Thursday Happenings

Movies

-- When Jackie Chan's kung-fu comedy Police Story came out in 1984, it was one of the most lavishly choreographed action films in history. Featuring an array of stunts that put Chan's rubberized body into actual jeopardy, the film established the formula that Chan (and countless others) would follow throughout the rest of the eighties: a jokey police detective who happens to be a martial arts master gets into trouble, clears his name, and vanquishes the bad guy. Part of the series of free movie screenings at the Chinatown gate. 10 Hudson St., Chinatown, 7:30 p.m. Free. Bring your own chair.

Dancing Hipsters

-- Jamaica Plain's own Chris Devlin made some national noise as a producer for the rap crew Spank Rock, which blended minimalist electro beats with the party raunch of Baltimore club music. Devlin hosts the monthly Shake 'Em Down dance night with fellow local DJ Knife. Today, they bring Devlin's Spank Rock crony XXXChange behind the wheels of steel. Milky Way Lounge, 403 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, 9 p.m. Free.

-- Mambo Beat Club offers Cantabrigians the rare opportunity to break out their knee-high boots and get down to the international go-go music of the sixties. Learn how to say "mod" in six languages. Zuzu, 474 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, 10 p.m. Free.

Music

-- Federico Aubele's music makes us swoon almost as much as his good looks do. The Argentine brings his laid-back electro-beats to the Paradise, 967 Comm. Ave., 9 p.m. $12 /$15. (KS)

Kerry Skemp contributed to this post.
Still from Police Story courtesy Films at the Gate.