News Release

50th Anniversary of “The Love Bug” to be Celebrated at the LBJ Ranch in “Movies Under the Stars” Series

Date: July 6, 2018
Contact: Dave Schafer, 830-868-7128 ext. 235

Johnson City, Texas -- Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park continues its popular outdoor “Movies Under the Stars” series on Saturday, July 14, with the screening of Walt Disney’s “The Love Bug.” This comedy features a Volkswagen Beetle nicknamed “Herbie.” Herbie has a mind of his own. During a series of adventures and races, Herbie becomes the focus of much attention from a race car driver named Jim Douglas, Jim’s love interest Carole Bennett, and the film’s villain, Peter Thorndyke. The film starts at dusk and will be presented on a large outdoor screen at the LBJ Ranch near Stonewall. Access to the ranch begins at 7:00 pm. 

This year marks the 50th anniversary of “The Love Bug.” Released in 1968, the film stars Dean Jones, Michele Lee, David Tomlinson, and Buddy Hackett. Based on a 1961 book by Gordon Buford titled “Car, Boy, Girl,” the film delighted audiences and became a box office hit. “The Love Bug” continues to charm hearts with its timeless fun. 

The Johnsons enjoyed inviting guests to their ranch to show some of the biggest films of the 1960s and early 1970s. For modern visitors, the Movie Under the Stars series is a great way to enjoy timeless classics while enjoying a night of family fun on the LBJ Ranch—just like friends of the Johnsons experienced.   

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and refreshments. The program is offered free of charge. Entry to the LBJ Ranch is located north of US Highway 290, just off of Ranch Road 1. Parking is available near the movie site. In case of inclement weather, call 830-644-2396 for updates on possible postponement.
  
The LBJ Ranch hangar visitor center will be open from 7:00 pm through the end of the film. Visitors are welcome to explore the interactive exhibits and shop the Western National Parks Association sales outlet. A movie trivia contest will precede the film.

This year’s Movies Under the Stars series will feature one more movie. On Saturday, September 22, visitors can enjoy “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” another film originally released in 1968.  

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park is open seven days a week from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. For more information call 830-868-7128 ext. 231 or 244, or visit www.nps.gov/lyjo and www.facebook.com/LBJohnsonNPS.

More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 417 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice, and YouTube www.youtube.com/nationalparkservice. For more information on the NPS Centennial visit www.nps.gov/subjects/centennial/index.htm.