beach, (562) 431-9988; www.baytheatre.com. Sun., 6 p.m.; Mon. N Wed., 8:15 p.m. $5-$8.
Dr. Suess' Cat in the Hat
Mike Meyers stars at the titular character in this adaptation of the classic children's book. Bring a blanket and snacks for this outdoor screening on the beach. There will be a dinner menu and free popcorn available.Granada Beach, 5101 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, (562) 434-1542; www.alfredosbeachclub.com. Tues., dusk. Free; also at Cherry Beach, E. Ocean Blvd. N Junipero Ave., Long Beach, (562) 434-1542; www.alfredosbeachclub.com. Wed., dusk. Free.
Goonies
In 1985, Steven Spielberg had a stroke of genius. He combined a disfigured man-child with a candy-bar fetish (a move known as the Truffle Shuffle), a pirate named after a penis (One-Eyed Willie), a young Corey Feldman and a future hobbit and made a quest film that defined a generation. Richard Donner directed that creation, Goonies, a story of a ragtag group of misfits on the run from a mob family while searching for treasure to save their beloved homes on the Goon Docks. You see, the brilliant thing about the Goonies is that they spend all their time searching for money, when the real treasure are the memories they're making together. Watch the movie this weekend, and learn why Goonies never say die. Regency Rancho Niguel Cinemas, 25471 Rancho Niguel Rd., Laguna Niguel, (949) 831-4359; www.regencymovies.com. Thurs., Aug. 14, 7:30 p.m. Call for cost.
Omgasm
Daisy is a little skeptical of this whole yoga craze. But when the divinely attractive David catches her eye, she is suddenly very glad she came. Only the climax is not quite what she was hoping for. This short film will be screened as part of the Indie Fest short-film showcase. AMC Downtown Disney 12, 1565 Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, (775) 593-6201; www.indifestusa.com. Tues., 5 p.m. Call for cost.
Red-Headed Woman and Three on a Match
Jean Harlow is the fiery-haired secretary scheming to capture her married boss (Chester Morris) in Red-Headed Woman, a saucy pre-Hays Code romp. InThree on a Match, Ann Dvorak, Bette Davis and Joan Blondell are friends whose lives take very different turns in this heart-tugging drama. Humphrey Bogart and Warren William co-star. The Friday Film Forum will present a preshow 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.
The Truman Show
After a series of suspicious events leads Truman (Jim Carrey) to begin questioning his existence, he comes to learn that his entire life has been the subject of a reality-TV show. Tracking down his “real” life will prove a difficult but thought-provoking journey. Lucille Kuehn Auditorium, Humanities Instructional Building, Room 100, UC Irvine, Campus N W. Peltason drs., Irvine, (949) 824-7418; www.filmandvideocenter.com. Thurs., Aug. 14. 7 p.m. Free.
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 tc****@oc******.com. All materials must be received at least two weeks before the screening.
