Metro Classics

Presidential nominee Barack Obama may have a plan, and a timetable, to get us out of Iraq. Meanwhile, through Sept. 24 in the U District, this series of 10 repertory titles promises to immerse us in conflict—or at least the countries that participated in World War II, with the additional incentive of Lee Marvin fighting on every front. The first three Wednesdays feature the Axis powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan), and the next three salute the Allies (Britain, France, and Russia . . . which sorta swung both ways, but let’s ignore that, shall we?). Confusing? Sure, but upcoming flicks like The Dirty Dozen, Pickpocket, Ikiru, and I Am Cuba are always worth watching on the big screen. Deutschland is the focus tonight with two classic silent movies: 1920’s The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (screened twice) and 1924’s The Last Laugh (at 8 p.m.). The first is a highly influential German Expressionist nightmare, the second a marvel of visual storytelling in which Emil Jannings delivers a magnificent performance as a man who defines his self-worth by his job (and hotel doorman’s uniform), then loses them all. (NR) Metro, 4500 Ninth Ave. N.E., 781-5755, www.landmarktheatres.com. $7–$10. 6:30, 8, and 9:40 p.m. BRIAN MILLER
Wed., July 30, 6:30, 8 & 9:40 p.m., 2008