Lights

Written, directed by, and starring Spike Lee, this powerful, visual feast combines humor and drama with memorable characters while tracing the course of a single day on a block in the Bedford-Stuyvesant area of Brooklyn. It’s the hottest day of the year, a scorching 24-hour period that will change the lives of its residents forever. Danny Aiello and more co-star in this absorbing tale of inner-city life that heats up with vivid images and unforgettable performances.

Image credit: Universal Pictures

Did you know?

  • During the 1990 Oscar ceremony, while announcing the Best Picture nominees, Kim Basinger caused some controversy when she ignored her scripted text and said “We’ve got five great films here, and they’re great for one reason because they tell the truth. But there is one film missing from this list that deserves to be on it because, ironically, it might tell the biggest truth of all, and that’s Do the Right Thing (1989).” Spike Lee would later thank her for it in a 2019 episode of the podcast Unspooled.
  • Radio Raheem’s explanation of the love and hate rings he wears, is an homage to the speech that Robert Mitchum’s Preacher gives in The Night of the Hunter (1955), one of Spike Lee’s favorite movies. The preacher has “LOVE” and “HATE” tattoos on his knuckles.
  • Despite Da Mayor (Ossie Davis) and Mother Sister (Ruby Dee) being enemies in the film, the actors were actually husband and wife in real life and frequently performed together until Davis’ death in 2005.
  • Feature film debut of Martin Lawrence (Cee).

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! The Paramount Theater is pleased to bring diverse programming to the stage and screen. The Theater does not provide advisories about subject matter for events, as sensitivities vary. Not all events may appeal to, or be appropriate for, every person. Patrons are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the shows offered in order to make informed decisions prior to purchasing tickets.

In addition to show synopses, trailers, and reviews on our web events, other resources about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media, IMDb, and DoesTheDogDie.com as well as through general internet searches. For further questions, please contact the Box Office at 434.979.1333 or at boxoffice@theparamount.net, 10AM-2PM Monday-Friday + 1 hour before events.