The not-for-profit incorporation, dedicated to restoring the historic vaudeville theater, will be presenting films old and new in the coming months.

On May 20 and 21 at 7 p.m. at the theater located at 1476 Miner St. in downtown Des Plaines, "Old Time Comedy Night" (1930s) will be held. Classic bits from the Three Stooges ("Disorder in the Court"), Our Gang ("The Follies of 1938"), Laurel and Hardy ("The Flying Deuces"), Abbot and Costello (selected short performances), as well as cartoons sprinkled in, will be shown.

On June 3 and 4th at 7 p.m. "Our Town" (1940) in conjunction with the Taste of Des Plaines, will be shown. Starring William Holden, it is the touching film adaptation of Thornton Wilder's classic play, the story of growing up and growing old and of love and death in small town America. Rated G.

June 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (1969) will be shown. It's the story of two desperadoes, memorably played by Paul Newman and Robert Redford. Rated PG

July 1 and 2 at 7 p.m. "Independence Day", the 1996 blockbuster starring Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, Viveca Fox and Bill Pullman, will be shown. Rated PG-13

July 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. "Night of the Living Dead" (1968) will be shown at the theater. Terror comes to the Des Plaines Theater in the form of the horror classic directed by George Romero. A scary examination of what happens after radiation brings the dead to life, with terrifying hunger. (Not rated, but "Night of the Living Dead" may not be suitable for younger viewers).

July 29 and 30 at 7 p.m. "The Lucky Texan" and "The Big Show" (1934). John Wayne and Gabby Hayes scorch the desert in "The Lucky Texan". In "The Big Show", singing cowboy Gene Autrey, who himself performed lived several times on the stage of the Des Plaines Theater makes a belated return. Rated G.

Ticket prices are $5; $4 for members of the Des Plaines Theater Preservation Society, senior citizens and children under 12. Children under four years of age are free.

Local residents and organizations are invited to hold their benefit or event at the Des Plaines Theater. In early April, the Des Plaines Arts Council filled the theater and raised nearly $1,000 for their scholarship fund.

For more information, call 847-803-1875.

Individuals interested in joining the Des Plaines Theater Preservation Society for $25 will receive a t-shirt, button, a newsletter, advance notification of Society events, discounts and access to special members' only events.

The Society is always looking for a helping hand. Join as a volunteer and become part of the team making Des Plaines a better place to live, raise children and enjoy life. Openings are available in all areas including front of house, publicity, grant writing, artistic coordination, projectionist and community outreach.