‘Rear Window’ featured on Front Street

Little Dog Cinema’s husband and wife duo Ronnie and Lee Ann Venable teamed up to present Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 classic “Rear Window” on Front Street Saturday.

The couple screens and helps create movie events in the Hattiesburg area. More than 150 people attended the showing of “Rear Window,” a suspense film starring James Stewart and Grace Kelly.

The downtown community has sponsored the films, including such businesses as Click Boutique & Gallery, Southern Fried Comics and Twelve Oaks Accessory Garden. The couple said that one of Little Dog’s goals include connecting to local artists, photographers and filmmakers to the community and network smaller businesses.

“It is not just about the feature film; it is about getting local artists and local entertainment out into the community,” Ronnie Venable said.

Attendees were excited not only for the film, but for the location of the showing.

“It was a lot fun watching a classic movie outside,” Hattiesburg resident Betty Press said. “Front Street works great as a natural amphitheater, and afterwards, you can join the other downtown events. It’s like going to the drive-in, only instead of a car we bring our camp chairs.”

Several USM students also came out for the movie showing.

“It was an interesting and effective way to introduce a younger crowd to classic films,” senior Jesse McDonald said. “Best of all, it was free.”

Marketing professor Jayme Foster said the event helped  draw the community together.

“It brings the community together - families and people of all ages,” Foster said. “I overheard someone tell Ronnie, ‘This is really great. It’s like watching a movie with the whole neighborhood.’”

Little Dog Cinema will be screening “Charade” in Kamper Park at the Hattiesburg Zoo Saturday at 7:30 p.m. For upcoming events and information on movie screenings, visit Little Dog Cinema’s Facebook page.