Lake Theatre Celebrates 75 Years With Classic Film Series August 8, 2011

Oak Park, IL - In celebration of its milestone 75th anniversary, the historic Lake Theatre, at 1022 Lake Street, is showcasing a Classic 1936 Film Series throughout the year. Each film is presented on the second Monday of every month, at 1 PM and 7 PM. The next film in the series, San Francisco, is slated for Monday, August 8th. Admission is $5 per person.

Witty, inspiring, enlightening, and fun…these are the films of 1936, the year the Lake Theatre first opened its doors in the heart of downtown Oak Park. This film series provides patrons with a rare opportunity to experience these classic films as they were originally meant to be seen – on the big screen in a historic theatre.

August’s offering is a drama-adventure set in San Francisco during the 1906 earthquake. San Francisco, directed by Woody Van Dyke, was one of the top grossing movies of 1936, and stars Clarke Gable, Jeanette MacDonald and Spencer Tracy.

Barbary Coast saloonkeeper and gambler “Blackie” Norton (Gable) has hired an impoverished, classically trained singer (MacDonald) to perform at his club, where she becomes a star attraction. Thought to be somewhat overdone, the film is a gripping tale of passion and adventure in the West with wonderful special effects including a finale consisting of historic earthquake footage. The title song, sung by Macdonald a number of times in the film, has become an official San Francisco city theme song. Nominated for six Academy Awards, the film won for Best Sound Recording.

UPCOMING 1936 CLASSIC FILM SERIES AT THE LAKE:
Second Monday of each Month at 1PM & 7PM
All Seats $5—Tickets available at Lake Theatre box office
Sept. 12 Great Ziegfeld
Oct. 10 Tarzan Escapes
Nov. 14 After the Thin Man
Dec. 12 Mr. Deeds Goes to Town