Though my allegiance has switched over to the Landmark, many film lovers in Los Angeles regard the Arclight as the best multiplex in town. It programs studio pictures right alongside esoteric indies, it offers great concessions, its screenings are commercial-free and it schedules cool events with celebrated films and filmmakers. This Wednesday, tickets go on sale for one of those very events. In fact, this one may be the coolest in awhile.

To celebrate its 40th year of existence, the American Film Institute is taking over the Arclight for one night and screening 11 classic movies. Each film will be introduced by either the film's director or one of its stars, all of whom are Hollywood legends. The event unspools on October 3rd at 7:00 p.m., but tickets go on sale this Wednesday at AFI.com or at the Arclight box-office. Each ticket goes for $25 and includes soda and popcorn.

FILMS SCREENING & PRESENTERS

Spartacus - Kirk Douglas
The Birds - Tippi Hedren
The Sound of Music - Julie Andrews
Bonnie and Clyde - Warren Beatty
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Next - Jack Nicholson
Rocky - Sylvester Stallone
Star Wars - George Lucas
When Harry Met Sally... - Billy Crystal and Rob Reiner
Beauty and the Beast - Angela Lansbury
Unforgiven - Clint Eastwood
The Shawshank Redemption - Morgan Freeman

Photo courtesy of horrortaxi via Flickr