Byas: Let's all go to the movies at the historic Douglass Theatre
Since its state-of-the-art renovation earlier this year, the historic Douglass Theatre has been giving back to the Middle Georgia community for supporting the effort by hosting free movie screenings.
More of these events are happening soon and this time the Douglass features its first "Holiday Movie Treats," an offering of popular holiday films.
One of the most acclaimed films ever made, "It's A Wonderful Life" -- Frank Capra's 1946 Christmas fantasy drama starring Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore -- screens at 7 p.m. Friday.
This movie is recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the 100 best American films ever made and is a tradition during the Christmas season. Don't miss your chance to see this perennial holiday favorite with your family!
A double feature shows Saturday: "The Polar Express" in 3D and "Christmas in Compton" (at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., respectively).
Now considered by many as a classic, "The Polar Express"; is a 2004 musical fantasy film starring Tom Hanks. It features the live performances of humans captured as computer animation.
This movie was nominated by the American Film Institute in 2004 for its Top 10 Animated Films list and was entered into the Guinness World Book of Records in 2006 as the first all-digital film.
Seeing this holiday favorite in 3D at the Douglass will be a special treat because of the theater's new digital projector, 3D compatible screen and audio upgrades.
"Christmas in Compton," a 2012 urban holiday film starring Omar Gooding (younger brother of Cuba Gooding Jr.), Sheryl Lee Ralph and Eric Roberts, is about a proud owner of a popular Christmas-tree lot who finds that his future is in jeopardy when his entrepreneurial son pulls a stunt that could put him out of business.
The credits at the end of this movie feature a message that this film was "an exercise in conscious filmmaking designed to give back to the community."
A special holiday bonus is in store for senior citizens. The next film in the Senior Cinema queue is"The Preacher's Wife," starring Whitney Houston, Denzel Washington, Courtney B. Vance, Gregory Hines and Loretta Devine. Directed by Penny Marshall, this 1996 romantic comedy-drama is a remake of the 1947 film, "The Bishop's Wife." This Christmas favorite screens Wednesday at 2 p.m.
Come out to see these classic and contemporary holiday films on the big screen -- free -- at the historic Douglass Theatre. Call 478-292-0105 for more information.
Contact Melanie Byas at melanie@retrowarehouse.com.
This story was originally published December 3, 2015 at 1:15 PM with the headline "Byas: Let's all go to the movies at the historic Douglass Theatre ."