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| Series compiled by
Andrew Crane, Dennis Bartok, Gwen Deglise and Chris D., with the special
assistance of Martin Lewis, Greg Stanton and Frank Brash. |
| Special
Thanks to: Marilee Womack/WARNER BROS. CLASSICS; Schawn Belston/20th CENTURY FOX;
Germaine Simiens/NEW HORIZONS; Fritz Herzog/ACADEMY OF MOTION PICTURE ARTS & SCIENCES
– Film Archive; Grover Crisp and Mike Schlesinger/COLUMBIA PICTURES; Amy
Lewin/PARAMOUNT PICTURES REPERTORY; Paul Ginsburg/UNIVERSAL DISTRIBUTION; Mark Haggard;
John Kirk and Latanya Taylor/MGM-UA; Stuart Lisell; Marvin Paige. Special Offer! The following programs indicated as "Children's
Matinees" will be subject to a special discount. For every general admission adult
ticket purchased, one child 12 or under will be admitted for free. Child must be present.
Valid for tickets purchased at the box office only. Programs that are part of this special
offer are: WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY and BUGSY MALONE.
|
| Tickets available
30 days in advance. Tickets are $9 general admission unless noted otherwise. Programs
listed as double features are two films for one admission price. |
| Sold out programs will
be indicated here if sold out 24 hours in advance of screening date. Available tickets
will be released at the door. |
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| The Film Programs of the American
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| Photo Credit: Randall Michelson. Detail of Egyptian
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| <<<
May 22 - June 1, 2003 >>> |
| Can't Stop the Musicals: A
Celebration of Hollywood Musicals of the 1970's & '80's Co-Presented with OUTFEST
As MOULIN ROUGE and CHICAGO have reignited audience
interest in movie musicals, we thought it was time to look at two decades not normally
thought of as rich territory for filmed musicals: the 1970’s and 1980’s. While
some of these musicals came straight from the Broadway stage (A CHORUS LINE, 1776),
others were highly original (TOMMY, WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY). Other
films we can look at much more fondly (XANADU, THE APPLE) as a couple of decades
have softened our critical (and musical!) expectations. Our series opens with a Bob Fosse
Tribute with CABARET and ALL THAT JAZZ, and kicks into high gear with a trio
of rock musicals: ROCK ‘N ROLL HIGH SCHOOL, PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE and TOMMY.
There is something for everyone from children (BUGSY MALONE) to headbangers
(THIS IS SPINAL TAP) to Streisand fans (FUNNY LADY and YENTL), to those
looking for a forgotten gem like THE FIRST NUDIE MUSICAL. Pull on your tights,
strap on a guitar and a glitter wig, or just bring your enthusiastic voice and energy as
we explore the musicals of the 1970’s and 1980’s in all their big screen glory!!
Thursday, May 22 – 7:00 PM
Bob Fosse Tribute Night – Actor Michael York In
Person!!
CABARET, 1972, Warner Bros., 123 min.
Director/choreographer Bob Fosse’s mad, desperate, thoroughly outrageous
adaptation of Kander & Ebb’s Broadway musical stars Liza Minnelli in an
Oscar-winning performance as cheerfully depraved sprite Sally Bowles, falling in love with
naïve writer Michael York in 1930’s Berlin, while the shadow of Nazism
spreads across Europe. Co-starring Joel Grey as the devilish host of the sinful Kit Kat
Klub. Winner of eight Academy Awards, including Best Director, Cinematography (Geoffrey
Unsworth) and Supporting Actor (Grey).
ALL THAT JAZZ, 1979, 20th Century Fox,
123 min. Intense, compelling musical based on the life of its director, choreographer and
screenwriter, Bob Fosse. Roy Scheider stars as an obsessed, womanizing,
pill-popping, chain-smoking Broadway choreographer and director who pays the ultimate
price for his insane, creative lifestyle. The movie probably has the only musical number
set during open-heart surgery, and kudos go to Gwen Verdon as Fosse’s loyal
ex-wife and Ann Reinking playing his patient mistress. Discussion between films with actor Michael York (CABARET) and
songwriter Mike Stoller (ALL THAT JAZZ) and dancer Jennifer Nairn-Smith (ALL THAT JAZZ).
(schedule permitting).
Friday, May 23 – 7:00 PM
Mary Woronov, Allan Arkush and Michael Finnell In
Person!!
ROCK ‘N ROLL HIGH SCHOOL, 1979, New World,
93 min. Dir. Allan Arkush. Rebel party girl and The Ramones’ biggest
fan, P.J. Soles, converts both fellow high school misfits and conservative students alike
to the joys of the black leather quartet’s intoxicating brand of punk pop, something
which leads to open rebellion against the teachers, in particular, dictator principal Miss
Togar (Mary Woronov). Perfectly captures a teenager’s mindset where food
fights and anarchy are equated, and blowing up the school building is the best antidote
for a boring Saturday night - ! Discussion
following with actress Mary Woronov, actor Vincent Van Patten, director Allan Arkush and
producer Michael Finnell (schedule permitting). *Ramones fans should note that we will be
showing a new documentary about the Ramones on
May 29th!
Friday, May 23 – 9:30 PM
New 35 mm. Prints! Actor/Composer Paul Williams In
Person!!
PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE, 1974, 20th
Century Fox, 92 min. Dir. Brian De Palma’s vivid re–imagining of The Phantom of
the Opera is at once camp, surreal, dazzling and heartbreaking. Cutthroat record producer
Swann (Paul Williams, who also wrote the fine score) steals both the music and the
girl from composer Winslow Leech (William Finely). Horribly disfigured in an attempt to
reclaim his artistic credit, Leech becomes The Phantom at Swan’s new rock palace, The
Paradise. Jessica Harper, contributing her creamy alto, plays Leech’s love
interest, and Garrett Graham is hysterical as glitter-rock star "Beef." De Palma
turns what could have been a lightweight indulgence into clever pop-culture commentary.
TOMMY, 1975, Columbia, 111 min. Having already brought an
outlandish, anything-goes quality to such musicals as THE BOYFRIEND (sadly unavailable for
this series), director Ken Russell was the perfect choice to helm the Who’s
landmark rock opera TOMMY, transforming it into a stream- of-consciousness catalog of
wild performances from the likes of Roger Daltrey, Ann-Margret, Oliver Reed, Tina
Turner, Elton John, Keith Moon, Jack Nicholson and others. Note: we’ll be
screening a brand new print using the 8-channel SDDS track to reproduce the original
5-channel Quintaphonic sound. Discussion
between films with actor and composer Paul Williams (PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE) & Archie
Hahn (PHANTOM) of Juicy Fruit (schedule permitting).
Saturday, May 24 – 5:00 PM
Director Randal Kleiser In Person!!
GREASE, 1978, Paramount, 110 min. Pompadored tough-guy John
Travolta learns the meaning of true love, 1950’s style, from summertime
sweetheart Olivia Newton-John, with help from a fantastic supporting cast including
Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway, Eve Arden and Frankie Avalon. A soundtrack of
wall-to-wall hits ("You’re The One That I Want," "Hopelessly Devoted
To You," "Look At Me, I’m Sandra Dee") in director Randal
Kleiser’s irresistible teen-dream of a movie musical. Discussion following with director Randal Kleiser; actors Jeff
Conaway and Barry Pearl; actresses Jamie Donnely and Minah Manoff & cinematographer
Bill Butler (schedule permitting).
Saturday, May 24 – 8:00 PM
Double Feature:
XANADU, 1980, Universal, 93 min. Dir. Robert Greenwald.
Fresh off her success with GREASE, Olivia-Newton John starred in this
roller-skating fantasy set in Los Angeles. Don’t use logic when thinking about the
plot or the fact that Gene Kelly is here, dancing and singing (he’s a
construction millionare who wants to get back into his first-love, music!) Give yourself
over to the transformation of the now destroyed Pan Pacific Theatre into a fantasy
80’s nightclub. Thrill to roller-skating along a very crowded Palisades Park. Hum
along to music by Electric Light Orchestra and the Tubes. And Olivia Newton-John singing
of course! Don’t miss the finale which includes multiple dance/skate numbers, trapeze
artists, jugglers, cowboys, new-wavers … there’s something for everyone in this
wholesome "hang onto your dreams" fantasy.
THE WIZ, 1978, Universal, 134 min. Dir. Sidney Lumet.
"Can you feel a brand-new day?" sing Diana Ross and Michael Jackson
as Dorothy and the Scarecrow in this African American version of "The Wizard of
Oz" taken from the hit Broadway musical of the same name. "Oz" is now New
York City landmarks, such as Coney Island, the World Trade Center and the subway system.
Wonderful sets and cinematography, and Diana Ross is strong as an actress, singer and
dancer here. Features Richard Pryor, Lena Horne, Nipsy Russell and Ted Ross and Mabel King
as Evillene. Why don’t you "ease on down the road" to the Egyptian for
this fantasy, fun-filled double-bill? Discussion
between films cinematographer Victor J. Kemper (XANADU).
Sunday, May 25 – 5:00 PM
Director Mel Stuart In
Person! Children's Matinee!
WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, 1971, Warner
Bros., 100 min. Dir. Mel Stuart. "Come with me, and you’ll be in a World of Pure
Imagination," croons mysterious pied piper Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder) in this
truly wondrous musical adaptation of writer Roald Dahl’s children’s classic, as
the five lucky holders of the Golden Tickets (Veruca Salt! Augustus Gloop!) and their
parents venture inside the enchanted Wonka Chocolate Factory. Glorious, candy-colored
direction by Mel Stuart, matched by the irridescent score by Leslie Bricusse
and Anthony Newley (DR. DOLITTLE). With Jack Albertson, Peter Ostrum, Roy Kinnear. Discussion following with director Mel Stuart
(schedule permitting).
Wonka Bars will be for sale in
the lobby!
Sunday, May 25 – 7:45 PM
World Theatrical Premiere of
the Definitive Director's Cut! Brand New 35 mm Digital Stereo Print! Director Peter H.
Hunt In Person!!
1776, 1972, Columbia, 169 min. Dir. Peter H. Hunt. Inspired,
faithful adaptation of the 1969 Broadway musical. Who would have thought the story of the
signing of the Declaration of Independence could be so fascinating as a movie and a
musical? John Adams (William Daniels), Benjamin Franklin (Howard Da Silva) and Thomas
Jefferson (Ken Howard) try to woo the rest of the ten colonies towards independence from
mother country England. Many of the actors here were in the original Broadway production
and their ease in the roles shows on the screen. We’re thrilled to be screening a
beautifully restored print of the complete, uncut version of the film, courtesy of
Columbia Pictures! Discussion
following with director Peter H. Hunt actors Bill Daniels and and Ken Howard, plus
choreographer Onna White (schedule permitting).
Thursday, May 29 – 7:30 PM
Alternative Screen & Slamdance Present:
RAMONES: END OF THE CENTURY, 2003, 122
min., USA A comprehensive look at the lives and music of seminal punk rock icons, The
Ramones. From the early days in Queens to CBGB’s to international stardom, the film
looks at the legend of the Ramones. Features interviews with Joe Strummer of The Clash,
members of the Sex Pistols, Rob Zombie and the Ramones themselves. Directed by Michael
Gramaglia and Jim Fields. Co-presented with the Slamdance Film Festival.
(www.slamdance.com) Discussion following with directors
Michael Gramaglia and Jim Fields.
Wednesday, May 28 – 7:30 PM
Directors Bruce Kimmel and Mark Haggard In Person!!
THE FIRST NUDIE MUSICAL, 1976, Mark
Haggard, 97 min. Dirs. Bruce Kimmel and Mark Haggard. Charming, low-budget satire starring
Cindy Williams in a lovely comedic (and clothed!) role. To save a near bankrupt
family-owned studio in Hollywood, plans are made for the first "porno musical"!!
Full-frontal, but tastful nudity abounds. Pre-director Ron Howard has a one-line moment in
the film as an auditioning actor. Classic songs that will stay with you forever with such
titles as "Dancing Dildos," "Lesbian Butch Dyke" and "Let Me Eat
You" will force you to leave the youngsters at home. The ingenue singing and skipping
her way down mid-70’s Hollywood Boulevard may inspire you to do the same! Discussion following with directors Bruce Kimmel and Mark Haggard
(schedules permitting).
Friday, May 30 – 7:00 PM
New 35 mm. Print! Actor John Savage In Person!!
HAIR, 1979, MGM/UA, 121 min. Over ten years elapsed between
the initial Broadway run of one of the most controversial musicals ever produced, and its
cinematic incarnation – and it was worth the wait. Claude (John Savage), a
young soldier on his way to Vietnam, meets a gang of hippies headed by Berger (a very
winning Treat Williams), who teach him about love and flower-power. Under the
skillful direction of Milos Foreman and choreography by Twyla Tharp (the
same team behind AMADEUS), every musical number (including the crushing finale) works
beautifully. An especially relevant film in today’s climate. Discussion
following with actor John Savage (schedule permitting).
Friday, May 30 – 10:00 PM
Camp Classic Double Feature!!
THE APPLE, 1980, MGM/UA, 90 min. Dir. Menahem Golan.
Cannon Films mogul Menahem Golan’s over the top musicall debut is a
camp-lover’s delight. Set in "the future," in 1994, where almost all the
world has become enslaved to the hedonistic disco music of the BIM corporation,
(supervised by the demonic Mr. Boogaloo (Vladek Sheybal), an innocent folk duo trying to
make it to the top, become Boogaloo’s victims and foes in this biblical-themed
"epic." Be prepared for jaw-dropping set design, costumes and musical numbers
that jump from sappy soft-rock to 70’s disco to glitter rock to cabaret and Broadway.
We ask you to hold onto your seats and do not be surprised if you feel the urge to wear
lots of metallic fabrics and strange make-up as you exit the theatre.
SGT. PEPPER’S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND, 1978,
Universal, 113 min. Any musical that features the songs of Lennon & McCartney and a
cast that includes (are you ready for this??) Peter Frampton, The Bee Gees, Steve
Martin, Joe Perry and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Earth Wind & Fire,
George Burns and the wildest list of walk-on cameos in movie history can’t be ALL
bad!! In fact, time has been quite good to director Michael (CAR WASH) Schultz’s
delirious, disco-flavored take on the Beatles – but don’t miss this
ultra-rare screening, it may never come again!
Saturday, May 31 – 2:00 PM
Children’s Matinee:
BUGSY MALONE, 1976, Paramount, 93 min. Dir. Alan
Parker. Set in 1929 New York City, BUGSY MALONE is a winning, charming spoof of all those
gangster/prohibition movies -- the big difference here is all the cast members are under
14 - !! The bullets in the guns are now whipped cream, the cars are pedal-driven, and the
wonderful, high-spirited young cast includes Jodie Foster as a gangster’s moll
and Scott Baio as the smooth-talking, quick-thinking title character, Bugsy Malone.
With a lovely, memorable score by Paul Williams (PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE).
Saturday, May 31 – 5:00 PM
Actor Harry Shearer In Person!!
THIS IS SPINAL TAP, 1984, Stuart Lisell/Canal
+, 82 min. Okay, so it’s not "technically" a musical in the traditional,
you know, "all-singing all-dancing sense" … but WHO CARES when you’ve
got the Tapsters thundering their way through greatest hits like "Big Bottom,"
"Sex Farm," and "Hell Hole"?!?! Director Rob Reiner created his
funniest film in this sidesplitting rock mockumentary chronicling the less than triumphant
return to America of legendary British heavy-metal band Spinal Tap. Spot-on performances
from Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer, Michael McKean and Rob Reiner himself as
documentary filmmaker Marty DiBergi. Discussion following with
actor/musician Harry Shearer (schedule permitting).
Saturday, May 31 – 7:30 PM
Barbra Streisand Double Header!
FUNNY LADY, 1975, Columbia, 136 min. Dir. Herbert Ross.
Barbra Streisand’s continuation of the life of Ziegfield star Fanny Brice,
first begun in the award-winning FUNNY GIRL, featuring songs by John Kander and Fred Ebb
(CABARET, CHICAGO) and Peter Matz, and fine direction by Herbert Ross (TURNING
POINT). Streisand is terrific as the star who falls for Billy Rose (James Caan)
while trying to purge herself of her love for Nick Arnstein (Omar Sharif).
Co-starring Roddy McDowell and Ben Vereen.
YENTL, 1983, MGM/UA, 132 min. Authentically recreating 1904
Eastern Europe, the story revolves around Yentl’s (Barbra Streisand) attempt
to disguise herself as a boy to gain an education, while falling in love with her fellow
student Avigdor, wonderfully played by Mandy Patinkin. Streisand not only starred and sang
all the songs in YENTL, she also directed, produced and co-wrote the script. (She was and
still is, the only woman to undertake all these roles in a major Hollywood film.)
Featuring music by Michel Legrand (THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG) and lyrics by Alan and
Marilyn Bergman ("The Way We Were"). Based on the Isaac Bashevis Singer short
story "Yentl, the Yeshiva Boy."
Sunday, June 1 – 5:00 PM
FAME, 1980, MGM (Warners), 134 min. With Irene Cara, Lee
Curreri, Laura Dean. From Alan Parker, the director of EVITA, THE COMMITMENTS and
BUGSY MALONE, FAME tells the story of a cross-section of students at the High School of
the Performing Arts in New York. Their struggles with family, success, failure, sexuality,
economics and race as they try to find themselves as performers is as irresistible as the
high-energy singing and dancing. "I’m gonna to live forever …!" An
Academy Award-winner for Best Song and Original Score. Irene Cara will not be able to appear for discussion as was
previously announced. |
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