A Month of Dark and Stormy Nights–Mostly
Ever since I learned about this October’s offerings, I’ve been looking forward to writing this column.
Starting on Oct. 3, we have “Young Frankenstein.” Many call this one of the funniest films ever and I would be loath to disagree. Following close on the heels of “Blazing Saddles,” Mel Brooks, along with Gene Wilder who wrote the screenplay, bring us this comic homage to James Whale’s masterpiece of expressionistic horror, using many of the techniques and set pieces that made the 1931 classic so memorable.
Likewise the cast, without exception, hits every comic beat with precision. This is the perfect film to start off this spookiest month of the year and, as this is part of the Disney Restoration Series, you will be getting a pristine print of the film. It will screen twice on Oct. 3 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The next movie on the list isn’t scary, but is just as funny. “Quartet” takes place primarily at Beecham House, a retirement home for artists. Though the occupants have fallen into a complacent routine, this is shattered by the arrival of the legendary Jean Horton, played by the equally legendary Maggie Smith.
To say her arrival causes a measure of disruption would be an understatement, mostly due to her past history, which, in part has something to do directly with one of the other occupants. Also of note is that this film was Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut. Being part of the 50 Movies You May Not Have Seen, But You Should series, it will screen on Oct. 5 at 6:30 p.m.
Getting back into the spirit of the month, we have “The Old Dark House.” This is the second time I mention James Whale, who imbues this film with an oppressive, heavy atmosphere which is perfect for a movie like this.
Following a tried and true formula of a couple lost in a storm finding shelter in the titular House, all manner of terror awaits them. (With the cast including Boris Karloff, Charles Laughton and Raymond Massey, what else could be expected?) It will screen on Oct. 10 at 9 p.m.
They say there’s one in every crowd, and nowhere is this more apparent than what the Widescreen Roadshow Series has in store for us this month. Monsters? Aliens? Mad slashers? Nope. How about Fanny Brice? “Funny Girl” is sort of the white sheep of the family here but no less welcome.
This highly fictionalized biopic about the rise of one of the top-rated comic stars of the ‘20s and ‘30s stars Barbra Streisand in a career-establishing role. Lavishly produced and filled with rousing, soulful musical numbers, this was the cinema event of 1968.
As this is part of the Widescreen Roadshow series, there will be so much more than just the movie – so make sure to be there on Oct. 11 at 11 a.m. to enjoy the way movies used to be presented.
Now back to the spooky, or in this case, suspenseful stuff. Writing about “Psycho” presents something of a challenge in that so much has been written about this Hitchcock classic that I am hard-pressed to say anything new about it.
Filmed on the cheap, using the same crew as was being used for his television program, it just goes to show one doesn’t need to spend a ton of money to make a film that will endure through the ages. Seeing it on the big screen, however, will always be a treat. Seeing it for free is even better. It will show on Oct. 15 at 6:30 p.m.
And what October would be complete without a tribute to Ed Wood? Known as one of the worst directors of all time, our favorite horror royalty, Lord Blood-Rah, returns to host his annual Halloween Party with a special nod to this infamous director.
The festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. with food, drink, prizes, raffles and so much more, capped off with a showing of “Bride of the Monster” and the legendary “Plan 9 From Outer Space,” both featuring Bela Lugosi. Clear your calendar on Oct. 17. You won’t want to miss this.
The Certain Women series presents a film that sort of flew under the radar upon its release, which is a shame as it was, and is, an audacious coming-out-of-left-field kind of movie we need much more of.
“The Love Witch” comes at us from a variety of different angles. On the surface, it looks for all the world as if it was originally filmed sometime during the ‘60s or ‘70s. Bearing all the hallmarks of an old exploitation movie, it follows a lonely witch, looking for love, though the techniques she uses leave much to be desired. Directed with an eye towards the surreal, Anna Biller brings something new to something old. It will show on Oct. 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Squeezed in somewhere this month, The International Film Showcase presents a story about legends being made, not born. The name of one of the two central characters in “Mr. Burton” is Richard Jenkins so it might be imagined, strictly by the title, that the lion’s share of screen time would go towards the titular character, played with perfection by Toby Jones.
For the most part, you would be correct. After all, Jones’ character name is Phillip Burton, a teacher in Wales. It is one particular student, who has theatrical aspirations, however, who the film is really about – I’ll leave you to figure out who he turns out to be. No dates have been set yet, but keep checking internationalshowcase.org or orindamovies.com for additional information and showtimes
Thus far, we’ve dealt with the weird and the strange but have steered clear of the downright nightmare-inducing. “Dead of Night” fixes that. This is one of those anthology movies so the terror and unease is multiplied with an ending that may drive you to the brink.
Made in 1945, this film set the tone for many more films to come – It’s even reported this movie may have been the inspiration for “The Twilight Zone.” For a truly unsettling afternoon at the movies, show up on Oct. 25 at 1 p.m.
Lastly, we’re going to conclude the way this column began – by mentioning Matías Bombal’s Hollywood series, which will show the original 1931 “Frankenstein.” It will also be the last time I mention James Whale, who directed this landmark film.
Like the aforementioned “Old Dark House,” this movie is very heavy on expressionistic atmosphere and just as frightening. It also served as a template for how the monster is perceived. Bombal will also be on hand to speak further on this film’s history. It’ll serve as a great prologue to the rapidly approaching last day of the month.
So, that’s it and as always, veer towards those wonderful (dark) images made from sound and light – for that’s where the reel magic lies.
