The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962), August 8 at 7pm

Told in flashback, the movie tells the story of three contrasting characters who played key roles in the throes of the late 19th century conflict between the Wild West and a more law-abiding society. James Stewart plays U.S. Senator Ransom Stoddard, who years earlier when he was a young lawyer was terrorized and robbed by a gang of outlaws headed by the brutal Liberty Valance (Lee Marvin). Stoddard forms an uneasy alliance with an old-time cowboy, played by John Wayne, which leads to Stoddard becoming—despite his misgivings—a hero and political leader.

“The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” is considered one of director John Ford’s masterpieces.

“The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” shows once only on Thursday, August 8 at 7pm. All seats are $8. Getting to the theater early is always a good idea – for a choice of seating and to order freshly-made food and drinks. You are strongly advised to buy tickets in advance at the box office or online.


Have you been to The Scene? If not, you’re missing out on an atmospheric café/wine bar, with dishes such as creative Panini, special salads, and desserts. The Scene opens every day at 5:00; stop by before or after the movie, or just come in anytime to enjoy a drink or a delicious light meal.


Pre-show video. Produced by Michael DeWitt

Risky Business, July 11, 7pm

What is your image of Tom Cruise?

Well, think back. Can you imagine him as a teenager who finds himself with an unexpected opportunity – parents leaving him on his own for a lengthy period of time. He’s got the usual adolescent urges – maybe a little more so.

Critic Roger Ebert called “Risky Business” from 1983″ one of the smartest, funniest, most perceptive satires in a long time.”

Come see for yourself!

“Risky Business” shows once only on Thursday, July 11 at 7pm. All seats are $8. Getting to the theater early is always a good idea – for a choice of seating and to order freshly-made food and drinks. You are strongly advised to buy tickets in advance at the box office or online.


Pre-show video. Produced by Michael DeWitt.

Don’t miss this free event on June 15! Fabulous Historic Movie Theaters of the East Bay, 10am to Noon

The El Cerrito Historical Society and Friends of the Cerrito Theater are presenting a program about Fabulous Historic Movie Theaters of the East Bay. See below for details.

The theater as it looked in 1969, before the marquee was taken down. © Jack Kirby.

The theater as it looked in 1969, before the marquee was taken down. © Jack Kirby.

Let’s celebrate the East Bay’s movie-going past – and its present. Learn about the grand movie palaces that once dotted the landscape, and those that still remain. Mourn the loss of many neighborhood theatres, while touring one that was resurrected in 2006 after 40 years in the dark.

The program features Jennifer Dowling Posedel, author of “Theatres of Oakland,” and Gary Lee Parks, author of “Theatres of San Jose” and co-author of “Theatres of the San Francisco Peninsula.” It will be followed by a tour of the 75-year-old Cerrito Theater, with its original Heinsbergen murals, etched glass and more.

Saturday, June 15, 2013, 10 a.m. to Noon, Free.
Rialto Cinemas Cerrito, 10070 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito.
Wheelchair accessible.
Information: Dave Weinstein, 510-524-1737, davidsweinstein@yahoo.com.