Taking a Trip Back on Broadway

Broadway’s movie theaters will revert to the past in June with showings of classic movies, including the screening of Buster Keaton’s silent film “One Week” accompanied by the sounds of a live Wurlitzer organ.

The ninth annual “Last Remaining Seats” offers one-night screenings at four historic movie theaters Wednesdays to benefit the Los Angeles Conservancy.

“It’s like a trip back in time to sort of experience what going to the movies was like in the ‘20s, ‘30s and ‘40s,” said Bill Gorin, chairman of the conservancy’s historic theater committee.

During that time, Broadway was Los Angeles’ entertainment district, boasting a variety of theaters, including nickelodeons, vaudeville houses and movie palaces, Gorin said. The area between 3rd and 9th streets is now designated a historic theater district.

The series’ first offering on June 7 at the Orpheum Theater is a celebration of the works of comedian Keaton. A full orchestra will accompany a screening of “The General,” and famed organist Gaylord Carter will play a Wurlitzer during the screening of Keaton’s “One Week.” Movie critic Leonard Maltin and Keaton’s wife will also discuss Keaton’s work.

The other showings:

* June 14: A restored print of “His Girl Friday,” starring Rosalind Russell and Cary Grant, will be presented as part of a tribute to “Funny Ladies on Film” at the Palace Theater.

* June 21: A parade of vintage cars, comics and a marching band will travel from Pershing Square to the Los Angeles Theater before a showing of Laurel and Hardy’s “Sons of the Desert.”

* June 28: Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo,” and a series of rare trailers to his films “Psycho,” “North by Northwest,” “The Birds” and others. Patricia Hitchcock O’Connell, Hitchcock’s daughter, and cast members from “Vertigo” are scheduled to attend.

Advance tickets cost $12 for each showing, or $40 for the series. Remaining tickets will be sold at the door for $15 after 7 p.m. Tickets can be charged by calling THEATIX at (213) 466-1767. Tickets also may be purchased by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope with a check payable to the Los Angeles Conservancy, 727 W. 7th St., No. 995, Los Angeles 90017.

Information: (213) 896-9114.