Catch ‘Eternity’ on the big screen today

Even with the advance in home technology, nothing quite beats watching a movie on the big screen. Even with the threat of interruption — phones going off, people munching on popcorn, putting their feet up on the seats or gabbing as if they're sitting in their own living rooms — the very scope of a big screen can help convey the kind of atmosphere that movies were always intended to create.

And for those of us who enjoy classic films, the blend of a treasured film from the past — even (or especially) one that is rendered in black and white — and a big screen is a hard thing to pass up.

So, Inland Northwest moviegoers will have two chances to see the 1953 film "From Here to Eternity" today at both two Regal Cinemas locations: NorthTown Mall and Coeur d'Alene's Riverstone Stadium. Showings will be at 2 and 7 p.m.

"From Here to Eternity" was directed by Fred Zinnemann and was adapted from the novel by James Jones. It stars Burt Lancaster, Deborah Kerr, Frank Sinatra and Donna Reed — the last two of whom won Best Supporting Oscars. The film won eight Oscars in all, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Cinematography (black and white).

The film tells the story of a U.S. Army company on the eve of World War II, keying on the various quarrels and love affairs — especially the secret affair involving the characters played by Lancaster and Kerr.

But I hardly need explain "From Here to Eternity" to anyone vaguely familiar with it. It feature one of Hollywood's iconic images: Lancaster and Kerr on the beach.

It's in the embed below. Enjoy.