The Ritz Theater in downtown Brunswick used to be the place to go for movies. The Ritz remained on top for more than 50 years, from the earliest days of silent film up to the 70’s. This is one of those wonderful old theaters reminding you of Hollywood hay days with deep red velvet, gold and a huge silver screen.

With the arrival of the multiplex theater, cable television and home theaters, times changed for the Ritz. But now, Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association has made it possible for us to again experience an old-fashioned movie experience at the Ritz.

When GIAHA brought films back to the Ritz in 2007, the response was overwhelming. Now movies are a regular part of the programming and the Ritz is once again the Grand Old Cinema in downtown Brunswick.

Beginning in July 2009, GIAHA will again present the popular Summer Classic Movies. Escape the summer heat and experience some of the classic films the way they were meant to be seen. If you have young kids or teenagers, this event is definitely something the whole family can enjoy.

The Summer Classic Movies are shown on Thursdays at 7 pm. Tickets are only $5.00 at the door. You can also win door prizes and there’s free popcorn (first come, first served), so make sure to mark your calendar.

Dinner and a Movie
You can even make it a night on the town for the whole family without breaking the bank. Buy your ticket after 5 pm for that night’s show. Go next door to ARTE PIZZA, show them your ticket for any slice of wood-fired pizza, a salad, and a drink for only $5.95. You’ll be back at the Ritz in time for the 6:30 pm short subjects and 7 pm feature.

Here’s the list of the Summer Classics:

July 2 – The Sound of Music (1965)
Do-re-mi…  This is the event for all wanna-be singers and musical lovers. You can be a star too.  Julie Andrews will lead the audience in one  of the most popular musicals ever. The Sing-Along Sound of Music that has packed audiences for years in London, and now Brunswick is next. This film has all the familiar song we love and this time you can watch it on the big screen.  Come in costume (for extra prizes). Dress up as a nun, a lonely goatherd, a drop of golden sun (no Nazis please).

July 9 – All About Eve (1950)
This movie is the winner of six Academy Awards (including Best Picture) and nominated for eight others (including two Best Actress nods). This is one of Bette Davis’s most unforgettable roles (as mercurial, imperious Broadway star Margo Channing). It is also one of the wittiest, most entertaining inside looks at the crazy world of show business.

July 16 – Patton (1970)
Americans love a winner! Those are the words of General George S. Patton (at least according to Francis Ford Coppola’s award-winning screenplay), and audiences loved George C. Scott in his Oscar-winning role as the stubborn, controversial, larger-than-life World War II commander in this powerful screen portrait. It’s all here: the battles, the bravado, the behavior bad and good for which “Old Blood and Guts” was known, brought to amazing life by Scott’s truly remarkable performance.

July 23 – Laura (1944)
Laura is the face in the misty light, the laugh that floats on a summer night, but she’s only a dream…or is she? That’s the question at the heart of this classic 1944 film noir with a twist: the cop investigating a murder falls for the victim! Oozing with atmosphere, Otto Preminger’s “tribute to style over sanity” (according to critic Roger Ebert) takes place in the rarified, decadent world of New York high society, where just about any oily cad could be a killer. And, of course, there’s that unforgettable theme song.

July 30 – Conrack (1974)
The true story of “one beautiful man.” Based on the memoir by author Pat Conroy (Prince of Tides, The Great Santini), this inspiring drama filmed right here in the Golden Isles (worth a look just to spot familiar places) centers on Conroy’s struggles and triumphs as a teacher assigned to an isolated island off the coast of South Carolina. Martin Ritt directs with his characteristically sensitive handling of social issues, and an acclaimed cast contributes brilliant performances to this beloved 1974 film.

For more information, visit www.goldenislesarts.org