Film

I have a lot of friends who have gone to Star Wars many times, but up until about a week ago, none of them had actually seen it. They enjoyed the ritual of getting to the Sack Charles Cinema at 8 p.m. to buy tickets for the 10 p.m. show, only to find that the 10 p.m. show had already been sold out.

But all that has changed now. This week I got tickets at 8:30 for the 10 p.m. show, and by the time the movie started there were still empty seats in the theater. Of course, it was a week night, but there should be hope of getting into the theater even on a weekend.

Star Wars is a very entertaining movie that is fun to watch, if only to catch all the special effects. The plot isn't exactly sophisticated-it's basic good guys against bad guys. And guess who wins? (I won't tell because it might spoil the movie for you.) But now that it's not selling out all the time, you can make the trip downtown and actually get in to see the movie. May the force be with you.

CAMBRIDGE

BRATTLE (876-4226)

The Assassination. Through Tuesday, at 5:40 and 9:50, with Sansho the Bailiff at 7:35.

Starting Wednesday, July 6: Buster Keaton Film Festival.

CENTRAL I (864-0426)

Badlands. Through Tuesday, at 6:00 and 9:45, with The Sugarland Express at 7:45.

Starting Wednesday: The Godfather (Part I) at 5:30 and 8:45.

CENTRAL II

My Man Godfrey. Through Tuesday, at 6:24 and 9:45, with Midnight at 8:05.

Starting Wednesday: Shadow of a Doubt at 6 and 9:30, and Ministry of Fear at 7:50.

GALLERIA (661-3737)

Rocky gives it his best shot at 1:15, 3:25, 5:30, 7:45, and 10. All shows Mon. and Tues. only $1.50.

HARVARD SQUARE (864-4580)

Friday and Saturday, July 1 and 2

The Late Show at noon, 3:50, and 7:50, with Chinatown at 1:35, 5:30, 9:40. Midnight Show: Nashville.

Sunday, July 3

Seven Beauties at 1, 4:35, and 8:15, and The Garden of the Finzi-Contini at 3, 6:35 and 10:15.

Monday, July 4

Small Change at 1, 4:25, 7:55, and Elvira Madigan at 2:50, 6:15, and 9:45.

Wednesday, July 6

Therese and Isabele at 1, 4:20 and 7:45, and Camille 2000 at 2:45, 6:05 and 9:30.

Thursday, July 7

The Front at 1:30, 4:45 and 8:05, and Murder By Death at 3:10, 6:25 and 9:45.

OFF THE WALL (354-5678)

The Moving Picture: 2nd Annual Summer Animation Party, a collection of animated films, at 7:30 and 10, special $1.50 showings Fri. at midnight Sat. and Sun. at 5, Mon. and Tues.

Starting July 6: Maple Sugar, a collection of shorts by members of the National Film Board of Canada. Showtimes remain the same.

ORSON WELLES I

Harlan County, USA at 4, 6, 8 and 10. Midnight Show: The Song Remains the Same, switching to The Harder They Come on Wed., July 6.

ORSON WELLES II

Man on the Roof at 4, 6:05, 8:15 and 10:15 through Tuesday, along with The Harder They Come at midnight. Starting Wednesday: House of Wax at 4, 5:45, 7:45, 9:20 and midnight.

ORSON WELLES III

Welcome to L.A. at 4, 5:50 and 7:45, through Tuesday with Harold and Maude at midnight. Starting Wednesday: Man on the Roof at 4, 6:05, 8:15 and 10:15, and Play It Again, Sam at midnight.