Mr. Smith Goes to Washington at Cinema At the Square July 31, 2008

The Eleventh Annual Cinema at the Square Series returns to the Palace Theatre at Playhouse Square with 15 classic films running from July 31 – August 17th.

Thursday, July 31, 7:30pm

Naive and idealistic Jefferson Smith, leader of the Boy Rangers, is appointed on a lark by the spineless governor of his state. He is reunited with the state's senior senator--presidential hopeful and
childhood hero, Senator Joseph Paine. In Washington, however, Smith discovers many of the shortcomings of the political process as his earnest goal of a national boys' camp leads to a conflict with the state political boss, Jim Taylor. Taylor first tries to corrupt Smith and then later attempts to destroy Smith through a scandal.1939 USA, 129 minutes. Directed by Frank Capra; Starring Jean Arthur, James Stewart. Won the Oscar for Best Writing, Original Story

For the ultimate visual experience, the films are shown on the Palace’s 20 foot-high by 47 foot-wide super Hurly-Glo projection screen – the largest non-Imax screen in Ohio.

Moviegoers will be treated to pre-show organ recitals on a restored 1928 Kimball organ that contains 13 sets of pipes, a xylophone, Glockenspiel, a complete set of drums and many cymbals. The organ, donated to Playhouse Square in 1975, was painstakingly restored by volunteers and is the perfect complement to your evening at this year’s 11th annual Cinema at the Square!

Following the organ performance is a delightful, classic cartoon.

See classic films the way they were meant to be seen! Unlike seeing a movie at the local multiplex, CINEMA AT THE SQUARE transports audiences back through “Six Decades of Film Favorites” in its setting in the lavishly restored Palace Theatre, originally built in 1922 for Vaudeville.