Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on July 2013

Alfred Hitchcock originally wanted the infamous shower scene in Psycho to unfold with the sound of running water and no music. Composer and long-time collaborator Bernard Herrmann said, “Just let me try something here, Hitch.” The resulting screeching violins became one of the most famous music cues in the history of cinema. Experience Herrmann’s all-string score come to life in a series of screenings accompanied by live orchestra from July 19-21 at Ueno’s Tokyo Bunkaka Kaikan (5-45 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo; http://cine-oke.com). Other classics given a musical makeover are Casablanca and Singin’ in the Rain. Tickets are expected to sell out, so grab yours early.

Many stories end with a couple marrying and living happily ever after. Those who get hitched at the start of the tale tend to experience more ups and downs, as can be seen in a program of Japanese films portraying married life in the ’50s and ’60s. On through July 27 at Laputa in Asagaya (2-12-21 Asagaya Kita, Suginami-ku; www.laputa-jp.com/laputa).

Forgotten classics get a revival at a program running at Cinema Vera (1-5 Maruyamacho, Shibuya-ku; www.cinemavera.com) through August 2. The lineup includes Judy Garland in Listen, Darling and Henry Fonda as Young Mr. Lincoln.