The Paramount Theatre in Austin is set to mark its 50th anniversary of the Summer Classic Film Series this year with an array of screenings that will excite film aficionados and casual moviegoers alike. As reported by CultureMap Austin, the historic theater will launch the celebration on May 24 with a 35mm showing of the 1942 classic "Casablanca," followed by the iconic dance film "Top Hat."
A highlight of the opening weekend, slated for May 25, includes the tribute to a local legend, director Robert Rodriguez, who will be honored with a star on the Avenue of Paramount Stars. Ensuring a spot at the unveiling ceremony is a must-do for fans, and the event, which is free to the public, is scheduled before a special screening of Rodriguez's "Sin City," featuring a live Q&A with Rodriguez and actress Alexis Bledel.
According to the Austin Chronicle, family-friendly programming will also be part of the weekend's festivities with a matinee of "Star Wars: A New Hope" on May 26. The weekend draws to a close with "Phantom of the Paradise," presented by Hyperreal Film Club in the evening.
On June 8, the Paramount doubles down on cult classics with a double feature of John Waters' films "Pink Flamingos" and the 50th anniversary screening of "Female Trouble." Adding to the dazzle, Waters himself is set to appear, in a Q&A session moderated by John Doe. "If you live here, it’s easy to take this place for granted," Rodriguez told CultureMap Austin "But whenever artists, filmmakers, movie stars come here, they’re blown away by this place…come as often as you can to support the Paramount. I love this theatre. I’ve shown all my movies here.”
Movie buffs looking for a deal can snag a Flix-Tix digital booklet of 10 tickets for $90 or join the Paramount’s Film Fan Membership, starting at $75, as detailed by CultureMap Austin. This membership includes perks like discounted admission and free popcorn while contributing to the theater's mission of preserving film history. Fans can keep up to date and purchase tickets at austintheatre.org.
