Four Glendale non-profits are hosting the third annual outdoor film series on the lawn of the Doctors House in Brand Park. 

Originally inspired by a documentary screening by The Glendale Historical Society about the renovation and relocation of the historic Doctors House, members of the Alex Film Society (AFS) noticed that the park location was a perfect setting for a series of classic films from Hollywood’s Golden Era. AFS quickly contacted the Community Services and Parks Dept. of the City of Glendale to reserve its outdoor projection facilities. Brand Associates and the Northwest Glendale Homeowner’s Association, two groups with a keen interest in the arts and community events, joined the effort, providing much needed outreach and support. The four groups reached out to their members with email notifications in hope of attracting an audience.  

Admission to all events is free and this year’s series is supported by a grant from Glendale’s Arts and Culture Commission.

A determined group of attendees marked their calendars for screenings on the last Saturday of June, July, August and September. Many opted to make the occasion a sort of mini-Hollywood Bowl night with elaborate picnic dinners and snacks.  

The slate of films offers something that works for the charter of each of the partners. A good historical connection always works for TGHS and Brand Associates promotes the Brand Library and Arts Center so music, graphic arts and dance is in their wheelhouse. The Alex Film Society’s mission is to encourage classic film exhibition and it is deeply involved in the film acquisitions and special guests.  

The 2025 series will launch with Walt Disney’s 1955 animated classic “Lady and the Tramp” on Saturday, June 28. Doors open at 6 p.m.; movie begins at 7:30 p.m.

“Lady and the Tramp” is the first feature length animated film to be presented in CinemaScope; it will be preceded by Chuck Workman’s Oscar-winning short, “Precious Images,” an assembly of clips from historic films. Glendale-based animation writer, producer and director Frank Gladstone will introduce the film with historic insights. 

  July’s feature is the 1944 Paramount film noir classic “Double Indemnity,” a double dealing thriller with several Glendale references. An eye-catching cartoon from the same era will introduce this offering.  

August will offer MGM’s “That’s Entertainment!” from 1974.  Those who can’t agree on a favorite musical or dance movie should stick around to enjoy dozens and dozens of clips from the MGM vault.  

The final date in September will find Peter Sellers making mayhem in “The Pink Panther Strikes Again” (1976). One of the funniest entries in the series, the group hopes to honor the old showbiz maxim to “Always Leave ‘em Laughing!”

Classic Films Under the Stars is presented by: The Alex Film Society, Brand Associates, The Glendale Historical Society and The Northwest Glendale Homeowner’s Association with support from Glendale Community Services & Parks and Arts and Culture Commission.