The Victoria Theatre

Victoria Theatre Association’s annual Cool Films Series is just around the corner bringing back Reel Late at the Vic late night movies and daytime Family Films lineup!  Beginning July 10, VTA will set out the popular FREE popcorn and FREE soda plus some FREE nostalgia with the 2015 Cool Films Series at the historic Victoria Theatre. Passbooks for the series go on sale Monday, May 11 at 10 a.m. at Ticket Center Stage.  Call (937) 228-3630,  or purchase online at www.ticketcenterstage.com.

“We’re always striving for a balance between golden age of Hollywood titles (1935–1955) and newer titles that deserve a big screen revival or just would be fun for new audiences,” says VTA president & CEO Ken Neufeld. “Finding good quality 35mm prints of films for the Victoria’s 35mm projector can be challenging, but it does give you that authentic pre-digital film experience that is so unique. This year we were able to secure every film in 35mm, which is quite a feat. And, we are bringing back last year’s family weekday matinees with some wonderful family films and Reel Late at the Vic channels the nostalgia of the Victoria Theatre’s days as a popular movie house. You don’t want to miss the fun downtown this summer!”

What’s the best part about the 2015 Cool Films Series (besides FREE popcorn and soda)? Tickets are just $6 each ($3 for the Family Matinees) or $35 for a 10-ticket passbook– a great entertainment bargain during a year when a night at the movie theater can cost up to $20 per person! Passes can be used in any combination or across all films!

AMERICAN GRAFFITI– July 10- 12
(1973). Starring Ron Howard & Richard Dreyfuss and directed by George Lucas

Summer nights, cars, girls, rock ‘n’ roll! This film was one of the first – and probably best – teen-focused films that featured a soundtrack so strong, it was practically another character in the story! The film highlights the fabulous California car culture of the day with surprising supporting roles by a young Harrison Ford and even younger Mackenzie Philips, as well as many others. Rated PG.

THE BIRDCAGE– July 17-19
(1996). Starring Robin Williams & Nathan Lane and directed by Mike Nichols

In tribute to Williams’ passing last summer, here is one of his best film roles. A gay cabaret owner and his drag queen partner agree to pretend they’re straight so their son can introduce them to his fiancée’s conservative parents. What ensues is comic chaos in this remake of the 1978 Franco-Italian original, La Cage aux Folles. Rated R.

JAWS – July 24-26
(1975) Starring Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw & Richard Dreyfuss and directed by Steven Spielberg

It’s the 40th anniversary of the first summer blockbuster that 67 million people saw in its initial release, despite massive production difficulties. Three men band together to capture the great white shark that’s terrorizing the shores of a small beach town. It won three Oscars®, including one for John Williams’ now iconic theme. Spielberg once referred to it as a “the less-you-see-the-more-you-get thriller.” Rated PG.
 
THE PINK PANTHER- July 31- Aug. 2
(1964) Starring Peter Sellers & David Niven and directed by Blake Edwards

Meet the original bumbling Inspector Clouseau in this classic comedy that spawned a genre. A conceited French police inspector tries to catch the Phantom, a daring jewel thief whose identity and features are unknown – and is acting right under his nose. Henry Mancini’s theme and the original animated credits are now a part of pop culture. Not rated.

12 ANGRY MEN– Aug. 7-9
(1957) Starring Henry Fonda and directed by Sidney Lumet

One of the best courtroom dramas ever made. Fonda plays a dissenting juror who slowly manages to convince the others that the case is not as obviously clear as it seemed in court. Nearly all the suspenseful dialogue takes place in the jury room. An absolute classic with a star-studded cast that is as current and pertinent today as it was in 1957. Not rated.

NOTORIOUS- Aug. 14-16
(1946) Starring Cary Grant & Ingrid Bergman and directed by Alfred Hitchcock

One of Hitchcock’s very best with a dark and dangerous relationship played out between Bergman and Grant. A woman of notorious reputation is asked by a government agent to spy on a group of her father’s Nazi friends in South America. How far will she have to go to ingratiate herself with them? Not rated.

AN AMERICAN IN PARIS– Aug. 21-23
(1951) Starring Gene Kelly & Leslie Caron and directed by Vincente Minelli

All Gene Kelly all the time. The film’s incredible music and dancing, including the iconic dream ballet, plus knockout performances (and choreography credits) by Kelly, won the film six Oscars®. Now on Broadway in a gorgeous stage version that was nominated for several Tony Awards®, the classic film version is celebrating 64 years of absolute romance. Not rated.

BACK TO THE FUTURE– Aug. 28-30
(1985) Starring Michael J. Fox & Christopher Lloyd and directed by Robert Zemeckis
Perhaps one of the most popular films of the ‘80s, Fox stars as a high school kid who is accidentally sent 30 years into the past via a time-traveling DeLorean. It won the Oscar® that year for special effects and the hearts of millions with its feel-good vibe. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary. Rated PG.

FAMILY WEEKDAY MATINEES!
Families, youth groups and day campers will enjoy 4 fun films in July! These films are all rated G and shown each Thursday in July at 10 a.m. Tickets are a steal at $3.

THE GREAT MUPPET CAPER- Thursday, July 9, 10 a.m.
HAPPY FEET- Thursday, July 16, 10 a.m.
E.T.: THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL- Thursday, July 23, 10 a.m.
DR. SEUSS’ THE LORAX- Thursday, July 30, 10 a.m.

REEL LATE AT THE VIC

Remember coming to the late show back in the day at the Victory (now Victoria)? Well, whether that’s part of your youth or not, join us for three 10:30 p.m. showings of some great late-night film fare.

THE INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS- Saturday, July 18, 10:30 p.m.
MAD MAX- Saturday, August 15, 10:30 p.m.
BLADE RUNNER- Saturday, August 29, 10:30 p.m.

Passbooks are on sale now through Ticket Center Stage. They may be purchased at the Schuster Center Box Office in downtown Dayton, by phone at (937) 228-3630 or toll free (888) 228-3630, or online at www.ticketcenterstage.com – click on Victoria Theatre Association, then Cool Films Series.

Individual tickets are available day-of-show at the Victoria Theatre Box Office, beginning one hour prior to showtime. Films are shown at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. on Sundays in the air-conditioned comfort of the Victoria Theatre. Recreating the feel of the old-time movie palaces, guests may enjoy free popcorn and soda in the lobby beginning one hour prior to showtime, a Mighty Wurlitzer organ concert beginning 30 minutes prior to showtime, and a classic cartoon just before the movie.

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