We spend a lot of our lives waiting for stuff. Usually, it’s a lot of aggravation for little reward. But sometimes, the wait is worth it. Thanks to our sponsors at (hey, do you wanna sponsor this series?), it is my intention to highlight something that qualifies as worth the wait in Tampa Bay each week…
Every year, the Tampa Theatre rolls out their Summer Classic Movie Series, giving us the opportunity to enjoy some of the world’s greatest films on the big 
screen, the way they were meant to be seen.
This year, the series is even more special in that Tampa Theatre is one of a very small handful of theaters in America that will be showing “North By Northwest”, “Gone With The Wind” and “The Wizard Of Oz.” That’s because Warner Brothers is strictly limiting the distribution of theatrical prints in preparation of commemorative anniversary home video editions of these films that will be released later this year.
How was Tampa Theatre granted such elite status? Well, if you’ve ever been there, you know it’s a special place, and apparently Warner Brothers feels the same way. Or perhaps they just have one of the nation’s best rest rooms.
If you’ve never been, the Summer Classic Series is a perfect reason to start visiting. And the reason you should start this week is because Tampa Theatre is offering “The Classic Six Pack” of tickets for $40 ($30 for Tampa Theatre members) and there are exactly seven weeks left in the series. That means out of a slate that includes “The Band Wagon (July 12)”, “Blazing Saddles (July 19)”, “Citizen Kane (July 26), “Creature From The Black Lagoon” in 3-D (August 2), “North By Northwest” (August 9), “Gone With The Wind (August 15 & 16) and “The Wizard Of Oz” (August 22 & 23), you would only have to miss one. Of course, you can always pick up the spare for $8 ($6 for members).
If you go:
Summer Classic Movie Series
Sundays at 3pm now through August 23 plus bonus screenings of Gone With The Wind Saturday, August 15 and The Wizard Of Oz Saturday, August 22 (also at 3pm).
Tickets are $8.00 General Admission and $6.00 for Tampa Theatre Members. Tickets and 6 Packs are on sale now in person at the Tampa Theatre box office.
More info, including how to become a member, is available at the Tampa Theatre’s web site.
After the show, head to (your business here!) and let them know you had a great time.
piratechic
8 months ago
We went and saw Casablanca on the special Saturday showing. A wonderful afternoon!
junebee
8 months ago
Jeez, can they bleed any more out of those old saws? This lousy list of movies does not inspire me to me run to crappy downtown Tampa and pay for parking in the middle of Nowheres-ville.
We can see these on cable TV anytime, or rent them from Netflix.
piratechic
8 months ago
Junebee.. pay to park on the weekends? Nah, it is free.
Plus you get to experience Tampa Theatre – complete with the organ player.
Casablanca was my first visit, and the showing was pretty well attended by all ages. We dressed up. I think if they had ‘dress the part’ for some of these old movies it’d add to the fun!
boydbrat
8 months ago
Junebee…parking is free, and the entertainment is well worth the cost of admission. The ambiance is amazing, the staff is courtesous and knowledgable, and the popcorn beats the microwave stuff anytime. True…these movies can all be found on cable tv, and if you’d rather sit on the couch and enjoy them in the privacy of your own abode, that’s up to you. But for me, I don’t mind walking a block or two to view a cinematic treasure commercial free with several hundred other fans. Besides…I’ll bet you don’t have a 100000-pipe Mighty Wurlitzer theatre organ that rises from your living room floor
boydbrat
8 months ago
Junebee…parking is free, and the entertainment is well worth the cost of admission. The ambiance is amazing, the staff is courtesous and knowledgable, and the popcorn beats the microwave stuff anytime. True…these movies can all be found on cable tv, and if you’d rather sit on the couch and enjoy them in the privacy of your own abode, that’s up to you. But for me, I don’t mind walking a block or two to view a cinematic treasure commercial free with several hundred other fans. Besides…I’ll bet you don’t have a 100000-pipe Mighty Wurlitzer theatre organ that rises from your living room floor.
Moviefan
8 months ago
Lousy list, Junebee? Are you serious? The WB films are all in AFI’S
Yoga Choga
8 months ago
Junebee: Hope you enjoy Transformers 2 at the local megaplex.