Outdoor summer movies in this area are a dime a dozen these days. (OK, actually, they're all free.)
And while the sudden abundance of these events is most welcome, Screen on the Green on the National Mall is still the first, the best-attended, and the most eagerly awaited.
After all, where else can you catch a classic film with the Capitol as a backdrop (in 90-degree weather... but we're trying not to think about that right now)?
The 2013 schedule, released Wednesday, takes a surprising leap forward in time. While the film series has always shown older films, "older" has often meant movies from the 1930s, '40s, '50s and '60s. Suddenly we've jumped all the way into the '80s.
The complete movie lineup:
- Monday, July 22: "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial"
- Monday, July 29: "Norma Rae"
- Monday, August 5: "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory"
- Monday, August 12: "Tootsie"
Movies begin at sunset, but show up early to stake your spot on the Mall between 7th and 12th Streets NW (7th is closer to the screen, in case you're wondering).
The Scene
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Bring blankets, picnics, and although you can bring lawn chairs, you'll have to fold them up when the movie begins or face the wrath of those sitting behind you.
A note of warning: You'll need to brush up on your dance moves. The movie series, which is sponsored by HBO and Comcast, airs an '80s-era HBO promo before each movie -- and it's inevitably greeted by flailing, jumping and general arm-waving.
See below for a how-to:
