Orson Welles fest at Aero

Orson Welles, at least in my house, is at the top of the list of great American directors, so the chance to see a selection of his key films on the big screen -- which is what’s on tap for the American Cinematheque’s Aero Theatre in Santa Monica -- is always welcome. The series, titled “Rogue Genius: An Orson Welles Retrospective,” starts Wednesday with “Confidential Report/Mr. Arkadin” and “Journey Into Fear,” and continues with “The Trial” and “Macbeth” on April 9, the irresistible “Touch of Evil” and “The Lady From Shanghai” on April 10 and the classic “Citizen Kane” and “The Magnificent Ambersons” on April 11.

-- Kenneth Turan