COOKEVILLE – “Classic Cinema isn’t just an event – it’s a whole mood!”
That’s how Beth Thompson, Cookeville museums manager, describes the classic movie series that kicks off Friday at 7 p.m. with 1979’s “The Muppet Movie.” It will be shown on the patio of the Cookeville Depot Museum, and admission is free.
“We don’t show current blockbusters or even the ones that are a year or two old – we show the classics,” she said. “Our audience enjoys these oldies under the stars while munching popcorn in the warm glow of the Cream City sign.”
Movies continue each Friday night in October as follows: “The Inspector General (1949) on Oct. 8; “A Star is Born” (1937) on Oct. 15; and “Steel Magnolias (1989) on Oct. 22. The series will conclude with a spooky one for Halloween Cinema – “White Zombie” (1932) on Oct. 29.
“This year, a certain frog will make his Depot debut to lull us all back into our childhoods as he strums his banjo and sings ‘Rainbow Connection,’” Thompson said. “There will also be five sassy, saucy, southern ‘80s ladies who have all their best chats in the beauty shop, a tragic 1937 love story, a raucous comedy from 1949 and Bela Lugosi will haunt us for Halloween Cinema.”
Why is October a great time for this free movie series?
“Cooler evenings make it the perfect time to snuggle under a blanket and immerse yourself in a wonderful story from a bygone era,” Thompson said. “And, of course, ending our film series on Halloween weekend is perfectly fitting for a movie like ‘White Zombie.’ Boo!”
Attendees should bring lawn chairs. Drinks and popcorn will be available for $1 each.
The Cookeville Depot Museum is located at 116 W. Broad St.