Musicals and Chilean Political Advertising: Your Weekly Movie To-Do List

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in Carefree

Friday, Jan. 25

Inspired by true events, No gives a behind-the-scenes look at the political advertising during the 1988 Chilean national plebiscite. The film flawlessly incorporates the real "Yes" and "No" TV ads that ran in the 27 days prior to the vote that would determine whether General Augusto Pinochet would hold on to his power. The film will be released Feb. 15 in L.A., but you can see it for free at LACMA's Bing Theater on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Director Pablo Larrain and star Gael García Bernal will be in attendance. (The line for tickets starts at 6:30 p.m.)

At midnight, Cinefamily brings us Near Dark, one of Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow's early films, in its Friday Night Frights series. Predating the Twilight craze by more than two decades, this cult classic combines the elements of the Western and horror genres into a vampire love story. As an added bonus, actors Joshua Miller (Homer) and Jenette Goldstein (Diamondback) will be there for a Q&A.

Saturday, Jan. 26

Learn more about the art of the movie poster from the art deco era from poster designer Mike Kaplan at the Egyptian Theatre on Saturday at 2 p.m. Following the talk is a screening of the musical Carefree, featuring the iconic coupling of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in one of their shortest films together -- but with their longest on-screen kiss. Audience members are invited to the Art Deco Society's Cocktails in Historic Places gathering at Sadie on Las  Palmas Avenue for post-screening drinks.

Wednesday, Jan. 30

Watch top comedic talents come together in the documentary One-Night Stand: Creating a Play in a Day, screening for one night at 7:30 p.m. in select theaters throughout the Los Angeles area. Sneak a peek behind the curtain as four teams of writers, composers, directors and actors are given 24 hours to put on a short musical at New York City's Gramercy Theatre. Familiar faces include Modern Family's Jesse Tyler Ferguson, SNL's Rachel Dratch and 30 Rock's Cheyenne Jackson. Check www.fathomevents.com for local theaters.

See also:
*More L.A. Weekly Film Coverage
*Our Calendar Section, Listing More Great Things to Do in L.A.

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