By Charly SHELTON

There is something special about seeing a movie on the big screen. It brings back memories of going to the movies with your parents and friends, seeing the now classic films in their heyday when they were new. Nobody expected “Pirates of the Caribbean” to be such a success. In fact, they expected it to be a failure and a black spot on the record for all involved. But it took off and spawned some iffy sequels and the rest is history. But if you saw it on the big screen, you will remember that for the rest of your life. I was in Westwood at the Bruin Theater and it was only my second movie I ever reviewed. That sticks with you. And the same goes with James Bond films.

My dad and I have been attending the Alex Film Society’s Bond anniversary screening series. Tuesday was the last of five Bond films screened – “Live and Let Die.” My dad told me about seeing it on the big screen for the first time in January of 1973 for his brother’s birthday. Gloria Hendry, who starred as Rosie Carver, was in attendance and shared stories about being on set with Roger Moore, being the first black Bond girl and what it was like to work with alligators at the farm. Her stories, much like David Hedison’s from previous screenings, really made you feel what it was like to be on set, hanging out with Bond.

This is something I will remember because seeing a movie on the big screen is an event, more than seeing it on a TV, no matter the size. A DVD player is no replacement for a projector.

The Alex has many other screenings that will affect audiences in the same way to help them relive memories for those who have seen it and to make new memories for first timers. Check the website at www.alextheatre.org to see a full schedule of screenings.

The historic Alex Theatre is located at 216 N. Brand Blvd. in Glendale.

  Charly Shelton