This season of Last Remaining Seats features six classics all in historic theaters and accompanied by special programs. L.A. Conservancy members have already been purchasing their tickets for the past two weeks! Not a member? Join the Conservancy today and you can still beat the rush and purchase advance tickets. But don’t wait, because tickets go on sale to the general public April 11.
Of course you don’t have to join in order to gain entry to the six classic films screening late May through June. But if you do, you’ll also have the opportunity to see an exclusive screening of Chinatown April 14 for members only. Completely separate from the Last Remaining Seats series, The Conservancy is presenting the 1974 classic at the beautifully restored Orpheum Theatre in downtown Los Angeles. Built in 1926, The Orpheum is truly one of the grand movie palaces of old, and is an experience in movie entertainment you just can’t get anymore in today’s cineplex. The special program includes a pre-show performance by Robert Salisbury on the Orpheum's original Mighty Wurlitzer (that’s organ music!) and a showing of the 1932 short film Hollywood, City of Celluloid. Now that’s old school. All that’s missing is a free piece of china and you might think you stepped into a time machine.
Should you not take advantage of becoming a member you can still enjoy some of the best cinema of your life through the Last Remaining Seats series. The season includes Paper Moon, Tootsie (with special guest Geena Davis), The Big Sleep, the Mexican parody Los Tres Mosqueteros (The Three Musketeers), and the Douglas Fairbanks silent classic Robin Hood. The series then finishes with a bang June 30 with two screenings of The Wizard of Oz. I encourage you to go to the earliest screening you can. Most likely you’re going to fall in love with the experience and want to go to all of the shows. And you don’t want to hate yourself for not having taken advantage of each opportunity to see a classic film the way it was presented when it was first released - in a grand theater, on the big screen.
And remember, if you do decide to join the Conservancy you’ll receive advance opportunity to purchase discounted tickets to all of the films. But the members-only sale ends Tuesday, April 10! So make sure to get your tickets before they open the public April 11.