If you haven’t been to the Magnolia Theater in the West Village for the Tuesday night Big Movie presentation, then you’re probably one of the few gay film buffs who hasn’t. The gay-popular series, which highlights classic films from years past, has been a hit already, with its mix of artsy New Wave flicks, jaunty studio fare and edgy pop films, many with queer appeal.
The current season runs through June, with each film screening at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Next up (on April 15) is Easter Parade, pictured, which paired Judy Garland, for the only time, with Fred Astaire. Here’s the full rundown of the season through Gay Pride Month.
Last Year at Marienbad (April 22). The director, French nouvelle vague pioneer Alais Resnais, just dies this year (fittingly, on Oscar Sunday) and this dreamy mystery-romance may be his most impenetrable film … and most haunting.
The African Queen (April 29). Hepburn and Bogart with Huston and Agee in the jungle. Sweaty and intoxicating.
Sunset Boulevard (May 6). Gloria Swanson’s campy but indelible portrait of fading Hollywood still feels as relevant and scathing as when it was released more than 60 years ago.
The French Connection (May 13). William Friedkin’s follow-up to The Boys in the Band couldn’t be more different, a testosterone-fueled cop picture with Gene Hackman in an Oscar-winning role.
Giant (May 20). Texas-set epic, with a gay triumvirate: Rock Hudson, James Dean and uber-hag Elizabeth Taylor. (7:30 p.m. showing only.)
The Public Enemy ( May 27). Jimmy Cagney in his star-making role as a hoodlum.
Jaws (June 3). The forerunner of the movie blockbuster is still a summer scarer.
What’s Up Doc (June 10). Barbra is perfect in this nonstop farce, a send-up of ’30s screwball comedies from director Peter Bogdanovich.
Cabaret (June 17). Liza follows mom Judy in this stunning look inside the waning days of the Weimar Republic. Winner of eight Oscars.
Soylent Green (June 24). The grimmest of sci-fi fare. Eat before you see it.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition April 11, 2014.