In an exciting announcement, the Egyptian Theatre is set to host the U.S. premiere of a new 4K restoration of Charlie Chaplin’s iconic film, “The Gold Rush,” on June 26. This date marks not only the film’s premiere at the same venue in 1925 but also its 100th anniversary.
The restoration recently debuted as part of the Cannes Classics section during the Cannes Film Festival. On the same day, the restoration will be showcased in over 70 countries, with the Egyptian Theatre holding the exclusive U.S. engagement. Film historian Jeffrey Vance, known for his book “Chaplin: Genius of the Cinema,” will introduce the screening to audiences. In a nostalgic nod to the past, reproductions of the original film program will be available for just 25 cents, the same price it cost in 1925.
“The Gold Rush” features the beloved character of the Little Tramp, played by Chaplin, who embarks on an adventurous quest for fortune in the gold rush of the Yukon, showcasing some of his most notable on-screen moments. The restoration, executed by Cineteca di Bologna and L’Immagine Ritrovata, draws from an array of global materials collected from prestigious archives including the BFI Archive, George Eastman Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art.
Tickets for this magnificent event are currently available at egyptiantheatre.com.
Meanwhile, the Academy Museum is gearing up to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the beloved film “Clueless” with a special screening in 35mm on Saturday. Prominent figures including director Amy Heckerling, and actors Alicia Silverstone, Elisa Donovan, and Breckin Meyer are scheduled to participate in a Q&A session following the screening.
Heckerling’s writing presents a fresh adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma,” transposed into the affluent scene of 1990s Beverly Hills. The story follows Cher Horowitz, portrayed by Silverstone, as she takes on the role of matchmaker for a new classmate, Tai, assisted by her best friend, Dionne. Paul Rudd makes his debut in a role as Cher’s stepbrother.
Kenneth Turan’s original review highlighted the film as “a wickedly funny teenage farce,” elaborating on its surprising depth beneath its stylish surface. In an interview during the summer of 2020, Heckerling discussed the intricacies of writing Cher’s voice-over, emphasizing the importance of immersing oneself in a character’s perspective to create authentic narrative voices.
The screening of “Clueless” serves as the inaugural event in a series focused on teen movies, which will continue through July 10. Other notable films in the lineup include “Bring It On,” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” “Adventures in Babysitting,” and “Saved!” all presented in 35mm, as well as more contemporary titles such as “Napoleon Dynamite,” “Dope,” “Love, Simon,” and “10 Things I Hate About You.”
On the same day, the UCLA Film & Television Archive will screen the charming indie film “The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love” to mark its 30th anniversary. Directed by Maria Maggenti, the film captures the relationship between Evie and Randy, two young women navigating their feelings amidst societal constraints.
Peter Rainer, in his review, praised the film for its believable depiction of first love that resonates with authenticity and evokes nostalgia. Maggenti later expressed her intention to create a film centered on universal human experiences, rather than specifically targeting a niche audience.
On Sunday, the Academy Museum will present a 35mm screening of Robert Zemeckis’ 1992 film, “Death Becomes Her,” starring renowned actresses Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn along with Bruce Willis. Lauded for its remarkable special effects, the film intrigues audiences with its darkly comedic take on two women striving to maintain eternal youth while competing for the affections of a plastic surgeon.
Kenneth Turan’s original review critiqued the film’s progression into increasingly darker themes, suggesting that humor gives way to a more morbid atmosphere as the story unfolds. The screening is part of a “Summer of Camp” series, which will also showcase other cult favorites such as “Valley of the Dolls,” “Sleepaway Camp,” and “Showgirls” among others, all presented in 35mm prints.
The Lumiere Cinema will be buzzing with activity this Saturday and Sunday as it hosts the Shock-A-Go-Go Film Festival. Special highlights of this year’s festival include screenings of “Piranha” and “The Howling” with director Joe Dante and actress Belinda Balaski present for audience interaction. Dante, known for his unique storytelling style, offers a compelling opportunity for fans to hear directly from the creators.
Both films exemplify the Roger Corman school of filmmaking, characterized by low-budget genres that often transcend expectations. Additionally, Saturday’s schedule includes a screening of “Hellbound: Hellraiser II,” featuring insights from writer Peter Atkins, and a presentation of “Return of the Living Dead 3” with director Brian Yuzna.
The New Beverly Cinema will showcase a double feature featuring Mariel Hemingway’s performances in “Personal Best” and “Star 80” on Monday and Tuesday. Robert Towne’s 1982 directorial debut, “Personal Best,” centers on the life of competitive athletes, and portrays a lesbian relationship during the lead-up to the 1980 Olympics. The film holds significance for its candid representation and focus on the athletes’ journeys.
In a 1982 interview, Towne resisted labeling the film as strictly gay-themed, emphasizing its broader themes of competition and personal connectivity.
In contrast, Bob Fosse’s atmospheric thriller “Star 80” delves into the dark realities of Hollywood’s star-making machinery, portraying the tragic story of Dorothy Stratten, played by Hemingway, who faced a gruesome fate at the hands of her ex-husband. Sheila Benson’s original review remarked on the film’s unsettling nature and the sense of voyeuristic complicity it engendered among viewers.
As the summer progresses, two local theaters have initiated distinctive efforts to engage their communities. Vidiots is launching Movie Den, a program focused on tween and teen matinees designed to inspire the next generation of film enthusiasts. Underwritten by Mubi and the Golden Globe Foundation, these screenings will take place in Vidiots’ microcinema, with tickets priced at just $2 and complimentary popcorn provided.
The selection of films includes popular titles such as “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” “Princess Mononoke,” and more, aimed at fostering community connection and providing enjoyable summer outings. Maggie Mackay, executive director of Vidiots Foundation, expressed the aim of the initiative to ease the burden of the summer for families coming off a challenging period, by encouraging social interaction beyond screens.
Additionally, the Gardena Cinema, known as the last family-run independent cinema in South Los Angeles, will offer free screenings this weekend as part of Pluto TV’s initiative to showcase free movies at indie theaters nationwide. This event features beloved films including “Grease,” “Saturday Night Fever,” and “Ghostbusters,” providing an opportunity for families to enjoy time together at the movies.
Sean Baker, the Oscar-winning filmmaker who previously supported the Gardena Cinema, is partnering with Pluto TV to promote the series and foster community engagement through cinema.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/newsletter/2025-06-06/clueless-amy-heckerling-alicia-silverstone-joe-dante-personal-best
