August classic, repertory movies and special events in the Buffalo area

Before I get to the list of classic and repertory movies showing in the Buffalo area for August, I’d like to share info on the fourth annual Western New York Movie Expo and Memorabilia Show, a four-day event starting off the month with more than 100 movies and shorts from Hollywood’s Golden Age, along with vintage TV episodes.

The Expo is held from 10 a.m. to midnight Aug. 1 to 4 in the Buffalo Grand Hotel, 120 Church St. Tickets are $35 to $40 for the full event or $12 a day ($6 Sunday). There is a dealer’s room that is so big they call it a dealer’s emporium. Highlights include shorts and features from the greats of early  comedy including W.C. Field, Charley Chase, Buster Keaton and Laurel and Hardy; silent movies and shorts with musical accompaniment by Jeff Rapsis including the 1929 film “Pandora’s Box”;  a celebration of Rod Serling and the “Twilight Zone’s” 60th anniversary; and retro TV episodes from the series starring Donna Reed, Danny Thomas, Red Skeleton and more . For full info, visit wnymovieexpo.com.

Now on to the screenings, in alphabetical order.

Let’s go to Capitolfest and watch classic movies for three days

Pop quiz for classic movie fans:

Do you love film festivals, but find that larger events can sometimes be too much?

Would you like to do away with rushing between theaters and standing in long lines where the wait can sometimes be longer than the movie lasts?

Finally, would you enjoy the chance to watch classic movies the way you would have when they were originally released?

If you answered yes, let me introduce you to Capitolfest.

This three-day classic movie film festival, held every August in the small Central New York city of Rome, N.Y., takes the best of what we love about film festivals (The movies! The friendly faces!) and adds an engaging and affordable user-friendly experience. Once you go, you’ll want to talk your classic movie friends into joining you – just like I’m trying to do here.

I’m not the only one touting how much fun Capitolfest is – here’s a link to a story by Once Upon a Screen about the festival, including thoughts from some of her classic movie friends.

This is the unassuming front of the historic Rome Capitol Theatre. The theater’s original marquee will be re-created as part of a restoration project.

Here are my thoughts on Capitolfest, including a few highlights for Capitolfest 17, coming up from Aug. 9 to 11. Don’t worry, you still have time to make plans.

Why Capitolfest is special

Organizers pride themselves on giving us a unique experience by showing as many films as possible in 35mm – as they were shown when they were new – in the historic and beautiful 1928 Rome Capitol Theatre.

Classic, specialty movies showing in July around the Buffalo area

It may be warm outside, but there are still plenty of classic, repertory and specialty films being shown indoors around the Buffalo area. Want to watch a film outside? Head to the Transit Drive-In for its “Retro Tuesdays” film series with fun double features.

Classics and repertory

“Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy-Blache.” 6 p.m. July 26 and 7:30 p.m. July 30 at the Screening Room Cinema Cafe. Documentary about the first female filmmaker, Alice Guy-Blache. Narrated by Jodie Foster.

“Charade,” 8:15 p.m. July 26 at Screening Room. Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn star in Stanley Donen’s 1963 mystery romance.

“Easy Rider” has new screenings as part of a 50th anniversary celebration. (Sony Classics)

“Easy Rider,” 4 and 7 p.m. July 14 and 17 at Elmwood Regal and Transit. Peter Fonda and Jack Nicholson play two bikers on a counterculture trip in classic road movie directed by Dennis Hopper. Part of the film’s 50th anniversary celebration.