Salute stars who took a bow in 2008

Saying goodbye to Heath Ledger, Paul Newman and other luminaries was tough in 2008. Starting tonight, fans will get a special — and free — chance to remember the good times.

“You Must Remember This,” a series featuring the year’s first eight films, pays tribute to some of the movie favorites who died last year. The screenings will be at Mount Pony Theater, which is on the Packard Campus of the Library of Congress’ National Audiovisual Conservation Center in Culpeper.

Newman’s “Cool Hand Luke” will be shown at 7:30 tonight, and the series continues with Ledger’s “10 Things I Hate About You” at 2 p.m. Saturday and Richard Widmark in “Pick Up on South Street” at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

The series continues with Roy Scheider in “All That Jazz” at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 9, Suzanne Pleshette in “The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin” at 2 p.m. Jan. 10, Charlton Heston in “Planet of the Apes” at 7 p.m. Jan. 13, Cyd Charisse in “The Band Wagon” at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16 and Newman again in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” at 2 p.m. Jan. 17.

Then there’s a double-feature tribute to Ann Sothern at 7 p.m. Jan. 20, with “Let’s Fall in Love” and “Smartest Girl in Town.”

It’s a chance to see classic films, including ones preserved by the Library of Congress, and remember the stars shining at full power.

Screenings are free, but you’ll need reservations, so check the Web site to review the procedure for asking for a “stand-by” card for seating that’ll be available 10 minutes before showtime — if any seats are left.

For future screenings, it’s best to call to make reservations at least one week ahead.