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The Film Programs of the Detroit Film Theatre, Michigan Theater and Redford Theatre

Your Guide to Classic Movie Theater Fun!

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Film Discoveries

Although most of the old movies shown at these theaters have been on television, the big screen makes them a completely different experience. Musicals are especially entertaining, with applause for great dance numbers. Films like Singin' in the Rain and West Side Story explode off the screen, and the artistry of Fred Astaire and Busby Berkeley can take your breath away.

Casablanca is a great romantic drama, but after laughing along with an audience at the witty script, you discover that it's also a classic comedy. Theater showings of film spectacles like Lawrence of Arabia and 2001: A Space Odyssey reveal new depths of meaning.

Silent films have been discovered by many filmgoers at these theaters. The Michigan and Redford have both put their Barton theater organs to their original use with presentations of short comedies by Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, and Harold Lloyd, and dramas such as Wings, Phantom of the Opera, and The Mark of Zorro. Silent film music at the DFT has included the insightful lyricism of pianist David Drazin, the dramatic electronic sounds of the Alloy Orchestra, and the newly restored melodies of the theater’s Casavant organ.

Foreign language films can be a rewarding challenge, as you adjust to the subtitles and the unfamiliar words. You learn how much is communicated through tone of voice and facial expression. The subtitles make the film a literary experience that is like watching a silent film. The emotional and intellectual depth of these films often has a deep poignancy.

Watching foreign language films teaches you about the history, culture and politics of other countries, as well as the fashion, food, geography and architecture. A Chef in Love mixed luscious images of food with the political upheavals of 1920's Russia. Wings of Desire used the landscape of Berlin to track several spiritual journeys.

Although most of the films at these theaters are geared towards adults, family-oriented programming has also been promoted. A family-friendly film series at the Michigan has included The Wizard of Oz and The Muppet Movie. The DFT has recently held matinee showings of old science fiction movies and the children's classic The Red Balloon. And the Redford schedule gives several films the Family Friendly seal of approval.

Next Page: Informative Schedules

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