The stars will be shining brightly on the weekend of May 10-12 in Lamorinda at the first semiannual Classic Film Festival and Hall of Fame ceremony. Described below are a few of the events occurring that weekend.
Do you remember going to the movies to see a double feature? Well take yourself back in time at 1 p.m. May 11 at the Orinda Theatre to watch the "Boris Karloff Double Feature" - two movies for the price of one! First on the bill is "The Raven" followed by "Frankenstein," which is hailed as one of the best horror films ever made. An added bonus for this event will be Sarah Karloff in person for a Q & A. She will also present never-before-seen footage of her father, Boris Karloff. I recommend taking along the grandkids to share in this experience.
What would a classic film festival weekend be without screen legend Mickey Rooney? Mickey is coming! He will be at the Orinda Theatre at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 11 for a special screening of "National Velvet." Mr. Rooney will be doing a Q & A prior to the movie. "National Velvet" was the film that made Elizabeth Taylor a movie star at the age of 12. This promises to be a special Hollywood night in Lamorinda!
Is comedy your thing? The Classic Film Festival has you covered with "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein" showing at noon May 12 at the Rheem Theatre. The screening includes special guest Chris Costello, daughter of legendary funny man Lou Costello. Ms. Costello will be doing a Q & A about growing up Costello style.
After that event, the queen of comedy, Oscar winner, Golden Globe winner, eight-time Emmy Award winner and 2003 California Independent Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Ms. Cloris Leachman will make an appearance at the Rheem Theatre at 3 p.m. May 12 for a special screening of Mel Brooks' classic comedy "Young Frankenstein." The Q & A will be hosted by the Bay Area's Favorite Film Critic, KRON 4 movie reviewer, Jan Wahl. Any event with Ms. Leachman will be an afternoon to remember with a whole lot of laughs.
All proceeds from the Classic Film Festival and Hall of Fame induction weekend go to benefit the digital conversion fund for the Rheem Theatre. The latest information about the Classic Film Festival and Hall of Fame weekend can be seen at www.lamorindatheatres.com.
Derek Zemrak is a Film Critic, Film Producer and Founder of the California Independent Film Festival. You can follow Derek on Twitter @zemrak for the latest Hollywood news. Derek is the host of Real to Reel on TRadioV.com live at 6 p.m. every Tuesday.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA