Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski is a simple guy: He likes drinking White Russians, bowling with his league of batty friends, smoking doobies, soaking in the tub — sometimes while smoking a doobie — and driving around in his 1973 Ford Torino. But when when he's mistaken for a millionaire with the same name, The Dude's carefree lifestyle is rudely interrupted by some nihilist thugs, who break into his pad, rough him up and pee on his rug, all while demanding repayment of a hefty debt he knows nothing about. When he visits the "real" Jeffrey Lebowski to demand recompense for his ruined rug, he finds himself unwittingly drawn into a kidnapping plot that turns his world upside down. Arguably one of the Coen Brothers' best films and featuring Jeff Bridges in his most unforgettable starring role, The Big Lebowski only gets better with repeat watchings. Beach Theatre has screened the film several times of late and the next presentation takes place on Friday night. Here's hoping they don't run out of White Russian mix. Fri., April 4, 10:30 p.m., Beach Theatre, 315 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach, $8, 727-360-6697, beaththeatre.com.
This article appears in Apr 2-8, 2008.