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

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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.

Go “On the Town,” June 13, 7pm

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Three sailors on 24-hour leave in New York City. Their smiles and white unforms sparkle and their energy bursts out, as they attack the beautiful city with song, dance, and humor, each looking for just the perfect female companion to share it with.

An irresistible adventure when the three are played by none other than Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, and their appealing companion Jules Munshin.

It’s a romp and a romance, as the sailors somehow meet up with just the right girls—who can all sing and dance up a storm: Ann Miller, Vera-Ellen, and Betty Garrett.

The glittering cast is backed up by the most dazzling creators imaginable. The same team of writers, Adolph Green and Betty Comden, and director Stanley Donen would go on three years later to create the smash hit, “Singin’ in the Rain.” The music was written by Leonard Bernstein. And “On the Town” also lets the city of New York star, being one of the first musicals filmed on location.

You won’t forget this dazzling musical, as you’re humming “New York, New York…it’s a wonderful town”

The showing is on Thursday, June 13 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.

Chase your French Connection, May 9th, 7pm

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Based on a real-life case, “The French Connection,” starring Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider is the ultimate chase movie. It won five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actor award for Hackman, and Best Director for William Friedkin.

Filmed on the gritty streets of New York and Marseilles, The story involves an international heroin smuggling deal, which includes the Mafia and an American money man.

Hackman is the anti-hero: a relentless New York cop, known as Popeye Doyle, who pursues the case with a cold personal determination to win at all costs, regardless of the consequences.

The showing is on Thursday, May 9 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.

Pre-show videos that appeared with previous Cerrito Classics can be found on Michael’s channel on YouTube.