The Caltech Library's free outdoor movie nights have drawn so much neighborhood interest that the Wednesday, July 8, screening of the 2005 "Pride and Prejudice" reached capacity by Monday, June 30, more than a week before showtime. Two more screenings remain open for registration.

The library announced the sellout on its official Instagram account, noting that the Sherman Fairchild Library Amphitheater has limited space and that Caltech and JPL-affiliated community members and their guests receive priority. The library asked members of the general public who hadn't already secured a spot not to attend.

The series, titled "Classical Literature, But Make It Y2K," pairs classic novels with their late 1990s and early 2000s film adaptations. It opened Wednesday, June 24, with "10 Things I Hate About You," the 1999 teen comedy drawn from Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew." The sold-out July 8 screening features Joe Wright's PG-rated adaptation of Jane Austen's 1813 novel, starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen.

Next on the schedule is "A Knight's Tale," the 2001 Heath Ledger adventure rooted in Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales," on Wednesday, July 29, from 8 to 10 p.m. The film is rated PG-13. According to the Caltech LibCal event page, registration is required and 50 spaces are available. The event organizer listed is Paula Gaetos.

A fourth screening is scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, at 8 p.m. An Instagram post from the Caltech Library identifies the film as "She's the Man," the 2006 comedy based on Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night." Registration details for that screening had not yet appeared on LibCal as of publication.

All screenings take place at the Sherman Fairchild Library East Amphitheater, in the courtyard bordered by Olive Walk and San Pasqual Walk on the Caltech campus at 1200 East California Blvd. Attendees should bring their own blankets, pillows, or outdoor chairs. Free popcorn is provided. Parking on campus does not require a permit after 5 p.m. on weekdays, according to Caltech Parking and Commuter Services.

The series has run for several summers. Last year's theme was "imagined futures," featuring science fiction titles including "Wall-E" and "The Matrix."

For registration and details on remaining screenings, residents can visit libcal.caltech.edu or call 626-395-3405.

Upcoming community events in Pasadena:

  • Wednesday, July 29 — "A Knight's Tale" outdoor screening, Caltech Sherman Fairchild Library East Amphitheater, 8–10 p.m. Free; registration required at libcal.caltech.edu.
  • Wednesday, August 12 — Summer Outdoor Movie Night, same location, 8 p.m. Free; check libcal.caltech.edu for registration.