FOXES (1980)
Directed by Adrian Lyne
Starring Jodie Foster, Cherie Currie, Scott Baio, Kandice Stroh, Sally Kellerman, Marilyn Kagan, Randy Quaid
SUBURBIA (1984)
Directed by Penelope Spheeris
Starring Chris Pedersen, Bill Coyne, Jennifer Clay, Flea, Timothy O’Brien, Wade Walston, Maggie Ehrig
Crowd forming outside the Aero in Santa Monica for Sneak Preview of Malignant, September 9, 2021. Photo: Matt Average
MALIGNANT (2021)
Director: James Wan
Starring: Annabelle Wallis, Maddie Hasson, George Young, Michole Briana White
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)
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)
More great marquee action from the Laemmle Royal Theatre. As I always say, these marqees are a bright spot for me these days. (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 (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)
