Dallas Cinemania Film Society

DEEP RED Reminder

2009-10-12T15:21:00.002-05:00

Rocktober is almost half way finished and here's a reminder to be sure and tell your interested friends about DALLAS CINEMANIA's upcoming screening of Dario Argento's 1975's suspense classic, DEEP RED, at the Angelika at Mockingbird Station on October 29th at 9pm. Tickets will be $8 at the door. Just go upstairs to the table clearly marked "Dallas Cinemania" for the tickets. We're cash only so bring $$$ (there's an ATM on the first floor -- did I already say that?). Come early for a selection of vintage trailers. You know the drill.

DALLAS CINEMANIA presents DEEP RED (1975) for Halloween

2009-09-30T19:19:00.004-05:00

D-city Cinemania's screening of Dario Argento's 1975 Italian suspense classic, DEEP RED (Profondo Rosso), is shaping up to be one of the coolest screenings this year. It's on schedule to spool out in 35mm at the Angelika at Mockingbird Station in Dallas on October 29th (that's a Thursday for those of you out there without a general lack of savant-like quantitative powers)

Just got word from Julie Hwang at AFFD that the Asian Film Festival will be screening a double feature on October 24th. We'll get back with more details.

In the meantime, tell your friends to come out to the Angelika on October 29th at 9pm for some early Argento madness. Tickets will be $8 cash only -- but there's an ATM in the building if you don't mind paying exorbitant service fees. See you at the show.

CINEMANIA is BACK with PROFONDO ROSSO (1975)!!!

2009-08-18T09:59:00.002-05:00

It's official...DALLAS CINEMANIA is back and this time we ain't bitching out! We're gonna screen a 35mm print of Dario Argento's seminal slasher DEEP RED (aka Profondo Rosso) [1975] starring David Hemmings at The Angelika at Mockingbird Station on October 29th at 9PM. That's 9PM and not 8PM like the previous films.

We'll have the usual 35mm vintage exploitation trailers and more.

This is the 100 minute US cut of the film for you trainspotters out there but we think you'll appreciate the judicious cut. Bring your friends. Tickets will be $8 at the door. For more info join our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/dallas.cinemania

PARANOIA Screening Canceled!!!

2009-07-30T13:14:00.003-05:00

Due to an unfortunate series of events, I have been forced to cancel tonight's screening of PARANOIA. But...never fear, DALLAS CINEMANIA will be back in time for Halloween. We've got a couple of films picked out, more about that later.

And we'll probably screen PARANOIA in the fall as well -- tickets will still be $5!!! So stay tuned. In the meantime, check out our Facebook page which will have the latest news.

PARANOIA Screening Moved to July 30th

2009-06-11T13:35:00.003-05:00

Thanks to some emergency issues we're dealing with, our 35mm screening of UMBERTO LENZI's PARANOIA (ORGASMO) has been postponed. We were originally scheduled to screen the film June 25th at the Angelika but we're moving the date to July which will allow us to ramp up the hype. Don't forget to tell your friends, this CINEMANIA screening will be $5!!! There is really no reason not to come out and see this rare print -- NOT ON DVD.

We don't have the July date set in stone yet but it'll probably be toward the end of the month. Stay tuned!

UPDATE

The show has been scheduled for July 30th at the Angelika Mockingbird Station, Dallas, TX. Tickets $5 at the door. Classic Italian sleazoid-thriller. Don't miss it.

SHOGUN ASSASSIN and New Tickets Prices COMING SOON!!!

2009-05-18T19:40:00.002-05:00

Come out to the Angelika Film Center on Mockingbird in Dallas this Thursday for a 35mm screening of SHOGUN ASSASSIN (1980). Tickets are $10. The show kicks off at 8pm with a selection of vintage, exploitation trailers.

Our screening of PARANOIA on June 25th will introduce a new pricing structure for Dallas Cinemania. We are going to offer two-for-one tickets...oh hell, maybe we'll just make them $5...anyway, we feel your pain and want to give you a break -- a great price for a great film. Get off the street and into the Angelika Thursday, June 25th for Umberto Lenzi's PARANOIA (1969), aka ORGASMO, starring Carroll Baker and Lou Castel. Tickets are $5!!!

ONE-EYED JACKS Handout

2009-04-24T10:28:00.002-05:00

Due to a clerical error (read: I f'ed up), we didn't get a chance to hand out our usual pamplets with the tickets last night at the screening of ONE-EYED JACKS. Well, instead of just wasting the opportunity, I thought the least I could do was post a downloadable PDF of it for you to peruse.

Special thanks to Rick Worland for his excellent intro to the film. I got a lot of good feedback from that.

We also had the most technical problems ever experienced at a DC screening last night...so thanks to everybody for sticking around and enjoying the film.

See you May 21st at SHOGUN ASSASSIN!

Click here to download PDF of ONE-EYED JACKS pamplet

This Thurs. ONE-EYED JACKS (1961)

2009-04-20T22:19:00.004-05:00

Just a reminder about this week's screening, Marlon Brando's directorial debut (and the only film the actor helmed) 1961's ONE-EYED JACKS. We've sourced an IB Tech 35mm print of this baby and we promise it's gonna be special.

When we first started making the short list for films we wanted to show on the big screen, OEJ was at the top. I personally couldn't believe our luck when we landed this one. It's suffered in the public domain due to it's sketchy legal status. Most of the $1.99 DVDs you can find of this are sourced from a decade plus old Paramount laserdisc and they're rather underwhelming to say the least. We've got some indications that a new HD version might be making the rounds soon -- no promises -- but this will probably be the very last time you'll get to see it on the big screen. Come out to the Angelika Film Center and witness history -- Thurs, April 23rd. DJ Mr. Rid kicks things off around 7:30pm. Tickets are $10 at the door.

UPCOMING FILMS!!!

2009-04-20T20:12:00.002-05:00

THURS. May 21, 2009 - 8PM

SHOGUN ASSASSIN (1980) Japan/USA
86 min 35mm
Dir: Robert Houstin/Kenji Misumi
"He whips out his sword and relieves his victims of their heads!!" Ultra violent Japanese samurai cult classic cobbled together from two 1972 Lone Wolf and Baby Cart features with a cheesy (and totally dated) '80s synth soundtrack by former Paul Revere and the Raiders singer Mark Lindsey! Widescreen 35mm presentation. Tarantino must've watched this one a dozen times at least. So should you.

Tickets are $10 at the door. Cash only.
THE ANGELIKA FILM CENTER, 5321 E Mockingbird Ln,
Dallas, TX 75206, (214) 826-3300

PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO THE AGE AND RARITY OF THESE PRINTS, THERE MAY BE OCCASIONAL VISUAL AND AUDIO IMPERFECTIONS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING. ALL PROGRAMS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

THURS. June 25, 2009 - 8PM

PARANOIA aka ORGASMO (1969) Italy/France
91 min 35mm
Dir: Umberto Lenzi
Mint print of seldom screened spaghetti psych-shocker from Italian sleaze maestro Umberto Lenzi (Cannibal Ferrox, Spasmo, Almost Human). Features slumming American actress Carroll Baker as a lonely widow who beds stud Lou Castel and his sister! Rated X!!! Not on DVD. In widescreen/scope.

Just a taste for the skeptical few out there:

Tickets are $10 at the door. Cash only.
THE ANGELIKA FILM CENTER, 5321 E Mockingbird Ln,
Dallas, TX 75206, (214) 826-3300

PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO THE AGE AND RARITY OF THESE PRINTS, THERE MAY BE OCCASIONAL VISUAL AND AUDIO IMPERFECTIONS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING. ALL PROGRAMS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

DJ Mr. Rid

2009-04-15T01:27:00.002-05:00

Our special ONE-EYED JACKS feature will be extra special with the addition of DJ extraordinaire DEEJAY MR. RID. Yeah, some of you guys might know him as a member of Lithium Xmas...certain hipsters will even note his appearance in Ron Howard's COTTON CANDY...but if you're smart -- like us -- you'll know him as the dude with the badass record collection. He's even got a 7" of the Theme from ONE-EYED JACKS...and he says he's gonna play it!!! Get to the Angelika a little early on April 23rd...I'd say around 7:20pm...to experience DEEJAY MR. RID's soundz in the flesh before the film. We also got SMU prof. Rick Worland to come out and school ya about OEJ. This is gonna be big, y'all. This is the last time you'll see this on the big screen so come one, come all out to the Angelika Thurs, April 23rd.

Bee Girls Thank You

2009-03-22T02:09:00.004-05:00

This is what it's all about, folks. Seeing all y'all in the seats at the screening of INVASION OF THE BEE GIRLS was enough to give us fits. What that film lacked in footage it made up for in depth, charm and social commentary (thanks Ethan for the tip).

Anyway, I personally -- the humble webmaster -- must thank each and every one of you attendees for coming out. Yeah the weather was nice and you could've been getting your drink on somewhere else but you came out and let us know you're there. That makes me want to put on another movie, by gum. -- Peace.

Dallas Cinemania at the Dallas AFI Film Fest

2009-03-16T14:06:00.003-05:00

DALLAS CINEMANIA will be branching out this Spring. We're co-sponsoring a couple of films at this year's DALLAS AFI INTERNATIONAL FILM FEST. First up is director R.W. Goodwin's "lost masterpiece," the '50s sci-fi send-up ALIEN TRESPASS starring Eric McCormack and Jenni Baird. The 90 minute feature will screen Saturday, March 28th at 5:15 pm at the AMC Northpark 15. Tickets are $8.50.

The second film we'll be co-sponsoring is the philosophical UK import MOON directed by Duncan Jones and starring Sam Rockwell as an unhinged astronaut on a moonbase who is stunned to discover that the life he has been living, may not be what it seems. The 97 minute feature screens Thursday, April 2nd at 8:00pm also at the AMC Northpark 15. Tickets are $8.50. For more information visit the official Dallas AFI website.

INVASION OF THE BEE GIRLS -- March 19th

2009-03-03T12:25:00.003-06:00

Just finished the new Cinemania poster today. Come out to the Angelika Film Center Dallas MARCH 19th -- 8pm for a special 35mm screening of the sleaze classic INVASION OF THE BEE GIRLS (1973). Hey, Roger Ebert calls it a "guilty pleasure" and I'm willing to listen to any man who wrote the script for BEYOND THE VALLEY OF THE DOLLS.

Tickets $10 at the door. Get there a little early for a set by DJ Wild in the Streets. She'll be slinging some rare classics for your amusement and edification. Ciao.

ONE EYED JACKS - APRIL 23, 2009

2009-02-27T15:34:00.002-06:00

Dallas Cinemania will be screening Marlon Brando's ONE-EYED JACKS on April 23, 2009 at 8pm at the Angelika Film Center. We're excited to screen a very, very special 35mm Technicolor print of this unique and pivotal western -- the only movie ever directed by Brando, who took over from original helmer Stanley Kubrick. Kubrick fans will notice a lot of the director's hallmarks in this epic tale of love and revenge. Tickets will run $10 and look forward to some special surprises.

DJ Wild in the Streets catches a Buzz

2009-02-12T14:12:00.003-06:00

Lisa B. aka DJ Wild in the Streets will be performing a mini, pre-show set to all the folks who come out to the Angelika March 19th for INVASION OF THE BEE GIRLS (1973). Lisa's got good taste (why else would she hook up with us?) and will be playing some selections for your listening pleasure -- hopefully with a sex-crazed killer bee theme (hint hint). So get to the Angelika early and show some love. Show starts 8pm but we're gonna hustle her on a little earlier.

P.S. No smoking allowed in the theater, Deej!

INVASION OF THE BEE GIRLS - schedule change

2009-02-04T10:11:00.003-06:00

Small schedule change for our screening of INVASION OF THE BEE GIRLS (1973). Due to conflicting schedules, we're moving the February 26th date to Thursday, March 19th. You loved the trailer, now get a taste of the "reel" thing!

BTW, thanks to everyone that came out to our BLOOD FEAST screening Jan 29th. It was a riot. If you missed out, I'm truly sorry. It was a blast to see the danged thing on the big, big Angelika screen.

In other news, we've got something big up our sleeve. We're going to keep mum for now but let's just say that things might be blowing up soon. Stay tuned and we'll see ya at the Angelika.

RIP Ray Dennis Steckler 1939 - 2009

2009-01-09T17:04:00.002-06:00

Can't let the news of Ray Dennis Steckler's death go unnoticed. The director of such no-budget classics as THE INCREDIBLY STRANGE CREATURES WHO STOPPED LIVING AND BECAME MIXED UP ZOMBIES, RAT PFINK A BOO BOO and my personal favorite, BLOOD SHACK passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada on 1/7/09 at the age of 70. Ray reportedly died in his sleep. The eccentric filmmaker's touch was a unique one. Shunned by the mainstream, he found his niche by creating outlandish, little films -- usually starring members of his family -- that were beloved by a small cult of devotees, including yours truly. I emailed Ray last August while searching out films for DC. There are still plans to screen THE THRILL KILLERS this summer although I was discussing purchasing a print of BLOOD SHACK from the man himself. He may not get a part in the Oscar reel, but he found a way into the hearts of fantastic cinema fans everywhere. They don't make his kind anymore, one of the last of the exploitation filmmakers has gone on to the box office in the sky. He will be missed.

Happy New Year

2009-01-06T15:47:00.003-06:00

It's a few days late, but better late than never. It's a new year. We don't believe in resolutions here at Dallas Cinemania...unless that resolution is to get our shit in order...But we never seem to make it happen. Oh well.

Just finished the design of the new poster. I kinda fell asleep on STRAW DOGS last month -- it was partly cause we had less than a month between screenings and what with the holidays. Let's just say it got a little crazy. Things are a little more mellow right now and I really like the cheesy BLOOD FEAST flyer that we cooked up, literally, in about an hour. Some things just work.

Anyway, the show is on. Be at the Angelika Film Center Jan 29th, 8pm for a dose of H.G. Lewis insanity.

News - The Good, The Bad and The Fugly

2008-12-19T02:25:00.013-06:00

DALLAS CINEMANIA's debut quarter season has passed. We've had three great screenings and we're looking forward to spreading the word and getting people out for more. Don't forget to tell ya friends. We're showing a film a month on the last Thursday of every month. Everything in 35mm and, oh yes, there will be vintage trailers. At least three per screening.

But there are also some downsides. The economic mess is starting to trickle down on us. FedEx is raising its shipping costs by 7% starting in January. Which means, to combat the rising CDB (that's Cost of Doing Business to you noobs), we're going to have to raise ticket prices to $10.

There. I said it. That wasn't too bad...was it?

Short story, lengthened -- we're having to add two bucks to the price of admission when everybody else seems to be cutting back on their household entertainment expenses. We, however, feel that what DALLAS CINEMANIA delivers to be worth the extra pocket change. And we're looking forward to adding more shows and expanding content...and even doing an -- ulp! -- FREE show in the near future. We're not lazy, we're just BROKE!

But it's too much fun to stop. I can't wait to hear the peeps at the next movie -- BLOOD FEAST. It's going to be a blast.

So keep spreading the word. Tell everyone you know -- tell ya grandma -- to check out DALLAS CINEMANIA's monthly screenings and come back to this website for all the latest info.

-- Erich Scholz

STRAW DOGS - an essay

2008-12-19T00:58:00.003-06:00

It was a dark and stormy night.

OK, actually, it wasn't stormy. But it was wet. And humid. And I want to personally thank each and every one of you glorious bastardos who made their way to the Angelika last night for our screening of STRAW DOGS. We couldn't do it without you.

I wrote a very lengthy essay on the film...and then promptly lost every single word after the web-based editing program I was using crashed without warning.

I feel that STRAW DOGS is a widely misunderstood film. That misunderstanding extends to the packaging of the film's DVD and to the film's synopsis on IMDB which describes David Sumner as a meek man, pushed to the breaking point by thugs in the defense of his family. It's a view that is easily perceived by college age viewers of the film (including yours truly). After all, this is Dustin Hoffman, who at the time, was already a household name. By Hollywood standards, he SHOULD be the hero. But Peckinpah, burned by Hollywood, is not making a typical Tinsel Town flick. I believe that Dustin Hoffman's character "David Sumner" is the film's true villain. David fuels the miscommunication that ignites the furious climax. David, accused of never taking a stand (although it's never quite explicit what that stand is in the movie), eventually chooses a battle where he can't claim the higher moral ground. He is generally, at least in press materials for the film, described as a man who can't fit into his adopted community despite his best efforts. In reality, he makes little effort to fit in. He muddles through a culture he not only has little understanding of, but actively disdains. His constant connection to his homeland are the American cigarettes he chain smokes. Thoroughout the beginning of the film, he is filmed behind glass, like an arrogant fish starring at the unfamiliar behind the protection of a bulletproof fishbowl. And while the attitudes adopted by the local "thugs" cannot be defended, they can be understood within context of the basic human nature response to the "other." Amy, his wife, is a part of the community. She understands and can communicate with the locals. Yet David is constantly forcing her into an unnatural role of a subservient housewive -- a role this young woman is willing to accept but not entirely comfortable with.

*SPOILER ALERT*
Much is said about the rape scene in STRAW DOGS. There are actually two rape scenes. The first with Charlie is, for some reason, the most controversial. Mainly because Amy appears to actually derive enjoyment from it at one point. I think it's important to note Charlie and Amy's previous, apparently unresolved, past relationship. This relationship fuels the passion between the two. And while Charlie's aggression and violence seem wrong, Amy's longing for the muscular handyman is apparent. Her obligation to David causes her confusion and refusal but it is more than obvious that there is affection between the two. However, when Charlie's friend Norman decides to elbow into the proceedings, there is a betrayal of trust signified by Amy's "unnatural" position on the couch (and I make no moral judgements here, yet believe Peckinpah -- a director of singular talent -- could very well be making one). As a note, the edited version cuts away from this scene rather quickly and creates a new kind of ambiguity reenforced by the next scene which shows Amy enjoying a "post coital" cigarette in bed. The bond between Charlie and Amy is strengthed when she attempts to let Charlie in during the siege at the farm, assured by his afirmations of taking care of her. And it is sealed when Charlie kills his friend after Norman's final attempted rape of Amy. There is a constant theme of the man being a cage for a wild, natural animal in the film and Amy's relationship with David is obviously a cage for this young woman who is not yet ready for David's type of "grown-up" relationship. But as she states, she's "trying."

It's interesting to note that David's final "stand" is in defense of a repeat sexual offender, Nyles, who accidentally murders Janis Hedden, setting off the murderous siege at Trencher's farm. David participates in the decimation of an entire family over a matter of David's perceived justice for the malformed and simple Nyles -- the town pariah. Even Amy is willing to throw Nyles to the drunken locals outside her house to save her skin. She is aware of the values which pulse beneath the unnamed English town that she and her American husband have settled into and she is even more keenly aware of the horror wrought by David's macho grandstanding after successfully vanquishing his "oppressors."

*End of Spoiler*

Anyway, if you disagree, have a say, let me know and give us buzz.

See ya at the next film.

STRAW DOGS - This Thurs - 8pm - ANGELIKA

2008-12-17T19:19:00.004-06:00

Don't forget to come to the Angelika Film Center Dallas tomorrow (Thurs Dec 18th) at 8pm for a 35mm screening of Sam Peckinpah's controversial STRAW DOGS (1971) starring Dustin Hoffman and Susan George. Tickets are $8 at the door.

Also the usual crazy assortment of wild, vintage 35mm trailers courtesy DALLAS CINEMANIA's private collection.

See ya.

DALLAS CINEMANIA at the Angelika - WINTER SCHEDULE

2008-12-08T15:43:00.012-06:00

THURS. JANUARY 29, 2009 - 8PM

BLOOD FEAST (1963) USA
67 min 35mm
Dir: Herschell Gordon Lewis

After apprenticing in the wilds of sexploitation, director Lewis and producer David F. Friedman landed in Florida in the early '60s where they slapped this sick quickie together in nine days, kicking down the door to the last cinematic taboo -- gore -- and inventing the splatter film genre. Never before had a film wallowed in as much sadism and grue. Come for the blood 'n guts. Stay for the unintentional laughs.

Tickets are $10 at the door. Cash only.
THE ANGELIKA FILM CENTER, 5321 E Mockingbird Ln,
Dallas, TX 75206, (214) 826-3300

PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO THE AGE AND RARITY OF THESE PRINTS, THERE MAY BE OCCASIONAL VISUAL AND AUDIO IMPERFECTIONS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING. ALL PROGRAMS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

THURS. MARCH 19, 2009 - 8PM

INVASION OF THE BEE GIRLS (1973) USA
aka GRAVEYARD TRAMPS
85 min 35mm
Dir: Denis Sanders

"They'll love the very life out of your body!" A mysterious force turns ordinary housewives into sexual predators whose lust sucks the very life out of the town's menfolk. Sexy cult starlets Anitra Ford and Victoria Vetri create their own "buzz" in this outrageously sleazy sci-fi shocker from the pen of Nicholas Meyer (Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan).

Tickets are $10 at the door. Cash only.
THE ANGELIKA FILM CENTER, 5321 E Mockingbird Ln,
Dallas, TX 75206, (214) 826-3300

PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO THE AGE AND RARITY OF THESE PRINTS, THERE MAY BE OCCASIONAL VISUAL AND AUDIO IMPERFECTIONS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING. ALL PROGRAMS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

THURS. APRIL 23, 2009 - 8PM

ONE EYED JACKS (1961) USA
141 min 35mm
Dir: Marlon Brando

Director Stanley Kubrick started it and Marlon Brando finished it. The only film that Brando ever directed. Long regarded as a misfire, time has proven ONE EYED JACKS to be one of the actor's better vehicles and a key film in the history of the western, paving the way for the Italian horse operas of the late '60s. Come see this ultra rare 35mm Technicolor print in a very special presentation.

Tickets are $10 at the door. Cash only.
THE ANGELIKA FILM CENTER, 5321 E Mockingbird Ln,
Dallas, TX 75206, (214) 826-3300

PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO THE AGE AND RARITY OF THESE PRINTS, THERE MAY BE OCCASIONAL VISUAL AND AUDIO IMPERFECTIONS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING. ALL PROGRAMS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

STRAW DOGS - It's On!

2008-12-02T12:04:00.004-06:00

Come out to the Angelika Film Center Dallas Thurs. Dec 18th for a very special 35mm screening of Sam Peckinpah's STRAW DOGS (1971). Show starts at 8pm. I've been told that the print is relatively new so I'm looking forward to seeing this on the big screen myself. We've also assembled a new set of vintage 35mm trailers for your amusement. Tickets will be a measly $8 at the door. Cheap.

Speaking of, a few of you of complained about the availability of tickets. Well, maybe not the availability, but the ease of purchasing. We are working on a new system. Hopefully we'll have tickets for sale before the show at a brick and mortar venue of our choosing. Stay tuned. Meanwhile, save the date and we'll see you at the movies.

Talk to Me!

2008-11-20T23:44:00.007-06:00

Let's hear what you have to say about THE HOLY MOUNTAIN. Send us an email at info@dallascinemania.com or comment on this post. There's been a lot of chatter about what the movie means and doesn't mean and the difference between an original print vs. a digitally restored version (for the record, this print of THE HOLY MOUNTAIN was most definitely sourced from digital elements).

I think THM is one of the most fascinating movies ever. But I think an IB Tech print from the mid-'50s is even better. Whaddaya know?

Thanks to everyone for showing up at The Angelika, Aerin and Alex B. and thanks to the Angelika staff (esp Kate) for coming to the table with their mad skillz.

Thanks to Everyone!

2008-10-31T16:22:00.004-05:00

Our screening of ZOMBI 2 was a smashing success. Thanks to all the folks who came out and supported DALLAS CINEMANIA. I was a maniac, running around trying to make sure everything was alright -- I barely got a chance to watch the flick! By all accounts it was awesome. My one regret was that I didn't get any photos of the crowd!!! I do have some shots of our zombies, Chad and Annie, posted up over on the DALLAS CINEMANIA Myspace page. Check it out.