Just some thoughts on this month’s happenings:

Classic film screenings from around the world this October include:

In theatres across the U.S. Fathom Events is presenting The Exorcist [The Extended Director’s Cut] (1973, a 50th Anniversary Screening) Sunday, October 1 and Wednesday, October 4, and The Birds (1963, a 60th Anniversary Screening) on Sunday, October 22 and Wednesday, October 23.

Click on the film’s poster image for more information. To see this month’s entire schedule, click on The Fathom Events banner above.

A DEEPER LOOK
Hollywood’s first 3-D Wave, 1953-1954

In New York City, New York, Film Forum continues with A DEEPER LOOK Hollywood’s first 3-D Wave, 1953-1954, a series running until Thursday, November 16 initially consisting of 12 seperate programs with more films continually being announced.

As part of their Film Forum Junior Series, Pather Panchali (1955) will be presented on Sunday, October 8.

50 FROM THE ’50s, a series of films released in the 1950s will run from Friday, October 13 - Thursday, November 9. The films being presented in October are: All About Eve, Sunset Blvd., House of Wax in 3-D, A Place in the Sun, Niagara, The Wild One, Rebel Without a Cause, Creature from the Black Lagoon in 3-D, Walt Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, Roman Holiday, Sudden Fear, Johnny Guitar, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Carmen Jones, The Goddess, Bad Day at Black Rock, The Asphalt Jungle, On the Waterfront, A Streetcar Named Desire, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, A Star is Born, Kiss Me Kate in 3-D, Armored Car Robbery, Cobweb, The Incredible Shrinking Man, High Noon, Written on the Wind, Imitation of Life, The Girl Can’t Help It, East of Eden, Kiss Me Deadly, Sweet Smell of Success, The Killing, Paths of Glory, Them!, The Thing from Another World, and Invasion of the Body Snatchers.

* Note: Some of the above showtimes may be matinees only.

For more information on the films or series mentioned, click on the appropriate image above. For a complete calendar of all the films playing this month, click on the Film Forum banner.

In London, United Kingdom The Prince Charles Cinema will present Casablanca (1942, a 35mm print) Tuesday, October 3, The Exorcist (1973, a 50th Anniversary Screening) Thursday, October 5, Sunday, October 22 and Tuesday, October 31, Eyes Without a Face (Les Yeux sans visage) (1960, a 35mm print) Saturday, October 7 and Thursday, October 26, The Shining (1980, a 35mm print) Sunday, October 8, Friday, October 13, Monday, October 16, Saturday, October 21, Friday, October 27, Monday, October 30 and Tuesday, October 31, From Russia with Love (1963, a 4k presentation) Tuesday, October 10, Seconds (1966) Wednesday, October 11, The Innocents (1961) Saturday, October 14, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920, featuring a live score performed by Hugo Max) Monday, October 16 and Saturday, October 28, Seven (1995, a 35mm print) Tuesday, October 17 and Monday, October 30, War of the Worlds (2005, a 35mm print) Wednesday, October 18, Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992, a 35mm print) Friday, October 20, Psycho (1960, a 4k presentation) Saturday, October 21, Nosferatu (1921, featuring a live score performed by Hugo Max), and Wake in Fright (1971) on Wednesday, October 25.

* Note: Some of the above showtimes may be matinees only.

Click on the film’s respective image for more information. To see October’s complete programming, click on The Prince Charles Cinema banner above.

In Bergen, Norway The Cinemateket i Bergen will present The Long Goodbye (1973) Wednesday, October 4, Chaplin (1992, a 35mm print) Tuesday, October 10 and Sunday, October 29, The Omen (1976) Tuesday, October 17 and Tuesday, October 31, and The Hunger (1983) on Wednesday, October 18 and Tuesday, October 31.

For more information on each film’s showing, click on the appropriate movie image above. For further information on the other films being presented at The Cinemateket, click on the banner image above.

In Melbourne, Australia The Astor Theatre is presenting a double bill of Night of the Living Dead (1968) and Carnival of Souls (1962) on Thursday, October 5.

Click on the appropriate poster image for more information on each film’s screening. To see the rest of October’s schedule, click on The Astor Theatre banner above.

In Culpeper Virginia, The Library of Congress at the Packard Campus Theater is presenting Vertigo (1958, a restored 35mm print) Thursday, October 5, and King Kong (1933, a 35mm print) on Saturday, October 7.

Click on the appropriate poster image for more information on each film’s screening. To see the rest of October’s schedule, click on the Packard Campus image above.

In Auckland, New Zealand Academy Cinemas is presenting Heat (1995) Friday, October 6, and Ace in the Hole (1951) on Tuesday, October 24.

To obtain more information specifically on each of these programmes, click on the corresponding image. To see the entire month of October’s programming, click on the Academy banner above.

In Los Feliz (part of greater Los Angeles) California, The American Cinematheque Los Feliz 3 Theatre will present Sorcerer (1977, as part of their series ‘There’s Good and Evil in Everyone: The Films of William Friedkin’) Friday, October 6, Eyes Wide Shut (1999, a 35mm print, as part of their series ‘You Must Remember This: Erotic Tuesdays’ with an Introduction by podcaster Karina Longworth) Tuesday, October 17, and The Man with the X-Ray Eyes (1963, a new 35mm print made by the Academy Film Archive, as part of this film’s 60th Anniversary, Co-presented by Beyond Fest! ‘Hail to the King: A Celebration of Roger Corman’) on Friday, October 20.

* Note: Some of the above showtimes may be matinees only.

For more information specifically on each of these programmes, click on the corresponding image. To see the entire month of October’s programming including other films showing at both The Los Feliz 3 Theatre in Los Feliz, and The American Cinematheque Aero Theatre in Santa Monica (also part of greater Los Angeles) click on the American Cinematheque banner.

In Los Angeles, California Secret Movie Club is presenting at the Secret Movie Club Theater a triple bill of Torn Curtain (1966, a 35mm print), Frenzy (1972, a 35mm print) and Family Plot (1976, a 35mm print) on Saturday, October 7.

* Note: These screenings commence at 4 pm.

For more information on this presentation, click on the appropriate movie image. To discover other screenings organised by this group, click on the above theatre image.

In Los Angeles, California The Beverly Cinema will present The Holy Mountain (1973, a 35mm print) Tuesday, October 10, Wednesday, October 11 and Thursday, October 12, The Shawshank Redemption (1994, a 35mm print) Friday, October 20, The Mummy (1999, a 35mm print) Saturday, October 21 and Sunday, October 22, and Night of the Living Dead (1968, a New 35mm print) on Friday, October 27, Saturday, October 28 and Sunday, October 29.

* Note: Some of the above showtimes may be matinees only.

Click on the respective image for more information. To see the rest of October’s schedule, click on The Beverly Cinema banner above.

In Vancouver, British Columbia The Cinematheque will present SEMBENE 100 from October 12 - 24. The programme reads in part: “The groundbreaking films of Senegalese writer and director Ousmane Sembène (1923–2007) form a body of work that stands in grand opposition to conformity, unafraid of contradictions, censors, or the scandals of colonialism.”

As part of the Cinematheque’s Film Club matinee series for kids and their families, Dragonslayer (1981, Blu-ray) will be presented on Sunday, October 22.

* Note: Some of the above showtimes may be matinees only.

For more information about the Ousmane Sembène series, click on the top image above. Further information on the Film Club screening can be obtained by clicking on the film image. For other films scheduled this month at The Cinematheque, click on the theatre banner.

Noir City will take place in Washington D.C. from October 13 -26. Highlights include Act of Violence (1948, a 35mm print), He Walked by Night (1948, a 35mm print), Pitfall (1948), Sorry Wrong Number (1948), The Hunted (1948, a 35mm print), and The Velvet Touch (1948, a 35mm print).

For more information including the complete schedule, click on the image above.

In Valencia, Spain, Culturarts Generalitat IVAC – La Filmoteca at the Edificio Rialto will be presenting Police Python 357 (1975, as part of their FRENCH FLEECE programme) on Saturday, October 14 and Sunday, October 15.

Click on the film’s image for more information on this screening. To discover more of October’s programming including other films playing in Valencia, Spain at the Edificio Rialto, Castelló, Spain at the Raval Theatre and at the Paranimf of the Universitat Jaume I, and Alicante Spain at the Arniches Theatre, click on the banner image above.

In Detroit, Michigan The Redford Theatre will present The Thing (1982, a 35mm print) on Saturday, October 14.

Click on the movie poster image for more information. To see the entire month’s programming, click on The Redford Theatre banner above.

In theatres across the U.S. Flashback Cinema is presenting The Shining (1980) on Sunday, October 29, Tuesday, October 31 and Wednesday, November 1.

Click on the poster image for more information. To see the entire month’s programming, click on The Flashback Cinema banner above.

There are 22 recommended films to watch on Turner Classic Movies in the U.S. this month:

First up is 1958’s The Big Country. I have written a few words about the film and a few more regarding its soundtrack here. The Big Country will be explored Wednesday, October 4 at 11:30 am PDT.

(From left) Chuck Conners, Gregory Peck, Carroll Baker

Next is Top Ten Westerns #1: the explosively confrontational The Wild Bunch (1969). If by chance one hasn’t seen this landmark film, remedy that Thursday, October 5 at 11:15 pm PDT. For those who have, please see my review Opening Up a Treasure: The Wild Bunch as to why it was and still is, one of America's finest contributions to the cinematic arts.

The more psychologically disturbing, (than monstrously horrifying) 1941 version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde has Spencer Tracy in the title role. This was previously critiqued here. The Dr. will begin his transformation Friday, October 6 at 10:45 pm PDT and will occur again on Monday, October 30 at 8:45 am PDT.

James Garner, Rod Taylor and Eva Marie Saint star in the intriguing “Mission Impossible” prototype espionage thriller 36 Hours (1964), previously reviewed here. The hour to watch will be Saturday, October 7 at 12:15 pm PDT.

(From left) Rod Taylor, James Garner, Eva Marie Saint

Espionage fans should have a look through 1965’s The Ipcress File, reviewed here and discoverable Sunday, October 8 at 5 pm PDT. They will also discover why I chose "Now Listen to Me..." as the title of this column.

(From left) Gordon Jackson, Michael Caine

Next is one of film noir's finest, 1950’s Gun Crazy, previously reviewed here. Noir's most distinguishing feature, a focus on their criminal participants' psychology, marks a major shift regarding motive. In the earlier "gangster" films, money and power provided enough reason for the pursuit of illegal gains whereas in noir, the internal cause behind the action is paramount, and runs so much deeper... and darker. The craziness will ensue (updated) Tuesday, October 10 (2023) at (early morning) 12 am PDT and again Monday, October 30 at 8:45 am PDT.

Does anyone notice anything peculiar in this shot considering the film was made during the Production Code?

Next on my list of films to watch is King Kong (1933), who's scheduled to make his grand entrance on Tuesday, October 10 at 3 am PDT and again on Tuesday, October 17 at (early morning) 12 am PDT. I have previously reviewed this film with a focus on its musical score here.

The next TCM recommendation has been reviewed in Opening Up a Treasure: The Night of the Hunter. This highly expressionistic Grimm-like fable, released in 1955, appears as if conveyed from a child's point of view. The "hunter" will appear Tuesday, October 10 at 7 pm PDT.

My next TCM recommendation for the month is, for many experts, the final film noir released during the classification's classic time period (1940 - 1959), Orson Welles' stylistically assertive Touch of Evil.

(From left) Orson Welles, Charlton Heston

I have previously written about how there came to be several different versions of this noir extravaganza especially as it concerns the ingenious opening sequence in Main Title Inspirations No. 2 Touch of Evil. Viewers can compare the introduction's bold visual display to the equally superlative use of sound at this film's conclusion when Touch of Evil airs Wednesday, October 11 at 5 pm PDT.

The caper film first laid its roots in The Asphalt Jungle (1950) previously reviewed here. The depth of its characters and their fascinating interactions as the drama builds to a cathartic resolution is why this film has become one of America's finest cinematic achievements. The 'planning' will start on TCM Saturday, October 14 at 5 pm PDT.

1967’s Bonnie and Clyde is a seminal gangster saga heavily influenced by the French iconoclast Jean-Luc Godard. A prior review here includes a special contribution from Bob DiMucci who informatively reports on some of the film's critical responses at the time of its release. Following that, are my personal recollections at the age of 12 upon seeing this radically-new expeditious approach to American cinematic storytelling. The Barrow Gang will strike on TCM Sunday, October 15 at 12:45 pm PDT.

In the U.K. town of Midwich, strange children with mysterious origins are behaving badly. Find out just how bad when the chilling Village of the Damned (1960), previously reviewed here, airs Wednesday, October 18 at (early morning) 1:15 am PDT.

Also in this month’s lineup is Todd Browning's shockingly bold and terrifying 1932 film, Freaks, previously reviewed here. They will appear on TCM Thursday, October 19 at 1 pm PDT and again Monday, October 30 at 4:45 am PDT.

Next is Top Ten Western #6 Howard Hawks' 1948 Red River reviewed here. This is one acutely observed, character-driven western you don't want to miss. The drive will begin on TCM Thursday, October 19 at 9:15 pm PDT.

(From left) John Wayne, Montgomery Clift

“Yes, I can be very cruel. I have been taught by masters.”

Olivia de Havilland is The Heiress, previously reviewed here and appearing again on TCM Thursday, October 19 at 11:45 pm PDT.

Not all of the TCM films I review receive favourable notices. Bob Fosse’s biographical drama Star 80 (1983) is one such exception that I found disappointing and is reviewed briefly here. Star 80 will appear on TCM’s radar Friday, October 20 at 9:45 am PDT.

My next recommended feature is The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, a romantic fantasy/drama that provides viewers with an incredibly moving emotional experience. It has been previously reviewed here. This timeless romance begins on Friday, October 20 at 5 pm PDT.

Bad Day at Black Rock, reviewed here, is 1955's modern-day take on the American Western. This exceptional suspense-thriller is also a former entry in Eddie Muller’s Noir Alley * and will occur Tuesday, October 24 at 6:30 am PDT.

* which may come as a surprise for those who, unlike myself, do not consider this to be a film noir.

(From left) Russell Collins, Walter Brennan, Spencer Tracy (seated), Dean Jagger, Lee Marvin, Robert Ryan

Immediately following Bad Day at Black Rock, is another John Sturges masterfully directed motion picture, this time firmly occupying the film noir category: 1950's Mystery Street reviewed here. This CSI noir with a ‘Hitchcockian’ twist can be investigated Tuesday, October 24 at 8 am PDT.

(Crossing the street) Marshall Thompson, Jan Sterling

My enthusiasm for the next film, which also happens to be directed by John Sturges, may be “icier” than say Howard Hughes’, however, viewers may find enough intrigue, suspense and supportive factors to make the journey to Ice Station Zebra (1968), previously reviewed here and commencing at TCM Tuesday, October 24 at 11:15 am PDT, worth their while.

(From left) Patrick McGoohan, Rock Hudson

Rarely does an atmosphere of such overpowering dread subsume a cinematic story so completely as it does 1943's The Seventh Victim. A young woman (portrayed as a fetching innocent by Kim Hunter) goes searching for her missing sister (enigmatically played by Jean Brooks) in New York City's Greenwich Village and stumbles upon a satanic cult of devil worshipers, putting both of their lives at risk. Mark Robson, who directed a number of these Val Lewton produced gems, is himself at the peak of his considerable creative powers. This devilishly striking combination of horror and film noir was a previous TCM recommendation and reviewed here. The fate of both sisters will be determined Monday, October 30 at 12:15 pm PDT.

In 1968, two horror films were released that effectively drove a stake through the notion that some heretofore applied restraint might be used in depicting their subject’s ghastly nature or accompanying gruesomeness: Night of the Living Dead and my next TCM recommendation Witchfinder General aka The Conqueror Worm. The latter will arrive Monday, October 30 at 8:30 pm PDT.

Witchfinder General is also October’s Blu-ray recommendation and is reviewed at the conclusion of this column.

TCM's current monthly schedule can be confirmed by clicking on any of the above TCM related images. For those who live in parts of the U.S. other than the western region, the time zone can be adjusted in the upper right-hand corner of TCM's programme.

This month’s Happy Birthday shout-out goes to the lovely and talented actress Marion Ross who turns 95 on October 25th.

She is best-known for playing Marion Cunningham on the television sitcom Happy Days (1974 - 1984) but also made some important film roles come to life in The Proud and Profane (1956), Lizzie (1957), God Is My Partner (1957), Teacher’s Pet (1958), Operation Petticoat (1959), Colossus: The Forbin Project (1970), Grand Theft Auto (1977), The Evening Star (1996), Music Within (2007), Superhero Movie (2008) and A Reason (2014).

The Soundtrack recommendation of the month is Michel Colombier’s distinctive and engaging score to the equally fascinating and sophisticated sci-fi curio 1970’s Colossus: The Forbin Project.

In terms of intelligence and maturity this little cult classic, that ignited a trend in man versus machine scenarios, delivers a higher intelligent and serious consequential intent quotient than those that followed including the next decade’s similarly themed War Games (1983).

Contributing to the engrossment factor is Michel Colombier’s inventive music as it masterfully elicits feelings of both trepidation and tenderness.

La-La Land Records and Universal Pictures are presenting this limited (only 3,000 units produced) CD currently available from La-La Land Records by clicking on the accompanying image.

Witchfinder General aka The Conqueror Worm is October’s former TCM, and current Blu-ray, recommendation.

In 1968, two horror films were released that effectively drove a stake through the notion that some heretofore applied restraint might be used in depicting their subject’s ghastly nature or accompanying gruesomeness: Night of the Living Dead and Witchfinder General aka The Conqueror Worm.

Night of the Living Dead was produced on a minuscule budget in the U.S. Witchfinder General was a U.K. production allocated a greater £83,000 but still considered low financing even by late 1960s standards. Born on different continents, both films managed to simultaneously advance the horror genre’s relevancy. The subsequent artistic breakthrough was achieved by bringing an exigency and sociological pertinence to this type of disturbing fictional storytelling at a time when reality’s televised horrors of both domestic and military conflict abroad were infiltrating our lives.

Michael Reeves is Witchfinder General’s director who here provides a surprising degree of mature oversight considering how so many films containing this level of human suffering have crossed over into exploitation. Despite the film’s dramatically routine romantic subplot, an impressive atmosphere of nihilism permeates the proceedings, apropos of just how far the corruption of a person’s soul can spread throughout a receptive society, reaching those in power to sanction even the rock-bottom worst in human nature. The young director (who passed away at age 25 shortly after completing this film) also achieves a striking contrast between scenes of horror, such as witch burning, against their surrounds: an impassively serene and picturesque English countryside.

The film’s star is Vincent Price giving one of his most subdued and least mannered performances in the horror genre.

Scenes depicting sadism and prolonged torture are frightfully appalling to be sure, however, considering the subject matter and its sociological and historic ramifications, are delivered in a commendable straightforward fashion. On the other hand, to have avoided the explicit consequences of such barbarism and its ensuing human trauma, would diminish the tremendous consequences of mankind’s darkest desires and deeds, the kinds of actions not only witnessed throughout history but most applicable to our current times. Witchfinder General’s shock factor is not just limited to its depiction of horrifying cruelty but how unflinchingly purposeful these moments are presented in thoughtful respect to those affected by them including the world at large.

Click on the video image below for more information on this Australian release from Shock Entertainment and ordering from Amazon.com

A.G.

The Cinema Cafe

"Now Listen to Me..."