7:30pm Movies

The UCLA Film and Television Archive, in association with the Library of Congress, presents a rare screening of the 1915 silent film “The Italian.” The movie is a melodrama about an Italian immigrant who seeks revenge on the people he sees as responsible for his misfortunes. Of local interest, the scenes set in Venice, Italy, were actually filmed in Venice, Calif. The program will include the short films “Francesca da Rimini” (1911), “Fine Feathers” (1912) and “Fatty’s Tintype Tangle” (1915). With live musical accompaniment by Michael Mortilla.

* “The Italian,” James Bridges Theater, UCLA (nearest cross streets: Sunset Boulevard and Hilgard Avenue), Westwood. 7:30 p.m. $4 to $6. (310) 206-FILM.

8pm Pop Music

Can the indie-rock world still turn out bands that matter, at a time when the attention of youth is split between the ear candy of teen pop and the bitter potions of rap-rock? The Northwest trio Modest Mouse is making its bid, following up the college-rock success of “The Lonesome Crowded West” with its major-label debut, “The Moon & Antarctica.” The band precedes the June 13 release with two nights at the El Rey Theatre.

* Modest Mouse, with Shins and Califone, tonight and Friday at the El Rey Theatre, 5515 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. 8 p.m. Sold out. (323) 936-4790.

9pm Pop Music

Rattling the cages of conventional and corporate culture, Glasgow’s Primal Scream is back on the front lines with “Xtrmntr,” a collection of ferocious funk, aggressive electronics and scathing commentary. Singer Bobby Gillespie and company hit town as part of their first major U.S. tour in eight years.

* Primal Scream, House of Blues, 8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 9 p.m. $25. (323) 848-5100. Also Friday at Vynyl, 1650 Schrader Blvd., Hollywood. 8 p.m. $27.50 in advance, $30 at door. (323) 465-7449.

8pm Theater

Making its world premiere is Robert Glaudini’s play of seduction, “The Poison Tree,” about a woman trying to escape the real world after her son has overdosed, and while her husband is presiding over a high-profile murder case.

* “The Poison Tree,” Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., playing Tuesdays-Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturdays-Sundays at 2:30 p.m. through July 16. $29 to $42. (213) 628-2772.

The World Beyond Poetry Festival features sidewalk guerrilla style poetry, readings and hip-hop spoken word at Self-Helf Graphics, 3802 Chavez Ave., East L.A., (323) 881-6444. Events continue through Sunday at other locations. Hotline: (310) 822-3006.