Lakeside Theatre Presents Series of Thursday Evening Films

On July 5, the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums kicks off its summer series of free Thursday night summer movies at Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park, announced Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi. The lineup of films in July is as follows:

July 5: “Over the Hedge” (2006). Directed by Mike Newell, the film from DreamWorks Animation follows the antics of a group of animals who awake from winter slumber to discover that a large green hedge has emerged in the middle of their habitat. The film then follows their efforts to co-exist with their suburban neighbors. The movie stars the voices of Bruce Willis, Garry Shandling and Wanda Sykes. (NOTE: THIS PERFORMANCE HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO THREATENING WEATHER CONDITIONS.)

July 12: “Casablanca” (1942). Widely considered one of Hollywood’s greatest films, “Casablanca” stars Humphrey Bogart as a cynical American nightclub owner in Morocco during World War II who gets caught up in a love triangle with Ingrid Bergman amidst the intrigue of that Vichy-controlled city. The film won an Academy Award for Best Picture and Director.

July 19: “Ant Bully” (2006). This animated film centers on Lucas, a 10-year-old boy who is bullied and in turn takes his frustration out on the ants in his backyard, before they shrink him down to size. Forced to become a member of their ant colony before he can win his freedom, Lucas learns the value of friendship and teamwork and helps the colony avoid destruction. The movie stars the voices of Julia Roberts, Nicolas Cage and Meryl Streep.

July 26: “The Birds” (1963). A classic Alfred Hitchcock suspense film set in a California seaside town in which birds have massed and begin to attack and kill humans, “The Birds” stars Rod Taylor and Tippi Hedren.

August 2: Pink Panther (2006). Loosely based on the classic 1964 comedy starring Peter Sellers, the film follows the bumbling Inspector Clouseau (Steve Martin), who must solve the murder of a famous soccer coach and discover who stole the Pink Panther diamond. In addition to Martin, the cast includes Kevin Kline and Jean Reno.

August 9: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989). The third in the series of "Indiana Jones" movies follows Jones (Harrison Ford0 and his father (Sean Connery) as they search for the Holy Grail being sought be the Nazis.

August 16: Charlotte's Web (2006). Based on the classic children's novel by E.B. White, "Charlotte's Web" follows the adventures of Wilbur the pig, who knows he might end up on the dinner table at the end of the season. To avoid that fate, Wilbur collaborates with Charlotte, a spider that lives in his pen. The film stars the voices of Julia Roberts, Steve Buscemi and Oprah Winfrey.

August 23: Casino Royale (2006). In this 21st film in the long history of James Bond flicks, Bond (Daniel Craig) investigates a wealthy casino owner funding terrorists. The film also stars Eva Green and Mads Mikkelson.

August 30: Wizard of Oz (1939). This timeless favorite stars Judy Garland as the Kansas girl Dorothy Gales who is swept away by a tornado into a magical land, where she seeks the Wizard who can help her return her home. The film also stars Frank Morgan, Bert Lahr and Ray Bolger.

Movies begin at dusk at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, located near Parking Fields 6 and 6A in Eisenhower Park. Special accommodations are available for disabled patrons, including reserved parking, easily accessible restrooms and a convenient reserved location on the hill. Assitive hearing devices are available for the hearing impaired. Since there is no formal seating at Lakeside, concert-goers are urged to bring folding chairs or blankets.

If weather conditions appear threatening, call 516-572-0355 after 7 p.m. for updated performance information.