Fine Arts Theatre
8556 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA
310-360-0455

The Cecchi Gori people did a fantastic spiff-up job several years ago on what had been a very plain theater. Now this single-screen venue, which specializes in first-run art and foreign films, has comfy seats, great sound and an elegant, Art Deco look that befits its high-rent location. Alas, this particular section of Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills is primarily corporate offices, so there are no cozy coffeehouses to duck into after the movie. There are, however, plenty of restaurants on nearby La Cienega Boulevard. The theater's concession stand sells cappuccino, bonbons and sparkling water, as well as the standard popcorn and sodas. Students with I.D. and senior citizens get a discount on tickets, and there are matinee and "twilight show" discounts, as well. With a ticket purchase, you get a four-hour parking validation at the Flynt Publication building on the corner of La Cienega and Wilshire, and there is plenty of metered street parking.