Classic Movies, Classically Conditioned

As much as I love outdoor film festivals in the summer, I hate it when it gets too hot and the 'squitoes start biting. That's when it's time to take your classic movies indoors for air-conditioned comfort.

The American Film Institute has a lovely line-up in Los Angeles for the hot days of July, with the Arclight theaters in Hollywood and Sherman Oaks showing a schedule of terrific classics, including E.T. the Extraterresterial, Sabrina, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The Wizard of Oz, and my favorite teen angst film, Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

And even if you're not going to be in Los Angeles for July, there may be a theater near you that shows classic films. Here's a handy list of theaters from Conencituct to Washington state.

Many of the great classic films were made to be seen only on the big screen, long before anyone ever dreamed of television and home video. As much as I love sitting home in my own air-conditioned TV room, some movies just demand the full-on theater viewing.