L.A.’s Playful pastimes

Downtown L.A. is home to some stunning movie houses, and what better way to see and enjoy these historic treasures than by watching a classic film. This summer, the L.A. Conservancy will once again sponsor films and live entertainment in the Broadway Historic Theater District, on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. over a six-week period starting June 2. If you like revivals, this lineup is sure to delight you. The fun starts at the Orpheum, with a screening of the landmark 1933 Busby Berkeley musical 42nd Street, starring Ginger Rogers. Setting the tone for the evening will be live performances by Dean Mora’s Modern Rhythmists Swing Show, featuring singing and dancing to music of the ’20s and ’30s. The lovely Veronica Lake will once again be onscreen June 9 at the Palace, in Preston Sturges’ 1941 Tinseltown satire, Sullivan’s Travels. The evening will include a tribute to Sturges by critic Leonard Maltin. Sci-fi junkies, take a night off from the hype and that galaxy far, far away and drop by the Los Angeles Theater the following week for another glimpse of Robby the Robot and Leslie Nielsen in Forbidden Planet. George Takei, a.k.a. Sulu of Star Trek fame, will be hosting a reunion of cast members before the show, and props and memorabilia will be on hand for viewing. The series rounds out with Aventurera, Born Yesterday and the silent-movie classic It. And heck, why not come early and scout around for a place to enjoy a cold drink and some interesting eats before the show? Downtown on a warm summerly night . . . ahhh! The 13th Annual Last Remaining Seats, 24-hour hot line at (213) 896-9114.