This 1954 version of the famous story about a singer on the rise (Judy Garland) and her alcoholic mentor (James Mason) is one of the most emotionally powerful of all Hollywood musicals. Veteran director George Cukor uses Technicolour and Cinemascope to their full potential, while Garland outdoes herself with a heart-stopping rendition of The Man Who Got Away. Digitally projected. Cameo Belgrave and Elsternwick Classic, today, noon.

2. McCABE AND MRS MILLER (120 minutes) 

Accurately described by Pauline Kael​ as "a beautiful pipe dream of a movie", Robert Altman's wintry 1971 anti-Western gives Warren Beatty one of his best roles as the doomed gambler McCabe, boastful, shy, foolish, altogether lovable. Julie Christie is Mrs Miller, the tough Cockney madam who helps him realise at least some of his dreams. 35-millimetre print. Astor, tomorrow, 4pm.

3. THE TRACKER (98 minutes) M

The first collaboration between director Rolf de Heerand star David Gulpilil​, this stripped-down 2002 fable marks a career highlight for both. Gulpilil plays the title character, a seemingly docile figure engaged by a group of police to help hunt down an Indigenous fugitive (Noel Wilton) in the Flinders Ranges. Screens as part of the Gulpilil retrospective at the Melbourne International Film Festival, with introduction by de Heer and co-star Gary Sweet. 35-millimetre print. Kino, today, 1.30pm.

4. MONSTER HUNT (111 minutes) M

In an imaginary version of ancient China, humans and monsters occupy different realms – but when they cross over, all hell threatens to break loose. Directed by the Hong-Kong-born former animator Ramen Hui, this zany fantasy-comedy delivers the goods: the special effects are lavish yet cartoonish, while the best of the sight gags are worthy of Stephen Chow (Kung Fu Hustle).  Selected.

5. KARRABING FILM COLLECTIVE SHORTS (82 minutes) Unrated

The Karrabing Film Collective is an "Indigenous-based media group" from the Northern Territory, which has been making shorts for the past few years in collaboration with anthropologist Elizabeth A. Povinelli​.  This showcase includes last year's When the Dogs Talked and the brand-new Windjarrameru, The Stealing C-ts, which follows a group hiding out in a polluted swamp.  Screens as part of MIFF. Kino, today, 6.30pm.