Oh Whistle…
Two Ghost Stories by M. R. James
Performed by Robert Lloyd Parry
150 years since his birth, and well over a century after they were first published, the ghost stories of M R James retain their power to terrify and amuse. Following his successful visit here two years ago, Robert Lloyd Parry brings two more of James’ classic spine-chillers back to life.
‘Oh Whistle’ is a tale of nocturnal horror on the Suffolk coast and considered by many to be the author’s masterpiece. It is beautifully complemented here by 'The Ash Tree', a story of witchcraft and vengeance down the generations.
GAVIN BADDELEY
THE HORROR! THE HORROR?
When is a horror film not a horror film? In other words, what does it take to qualify as horror, has it changed? Why have so many horror icons - Boris Karloff, Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, Clive Barker etc etc - rejected the term, and what did they prefer? Is cinema's most disreputable genre finally in danger of enjoying artistic credibility, and might this ruin all the fun?
Beginning with a history of terminology - from grotesque and Gothic to Torture Porn and J-horror - we'll finish on a debate on the current state-of-play, as the host identifies the subgenres and directors he'd personally like to see shown the door (how many times has a filmmaker been invited to a horror festival, only to begin by insisting his effort wasn't anything so lowly as a horror film), before throwing the topic open to the audience. So - when is a horror film not a horror film…?
DR RUSS HUNTER
THE HORRIBLE HISTORY OF ITALIAN HORROR
Academic Russ Hunter will take to the stage to introduce you to the wonderful world of Italian horror. A sub-genre so unique, mystifying and wonderfully bizarre, it's spawned countless books, articles, conventions and DVD labels. Russ' talk will guide us over an hour through the fabulous movies that have rotted away the screens on 42nd street for decades. Laced with plenty of brilliant clips, if you thought Lewis Coates was a new line at Debenhams, or if Dr Butcher M.D. could cure your backache, then sit back and get a PROPER education!
SILENT FILM WITH LIVE PIANO ACCOMPANIMENT
THE UNKNOWN
(Todd Browning, USA 1927, 65mins)
As with Browning’s Freaks, one wonders how MGM ever got conned into making this resplendent study in morbid psychology. As much a casebook as a horror movie, it tells the truly marvellous tale of Alonzo the Armless Wonder (Lon Chaney) who uses his feet to perform a circus knife-throwing act. Only masquerading as armless, he falls for pretty Estrella (Joan Crawford), the bareback rider. But she has a trauma about being touched by men, so he besottedly decides to have his arms amputated, only to find a handsome strongman emerging as a successful rival for her heart.
Abertoir has commissioned silent film pianist Paul Shallcross to create a brand new score for the film, and this screening will be its world premiere!
THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
(Jim Sharman, USA 1975, 100mins)
Give yourself over to absolute pleasure! Richard O Brien’s cult musical bursts onto our massive theatre screen, and in typical Abertoir fashion, don’t expect to just sit down and gently enjoy this evening’s presentation...! We expect everyone to join in the Rocky experience: they’ll be prizes for the best dressed “lady/man/hybrid” and of course instructions for the Rocky Virgins who don’t know their Brad from their Janet. For those Rocky virgins, look no further than the following site so you know what we expect of you! http://www.timewarp.org.uk/1virgins.htm
Stick around afterwards, as DJ Dellamorte will be getting us in the mood followed by the fantastic band Doctor Caligari who will be playing us into the night. Special bar promotions, great music and the chance to see more leather than Burt Reynolds’ dungeon…
