Santa Monica Mirror: The Alex Salutes the UCLA Film and Television Archive

As the movie-going experience continues to shrink to fit into the matchbox-sized multi-plex, the larger, more glamorous theaters are being brought back to life, and with them, a renewed appreciation for the art of stepping out to the cinema.

Built in 1925, the City of Glendale's historic Alex Theatre has been restored to its original glory and reopened as a performing arts center. To celebrate the occasion, the Alex Regional Theatre Board proudly showcases the work done by the UCLA Film and Television Archive to preserve and restore five great films. By screening them as they were meant to be seen in this magnificent movie palace.

In hopes of broadening awareness of film preservation, each film event will host a guest speaker. Kicking off the series on Wednesday August 4th is "Hell's Angels," directed by Howard Hughes and starring Jean Harlow. Robert Gitt, Preservation Officer of the archive, will be the guest speaker.

Thursday, it's the Katherine Hepburn/Cary Grant film "Holiday," with screenwriter Alan Mandel as guest speaker. Friday, director Arthur Hiller will introduce "My Man Godfrey," starring William Powell and Carole Lombard. Saturday, it's "The Sea Hawk," with conductor/composer Robert Isreal. The series concludes with John Ford's "The Quiet Man," starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, in 3-Strip Technicolor. Richard May, Vice President of Film Preservation for Time/Warner, and cinematographer James Glennon ("El Norte," "Election") will be the last guest speakers.

Ticket prices for most of the films are $10. For "The Sea Hawk," a silent film which features a symphony orchestra, the price is still a bargain $15.

All screenings will take place at the Alex Theatre, located at 216 N. Brand Boulevard, Glendale. To order tickets by phone, call Tele-charge at (800) 233-3123. For general information, call (818) 414-ALEX, or visit the website, www.alextheatre.org.

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