With a stellar lineup of new films, the International Arts Society Film Series is returning stronger than ever for spring.

How often have students spent half a paycheck on admission to their local theater, only to be force-fed the most recent formulaic Hollywood trash? Unfortunately, in this era of Cineplex highway robbery and Freddie Prinze Jr. movies, the answer is most likely "too often."

The IAS Series is here to put a stop to bad movies at bad prices.

Attending the IAS Film Series is absolutely free. Just go in, get comfortable, and enjoy any of the 14 cinematic gems that have been unearthed and resurrected for the big screen.

Professor of English Charles Scruggs is the head promoter of the series, and said he enjoys the satisfaction of introducing the public to these films.

"They give us a different perspective upon the human situation," Scruggs said.

As a film lover, Scruggs also admires the depth of the films and how well they relate to today's society.

"These are films which challenge your intellect as well as your emotions," he said.

Tonight's feature is the classic Billy Wilder film "The Apartment," starring the late Jack Lemmon as well as Shirley MacLaine and Fred MacMurray. It is the story of an executive (Lemmon) climbing the corporate ladder by letting his superiors use his apartment as a sanctuary for their extramarital affairs.

Scruggs said he has a true appreciation for Wilder's films.

"He just has this wonderful sense of comic timing," he said.

Last year's showing of Wilder's "Some Like It Hot" drew large crowds and roars of laughter.

"It was a huge success for us," Scruggs said. "He just has this wonderful sense of comic timing."

Debra White-Stanley, a graduate teaching assistant in the department of English, loves the assortment not only of the films but also of the audiences they attract.

"When you attend these screenings, you meet professors, students, alumni and interested people from the community, who come together for the love of cinema," she said.

The films, chosen by a committee, include pieces from more than 10 countries and range from the early 1937 films to modern movies created in 2000.

"We like to find a mix of comic and tragic, the old and the new," Scruggs said.

An eclectic mixture of films keeps the Series fresh and interesting.

For instance, there is little known Norwegian film, "Junk Mail" (playing Jan. 25), which is a charming comedy/thriller/romance about a voyeuristic postman.

"Junk Mail" is a strong contrast to the 1987 drama "Matewan" (playing Feb. 8), which concerns a miner's strike in a small West Virginian town.

Tom Tykwer's "Run, Lola Run" was a huge 1999 success, but few are familiar with "The Warrior and The Princess" (playing April 26), which he made only a year later.

Scruggs added that just because it is the "International Arts" Film Series, this in no way means that the films are "artsy." They do not leave the audience floundering in confusion at the whim of some artistic crusade.

"These are films which will make you talk," he said.

Films in the series show every Friday night at 7:30 in the Modern Languages auditorium.

For further information, contact Charles Scruggs at Scruggs@u.arizona.edu.