The Official Blog of Laemmle Theatres.

Laemmle Theatres

Film Reviews & Previews

You are here: Home / Special Events

LIMITED OFFER: Tickets for RISKY BUSINESS on 7/30 in NoHo are $5 if purchased before Wednesday at noon!

by Leave a Comment

Before MISSION IMPOSSIBLE, a 19-year-old Tom Cruise was already involved in some… RISKY BUSINESS. Buy your tickets before Wednesday at noon and pay only $5! Full price tickets are $11.

RISKY BUSINESS screens at 7:30pm on 7/30 at the NoHo 7 and is part of our THROWBACK THURSDAY series in partnership with Eat|See|Hear.  Woody’s Grill Truck will arrive at the theater around 6:30pm. You can bring food from the truck into the theater! Click here to buy tickets.

risky-business
NOTE: You are not Tom Cruise. Attendees are required to wear pants!

For more info about our #TBT series, visit http://www.laemmle.com/tbt.

 

L.A. River is Open and Ready for Paddling!

by Leave a Comment

“The L.A. River is on the mend and safe to paddle,” declares L.A. River Kayak Safari, the outfit that offers guided kayak tours throughout the summer.

LA_River_Paddle_01

Kayak season has indeed officially begun and you can now book your adventure through the end of September. Your L.A. River excursion will take you through the beautifully restored and surprisingly bucolic Elysian Valley stretch that runs just south of Griffith Park. Having taken advantage of this opportunity last year, this an experience we highly recommend! For someone who hasn’t been kayaking before, or who is inexperienced, this is a great way to get into it. Reading articles on sites like campingfunzone.com, and getting first-hand experiences can make someone much more confident in the water, and create a more enjoyable experience.

Returning the L.A. River to a more pristine state and making it more hospitable for both people and wildlife has been of paramount concern of the Laemmle Foundation.

“Upgrading our natural waterways is one of the simplest and most effective ways we can improve the quality of life in our city,” says Foundation Board President Greg Laemmle. The Foundation backs up his words through its ongoing support of FOLAR (Friends of the L.A. River), a grassroots non-profit dedicated to river improvement.

LA_River_Paddle_03To celebrate last year’s grant to FOLAR, Greg and his wife Tish hosted a group kayaking tour led by L.A. River Kayak Safari. Happily, Greg captured his experience on a GoPro camera. The video has since been edited into a three-minute short — CLICK HERE or scroll down to the bottom of this post to check it out!

The L.A. River has a checkered history, but the future looks promising. As the folks at Kayak Safari explains, “In the later 1930?s after a series of devastating floods, Federal Authorities began to create a concrete straightjacket for the river. With channelization, natural habitats suffered. By the 1960?s Freeway expansions, industrial pollution and street run-off further degraded the river. Yet, in the Elysian Valley stretch, a high water table and the dynamics of the river’s bends around the local hills left a soft-bottom (instead of concrete,) creating an environment for aquatic plants, fish, birds, and humans.”

LA_River_Paddle_04What’s more, large scale restoration projects envisioned by L.A. city officials could channel billions in funds (some from the federal government) over the next couple of decades into the river project. In it’s wake, we could be left with a truly unique river area that both reflects our aspirations as a modern city and yet stays true to our region’s pre-industrial heritage. On the cusp of real change, now is an exciting time get to know the L.A. River and be part of its transformation. To be able to flow down the river at your own leisurely place, picking the right kayak will make all of the difference in your experience of the river. You might decide that the inflatable kayaks are the best choice for you and the group that you’re with. Make sure you thoroughly research kayaks before you pick one first so you know that it’s definitely right for you. You can find reviews of the best inflatable kayaks at outdoorempire.com if you are interested in that type of kayak.

In addition to the aforementioned kayaking, FOLAR hosts a wide variety of river-related activities. And their offerings really ramp up for the summer. Consult their River Blog and Community Calendar for upcoming events.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIFKEJof88w

Cedars Sinai’s Jewish Wisdom & Wellness Screening of THE FAREWELL PARTY April 28 at the Music Hall

by

Cedars Sinai's Jewish Wisdom & Wellness Screening of THE FAREWELL PARTY April 28 at the Music HallRight to Die laws were back in the news following the November 1, 2014 death of Brittany Maynard. Maynard was a California resident who moved to Oregon to take advantage of that state’s Death With Dignity law. Since her death, two California State Senators have proposed a similar measure in California.

Serving as an entry point to discussing this issue is the hit Israeli comedy (yes, comedy), THE FAREWELL PARTY.

Together with Cedars Sinai Medical Center, we are pleased to offer an advance screening of THE FAREWELL PARTY on Tuesday, April 28 at 7:30 PM at the Music Hall Theatre in Beverly Hills. The screening is part of the Jewish Wisdom & Wellness program that is being produced by Cedars with events throughout the city.

Following the film, there will be a PANEL DISCUSSION in the theatre. Join Rabbis Susan Laemmle and Jason Weiner, ethicist Dr. Stuart Finder and grief expert Michele Prince, Director of OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center as moderator for a Jewish perspective on issues raised in the movie including aging with dignity, dementia, and end of life care. Although this is a movie, the issues in this movie are ones that many people have to deal with daily. Let’s take dementia for example. Living with a relative with dementia can be tough for many families, which is why some may take it upon themselves to place their elderly relative in a facility like Lakeside Manor Assisted Living, so they can be looked after better. It’s about making choices for the wellbeing of family and friends. The Farewell Party will be a film that many people will be able to relate to.

Tickets are $18 for the general public, but significant discounts are available for those purchasing tickets with their Premiere Cards. We will begin our regular engagements of THE FAREWELL PARTY starting June 5 at the Royal, Playhouse and Town Center, but we encourage you to take advantage of this early screening as the panel screening promises to address this complex issue in a way that will deepen the issues and emotions raised by the film.

Inconceivable! Outdoor Screening of THE PRINCESS BRIDE Comes to Beverly Hills

by Leave a Comment

Inconceivable! Outdoor Screening of THE PRINCESS BRIDE Comes to Beverly Hills

The iconic and much-beloved THE PRINCESS BRIDE is being shown outdoors this Saturday at La Cienega Park in Beverly Hills as part of L.A.’s premiere outdoor film series – EAT SEE HEAR.   And we will be there too giving out free popcorn and holding a drawing to win a LAEMMLE MOVIE 5-PAK.

Combining food truck caravans, live music, and outdoor movies, EAT SEE HEAR is a great way to spend a summer evening.  It’s like your neighborhood summer picnic, only with trendy eats, quality music, and legendary films.  Plus, these events are famous for being doggie friendly, offering free biscuits and bowls of water at the door.

So bring the whole clan (including the furry ones) and join us this Sat. at La Cienaga Park. Doors open at 5:30pm, the band comes to life at 7pm, and the flick starts at 8:30pm.  Admission is only $10 in advance or $12 at door.  VIP tickets (featuring a reserved seating area) goes for $20.  Kids 5-12 are just $8 and little ones under 5 get in free!

Visit their EVENT PAGE for tickets and more info on The Princess Bride extravaganza.

Along with The Princess Bride, this Saturday’s festivities include the musical stylings of the DARK FURS. This indie/art band is headlined by the emotionally intense vocals of U.K.-born Suzanne May and has been described as “sophisticated reverie” and a “gift that keeps on giving” by Buzzbands.LA.  On the “Eat” side of things, your hunger and thirst will be amply quenched by Food Trucks such as Border Grill, Komodo, Smokin’ Willies BBQ, Steel City Sandwich, Mighty Boba, and Brasil Kiss among many others.

Upcoming Eat See Hear Saturday nights include DJANGO UNCHAINED, Aug. 30 at the Autry Museum, DIRTY DANCING, Sept. 6 at Will Rogers State Park, and THE GOONIES, Sept. 13 at Pasadena City Hall.

For more info on the series, visit EatSeeHear.com.

Special Screenings of THE NANCE with Nathan Lane on July 14

by Leave a Comment

On July 14 we will have one-time screenings of the Broadway play THE NANCE, with Nathan Lane, at the Royal, Playhouse and NoHo. From today’s Playbill:

“Douglas Carter Beane‘s 2013 drama The Nance, which was produced by Lincoln Center Theater and starred two-time Tony Award winner Nathan Lane, will be seen in more than 300 movie theatres in the U.S. and Canada this summer.”

“In The Nance, according to press notes, playwright Douglas Carter Beane “tells the story of Chauncey Miles (Nathan Lane), a headline nance performer in the twilight of New York burlesque’s era. Integrating burlesque sketches into his drama, Beane paints the portrait of a homosexual man living and working in the secretive and dangerous gay world of 1930’s New York, whose outrageous antics on the burlesque stage stand in marked contrast to his messy offstage life.”

Special Screenings of THE NANCE with Nathan Lane on July 14

 

Bicycling Cinephiles! Bike L.A. with Greg Laemmle on the TOUR DE LAEMMLE

by Leave a Comment

L.A.’s premiere destination for independent film, LAEMMLE THEATRES, is excited to announce the first-ever TOUR DE LAEMMLE.  Theatre owner and cycling advocate GREG LAEMMLE will be riding his TERN commuter bicycle (AKA, “The Pirate Ninja”) to all seven Laemmle locations SATURDAY, JUNE 21.  And he’s inviting the public to pedal with him!

Bicycling Cinephiles! Bike L.A. with Greg Laemmle on the TOUR DE LAEMMLE
Laemmle Theatres President Greg Laemmle

The TOUR is FREE to all participants. Riders may join Greg for the entire route, which starts at the ROYAL THEATRE in West L.A. at 6 AM, or for one or more of the ensuing legs. The full circuit (which returns to the Royal in the early evening) will cover 124 miles throughout the L.A. region including Santa Monica, Claremont, Beverly Hills and Encino at its most outward points.  See below for more route details.

Greg will be GIVING AWAY his “Pirate Ninja” bicycle to the grand prize winner of the TOUR SWEEPSTAKES! (see details below).  In addition, the FIRST 50 people who register for the Tour at www.Laemmle.com/Tour will receive a FREE Laemmle  T-SHIRT.  Plus, ALL REGISTRANTS will receive a FREE Laemmle History Book, which commemorates three generations of family ownership and a 75-year legacy of contributing to cultural life of Los Angeles.

Bicycling Cinephiles! Bike L.A. with Greg Laemmle on the TOUR DE LAEMMLE
The TERN Pirate Ninja Grand Prize

At each theatre stop, cyclists can refuel with refreshments provided by the theatre and from the Tour’s sponsors including KIND BAR, O.N.E. COCONUT WATER, and others TBD.

The Tour celebrates the launch of Laemmle’s first BIKE CORRAL.  The corral is part of a pilot program by the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) Bike Program, where the City partners with a local business to provide on-street bicycle parking.  The corral will be installed on LANKERSHIM BLVD. near the entrance of the NOHO 7, the chain’s acclaimed venue in the heart of the North Hollywood Arts District. Joining us for the ribbon-cutting ceremony will be L.A. Councilman and Metro Board Member PAUL KREKORIAN.

This new bike parking in combination with close proximity to the North Hollywood Metro station (just up the street), puts NoHo 7 on the cutting edge of accessibility for Angeleno movie-goers.  Further, it underscores Laemmle’s commitment (via its business operations and charitable foundation) to give back to its patrons and make L.A. truly a more livable and sustainable place for all residents.

The first 200 cyclists who use the new corral will receive a $2 DISCOUNT for any regularly priced NoHo 7 movie ticket AND will receive a FREE HEALTHY TREAT courtesy of KIND BAR.

In addition, one lucky person who enters the Tour de Laemmle Sweepstakes will pedal away with the top prize – the very same, high-end, Eclipse X20 TERN folding bicycle Greg will be riding that day! Known as the “PIRATE NINJA” this is one of TERN’s top-end models. It lists new at $2200!  This particular bike was recently given to Greg to use for CLIMATE RIDE 2104 (www.ClimateRide.org), a four-day, 250-mile charity ride in Northern California which took place last month.  Other sweepstakes prizes include Laemmle 75TH ANNIVERSARY merchandise, MOVIE PASSES, and more!

TOUR SCHEDULE

NOTE: Departure times below are estimated.  Please refer to the web page at www.Laemmle.com/Tour for official schedule.

LEG 1 –  6:00am – Official start at ROYAL Theatre (West L.A.)

LEG 2 –  6:15am – Departure from MUSIC HALL (Beverly Hills)

LEG 3 –  10:00am – Departure from CLAREMONT 5 (Claremont)

LEG 4 –  12:00pm – Departure from PLAYHOUSE 7 (Pasadena)

CEREMONY –  2:00pm – Ribbon-cutting ceremony for NOHO 7 Bike Corral (North Hollywood) with PAUL KREKORIAN

LEG 5 –  3:00pm – Departure from NoHo 7

LEG 6 –  5:00pm – Departure from TOWN CENTER 5 (Encino)

LEG 7 –  7:00pm – Departure from MONICA FILM CENTRE (Santa Monica)

ARRIVAL –  7:25pm – Back at ROYAL Theatre

END –  7:45pm – Official close of Tour

FREE MOVIE SCREENINGS
For cyclists and non-cyclists wishing to participate in Tour de Laemmle, the company is offering two free, BICYCLE THEMED MOVIE SCREENINGS open to the general public.  These will include the cycling classic “BREAKING AWAY”, and the much loved “PEE-WEE’S BIG ADVENTURE.” Both films are family friendly.  Screenings will take place the morning of the Tour at both the Claremont 5 (“BREAKING AWAY”) and NoHo 7 (“PEE WEE”).  The latter will be timed so that those attending the screening can also be present for the Bike Corral Ribbon Cutting just after the movie lets out.  More details TBD.

PARTNERSHIP WITH L.A. RIVER RIDE
The Tour de Laemmle occurs one day prior to the LACBC’s (Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition) annual L.A. RIVER RIDE.  L.A. River Riders are encouraged to use one or more legs of Tour de Laemmle as a tune-up. Greg Laemmle, who is a board member of LACBC, will himself be riding the next day. Moreover, Greg just returned from captaining TEAM LACBC at the recent CLIMATE RIDE CALIFORNIA.

The team raised over $70,000 for sustainable transit. All who wish to support the GROWTH OF SAFE CYCLING in L.A. are encouraged to donate to Greg’s River Ride fundraising campaign.

LEG #5
Per “Advisory” below, Greg will be riding at a relatively fast pace.  However, he is inviting more moderately skilled cyclists and families to ride with him on LEG#5 –  North Hollywood to Encino (LEG #5). This portion will feature riding along the protected Metro Orange Line Bike path at a significantly reduced speed.  Joining him on LEG #5 will be his wife and Laemmle Foundation Board Member, TISH LAEMMLE, and his father BOB LAEMMLE, who is the second-generation owner of Laemmle Theatres.  LEG #5 departs from the NoHo 7 Theatre at 3:00pm.

ADVISORY
Tour de Laemmle is not a “supported ride.”  Riders ride at their own risk. With the exception of LEG #5 (North Hollywood to Encino), it is recommended for experienced riders only!  For those wanting to keep up with Greg, he will be riding at an approximately 15 MPH clip and will NOT be stopping between theaters.

WHAT IS PROVIDED

–  Route Slips & Departure Schedule

– Registration Perks (see above)

– Theatre Refreshments and Edible Treats provided by our sponsors
(at all stops EXCEPT Beverly Hills & Santa Monica).

– Free Movie Screenings (per above)

WHAT IS NOT PROVIDED

– Route Markers

– Official pit stops other than theatre venues.

– Repair or maintenance services.

– SAG or other transportation services.

A WORD FROM GREG LAEMMLE

‘The Tour de Laemmle is a great opportunity for L.A. cyclists and the general public to support sustainable transit in our city.  With measures like the new corral at NoHo 7 and situating new theaters adjacent to public transport, we’re hoping to make it easier for movie-goers to get out of their cars and make healthier, more cost-efficient transportation choices.  I personally look forward to riding and celebrating with you Sat. June 21!”

EAT SEE HEAR Launches this Saturday with 500 DAYS OF SUMMER

by Leave a Comment

EAT SEE HEAR Launches this Saturday with 500 DAYS OF SUMMER
Laemmle is once again proud to be a sponsor of EAT SEE HEAR, one of L.A.’s premiere outdoor entertainment series.  As its name suggests, Eat See Hear offers a unique trifecta of classic movies, live music, and gourmet food trucks to create a distinctive summer experience. With entry as low as $10, it’s also a uniquely affordable option for families and all those hoping to squeeze the most out of their entertainment dollar. Events occur every Saturday night at various venues across the city from May 10 to Sept. 13.

The 2014 edition of Eat See Hear begins this Saturday, May 10 at the Greek Amphitheater at SANTA MONICA HIGH with the indie cult romance, (500) DAYS OF SUMMER, starring the lovestruck Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel as the object of his affections. The night also features a musical performance by VERDE DERDE, an indie-rock trio whose melodic soundscapes have earned comparisons to Radiohead and Sonic Youth by local critics. And, of course, there will be usual ESH Food Truck Caravan to cater to whatever you’re stomach is craving. The door opens at 5:30 PM, with music starting at 7 and the movie scheduled for 8:30.

Upcoming events include OFFICE SPACE at Santa Monica High (May 17), THE BIG LEBOWSKI at Griffith Park (May 24), NAPOLEON DYNAMITE at Paul Revere Middle School (May 31) and RUSHMORE at Griffith Park (June 7). The Series continues throughout the summer concluding with THE GOONIES at Pasadena City Hall (September 13).

For tickets and more info, visit EatSeeHear.com.