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RETRO EPICS FILM SERIESSelect Sundays at 2pm in Cinema One | $12 per person.
WEBSITE: https://carolinatheatre.org/series/retro-epics-film-series/
January 25, 2026
Peter Weir’s MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD
(PG-13, 2003, 138 min)
“The courage to do the impossible lies in the hearts of men.” A rare theatrical screening you won’t see very often. Now owned by Disney following their acquisition of 20th Century Fox, this epic naval adventure comes from the director of Dead Poets Society and The Truman Show. Aboard the H.M.S. Surprise, brash Captain Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe) and his trusted friend, the ship’s scholarly surgeon Stephen Maturin (Paul Bettany) chase a powerful French warship off South America during Napoleon’s campaigns. Storms, cannon fire, and life-or-death strategy keep the crew—and the audience—on edge. Nominated for 10 Oscars and winning Best Cinematography and Best Sound Editing, it’s thrilling, action-packed, and epic in every sense.
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March 15, 2026
David Lean’s LAWRENCE OF ARABIA
(NR, 1962, 217 min)
From the director of Doctor Zhivago, this epic Oscar-winning classic stars Peter O’Toole in a career-making performance as T.E. Lawrence, the audacious British officer who unites rival Arab tribes and leads them against the Turkish Empire during World War I. Vast desert vistas, epic battles, and Maurice Jarre’s unforgettable score transform every frame into cinematic artistry, immersing viewers in the sweeping scale of history. Nominated for 10 Oscars and winning 7, including Best Picture and Best Director, the film features towering performances from a celebrated ensemble cast. Combining stunning visuals, thrilling strategy, and deeply human drama, this enduring masterpiece showcases cinematic ambition, grandeur, and storytelling at its very finest.
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March 21-22, 2026
James Cameron’s TRUE LIES
(R, 1994, 141 min)
“When he said I do, he never said what he did.” A rare theatrical screening you won’t see very often. Now owned by Disney following their acquisition of 20th Century Fox, this adrenaline-fueled action-adventure stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as Harry Tasker, a top secret agent who hides his life-saving missions from his unsuspecting wife Helen (Jamie Lee Curtis). When their worlds collide, the couple is thrust into globe-spanning battles against ruthless international terrorists, juggling explosive stunts, high-speed chases, and impossible escapes. The #3 highest-grossing U.S. film of 1994, it combines jaw-dropping spectacle, clever humor, and nonstop thrills. With tension, heart, and cinematic scale at every turn, this genuine blockbuster epic remains an electrifying ride decades later.
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April 5, 2026
John Huston’s ANNIE
(PG, 1982, 127 min)
“The sun’ll come out… tomorrow.” Everyone’s favorite plucky, red-haired orphan (Aileen Quinn) gets the chance of a lifetime when she spends a week with the wealthy and charming “Daddy” Warbucks (Albert Finney). The tyrannical Miss Hannigan (Carol Burnett) tries to sabotage Annie’s fun with wild schemes and hilarious antics, but her plans are no match for Annie’s optimism and courage. Filled with show-stopping songs like Tomorrow, It’s the Hard-Knock Life, and Easy Street, the film sparkles with music, colorful choreography, and laughter. A major hit at the 1982 U.S. box office, ranking 10th highest-grossing film of the year, Annie remains a timeless, joyous family classic that continues to delight audiences of all ages.
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May 10, 2026
Morton DaCosta’s AUNTIE MAME
(1958, 143 min)
Mame Dennis (Rosalind Russell) is a whirlwind of charm, wit, and unapologetic individuality, suddenly tasked with raising her young nephew Patrick after his father passes away. Determined to give him a life full of adventure, curiosity, and laughter, she clashes with the stern executor Mr. Babcock (Fred Clark), who wants Patrick confined to a conventional prep school. Brimming with humor, lavish parties, and unforgettable personality, Mame’s courage, creativity, and fearless approach to life guide Patrick and inspire everyone around her. A major box office hit in 1958, the second highest-grossing U.S. film of the year, it received six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actress, cementing its timeless appeal.
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May 24, 2026
Robert Zemeckis’ FORREST GUMP
(PG-13, 1994, 144 min)
“Life is like a box of chocolates—you never know what you're gonna get.” Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) is a man of simple means but extraordinary experiences. From serving in Vietnam to inspiring a nation with his unwavering loyalty and courage, Forrest's journey mirrors the resilience and spirit of America. His story unfolds against the backdrop of pivotal moments in U.S. history, highlighting themes of sacrifice, honor, and the enduring human spirit. With a stellar cast including Robin Wright and Gary Sinise, the film captivates audiences with its blend of humor, heart, and historical depth. Winner of six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director, Forrest Gump remains a cinematic masterpiece that celebrates the American experience.
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June 7, 2026
Bill Condon’s DREAMGIRLS: 20th Anniversary!
(PG-13, 2006, 130 min)
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of this dazzling musical drama, now a modern classic. Effie (Jennifer Hudson), Deena (Beyoncé), and Lorrell (Anika Noni Rose) rise from humble beginnings to stardom, navigating love, ambition, and betrayal in the cutthroat music industry. Eddie Murphy steals every scene as their slick, larger-than-life manager. Packed with powerhouse performances, iconic songs like And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going, and unforgettable dance numbers, the film earned eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, with Hudson winning Best Supporting Actress. Capturing the glamour and grit of the 1960s and ’70s R&B scene, this musical epic delivers heartbreak, humor, and show-stopping music in a theatrical experience that still shines two decades later.
TRAILER:
Paramount
June 21, 2026
George P. Cosmatos’ TOMBSTONE
(R, 1993, 130 min)
“I’m your huckleberry.” Val Kilmer’s Doc Holliday delivers one of cinema’s most legendary lines in this explosive Western, where Kurt Russell’s Wyatt Earp faces ruthless outlaws in the notorious showdown at the O.K. Corral. A rare chance to see this action-packed epic on the big screen, now owned by Disney/20th Century Fox, it’s packed with high-stakes duels, tense standoffs, and unforgettable heroics. The all-star ensemble—including Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton, Jason Priestley, Michael Biehn, and Charlton Heston—brings grit, charisma, and cinematic scale to every scene. A thrilling blend of adventure, daring, and larger-than-life characters, Tombstone remains a must-see Wild West spectacle decades after its release.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Carolina Theatre of Durham, 309 W Morgan St,Durham, North Carolina, United States
Tickets
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