The American Cinematheque at The Egyptian Theater in Hollywood usually gives movielovers the chance to view, on the big screen, some of the most important and influential films of all time–but not during August 13th-19. On those enchanted evenings, my pop culture gurus Stephen Rebello (co-author of BAD MOVIES WE LOVE) and Alonso Duralde (author of 101 MUST-SEE MOVIES FOR GAY MEN) will be presenting 9 of the best worst movies ever made. In other words - MY kind of movies!
In addition there will be a "More Is More" fashion show/competition on August 13th and book signings each night! Here's the amazing line-up:Thursday, August 13 – 7:30 PM Double Feature:
KITTEN WITH A WHIP, (1964, Universal, 83 min.) Starring sassy Ann-Margret and John Forsythe. Directed by veteran TV helmer Douglas Heyes (THE TWILIGHT ZONE) from his screenplay based on a novel by Wade Miller, KITTEN WITH A WHIP is jam-packed with fake Beat Generation dialogue, a jazzy score, and an over-the-top performane by Ann-Margret at her snarly, vampy best.
THE LONELY LADY (1983, Universal, 92 min.) Camp superstar Pia Zadora plays a would-be screenwriter who gets abused by every man she encounters. Look for Ray Liotta and Lloyd Bochner in this ludicrous adaptation of Harold Robbins' trashy bestseller. Directed by Peter Sasdy (TASTE THE BLOOD OF DRACULA), this 80s classic was a multiple winner at the Razzie Awards, which in 2005 nominated it as one of the worst dramas ever made.Friday, August 14 – 7:30 PM Double Feature:
XANADU (1980, Universal, 93 min.) Director Robert Greenwald misguides Olivia Newton-John, Michael Beck and Gene Kelly through a romp that melds 1940s MGM musicals with the roller-disco fad of the late 70s. One of my favorite films of all time. You can read more about it and The Electric Light Orchestra here.
STAYING ALIVE (1983, Paramount, 96 min.) John Travolta returns to SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER territory in this ridiculous sequel. Tony Manero is now Broadway bound under the direction of Sylvester Stallone. Bob Mackie costumes, bad choregraphy and dumb dialogue make this one a laugh-out-loud winner. With soap star Finola Hughes and Cynthia Rhodes.Saturday, August 15 – "More is More" Fashion Show at 7:00 PM!
7:30 PM Double Feature:
MAHOGANY (1975, Paramount, 109 min.) After Oscar-winning director Tony Richardson bailed, Motown head honcho Berry Gordy stepped in to direct Miss Diana Ross in this soapy story of a spunky, ambitious glamour gal rising up from slums to become a famous international supermodel. Anthony Perkins and Billy Dee Williams come along for the wild ride.
A NEW KIND OF LOVE (1963, Paramount, 110 min.) Melville Shavelson directs Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward in this love story with the Parisian fashion world as a background. Eva Gabor, Thelma Ritter and Maurice Chevalier lend support.
Sunday, August 16 – 7:30 PM
LOST HORIZON, (1973, Sony Repertory, 150 min.) Director Charles Jarrott's notorious musical version of James Hilton’s novel about a plane crash. Songs by the usually great Burt Bacharach and Hal David, performed by actors who can’t sing. Produced by Ross Hunter (AIRPORT), starring Peter Finch, Liv Ullman, Sally Kellerman, Michael York and George Kennedy. Choreographed by Hermes Pan and scripted by none other than playwright and activist Larry Kramer (THE NORMAL HEART)!!!
Wednesday, August 19 – 7:30 PM Double Feature:
GLITTER (2001, 20th Century Fox, 104 min.) Director Vondie Curtis-Hall brings non-actress Mariah Carey to the big screen in this "what the fuck?" showbiz saga. Max Beesley, Terrence Howard and Dougsploitation favorite Ann Magnuson show up and save the day.
FROM JUSTIN TO KELLY (2003, 20th Century Fox, 81 min.) Need I say anything?
I will try to be there for as many of these screening as I can, since there are a few of these films that I have never seen. If you'd like to join in in the fun, you can order tickets here.
MAHOGANY (1975, Paramount, 109 min.) After Oscar-winning director Tony Richardson bailed, Motown head honcho Berry Gordy stepped in to direct Miss Diana Ross in this soapy story of a spunky, ambitious glamour gal rising up from slums to become a famous international supermodel. Anthony Perkins and Billy Dee Williams come along for the wild ride.
A NEW KIND OF LOVE (1963, Paramount, 110 min.) Melville Shavelson directs Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward in this love story with the Parisian fashion world as a background. Eva Gabor, Thelma Ritter and Maurice Chevalier lend support.Sunday, August 16 – 7:30 PM
LOST HORIZON, (1973, Sony Repertory, 150 min.) Director Charles Jarrott's notorious musical version of James Hilton’s novel about a plane crash. Songs by the usually great Burt Bacharach and Hal David, performed by actors who can’t sing. Produced by Ross Hunter (AIRPORT), starring Peter Finch, Liv Ullman, Sally Kellerman, Michael York and George Kennedy. Choreographed by Hermes Pan and scripted by none other than playwright and activist Larry Kramer (THE NORMAL HEART)!!!Wednesday, August 19 – 7:30 PM Double Feature:
GLITTER (2001, 20th Century Fox, 104 min.) Director Vondie Curtis-Hall brings non-actress Mariah Carey to the big screen in this "what the fuck?" showbiz saga. Max Beesley, Terrence Howard and Dougsploitation favorite Ann Magnuson show up and save the day.
FROM JUSTIN TO KELLY (2003, 20th Century Fox, 81 min.) Need I say anything?I will try to be there for as many of these screening as I can, since there are a few of these films that I have never seen. If you'd like to join in in the fun, you can order tickets here.
