The Des Plaines Theater Preservation Society will present one of the most popular westerns of all time on June 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. in downtown Des Plaines.

The film will be shown in a wide screen presentation at the historic theater in downtown Des Plaines, 1476 Miner St., at the corner of Lee/Mannheim across from the Des Plaines Metra station. Nearby free parking is available. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for members, seniors and students; and children under five are free. The film is rated PG and stars Paul Newman, Robert Redford and Katharine Ross, directed by George Roy Hill and written by Highland Park born William Goldman.

Outlaws or Robin Hoods? History or Fiction? You decide, but "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" is still one of the best buddy movies ever made.

Historians are still unsure of the actual fates of the trio who came to be known as Los Banditos Yanquis in Bolivia in 1908, but there is no doubt about the powerful and sexy chemistry of the movie's stars. Newman (as Cassidy), Redford (as the Kid) and Ross, as their companion Etta Place, deliver great performances as the outlaws.

More great movies continue on July 1 and 2 with the 1996 mega-action alien invasion picture "Independence Day" starring Will Smith. On July 15 and 16 the Society presents Drive-in Movie Madness with George A. Romero's classic horror story, "Night of the Living Dead". July 29 and 30 bring John Wayne and Gene Autrey moseying into town for a double feature of "The Lucky Texan" and "The Big Show". The Society will soon announce exciting films for August and September leading up to the theater's 80th birthday in October.

Residents can display their support for the restoration of the Des Plaines landmark by marching with the Society at the July 4th parade. Call the Society at 847-803-1875 to find out how to get involved.