The Capitol Theatre in historic downtown Rome, NY is having their fourth annual Drive-In Movie Night on Friday, July 29th at 7:00 PM. This yearly event features two back-to-back vintage B-classics (with intermission) and an old school drive-in atmosphere. The two films on this year's itinerary are 20 Million Miles to Earth and Mothra (1961).

Based on the serialized novel The Luminous Fairies and Mothra, Mothra (1961) is the cult classic that launched the long and illustrious career of one of Toho's most recognizable kaiju. When a corrupt businessman tries to profit off the discovery of two twin fairies, their guardian Mothra comes to the rescue, leveling all that lies in her path. Though not as well-known in the West as her 1964 brawl with Godzilla, this is the movie that codified the Mothra formula. Metamorphosis, twin fairies, and corrupt businessmen are essentials in the Mothra franchise and can trace their roots to this film. This would be the first of three movies featuring Mothra that would include the acting and vocal talents of The Peanuts, Emi and Yumi Ito. Comedian Frankie Sakai and relative newcomer Jerry Ito also pull-off memorable performances in this rather unique solo-monster bash.

Before ravenous fans of Japanese cinema will get their chance to see Mothra (1961) on the big screen, we'll be treated to a wonderful black-and-white classic from this side of the Pacific, 20 Million Miles to Earth. When the survivors of the first manned mission to Venus return with a mysterious biological specimen, little does planet Earth realize that it's about to play host to a strange reptilian being from afar. Another chance for Ray Harryhausen to show off his often lauded stop-motion talents, 1957's 20 Million Miles to Earth will definitely prove to be a great way to start the evening.

The Capitol Theatre has been serving the Rome/Utica area with fine entertainment since 1928. Admission for this event is $4.00 for adults and $1.00 for children. For more information about this and other upcoming events, for directions to the Capitol Theatre, or if you're interested in learning about the marquee restoration project, please visit www.romecapitol.com.