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DON'T MISS!: MONSTER-RIFIC
Because of the Great Depression, Universal Pictures was teetering on the edge of bankruptcy in 1931 — at least until it released a pair of hugely popular horror classics that defined the studio for decades. Film Forum is kicking off a monthlong salute to Universal’s 100th anniversary with a double feature today, at various times, of James Whale’s “Frankenstein’’ and Tod Browning’s “Dracula” — showcasing iconic, unforgettable performances by Boris Karloff as the monster and
Bela Lugosi as the bloodthirsty count, respectively. The silent “The Phantom of the Opera’’ (1925),
starring Lon Chaney Sr., is showing at 7 p.m. only, with live piano accompaniment. The first weekend alone includes such must-see gems as Orson Welles’ “Touch of Evil’’ (1958) Steven Spielberg’s “E.T.’’ (1982) and Alfred Hitchcock’s “Shadow of a Doubt’’ (1943). 209 W. Houston St.; 212-727-8110, filmforum.org
— Lou Lumenick