Movies have returned to the Sierra Madre Playhouse!
The Sierra Madre Playhouse was once the Wistaria Theater, showing the best Hollywood had to offer. Almost a century later, the “Gem of the Foothills” is presenting the greatest films ever made.
Now, in the spirit of our mission to illuminate the diversity of the American experience, join us as we dig deeper with films that highlight unique perspectives on America and the growth of the arts. These films are an essential part of further contextualizing the productions staged at the Playhouse.
To complement our productions/upcoming holidays, we present evenings of films. See what we have coming up for the holidays!
Wednesdays, December 1, 8, and 15 at 7 pm
It's A Wonderful Life
Produced and directed by Frank Capra
Written by Frank Capra, James Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Jo Swerlling
Based on a story by Philip Van Doren Stern
Starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Henry Travers, Thomas Mitchell, Beulah Bondi
General Admission: $10 (TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE!) (TeenTix pass holders welcome! Learn how to get tickets using your pass here)
Runtime is 2 hours and 10 minutes
All current county COVID-19 safety protocols in place at the time of the events will be followed (including the wearing of face masks indoors and the checking of COVID-19 vaccination status). Please see here for SMP's COVID-19 safety protocols for all of our upcoming indoor events.
In this award-winning classic film, an angel is sent from heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed. George Bailey has spent his entire life giving of himself to the people of Bedford Falls. He has always longed to travel but never had the opportunity in order to prevent rich skinflint Mr. Potter from taking over the entire town. All that prevents him from doing so is George's modest building and loan company, which was founded by his generous father. But on Christmas Eve, George's Uncle Billy loses the business's $8,000 while intending to deposit it in the bank. Potter finds the misplaced money and hides it from Billy. When the bank examiner discovers the shortage later that night, George realizes that he will be held responsible and sent to jail and the company will collapse, finally allowing Potter to take over the town. Thinking of his wife, their young children, and others he loves will be better off with him dead, he contemplates suicide. But the prayers of his loved ones result in a gentle angel named Clarence coming to earth to help George, with the promise of earning his wings. He shows George what things would have been like if he had never been born.
This is an unusual opportunity to see this holiday classic on the big screen! It's a wonderful movie! There will be other activities at each event to celebrate the holidays. Rich Procter, local film historian and SMP Off the Screen Film Series Curator, will give an introduction before each film screening.
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