Classic Horror Returns to the Big Screen, Remastered

NCM Fathom Events and Turner Classic Movies event series featuring four newly restored titles commemorating Universal Pictures’ 100th anniversary begins with Alfred Hitchcocks The Birds on Wednesday, Sept. 19. The series continues with a double feature on Wednesday, Oct. 24 with Frankenstein and The Bride of Frankenstein followed by a special 50th Anniversary edition of To Kill a Mockingbird on Thursday, Nov. 15. Each event will begin at 7:00 p.m. local time, with special matinees in select theaters at 2:00 p.m. The series will feature newly restored versions of the films created by Universal in celebration of its 100th Anniversary and will also include a specially-produced TCM introduction by film historian, author and TCM host Robert Osborne, who will take audiences behind the scenes for each of these American classics with unique insights into their making.

The TCM Event Serieswill be presented using new digital cinema projection systems in select movie theaters around the country. Tickets to the series are available at presenting theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. For a complete list of presenting theater locations and prices, please visit the web site (theaters and participants may be subject to change).

The Birds event on Sept. 19 will bring back Alfred Hitchcocks chilling 1963 masterpiece, telling the tale of modern rich socialite Melanie Daniels and the strange behavior of birds north of San Francisco. As birds in the hundreds and thousands are attacking anyone they find outdoors, there is no explanation, and survival becomes the priority. Osborne will share an exclusive interview he conducted specifically for this special presentation with the films star Tippi Hedren filmed earlier this year at the Classic Film Festival in Hollywood. Hedren reveals how Hitch hand-picked her to play the part of Melanie Daniels, and also how the movie that launched her career also practically ended it. Osborne will reach deep into the TCM Archives to share more on-set stories from Hedrens co-stars Rod Taylor and Suzanne Pleshette.

Just in time for Halloween, the double feature of Frankensteinand The Bride of Frankenstein on Oct. 24 will reintroduce audiences to the famous story of brilliant scientist Henry Frankenstein and his experiments on the re-animation of lifeless bodies. His fiancée, Elizabeth, and friend Victor Moritz are worried about his health as he spends far too many hours in his laboratory on experiments. The creature he’s brought to life escapes, and soon the villagers rise up, intent on destroying the murdering creature. The sequel finds Dr. Frankenstein and his monster both alive; but a mad scientist, Dr. Pretorius, kidnaps Dr. Frankensteins wife and forces him to create a new female companion for the original monster. The original 1931 film and its 1935 sequelboth starring Boris Karloffwill be introduced with exclusive interviews conducted at this years TCM Classic Film Festival, including conversations with Karloffs daughter Sara Karloff, Bela Lugosi, Jr. (son of the classic Dracula star), and Academy Award®-winning make-up artist Rick Baker. All three will discuss classic horror movies, how legendary icons like Karloff and Lugosi helped define the genre, and how todays horror films measure up to the classics.

The series continues on Nov. 15 with a special 50th Anniversary screening of To Kill A Mockingbird, based on Harper Lee’s 1961 Pulitzer Prize winning book. Oscar® winner Gregory Peck plays Atticus Finch, a lawyer in a racially divided Alabama town in the 1930s. The event will feature a special TCM-produced introduction and historical commentary featuring Osborne.

This Event Series is a rare opportunity for fans of these four legendary films, said Shelly Maxwell, executive vice president of Fathom Events. Not only will fans experience these Hollywood classics on the big screen once again, but TCM Host Robert Osborne will give fans an exclusive insight into the stories behind the making of each classic.

As part of Universals 100th Anniversary this year, a commemorative 50th Anniversary release of To Kill a Mockingbird is currently available on Blu-ray/DVD. Coming to Blu-ray for the first time, The Birds will be released as part of the Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection on Sept. 25. Also premiering on Blu-ray, Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein will be included in the Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection available Oct. 2.

The Turner Classic Movies Series will be playing at the following movie theaters in your area on September 19, October 24 and November 15. Theater locations are subject to change; for updated information, please check your local listings closer to the event date.