Classic movies under the stars

For a great time, head to Jacksonville Beach for classic movies under the stars at the Sea Walk Pavilion. Two classics will show during the month of June for Moonlight Movies.

The African Queen
Friday, June 6
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM

The greatest adventure a man ever lived…with a woman!"

As World War I breaks out, Charlie Allnut is ferrying supplies around East Africa in his steamer, The African Queen. He comes across a missionary team and warns them of the war however, the missionary pair stays. When Rev Sayer dies, Allnut agrees to escort Sayer's sister, Rose, back to the West. However, she convinces him to perhaps take on a German ship. On their journey, the two fall for each other before the inevitable conflict.

"The African Queen" was Humphrey Bogart's fourth film directed by John Huston and his performance in it was very likely the best in his career as well as the one that finally won him an Academy Award for Best Actor. Bogart’s leading lady, Katherine Hepburn, nominated for Best Actress, was delightful as she infused personal conflict with a warmth, humor, and tenderness rarely seen in films.

Filmed on location in central Africa, except for scenes where Bogart and Hepburn were actually in the water, the crew experienced various perils including dysentery, malaria, bacteria-filled drinking water and several close brushes with wild animals and poisonous snakes. The film "White Hunter, Black Heart" staring Clint Eastwood was a thinly fictionalized account of the filming of African Queen.

Poltergeist
Friday, June 13
Rated: PG
Horror / Thriller

"It knows what scares you."

While living in an average family house in a pleasant neighborhood, the youngest daughter of the Freeling family, Carol Anne (Heather O'Rourke), seems to be connecting with the supernatural through a dead channel on the television. It is not long after when the mysterious beings enter the house's walls. At first seeming like harmless ghosts, they play tricks and amuse the family, but they take a nasty turn. They begin to horrify the Freelings using angry trees and murderous dolls. The mayhem reaches its peak when the ghosts abduct Carol Anne into her bedroom closet, which seems like the entrance to the other side.

Poltergeist is a horror/thriller classic written and produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by Tobe Hooper. It is an entertaining film for older children and adults. Poltergeist was nominated for three academy awards including Best Sound Effects, Best Visual Effects and Best Music.