Movie nights – behind the curtain

It was more than a century ago that Americans began watching movies in a theater. It was June 19, 1905, when theater owners Harry Davis and John Harris showed a series of silent stories, which became insanely popular and led to the birth of the motion picture industry.

As technology advanced with color and sound, along came drive-in theaters, 3D movies, snacks and concessions, and specially designed chairs to enhance the experience of watching a movie inside the cinema.

As the world dealt with the pandemic, online streaming services took over as Hollywood delayed releases of big studio films and in return, traditional cinemas struggled, but found a way to survive. Instead of showing new films, theaters went back to what was once gold – classic movies.

Despite new movies rolling out each week, such as “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” “Elvis” and “Thor: Love and Thunder,” classic movies have carved out their own niche in a crowded industry.

“Classic Movie Nights first launched in August 2014 and have been a staple at the Jefferson Theatre ever since,” said Emily Wheeler, Director of Event Services for the City of Beaumont. “We show films from many decades and genres and while we do repeat some titles annually, we try to offer as many new ones as we can. Often times, people have not ever seen these titles on the big screen and there is no better or magical place to see a film than the Jefferson Theatre.”

Located at 345 Fannin St. in downtown Beaumont, the Jefferson was built in 1927. It has hosted some of the world’s greatest motion pictures, including “It’s A Wonderful Life,” whose 1947 premiere was held at the Jefferson Theatre, with star James Stewart and director Frank Capra in attendance.

“The Jefferson was built to show films,” said Wheeler. “The style of the 1927 theatre makes it a unique experience that will leave an impression on attendees. We want people to bring their children so they will have a lasting memory of seeing films in the historic theatre in their downtown.”

The upcoming Classic Movie Night schedule at the Jefferson features “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” on Friday, July 15, “Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl” on Friday, July 22, and “Titanic” on Friday, July 29.

They have also added “Foreign Film Nights” on Thursdays, with titles like “The Hidden Fortress” (Japanese) on Thursday, July 14, “Pan’s Labyrinth” (Spanish) on Thursday, July 21, and “Parasite” (Korean) on Thursday, July 28.

“Foreign film nights are unique and give people an opportunity to see something they would have never had the opportunity to see elsewhere,” said Wheeler.

What’s old has become new again, especially in pop culture. Young audiences are discovering music their parents and grandparents listened to as well as older movies.

“We have always attracted a wide range of ages,” said Wheeler. “This is a great outing for young people and offers a safe, affordable, and unique experience to enjoy with friends. We also host several themed nights throughout the year with contests, costumes and live music.

“Our team is constantly brainstorming film ideas. We consider movie anniversaries, sequels, current trends, and so on to help us plan for the coming year.

Tickets to Classic Movie Nights at the Jefferson are $6 for adults, $4 for children and can be purchased online at beaumonteventstx.com. Movies start at 7 p.m. Wheeler added that sponsors such as ExxonMobil have helped make Classic Movie Night possible since its beginning.

The Boomtown Film Society is teaming up with Pour Brothers Brewery as well as the Jefferson Theatre for several events beginning Thursday, July 14, at the downtown brewery (585 Wall St.) with the 1957 sci-fi thriller, “Plan 9 from Outer Space,” which was dubbed, “worst film ever made,” and will include comedy commentary during the film at 8 p.m. “Death Race 2000” will be shown Thursday, Aug. 11, at Pour Brothers.

Four Southeast Texas composers have produced an all-new original musical score for the 1920 silent horror film, “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari,” which will be performed at the Jefferson Theatre on Saturday, July 23, at 7 p.m. Each composer individually wrote music in their own style for a different 20-minute segment of the movie.

Other locations have also created new ways to show movies, especially in an outdoor type setting.

The McFaddin-Ward House, which is a Beaux-Arts Colonial style home that was built in the early 1900s and has since turned into a museum at 1906 Calder Ave., debuted its “Movies by the Decade” in June as patrons watch movies on the lawn with the beautiful home as a backdrop.

The series will conclude Thursday, July 21, with “Singin’ in the Rain,” at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Galveston Island hosts “Movies on the Beach,” which is also free to attend. Their schedule includes “The Little Mermaid” on Thursday, July 14, at Seawolf Park, “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” on Saturday, July 23, at East Beach, “In the Heights” on Saturday, Aug. 6, at Stewart Beach, “The Finest Hours” on Thursday, Aug. 11, at Seawolf Park, at “The Endless Summer” on Saturday, Aug. 27, at East Beach.

-Chad Cooper, Entertainment Editor