You don’t have to be Ebenezer Scrooge to see visions of what is, has been, and will be at the Loew’s this season. An ideal way to get into the holiday spirit is to check out the Loew’s Jersey Movie Palace on Journal Square in Jersey City on Dec. 6 for children’s activities and two screenings of classic films.
Starting at 12 p.m., children 12 and under are welcome to visit Santa for free in the lobby of the theatre. Polaroid photos with Santa will be available for $2 each. Parents who bring an unwrapped toy for a needy child will get a free photo for their child with Santa.
"We want our patrons to get into the holiday mode and enjoy what we have to offer," said Loew’s spokesman Colin Egan.
Following the Santa photo session, parents are encouraged to take their kids to the screening of the classic 1970 film Scrooge. Presented in the theatre’s main auditorium, this family-friendly screening of the musical adaptation of Scrooge is based on the Charles Dickens novel A Christmas Carol. The film, directed by Ronald Neame, successfully managed to put a fresh face on the familiar holiday tale. Similar to musicals like Oliver! and My Fair Lady, Scrooge boasts an energetic, memorable score by Leslie Bircusse, imaginative and colorful sets and costumes, and an eclectic cast. Albert Finney’s memorable portrayal of "Scrooge" has become the trademark for the character, according to Egan.
"You’ll be greeted by a vision of Christmas present and have a chance to take home memories for Christmas future," Egan said.
After the Scrooge matinee, Loew’s will present Alfred Hitchcock’s 1945 film Spellbound. Starring Gregory Peck and Ingrid Bergman, this Hitchcock romantic movie is a non-stop psychological thriller about a psychiatrist played by Peck who arrives at a posh mental asylum claiming to be the new director. Bergman is a doctor at the asylum who falls in love with Peck’s character. Surrealist painter Salvador Dali designed the dream sequences in the film.
The Loew’s Jersey Theatre is at 54 Journal Sq. in Jersey City. Admission for the movies is $6 for adults and $4 for seniors and children. For information call (201) 798-6055 or visit www.loewsjersey.org. q