Places are starting to reopen here in California. I have no idea how long that will last, or if we will ever close down again at all. With the vaccines getting around, and after a year of “we’re turning a corner” only to see the numbers rise it’s tough to be positive about much at the moment.
That said, the Nuart opened it’s doors up last Friday, March 19, 2021. No idea when the midnight movies will return, but I’m looking forward to that moment when I can sit in my seat, finish my soda and candy before the trailers finish, and watch whatever classic horror is projected onto the big screen. It will be epic. (MA)
“I see you shiver with anticipation.” Photo by: Matt Average
The legendary Nuart Theatre switched up their marquee recently with this quote from The Rocky Horror Picture Show, “I see you shiver with anticipation.”
For those who don’t know, The Nuart was one of the first movie theatres to begin showing Rocky Horror on a regular basis back in 1976. I have yet to attend a screening of that movie there, but I do know the line tends to wind around the building, and the crowd is full of hardcore fans. When we are finally able to return to the movie theatres safely I will definitely go and get in line
I’m also missing seeing this beautiful marquee lit up at night, and look forward to the nights when it’s lit up advertising whatever movie is playing on the screen, as well as their Friday midnight programming. Someday….. (MA)
FROM DUSK TILL DAWN (1996) / WHOSE STREETS? (2017)
While the movie theaters here in Los Angeles remain closed due to the pandemic, The Royal marquee communicates to the passerby on the present situation. Sometimes funny, sometimes poignant. I’m thankful to whoever puts these marquees together every week. A much needed light in gloomy times. (MA)
Tell me about it! Another one from the marquee at the Laemlee Royal. This one is referencing Mel Brooks comedy from 1977. A little bit of clever humor from the person putting these marquees together goes far these days. (MA)
More marquee mania greatness from the Laemmle Royal theatre. This one comments on the current situation with one of my all time favorite movies, Escape from New York (1981), and coming soon, one I’ve never seen before, What Happens in Vegas (2008). But the suggestion from that title gave me a much needed laugh. (MA)
While the movie theaters remain closed, The Laemmle Royal marquee remains active with weekly updates that offer commentary on what’s happening, sometimes with movie titles, as you will see in some future posts coming up soon.
It’s certainly a bleak time for those of us who love going to the theater, but these marquees give me a boost when I see them and make it slightly easier to keep on keeping on until the doors reopen and we can all sit down and shut out the world via the big screen. (MA)
The Brood / Scalpel double bill at the New Beverly, March 10, 2020. Photo: Matt Average
THE BROOD (1979)
Director: David Cronenberg
Starring: Oliver Reed, Samantha Eggar, Art Hindle
SCALPEL (1977)
Director: John Grissmer
Starring: Robert Lansing, Judith Chapman, Arlen Dean Snyder, Sandy Martin
Before the world went down the toilet, and all the movie theaters were temporarily closed, I was able to catch the double bill of The Brood, and Scalpel at the New Beverly. This was part of their month long series of double bills as they originally played in Los Angeles. The Brood print was pretty good, despite how old it is. Scalpel was the surprise of the night for me. It’s no masterpiece, but it’s entertaining, and one I would watch again.
I look forward to the time when the theaters reopen and we can all sit in the dark and escape from daily life, with a soda at hand, and a couple of vegan hotdogs. (MA)
Pulp Fiction at the New Beverly Cinema, November 29, 2019. 25th anniversary! Photo: Matt Average
PULP FICTION (1994)
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, John Travolta, Bruce Willis, Amanda Plummer, Tim Roth, Ving Rhames, Uma Thurman, Eric Stoltz, Frank Whaley, Phil LaMarr, Rosanna Arquette
So this is a couple weeks past due. and whatever. But the Aero Horrorthon really lasts for more than just one night. It becomes a way of life. It creeps into your mind and soul. Movies you may have seen many times before become more than a movie, they become this sort of experience. Yes, you may have seen The Thing, or Halloween III a few hundred times, but those viewings were never as great as they are on the big screen in at the Aero. Even bad movies like Ruby are somehow not so bad at 1 in the morning in a crowded room and your mind is starting to disintegrate. Months later you find yourself singing the song to the 1980s Census commercial, or looking up Dennis Parker on YouTube and thinking everyone should be in agreement that “Like an Eagle” is a great song. People who have shared the experience all have inside jokes, and “I’ll give you a ride” becomes a signifier that you are in the know. To not know who Corn Gorn is, or Wizard Cop, or Candy from Randy is is a life half lived. (MA)
This year’s line up was Critters (1986), Halloween II (1981), Ruby (1977), Lisa and the Devil (1972), Butcher, Baker, Nightmare Maker (1981), Demonoid: Messenger of Death (1980), The Crazies (1973)
Candy from Randy loose on the streets of Santa Monica.
Telly Savalas, the mayor of Duluth, and Grant Moninger.
