Adapted from a novel by C.S. Forester, The African Queen stars Humphrey Bogart in his Oscar-winning portrayal of Charlie Allnut, the slovenly, gin-swilling captain of a tramp steamer called the African Queen, which ships supplies to small East African villages during World War I. Katharine Hepburn plays Rose Sayer, the maiden-lady sister of a prim British missionary, Rev. Samuel Sayer (Robert Morley). When Germans invade and Samuel dies, Allnut offers to take Rose back to civilization. She can’t tolerate his drinking or bad manners; he isn’t crazy about her imperious, judgmental attitude. However it does not take long before their passionate dislike turns to love. Together the disparate duo work to ensure their survival on the treacherous waters and devise an ingenious way to destroy a German gunboat. The African Queen may well be the perfect adventure film, its roller-coaster storyline complemented by the chemistry between its stars. The profound difficulties inherent in filming on location in Africa have been superbly documented by several books, including one written by Katharine Hepburn.

Film starts at 7:15 pm Thursday, May 12. All seats are $8. Get to the Classics early as they are popular — or buy tickets in advance (see right column on the Rialto website). The Thursday evening Classics are very popular, so you may want to buy your ticket in advance at the box office or online. Getting to the theater early is always a good idea–for a choice of seating and to order food and drinks.

Source: Yahoo! Movie Info

On Saturday, May 14, 2011 from 10 AM to 2 PM the City of El Cerrito is hosting a community celebration to mark the completion of the multi-year streetscape project to enhance San Pablo Avenue.

The “Spring Fling” celebration along the El Cerrito section of San Pablo Avenue is an opportunity to see the various improvements and “rediscover” what San Pablo Avenue has to offer.

From 10:00am to 11:00am, there will be a welcome ceremony in front of the renovated historic Cerrito Theater (now Rialto Cinemas Cerrito). The ceremony will include a welcome from the Mayor, a brief overview of the project, and formal dedication of the sidewalk “stars” by the Friends of the Cerrito Theater. Light refreshments will be served.

From 11:00am to 2:00pm, there will be a self-paced tour along the Avenue highlighting the recent improvements. Attendees are encouraged to walk, bike or take transit. There will be about five “tour stops” with more information about various aspects of the Streetscape Project. Various local stores, galleries and restaurants on the Avenue will be offering discounts or samples as part of the Spring Fling. An audio tour to accompany the series of 28 historic-cultural sidewalk pavers will also be available for download prior to the event.

The Friends of the Cerrito Theater, the El Cerrito Historical Society, the El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce, the San Francisco Estuary Partnership, Gates + Associates, Cole Management and Engineering and other local businesses are proud to support this event.

More information about this event will be available online soon at http://www.el-cerrito.org (on or about April 20).

The various Streetscape improvements help to identify El Cerrito as a distinct place along the Avenue, enhance the economic vitality of the area and create a better walking environment. For more on the overall Streetscape project, visit www.el-cerrito.org/public_works/ave.html

You won’t want to miss Woody Allen’s  homage to Humphrey Bogart wrapped into a romantic comedy, including the first pairing with the scintillating Diane Keaton.

Woody is a film buff living in San Francisco,  enmeshed in romantic trials & tribulations, and obsessed with his hero, Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) in “Casablanca.”  As Woody attempts to  grapple with his chaotic love life, Bogie appears to him as an alter ego, giving  tips on how best to treat women.  Needless to say, the results are hilarious.

It’s all here–the fight for love & glory–Woody-style, and you’re in “Casablanca” with him.

Film starts at 7:15 pm Thursday, April 14. All seats are $8.

Get to the Classics early as they are popular — or buy tickets in advance (see right column on the Rialto website). The Thursday evening Classics are very popular, so you may want to buy your ticket in advance at the box office or online. Getting to the theater early is always a good idea–for a choice of seating and to order food and drinks.