Organizers with the Rescue the Russell Theatre have announced its line-up of movies for the remainder of the year and it's a mix of old and new that should appeal to everyone.
Organizers have been working over the summer to set a regular schedule of show times and after months of planning, have set the dates as the second and fourth Saturday of each month. The movies are also planned to coincide with downtown events and seasons of the year.
Most recently, the movie "E.T." played to a capacity crowd at the theater, which is still under renovation. Attendees are asked to bring their own chair and a $5 donation is requested. Moviegoers can purchase popcorn and boxed theater candies, as well as water during the movie.
A capacity crowd for the theater in its current state is approximately 100 people, give or take how the chairs are arranged. The showing of "E.T." proved to be a winner with donations out pacing expenses for the night.
Luanne Mattingly said the group must pay a fee to show the movies, which range in price depending on the title.
She also pointed out profits from the movies go directly toward the annual operating cost of $25,000 for maintenance, insurance, utility costs and the mortgage on the building.
"Every time they come, they are helping to keep the theater open," said Mattingly.
Committee member Amanda Hankinson works on the movie selection committee, which also includes a teen advisory board. Together, adults and teens are deciding which movies would have the broadest appeal and the selections range from horror films to children's movies.
"People are giving us very positive feedback," said Hankinson. "We were extremely surprised by the turnout for "E.T," we were packed and people were so excited."
Hankinson has been working to bring the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" to the Russell on Oct. 18. Because of a $750 licensing fee to air the movie, efforts are underway to raise the needed money to make it happen. If successful, attendees will interact with what is called a "shadow cast" of performers and are encouraged to come dressed in character.
Hankinson said some movies, like the "Wizard of Oz" and "Star Wars" aren't available from the studios at certain times because it may be a special anniversary of the movie or a sequel may be in the works.
The following is the schedule through December:
Sept. 27 -- Classic Cartoons for the movie at 7 p.m. (Porky Pig, Woody Woodpecker, etc) and during the Pig Out in Maysville BBQ Festival from 2-5 p.m.
Oct. 11 -- "UP" at 7 p.m.
Oct. 25 -- "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" from 3-5 p.m. during downtown Trick or Treat, followed by the Alfred Hitchcock thriller "Psycho" at 7 p.m.
Oct. 31 -- "The Fly" with Vincent Price and "The Mummy" with Boris Karloff at 8 p.m.
Nov. 8 -- "Holiday Inn" with Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire at 7 p.m.
Nov. 22 -- "Raiders of the Lost Ark" at 7 p.m.
Dec.13 -- "Miracle on 34th Street" at 7 p.m.
Dec. 27 -- "White Christmas" with Rosemary Clooney at 7 p.m.
Hankinson said the theater is also in need of donations of folding chairs to accommodate people who are in downtown for a special event, like a festival, and then realize a movie is being shown, but don't have a chair available.
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