What makes for a great year in movies? Will this year stand out for LA movie lovers because of its Oscar winners, blockbuster hits, and new indie breakouts? How about timeless treasures that may have slipped under your radar, but speak across the decades? Like when your first-watch of a canonical film somehow happens, say, fifty years after it was first released in theaters? This spring, we’re giving you the chance to see four of 1974’s best films at the Bay Theater in Pacific Palisades, in honor of their 50th anniversary.

What happened in 1974? Well, the Rumble in the Jungle, Nixon’s resignation and Stephen King’s first novel may have been important events for some, but here at the Egyptian, we remember 1974 as a great year at the movies. From March 1-28, the Bay is proud to present Milestone Movies: The Anniversary Collection - 1974, a month-long selection of classics to revisit, or discover for the first time - a different film playing each week.

Starting off the month is Jack Nicholson’s iconic role in the ultimate Los Angeles film noir, Roman Polanski’s Chinatown (March 1-7). Next up is Terrence Malick’s astonishing and influential debut feature, Badlands (March 8-14), and Mel Brooks’ re-revisionist Western, the still surprising Blazing Saddles (March 15-21). Wrapping up our cinematic time capsule is the 4k restoration of Robert Altman’s California Split (March 22-28), starring Elliot Gould and George Segal.

Want to make an even deeper-dive into 1974 cinema, check out the companion collection on Netflix now, including other classics from a half-century ago.

And coming to the Bay this summer: Milestone Movies: The Anniversary Edition - 1984

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