Holy promotion! Two Malco theaters are hosting programs of bat-activities Saturday to coincide with the opening of "The Dark Knight."

Batman himself (or at least a costumed representative of the hero) will be at the Stage Cinema, 7930 Highway 64, from 6-8:30 p.m. to pose for pictures, for the price of a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Also, a silent auction of Batman items will take place from 6 tonight to 10:30 p.m. Saturday; winners will be contacted Sunday and Monday.

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Movie reviews John Beifuss reviews "The Dark Knight" starring Christian Bale and Heath Ledger. Watch »

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Batman and Joker costume contests will be held at the theater at 7:20 p.m. Saturday. A "Joker Run" poker contest will take place about the same time. Numerous Bat-prizes and other giveaways will be awarded.

Meanwhile, the Cordova Cinema at 1080 Germantown Parkway will be transformed into "Gotham City" on Saturday. Batman, the Joker, the Scarecrow, Harley Quinn and other bat-characters will be on hand to pose for pictures, and youngsters are asked to come in costumes of their own for a contest that will run from 1 to 5 p.m.

Pictures will be taken of kids who show up in costume during that time; later, judges -- including blues diva Ruby Wilson, "the Queen of Beale Street" -- will pick the winners, who will be called Monday. Prizes include numerous "Dark Knight" souvenirs and other goodies.

A raffle will take place at the theater during that time. Prizes include a Memphis Grizzlies "fan pack," a Downtown carriage ride and a stay at the Wingate Inn. Raffle winners also will be called Monday. Proceeds will go to support the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation for breast cancer research.

--John Beifuss: 529-2394