The American Cinematheque at the Aero Theatre presents “Buddy Films: The Art of Playing off Each Other,” through Feb. 18. From the comic antics of Laurel and Hardy to the pairing of literary figures, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, the idea of wisecracking “buddies” playing off each other on celluloid has been a perennial device of directors and screenwriters.
The Saturday program is a 7:30 p.m. double feature. First up is “The Sting” (1973), directed by George Roy Hill and starring Robert Redford and Paul Newman. The cast includes Charles Durning, Ray Walston and Eileen Brennan. This 1970s buddy film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Screenplay (by David S. Ward), Best Costume Design, Best Art Direction and Best Music (Marvin Hamlisch, adapted from Scott Joplin’s ragtime tunes).
Next on the same bill is “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969), also directed by George Roy Hill and starring Robert Redford and Paul Newman. It was written by William Goldman and photographed by the late Conrad Hall.
All screenings are at the Max Palevsky Theatre at the Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Ave. Tickets are available through www.fandango.com.
All guests are subject to availability. General Admission is $10, $7 for Cinematheque members, and $9 for Seniors (65+ years) and students with valid ID card. 24-Hour information is available through (323) 466-FILM.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 9, 2007. Read the original PDF.