A Classic in Its Own Right

There are certain movies that one can fully appreciate only after watching on the big screen. Even a 52-inch plasma television can't do these classics justice. And unless you remember 1958, then you probably missed experiencing Alfred Hitchcock's "Vertigo" in theaters.

The Charles Theatre in Baltimore is in week 20 of a 25-week series spanning the career of one of history's best filmmakers. "Vertigo" begins a three-show run Saturday, followed by other classics, including "North by Northwest," "Psycho" and "The Birds."

The theater is Baltimore's equivalent of the American Film Institute's Silver Theatre in Silver Spring, Landmark's Bethesda Row Cinema and Landmark's E Street Cinema in the District. All four play indie flicks, the occasional indie-wunderkind-turned-mainstream-hit (think "Juno"), special series and foreign films.

Where the Charles differs is in its ambiance and its audience. The 108-year-old brick building, once used as a cable car barn, has been a movie theater since 1939 and retains most of its original structure. The exposed brick, a lobby draped with Christmas lights and a retro ticket booth designed by Maryland native Jonathan Maxwell makes the theater comfortably historic.

Located in the city's emerging arts district, the theater is 1 1/2 miles from the Baltimore Museum of Art and close to trendy restaurants such as Tapas Teatro, which offers reasonably priced Mediterranean tapas and a lengthy wine list. The Charles usually draws a mod 20-something crowd from Baltimore area universities rather than the older, professional crowd that frequents Washington's indie theaters.

About 100 people turned up last month for a Saturday showing of Hitchcock's "The Man Who Knew Too Much," including Alan Lyles and his 21-year-old daughter, Emily, from Bel Air.

"You could rent [the movie], but it is a totally different experience," Emily Lyles said. Both said it was better than watching it in their pajamas at home, and Emily added that she liked that the theater showed the movie in its original 35mm format rather than a restored print.

Mike Anderson, a film projectionist and former general manager at the Charles, says "Vertigo" will be especially interesting for filmgoers watching it for the first time on the big screen because of a technique Hitchcock used called the dolly zoom. The shot rapidly distorts the background, while the foreground remains still.

The approach makes James Stewart's vertigo in the film just as nauseating and nightmarish for viewers. Anderson said the feeling can't be duplicated by watching the movie on television. For the full effect, he said, "it has to totally surround you."

-- Amy Orndorff

IF YOU GO"Vertigo" screens Saturday at noon, Monday at 7 and Thursday at 9. The matinee show is $6; evening shows are $8. Bring cash: The theater doesn't accept credit cards, and there is a charge to use the ATM in the lobby.

WHERE IS IT?1711 N. Charles St., Baltimore. Metered street parking and $2 garage parking is available.

FOR MORE INFORMATION410-727-3456 or http://www.thecharles.com.

HAVE MORE THAN THREE HOURS? The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr., is free and only 1 1/2 miles away. Call 443-573-1700 or visit http://www.artbma.org.