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American Cinematographer (1976) - A preview of Filmex

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In celebration of the United States Bicentennial, and to pay tribute to America's only original art form, the Los Angeles International Film Exposition for 1976 plans extended and widely varied programs

The 1976 Los Angeles International Film Exposition (Filmex), now the world's largest public film event, opens on March 21 with the world premiere of Alfred Hitchcock's 53rd film "FAMILY PLOT", and a tribute to the renowned director.

The film will be shown at Putt's Century Plaza Theatre in the ABC Entertainment Center, Century City. The black‑tie pre‑release world premiere will be followed by a special "Filmex Society Salute to Alfred Hitchcock" at the Century Plaza hotel. All proceeds from the dual‑event benefit will go to Filmex.

"FAMILY PLOT" was selected as the unanimous choice of the Premiere Committee. Wendy Goldberg, President of the Filmex Society and Chairman of the Committee, noted that the Hitchcock Salute marks the first time that Filmex will combine its traditionally festive opening premiere with a banquet tribute to a filmmaker. Details of the "Salute" are being kept secret because of the "highly unusual activities being planned."

"FAMILY PLOT" begins its national theatrical engagement in selected theatres on April 9, three weeks after the Filmex premiere.

Complete with the obligatory searchlights scanning the night skies, Putt's Century Plaza Theatres I and Il in the ABC Entertainment Center, Century City took on a magic aura for FILM '75. This year the ultra‑modern complex will again serve as the site of the Los Angeles International Film Exposition with a greatly augmented program schedule and many gala events planned.

"In the spirit of our nation's Bicentennial it is most appropriate that Filmex 76 honor Mr. Hitchcock on the occasion of his 76th year," said Essert. "The world has had a long cinematic love affair with Mr. Hitchcock, one of the few 'marquee‑name' filmmakers identifiable by moviegoers everywhere, and Filmex is proud to honor him."

"FAMILY PLOT", a Universal Picture release, stars Karen Black, Bruce Dern, Barbara Harris, and William Devane, with co‑stars Ed Lauter, Cathleen Nesbitt, and Katherine Helmond. Set against the background of a large American city, it is in the finest Hitchcock tradition. The film springs from our times, and it reflects two phenomena which have become widely familiar via the media: kidnapping and psychic practice. Hitchcock spent over a year preparing this latest project with Ernest Lehman, whose screenplay is based on Victor Canning's novel, "The Rainbird Pattern."

Tickets for the film and Hitchcock "Salute" are $125 each (tax‑deductible) and are available for reservation now. Tickets for the film only will be available beginning March 7 by mail order, and March 14 at the Filmex box office in the ABC Entertainment Center. For additional information contact Filmex headquarters at (213) 846‑5530 or P.O. Box 1739, Hollywood, USA 90028.