By Jason KUROSU

On Saturday night, the first of six Robert Altman films will be showcased at the Alex Theatre, where the famed director’s career will be celebrated over the next five weeks, beginning with the award winning 1970 hit “M*A*S*H.”

Prospect House Entertainment and Glendale Arts continue their collaboration of screenings at the Alex Theatre. The Robert Altman event is part of their “In Person” series when screenings are paired with in-depth Q&A session with those involved in the subject’s films. Past “In Person” subjects include Malcolm McDowell and Gary Oldman, the James Bond 50th anniversary series and the Loretta Young Centennial Birthday Celebration, which featured a compilation of rare Loretta Young film clips and trailers, as well as live testimonials and exhibits of Loretta Young collectibles.

Saturday’s Q&A session will feature “M*A*S*H” actors Elliot Gould and Sally Kellerman. Also in attendance will be family members Kathryn and Michael Altman. The event will be moderated by David Levy, who produced eight Altman films.

Prospect House Entertainment CEO Tegan Summer described Altman’s career as that of a filmmaking pioneer, who “left such an imprint on the American film landscape.”

Altman was known in the industry for not compromising his creative vision.

“He should be remembered for how he made his films,” said Summer. “He went against the studios when he felt it was best for his picture.”

Summer also described the respect Altman garnered with his casts, not only using the same actors in multiple films but also utilizing large ensemble casts. Gould and Kellerman are among the actors who have starred in multiple Altman films.

“He was an actor’s director, who wonderfully fused dialogue and great stories into great films,” Summer said.

Other Altman films included in the series are “McCabe & Mrs. Miller,” “Kansas City,” “The Player,” “Gosford Park” and “A Prairie Home Companion.”

Since Glendale-based Prospect House Entertainment began presenting screenings at the Alex Theatre in 2012, a working relationship has evolved into what Summer hopes will be a tradition, “bringing in stars on a regular basis, in house, for the screenings.”

Summer began working with the Alex Theatre after becoming a regular patron of the theatre after moving to Glendale.

“The Alex Theatre has been seen as a cultural icon in recent years,” said Summer. “We felt it was really time to start fermenting something with the ‘In Person’ series.”

The next series presented by Prospect House Entertainment will cover highly praised tap dancing duo the Nicholas Bros. Summer said audiences could expect the screening in January.

The Robert Altman event begins with a red carpet opening at 7 p.m. The Q&A session will begin at 7:30 p.m. and the screening of “M*A*S*H” begins at 8 p.m. The Alex Theatre is located at 216 N. Brand Blvd. in Glendale. Tickets range from $11-$15.

  Jason Kurosu