By Gina Long
Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe’s classic film “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” kicks off the Winter 2025 Historic Fox Theatre’s Classic Film Series tonight.
The lineup includes 12 films chosen by Historic Fox Theatre Executive Director Josh Davies.
“We try to offer a wide variety of films,” Davies said. “People are interested in newer films that are not necessarily ‘classics.’ They are favorites. I get suggestions. We are trying to bring something for everyone.”
“I chose ‘Nashville’ because this is its 50th anniversary. And a lot of people have been asking for ‘Ghost.'”
Davies thanked PrairieStar Health Center for sponsoring the Classic Film Series.
“We call PrairieStar ‘co-presenters’ because they have been wonderful in helping us offer the Kids’ Summer Film Series, and they jumped right into sponsoring the Classic Film Series since the beginning,” he said.
The classic films will run on Thursdays at 7 p.m. and the following Saturdays at 2.
The Classic Film Series lineup and dates are:
“Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” Feb 6 and 8. Starring Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe, who portray Lorelei Lee and Dorothy Shaw, gold-digging showgirls who travel to Europe, creating chaos and finding (or not finding) love and riches.
“A League of Their Own” Feb 20 and 22. Starring Geena Davis, Tom Hanks, Lori Petty, Madonna and Rosie O’Donnell, it tells the story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, which formed in 1943 while the men were away at war, proving their skills and resilience.
“There Will Be Blood” Feb 27 and Mar 1. Daniel Day-Lewis won an Oscar for portraying a ruthless oil prospector in the early 20th century who builds an empire but succumbs to greed and corruption.
“Walt Disney’s Lady and The Tramp” Mar 6 and 8. The classic Disney animated film introduces Lady, a pampered cocker spaniel and Tramp, a streetwise mutt, who fall in love amidst adventures and challenges in a heartwarming tale.
“12 Angry Men” Mar 13 and 15. Starring Henry Fonda, 12 men debate the fate of a young man accused of murder, revealing their biases and struggles. The movie won Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay at the Academy Awards.
“Ghost” Mar 20 and 22. Patrick Swayze stars as a murdered man whose spirit tries to protect his girlfriend (Demi Moore) and uncover the truth behind his death with the help of a psychic, portrayed by Whoopie Goldberg, who took home the Best Supporting Actress Oscar.
“M*A*S*H” Mar 27 and 29. Based on the book, during the Korean War, army doctors use humor and hijinks to cope with the horrors of war in a mobile army surgical hospital. The movie spawned a hugely successful TV series that ran for 11 years and whose series finale still holds the record for the most-watched television episode of all time.
“Walk The Line” April 17 and 19. The story of Johnny Cash’s rise from poverty to country music stardom, battling addiction and finding love with June Carter. Reese Witherspoon won the Best Actress Academy Award for her portrayal of June.
“Batman” April 24 and 26. In Gotham City, a masked vigilante battles crime and confronts his archenemy, The Joker. The movie stars Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson and was directed by Tim Burton.
“When Harry Met Sally” May 8 and 10. Over the decade, two friends, played by Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, meet repeatedly and debate whether men and women can truly just be friends.
“Nashville” May 22 and 24. Interwoven stories of country music stars and aspiring artists collide during a pivotal election week. Directed by Robert Altman, the movie’s star-studded cast includes Ned Beatty, Lily Tomlin, Keith Carradine, Ronee Blakley, Karen Black, Henry Gibson, Shelly Duvall and Barbara Harris. Keith Carradine’s song “I’m Easy” won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
“O Brother, Where Art Thou?” May 29 and 31. In Depression-era Mississippi, three escaped convicts search for buried treasure while encountering colorful characters and singing bluegrass tunes. The movie stars George Clooney, John Turturro and Time Blake Nelson, with John Goodman, Holly Hunter and Charles Durning in supporting roles.
Admission is $5 at the door and concessions are available. Fox Film Series passes are for sale and include 10 admissions and 5 free small popcorns for $45.
The critically acclaimed musical “Wicked” will show Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2.
“The Brutalist,” starring Adrien Brody and Guy Pearce, takes the screen on Feb 21 – 23.
