Great Escape: Movie Screenings in a Cemetery and a Rudolph Valentino Memorial Service

If you've never been to the Cinespia film screenings at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, now is the time. Think of it as a drive-in movie without the car—or a "great escape" to the great beyond—but don't worry, it's not for good.

The film series, now in its 10th year, takes place on the Fairbanks Lawn next to the crypt housing Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and Sr.  Bring a picnic, pillows and blankets. Alcohol is permitted, but no high back chairs, dogs or barbecue grills. Sit back and listen to a DJ spin tunes before the screening. Films are digitally projected against the west wall of the cemetery's Cathedral Mausoleum, where Rudolph Valentino rests in peace.

This Saturday, Aug. 20, see the The Jerk, directed by Carl Reiner, starring Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters. Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho will be screened on Aug. 27.

Founded in 1899, the cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic sites and is the final resting place of  famous studio heads, writers, directors and hundreds of Hollywood’s greatest stars, including Johnny Ramone, Cecil B. DeMille, Jayne Mansfield, Peter Lorre, John Huston, Estelle Getty, Don Adams and more. 

Gates open at 7 p.m. and the screening is at 8:30 p.m. Pre-sale tickets are available online for $10. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door. Parking on grounds is $10. 

If the surroundings intrigue you, come back again on August 23 at noon for the 84th Annual Rudolph Valentino Memorial Service. The event will include a reading of Valentino’s original poetry, video presentations, live musical performances, and keynote speakers.

Get your spook on and go.

For more info on the screenings, go to www.cinespia.org

For information on Hollywood Forever Cemetery, go to www.hollywoodforever.com