Victoria Theatre Association's Cool Film Series Returns to Dayton, 6/29-8/26

Victoria Theatre Association's annual salute to classic Hollywood is back with the 2012 Cool Films Series at the Victoria Theatre, beginning June 29 with THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING, THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING!

This summer's tableau features 11 films, ranging from the 1953 musical comedy Calamity Jane to the Mafia-dramas of the Godfather series (which itself spans from 1972-1990). With visits from Julie Andrews, Katherine Hepburn, Steve McQueen, Burt Lancaster and Elizabeth Taylor, this series has something for everyone.

Tickets are just $5 each, or $28 for a 10-ticket passbook for passbook subscribers. Passbooks are on sale now through Ticket Center Stage. They may be purchased at the Schuster Center box office in downtown Dayton, by phone at (937) 228-3630 or toll free (888) 228-3630, or online at www.ticketcenterstage.com – click on Victoria Theatre Association, then Cool Films Series. Individual tickets are available day-of-show at the Victoria Theatre box office, beginning one hour prior to showtime.

Films are shown at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. on Sundays in the Victoria Theatre. Recreating the feel of the old-time movie palaces, guests may enjoy free popcorn and soda in the lobby beginning one hour prior to showtime, a Mighty Wurlitzer organ concert beginning 30 minutes prior to showtime, and a classic cartoon just before the movie.

For the full scoop on this summer's series, including video clips and much more, go to www.victoriatheatre.com. Visit the Facebook page and Twitter for exclusive Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series updates and offers.

Cool Film Series 2012 Program:

The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming! (1966) - June 29-July 1
Color, 126 Minutes
Directed by Norman Jewison
Starring: Carl Reiner, Eva Marie Saint & Alan Arkin

Released during the height of the Cold War, this comedic tale about an accidental Russian "invasion" of New England is a must-see! Nominated for four Academy Awards® and never before seen at the Victoria Theatre, THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING features Bellbrook's (and Springfield's) own Jonathan Winters.

Birdman of Alcatraz (50th Anniversary!) (1962) - July 6-8
Black & White, 143 Minutes
Directed by John Frankenheimer
Starring: Burt Lancaster, Karl Malden & Thelma Ritter

When you have a life sentence in prison, you probably don't have much hope of pursuing a career, much less of becoming a leader in a field you didn't pick up until after your sentence. This fascinating portrayal by Burt Lancaster will give you the inside story on the "Birdman of Alcatraz" and how he managed to achieve fame from behind bars.

Cleopatra (1963) - July 13-15
Color, 246 Minutes
Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Starring: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton & Rex Harrison

Winner of multiple Academy Awards®, this film transports you back in time to watch the infamous Queen of Egypt, Cleopatra (played by the equally infamous Elizabeth Taylor), as she schemes and seduces to keep her iron grip on the throne.

The Great Escape (1963) - July 20-22
Color, 170 Minutes
Directed by John Sturges
Starring: Steve McQueen, James Garner & Richard Attenborough

Come see this war drama about the escape plans of a group of POWs in WWII- you will be amazed by the real life story (and exhilarated by all of Steve McQueen's awesome motorcycle chase scenes).

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967) - July 27-29
Color, 108 Minutes
Directed by Stanley Kramer
Starring: Spencer Tracy, Sidney Poitier & Katharine Hepburn

When Joey (Katharine Hepburn) brings her new African American fiancé, John (Sidney Poitier), to her 1960s hometown, they make a whole lot of waves. A political statement at the time, this film promotes respect and love between races and won the director, Stanley Kramer, a United Nations Award.

Murder on the Orient Express (1974) - August 3-5
Color, 128 Minutes
Directed by Sidney Lumet
Starring: Albert Finney, Lauren Bacall & Ingrid Bergman