Classic American Movies Coming to Midlands

Universal Studios is celebrating 100 years in the movie business in 2012 and, in honor of the centennial, the company will bring several classics back to the big screen.

NCM Fathom Events, Turner Classic Movies and Universal Studios are teaming up to screen four of the 20th Century's greatest films for audiences who've probably only seen them on television.

Alfred Hitchcock's “The Birds” returns to theaters on September 19 and will be shown at the Sandhill Stadium 16 in Columbia.

The classic chiller starring Tippi Hedren and Rod Taylor trying to survive in a world where birds beginning attacking humans, shows at 7 p.m.

Be sure to keep an eye for Hitchcock's trademark cameo.

A moviehouse tradition, the double feature, returns just in time for Halloween with “Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein.”

The double feature of the Universal horror pictures will be shown in theaters one night only, on Wednesday, October 24 at the Sandhill Stadium 16 in Columbia.

The movies begin at 7 p.m.

“Frankenstein” features Boris Karloff (though originally Bela Lugosi, Universal's Dracula, was cast in the role) in a soulful, star-making performance as the misunderstood monster.

Karloff's wonderful performance, combined with Jack Pierce's award-winning make up for the creature, makes a monster that's hard to forget even today, 81 years after the movie was first released.

The list of sequels that are better than the originals is a short one indeed, but critics often agree that “Bride of Frankenstein” tops its predecessor – which is very good in its own right.

On November 15, “To Kill A Mockingbird” returns to screens nationwide.

The screening starts at 7 p.m.

The story of Atticus Finch and his children Jem and Scout is an adaptation of Harper Lee's Pulitizer Prize-winning novel.

Scout serves as narrator as her father, an attorney, defends a black man charged with raping a white woman.

Gregory Peck's performance Atticus Finch, whose decency remains steadfast even as racial tensions threaten the safety of his hometown and his children, is often cited as one of the greatest in movie history.

Harper Lee, who based the character of Atticus on her own father, visited the set one day and burst into tears upon seeing Peck in character as Atticus, as he had captured her father so well. She later gave Peck a watch that had belonged to her father.

"Mockingbird" is also the movie debut of Robert Duvall, who plays Boo Radley.

Each screening will start with interviews, hosted by TCM host Robert Osbourne, and a look back at the making of the films with some of the stars and crew members from each film.

Know someone outside the area who'd enjoy the special showings? Here are the theaters nationwide that will be showing “The Birds,” “Frankenstein/Bride of Frankenstein” and “To Kill A Mockingbird.”

The celebration kicks off with "Singin' in The Rain," later this month. The movie was re-released in July to commemorate its 60th anniversary. 

Starring Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor and Debbie Reynolds, "Singin'" screens on Wednesday, August 22 at 7 p.m. also at the Sandhill Stadium 16 in Columbia. Here's a list of theaters nationwide that will also be playing it.

Tickets for "Singin' in the Rain" went on sale on Sunday.