From July 4-24, the Film Forum will offer "The Freed Unit & The Golden Age of the MGM Musical," which pays tribute to the late producer. Producer Freed (1894-1973) created the longest string of movie musical hits in motion picture history. All films in the series are 35 MM prints, and, with the exception of "Cabin in the Sky," all are in color. The series is dedicated to the memory of Adolph Green, the famed lyricist who died earlier this year, and who worked on several of Freed's classic films.

"The Freed Unit" kicks off July 4 with the 50th anniversary screening of "The Band Wagon." Directed by Vincente Minnelli, "The Band Wagon" features a screenplay by Betty Comden and Adolph Green and songs by Howard Dietz and Arthur Schwartz. The film musical can also be viewed July 5, 6 and 7. On July 22, the Film Forum will offer "An Evening with Betsy Blair" at 7:30 PM. Blair, former wife of Gene Kelly who was nominated for an Oscar for her performance in "Marty," will be interviewed by author and film historian Foster Hirsch.

The remainder of the series follows:

July 8: "The Wizard of Oz" and "Cabin in the Sky"
July 9-10: "It's Always Fair Weather"
July 11-12: "Kiss Me, Kate"
July 13: "An American in Paris"
July 14: "The Pirate" and "Yolanda and the Thief"
July 15: "Easter Parade" and "The Barkleys of Broadway"
July 16: "Show Boat" and "Summer Holiday"
July 17-19: "Singin' in the Rain"
July 20: "Gigi"
July 21: "Good News" and "Royal Wedding"
July 22-23: "On the Town" and "Take Me Out to the Ball Game"
July 24: "Meet Me in St. Louis" and "The Harvey Girls"

The Film Forum is located in Manhattan at 209 West Houston Street. The box office can be reached by calling (212) 727-8110. Visit www.filmforum.com for more information.