1934 • Laurel and Hardy, Charlotte Henry, Felix Knight • Introduced by Author/Historian Randy Skretvedt • A blend of comedy, fantasy, and holiday spirit, this beloved classic brings Victor Herbert’s operetta Babes in Toyland to life with whimsical charm. Laurel and Hardy’s slapstick antics, imaginative sets, and a heartwarming story make it a seasonal favorite that continues to delight audiences of all ages.

1988 • Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia Is this a holiday film? You be the judge. It’s an action-packed adventure thriller that blends high-stakes thrills with sharp humor. Bruce Willis became an action icon as NYPD officer John McClane, battling terrorists in a Christmas Eve showdown in a high rise. Alan Rickman delivers one of cinema’s greatest villains, making this explosive classic a must-watch every holiday season.

1944• Judy Garland, Margaret O’Brien, Mary Astor- Introduced by Stephen Saltzman, grandson of Producer Arthur Freed. A sweet, wonderful movie starring the beloved Judy Garland, directed by Vincente Minnelli whom Garland married after making the film. The song “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” was introduced in this film by Garland, as well as “The Trolley Song”! This film is sheer delight from start to finish, and it’s a shining moment for the heyday of MGM musicals.

2003 • Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel A wonderfully charming Christmas comedy that became an instant classic, filled with heart, humor, and holiday magic. Will Ferrell’s endearing performance as Buddy the Elf, combined with memorable one-liners and a touching message about family and belief, makes this film a festive must-watch every year. Bring the family, see it on the big screen, and it just might become your new Holiday tradition.

1954 • Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney A heartwarming holiday classic filled with dazzling musical numbers, lavish Technicolor sets, and timeless charm. Bing Crosby’s rendition of the title song remains one of the most beloved Christmas recordings of all time. With show-stopping dance sequences, comedy, and romance, this festive favorite is a must-see for the holiday season.

1983• Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon • Directed by Bob Clark • The film takes place during the final days before Christmas in the early 1940s in Cleveland, and nine-year-old Ralphie wants one thing from Santa more than anything else: an air rifle. Ralphie connives, conspires and campaigns for the most fabulous Christmas present ever in this heartwarming, hysterical and sweetly nostalgic holiday film that is becoming a holiday tradition for many families. Come enjoy it on the big screen and bring someone for their first time! They will thank you forever.

Rob Richards and Alex-Zsolt perform holiday favorites on the Mighty Wurlitzer and the Bösendorfer Grand Piano. Joining them is vocalist Mandy Wolf, granddaughter of Disney legend Richard Sherman, bringing her family’s musical legacy to life with beloved Sherman classics. The program includes a silent short comedy with live Wurlitzer accompaniment by Rob Richards, who is best known as the House Organist at Disney’s El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, and as an international concert and recording artist. Piano virtuoso Alex-Zsolt brings his signature warmth and inspirational music that he shares around the world. He has recorded more than twenty albums and on his most recent release, ‘At the Ivories,’ Dolly Parton is a featured guest along with The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. Come celebrate the season with timeless music, a bit of movie magic, and maybe even a surprise visit from a jolly friend in a red suit. A joyful holiday event for all ages!

1945 • Barbara Stanwyck, Dennis Morgan, Sydney Greenstreet A delightful screwball comedy that delivers holiday cheer with a side of romance and mistaken identities. Barbara Stanwyck shines as a magazine writer whose fabricated perfect-life persona is put to the test when she must host a war hero for Christmas. Packed with witty banter and festive charm, this feel-good gem is the perfect seasonal treat.

1947 • James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore Director Frank Capra’s Christmas fantasy drama is embedded in American culture as a holiday tradition. Although it was nominated for five Academy Awards (including Best Picture), it was not initially embraced by audiences. The American public re-discovered the film when it was released on television in the 1970s, and the rest is history. It is now considered one the greatest and most cherished films of all time.

• Featuring The Old Town Music Hall Jazz Band • Ring in the New Year with your friends at Old Town Music Hall! Join us for an evening of live music featuring the debut performance of the Old Town Music Hall Jazz Band, an ensemble of some of the finest local musicians specializing in the irresistible sounds of the 1920s-1930s. From hot jazz to swinging standards, it’s a nostalgic celebration of classic American music. The evening also includes an adornment of film clips featuring fun variety performances, and a silent short comedy film with live accompaniment on our Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ. And no celebration would be complete without something sweet: scrumptious complimentary desserts. Don your finest vintage attire (optional but welcomed), bring your friends, and toast to 2026 in the most delightful way possible!

THE ROARING TWENTIES ON TWO PIANOS with Stephanie Trick and Paolo Alderighi Stephanie Trick and Paolo Alderighi return with a journey through The Roaring Twenties, one of the most fascinating periods for American popular music. Technological advances (i.e., the radio and phonograph) helped spread the popularity of jazz with icons like Louis Armstrong and “Fats” Waller; meanwhile, the musical theater of Broadway was in peak form producing an impressive number of enduring musical shows. With original arrangements for two pianos and one piano four-hands, pianistic fireworks will be interspersed with historical notes about this important decade.

1952 • Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, Debbie Reynolds • Introduced by Harlan Lebo • People say it’s greatest movie musical ever made — and for good reason! This Technicolor classic is packed with unforgettable songs and wonderful choreography. The plot focuses on Hollywood’s transition from silent films to talkies. Gene Kelly performs his iconic dance that gives the film its title, and Debbie Reynolds is truly outstanding in a role that made her a star.

KISSIN’ COUSINS 1964 • Elvis Presley, Arthur O’Connell, Yvonne Craig, Cynthia Pepper In-Person Guest: Co-Star Cynthia Pepper • Introduced by Film Archivist Stan Taffel • Yes, Elvis plays two roles. Yes, they’re cousins. And yes… things get weird. But in the most charming hillbilly-romp kind of way, this musical comedy features Elvis as a backwoods good ol’ boy drafted into the Army. Packed with Presley tunes, slapstick humor, and some very 1960s takes on mountain life, this film is a hoot! We will be joined by Cynthia Pepper, who plays the role of Midge in the film.