She Likes to Watch

Movies under the moon

With Labor Day around the corner and fall almost upon us, the summer entertainment calendar is winding down.

Before you pack away your camp chairs and beach blankets, here are three final opportunities to enjoy movies in the great outdoors. Enjoy!

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What better place to watch “Young Frankenstein” than an actual castle?

Eagle Castle Winery in Paso Robles offers a screening of the Mel Brooks classic this Saturday, complete with wine, popcorn and ice cream.

One of the funniest, quirkest comedies ever, “Young Frankenstein” is a delightfully demented take on Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” (and James Whale’s classic movie adaptation). It’s crammed full of memorable jokes, characters and sight gags ranging from subtle to surprisingly bawdy.

Gene Wilder plays the title scientist, a descendant of the crazy old coot who first brought an undead monster to life.

At first, Dr. Frankenstein has no intention of following in Granddad’s footsteps. But the combined efforts of a hunchbacked assistant (Marty Feldman), a lovely lab partner (Teri Garr) and grandfather’s scary old beau (Cloris Leachman) soon convince him to give it a crack.

Whether you prefer Wilder’s patented weirdness, Feldman’s demented asides or Peter Boyle’s hilariously mute performance as The Monster, “Young Frankenstein” is a black-and-white beauty. Don’t miss this one.

Catch “Young Frankenstein” at 7 p.m. Saturday at Eagle Castle Winery, 3090 Anderson Road in Paso Robles. Tickets are $20 or $15 for wine club members.

The screening will be held in the so-called “Castle Courtyard” so be sure to bring blankets and comfortable chairs. Call 227-1428 for more information.

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Summer nights get sassy with “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” Saturday at Meridian Winery in Paso Robles.

The evening, dubbed “Cinema e Vino Paradiso,” begins with a wine tasting, followed by a gourmet Tuscan picnic and a movie screening at a scenic vineyard theater.

“Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” stars ’50s bombshells Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell as two singers on a transatlantic cruise. They flirt, frolic and remind audiences that “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend.”

The fun starts at 7:30 p.m. at Meridian Vineyards, 7000 E Highway 46 in Paso Robles. Tickets are $65 for wine club members and $75 for the public. Call 238-0095 to learn more.

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Family friendly entertainment is available at the Sunken Gardens in Atascadero.

The city’s free movie series continues Saturday with “Charlotte’s Web,” the 2006 live-action film starring Dakota Fanning and a host of Hollywood voices.

Based on E.B. White’s charming children’s book, “Charlotte’s Web” focuses on the unusual and touching friendship between Wilbur, a humble pig, and a kind, wise spider named Charlotte (voiced by Julia Roberts).

When Wilbur discover that he’s bound for the chopping block, Charlotte sets out to prove just how extraordinary he is. Thanks to Charlotte’s efforts, Wilbur survives and becomes a star attraction at the State Fair.

Vocal talents include Steve Buscemi, John Cleese, Oprah Winfrey, Kathy Bates, Robert Redford and Reba McEntire.

“Charlotte’s Web” will be screened at 8:15 p.m. at Sunken Gardens Park, 6500 Palma Ave. in Paso Robles. Bring blankets and low-backed chairs.

More info is available by calling 461-5000 or visiting www.atascadero.org.