Hitchcock's THE BIRDS Among Films in TCM Event Series, Beg. Today, 9/19

NCM® Fathom Events and Turner Classic Movies (TCM) event series featuring four newly restored titles commemorating Universal Pictures' 100th anniversary begins with Alfred Hitchcock's THE BIRDS today, Sept. 19.

The series continues with a double feature on Wednesday, Oct. 24 with "Frankenstein" and "The Bride of Frankenstein" followed by a special 50th Anniversary edition of "To Kill a Mockingbird" on Thursday, Nov. 15.

Each event will begin at 7:00 p.m. local time, with special matinees in select theaters at 2:00 p.m. The series will feature newly restored versions of the films created by Universal in celebration of its 100th Anniversary and will also include a specially-produced TCM introduction by film historian, author and TCM host Robert Osborne, who will take audiences behind the scenes for each of these American classics with unique insights into their making.

The "TCM Event Series"will be presented using new digital cinema projection systems in select movie theaters around the country. Tickets to the series are available at presenting theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. For a complete list of presenting theater locations and prices, please visit the web site (theaters and participants may be subject to change).

"The Birds" event on Sept. 19 will bring back Alfred Hitchcock's chilling 1963 masterpiece, telling the tale of modern rich socialite Melanie Daniels and the strange behavior of birds north of San Francisco. As birds in the hundreds and thousands are attacking anyone they find outdoors, there is no explanation, and survival becomes the priority. Osborne will share an exclusive interview he conducted specifically for this special presentation with the film's star Tippi Hedren filmed earlier this year at the Classic Film Festival in Hollywood. Hedren reveals how "Hitch" hand-picked her to play the part of Melanie Daniels, and also how the movie that launched her career also practically ended it. Osborne will reach deep into the TCM Archives to share more on-set stories from Hedren's co-stars Rod Taylor and Suzanne Pleshette.

Just in time for Halloween, the double feature of "Frankenstein"and "The Bride of Frankenstein" on Oct. 24 will reintroduce audiences to the famous story of brilliant scientist Henry Frankenstein and his experiments on the re-animation of lifeless bodies. His fiancée, Elizabeth, and friend Victor Moritz are worried about his health as he spends far too many hours in his laboratory on experiments. The creature he's brought to life escapes, and soon the villagers rise up, intent on destroying the murdering creature. The sequel finds Dr. Frankenstein and his monster both alive; but a mad scientist, Dr. Pretorius, kidnaps Dr. Frankenstein's wife and forces him to create a new female companion for the original monster. The original 1931 film and its 1935 sequel-both starring Boris Karloff-will be introduced with exclusive interviews conducted at this year's TCM Classic Film Festival, including conversations with Karloff's daughter Sara Karloff, Bela Lugosi, Jr. (son of the classic "Dracula" star), and Academy Award®-winning make-up artist Rick Baker. All three will discuss classic horror movies, how legendary icons like Karloff and Lugosi helped define the genre, and how today's horror films measure up to the classics.

The series continues on Nov. 15 with a special 50th Anniversary screening of "To Kill A Mockingbird," based on Harper Lee's 1961 Pulitzer Prize winning book. Oscar® winner Gregory Peck plays Atticus Finch, a lawyer in a racially divided Alabama town in the 1930s. The event will feature a special TCM-produced introduction and historical commentary featuring Osborne.

"This Event Series is a rare opportunity for fans of these four legendary films," said Shelly Maxwell, executive vice president of Fathom Events. "Not only will fans experience these Hollywood classics on the big screen once again, but TCM Host Robert Osborne will give fans an exclusive insight into the stories behind the making of each classic."

As part of Universal's 100th Anniversary this year, a commemorative 50th Anniversary release of "To Kill a Mockingbird" is currently available on Blu-ray™/DVD. Coming to Blu-ray™ for the first time, "The Birds" will be released as part of the "Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection" on Sept. 25. Also premiering on Blu-ray™, "Frankenstein" and "Bride of Frankenstein" will be included in the "Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection" available Oct. 2.

NCM operates NCM Media Networks, a leading integrated media company reaching U.S. consumers in movie theaters, online and through mobile technology. The NCM Cinema Network and NCM Fathom Events present cinema advertising and events across the nation's largest digital in-theater network, comprised of theaters owned by AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK), Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) and other leading regional theater circuits. NCM's theater advertising network covers 181 Designated Market Areas® (49 of the top 50) and includes over 19,000 screens (over 18,100 digital). During 2011, approximately 680 million patrons (on an annualized basis) attended movies shown in theaters in which NCM currently has exclusive, cinema advertising agreements in place. The NCM Fathom Events live digital broadcast network ("DBN") is comprised of over 700 locations in 170 Designated Market Areas® (including all of the top 50). The NCM Interactive Network offers 360-degree integrated marketing opportunities in combination with cinema, encompassing 42 entertainment-related websites, online widgets and mobile applications. National CineMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: NCMI) owns a 48.6% interest in and is the managing member of National CineMedia LLC. For more information, visit www.ncm.com or www.FathomEvents.com.

Turner Classic Movies is a Peabody Award-winning network that presents great films, uncut and commercial-free, from the largest film libraries in the world. Currently seen in more than 85 million homes, TCM features the insights of veteran primetime host Robert Osborne and weekend daytime host Ben Mankiewicz, plus interviews with a wide range of special guests. As the foremost authority in classic films, TCM offers critically acclaimed original documentaries and specials, along with regular programming events that include The Essentials, hosted by Robert Osborne and Drew Barrymore, and the month-long 31 Days of Oscar® in February and Summer Under the Stars in August. TCM also stages special events and screenings, such as the TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood and the TCM Classic Cruise; produces a wide range of media about classic film, including books and DVDs; and hosts a wealth of materials at its website, http://www.tcm.com. TCM is part of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company.

Academy Awards® and Oscar® are both registered trademarks and service marks of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

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