CHINATOWN (1974)(R) Thu 5/28: 7:30 pm Hosted by Point Place Cinema Club

CHINATOWN is a 1974 American neo-noir private eye mystery film directed by Roman Polanski and written by Robert Towne. It stars Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway, with supporting performances from John Huston, John Hillerman, Perry Lopez, Burt Young, and Diane Ladd. The film's narrative, set in 1930s Los Angeles, is loosely inspired by the California water wars—early 20th-century conflicts over water rights that enabled Los Angeles to access resources from the Owens Valley. Produced by Robert Evans and distributed by Paramount Pictures, Chinatown was Polanski's final film made in the United States and is considered a landmark of the film noir genre, blending mystery and psychological drama.

Released on June 20, 1974, Chinatown received widespread critical acclaim for its direction, screenplay, cinematography, and performances—particularly those of Nicholson, Dunaway and Huston. Chinatown led the 47th Academy Awards with 11 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director (Polanski), Best Actor (Nicholson), and Best Actress (Dunaway), with Towne winning for Best Original Screenplay. At the 32nd Golden Globe Awards, the film received a leading 7 nominations, including Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama (Dunaway) and Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture (Huston), and won a leading 4 awards, including Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director and Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama (Nicholson). It also received a leading 11 nominations at the 28th British Academy Film Awards, including BAFTA Award for Best Film, BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role and BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, and won a leading 3 awards – Best Direction (Polanski) and Best Actor in a Leading Role (Nicholson). In 2008, the American Film Institute ranked it #2 on its list of the top ten mystery films. In 1991, it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." It is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made.

A sequel, , was released in 1990, with Nicholson reprising his role and directing. Towne returned as screenwriter, but the film received mixed reviews and failed to replicate the success of its predecessor.

THIS IS AN INDOOR CINEMA EXHIBITION. PLEASE PURCHASE ONE (1) TICKET PER PERSON.

ONE (1) admission ticket is required PER PERSON! If tickets are not available on Eventbrite, please purchase your tickets at the box office on the day of the event.

FAQ's

WHAT TIME DOES THE MOVIE START?

CHINATOWN starts on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 7:30 pm. .

WHAT TIME CAN I ARRIVE?

Attendees will be allowed to enter the auditorium up to 60 minutes prior to show time.

WHERE DO I PARK?

Free parking is available in the parking lot adjacent to the Gardena Cinema on the north side.

WHERE IS GARDENA CINEMA?

Gardena Cinema is located at 14948 Crenshaw Blvd, Gardena, CA 90249.

HOW DO I REDEEM MY TICKET?

Upon purchase, ticket will be emailed to you as a PDF attachment from Eventbrite. When you arrive to the event, please show the entrance attendant the bar code on your ticket at the entrance to the cinema, either by holding up your printed version, or by displaying it on your phone or smart device. Attendant will scan it to check you in, and you'll be good to go into the auditorium!

CAN I BRING FOOD / SNACKS?

NO! This is an indoor screening. Please do not bring outside food or drinks inside the cinema. Tasty refreshments and fresh popped popcorn will be sold at the cinema snack bar.

WILL YOU HAVE RESTROOMS?

YES! Gardena Cinema's lobby, snack bar, and restrooms will be open.

MAY I BRING MY PET WITH ME?

Sorry, PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED INSIDE THE ACTUAL CINEMA BUILDING, (where restrooms and snack bar are located).

WILL YOU BE HOSTING MORE OF THESE?

YES! We intend to continue curating and programming some of the BEST cinema in Los Angeles County! We provide both an intimate Drive-In style setting, as well as traditional indoor cinema experiences. Please support by following us on Instagram and Facebook -- we'll keep you posted on our screenings and events! @GardenaCinema

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Website: www.gardenacinema.com

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