MOVIES | ON THE LAWN Movies back at Ace of Clubs with a Hitchcock classic
TEXARKANA, Texas — Movies return to the Ace of Clubs House soon with a spooky, tension-filled classic from Alfred Hitchcock: “Rear Window.”
The Texarkana Museums System invites people to attend “Hitchcock on the Lawn,” starting at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17.
It’s both a movie and a costume party, this pre-Halloween shindig at a historic Texarkana home.
Show time is sundown to see this iconic 1954 film starring Jimmy Stewart, a photographer who, while housebound with an injury, begins seeing suspect shenanigans unfold in a nearby apartment, which he can see from his
rear window. It’s considered one of Hitchcock’s masterpieces. Grace Kelly and Raymond Burr co-star.
Guests are encouraged, but not required, to dress as their favorite character from any
Hitchcock movie. Prizes will be given, with both drinks and snacks served.
“TMS has selected a character from a movie directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Any guest who comes dressed as the mystery character wins a prize,” said TMS Board President Velvet Cool in a statement about “Hitchcock on the Lawn.” “We’re hoping to see a lot of creative costumes honoring these classic films.”
Also encouraged are lawn chairs and blankets to make the seating more comfortable outside this 1885 Italianate home. Dress for possibly chilly weather, too, say organizers. Some tables and chairs will be provided but it will be limited.
As for pandemic precautions, masks will be encouraged but not required. Social distancing will be practiced.
TMS Curator Jamie Simmons said in an interview that they’re showing one
of the film director’s most famous movies. Costumes are optional, she said, but if worn they should be from a Hitchcock movie character.
“They can be any Hitchcock movie they want,” Simmons said. Prizes include best costume for male and female characters, in addition to the aforementioned secret prize with the winner getting a TMS membership. “You have to be dressed as our mystery character.”
There are many great movies from this director, Simmons said, but “Rear Window” made sense.
“‘Rear Window’ is one of those that holds up really well,” she said. “A lot of classic movies still at this point in time, they feel dated.
Even though they’re still a great movie they’re very much of their time period. ‘Rear Window’ kind of transcends that.”
As for the Hitchcock-themed costumes, the more creative the better, she said. They’ll start a Pinterest board with costume ideas and images that may represent characters from his movies, giving ideas on what people can do.
For tickets, TMS members get a discount on couples and single tickets.
“Tickets have to be purchased in advance,” Simmons said, noting they’re excited to host a big event at the Ace again.
“This will be one of the first big things we’ve done at the Ace of Clubs House since we reopened after the COVID shutdown,”
Simmons said.
Other events on the TMS schedule include a living history tour of the State Line Cemetery on Oct. 24. This is a twilight event with living history performers. It’s “The Talking Dead Cemetery Tour.”
Then on Oct. 31 the TMS hosts an after-dark walking tour of downtown titled “Death and Dying in Texarkana,” which also includes a living history element.
(Tickets: $45 for couples or $25 for individuals, TMS members $20 each. Tickets must be purchased in advance by Oct. 16. Purchase tickets at TexarkanaMuseums.org/ events. The Ace of Clubs is located at 420 Pine St. More info: Call 903-793-4831 or visit TexarkanaMuseums. org.)