MONDAY JUNE 29 Theatre Closed
TUESDAY JUNE 30 Theatre Closed

"1939: The Golden Year of Cinema"
18 features, in glorious Black & White, gleaned from Hollywood’s most prolific year
that totaled more than 125 memorable films!

WEDNESDAY JULY 1 BORIS KARLOFF DOUBLE FEATURE

SON OF FRANKENSTEIN 3:30, 7:00
The revived monster is on the loose again in the last of the Karloff/Frankenstein trilogy. Basil Rathbone stars but Bela Lugosi’s Igor steals the show with spine-tingling thrills augmented by the film’s lavish design. Directed by Rowland V. Lee (1939, 99 min, 35mm)

THE MAN THEY COULD NOT HANG 2:05, 5:30, 9:00
Karloff yet again portrays a man resurrected, seeking revenge on those responsible for his death. Here he traps his victims in a specially rigged mansion, and one by one they meet their fate. Directed by Nick Grinde (1939, 64 min, 35mm)

THURSDAY JULY 2 DOUBLE FEATURE

AT THE CIRCUS 3:40, 7:00
The Marx Brothers take on the circus, high society, a symphony orchestra, and Eve Arden as the Human Fly. Highlights include Groucho performing his famous song "Lydia, The Tattooed Lady". Songs written by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg of Wizard Of Oz fame; directed by Edward Buzzell (1939, 87 min, 35mm)

YOU CAN'T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN 2:10, 5:25, 8:45
W.C. Fields is a child and animal-hating charlatan (but loves the bite of the bottle) who runs a financially bankrupt circus. Continuing their famous radio battles of wit on film, Fields and Edgar Bergen & Charlie McCarthy engage in constant rapid-fire one-liner exchanges that will leave you crying with laughter. Directed by George Marshall (1939, 76 min, 35mm)

FRIDAY JULY 3 DOUBLE FEATURE

THEY MADE ME A CRIMINAL 3:15, 7:00
In this remake of The Life of Jimmy Dolan, John Garfield’s dynamic portrayal of a fugitive boxer mixed up in murder is so stirring it lifts the story to a level of pure entertainment. The Dead End Kids co-star with Claude Rains and Ann Sheridan; directed by Busby Berkeley (1939, 92 min, 35mm)

EACH DAWN I DIE 1:30, 5:05, 8:50
Reporter James Cagney is railroaded into a prison sentence on a trumped up murder charge in this classic Warner Bros prison yarn. Electrifying chemistry between Cagney and fellow prisoner George Raft keeps it tangy to the end. Directed by William Keighley (1939, 92 min, 35mm)

SATURDAY JULY 4 DOUBLE FEATURE

THE WOMEN 3:30, 8:05
Catty film adaptation of Claire Booth’s Broadway hit is high camp at its finest. A star-studded, all female cast includes Joan Crawford as a manipulating shop girl/home-wrecker and Norma Shearer as a pampered society wife whose domestic bliss is shattered by a gossipy manicurist. Directed by George Cukor (1939, 133 min, 35mm)

NINOTCHKA 1:25, 6:00
In this most joyous of Hollywood comedies, Greta Garbo is a Soviet commissar sent to Paris to check on three bumbling trade envoys who have been seduced by the decadent trappings of capitalism, as gleefully pressed onto them by playboy Melvyn Douglas. With Bela Lugosi; directed by Ernst Lubitsch (1939, 110 min, 35mm)

SUNDAY JULY 5 JIMMY STEWART DOUBLE FEATURE

MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON 3:30, 8:00
Frank Capra’s timeless comedy-drama stars Stewart as a naïve young man elected to the Senate who determinedly shakes things up in the face of his manipulative backers. Co-starring Jean Arthur and Claude Rains, the film garnered 11 Oscar nominations. (1939, 129 min, 35mm)

DESTRY RIDES AGAIN 1:30, 6:00
This rip-roaring western odyssey stars Stewart in double trouble – fighting six-gun justice with no-gun peace keeping and fending off the advances of sexy saloon gal Marlene Dietrich. Directed by George Marshall (1939, 94 min, 35mm)

MONDAY JULY 6 DOUBLE FEATURE

WUTHERING HEIGHTS 2:35, 7:00
This haunting, mesmerizing adaptation of Emily Bronte’s classic novel features the indelible talents of Merle Oberon and Laurence Olivier as the doomed, star-crossed lovers. With David Niven and Geraldine Fitzgerald; directed to perfection by William Wyler, Oscar-winning photography by Gregg Toland (1939, 104 min, 35mm)

GOODBYE, MR. CHIPS 4:40, 9:05
In one of filmdom’s most heartwarming roles, Robert Donat won the Oscar for his portrayal of the Latin teacher at an English boys’ school. The story follows him from his bumbling early days to becoming a school institution. With Greer Garson and John Mills; directed by Sam Wood (1939, 114 min, 35mm)

TUESDAY JULY 7 DOUBLE FEATURE

TARZAN FINDS A SON! 3:05, 7:00
Johnny Weissmuller and Maureen O’Sullivan star as the quintessential Tarzan & Jane who find a baby orphaned by a plane crash. The infant grows to become "Boy" (John Scheffield) and saves the day before the final curtain. Another great adventure in the popular series, directed by genre maven Richard Thorpe (1939, 82 min, 35mm)

ANOTHER THIN MAN 1:05, 4:55, 8:40
Whether it's solving a murder or sipping a Bacardi, Nick and Nora Charles are excellent company. William Powell and Myrna Loy star in their third film as the debonair amateur sleuths uncovering a mystery, screwball style. Marjorie Main and Shemp Howard turn up in bit parts, with crisp direction by W.S. Van Dyke (1939, 103 min, 35mm)

WEDNESDAY JULY 8 DOUBLE FEATURE

GUNGA DIN 2:30. 7:00
Cary Grant, Victor McLaglen and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. are a trio of British soldiers in 19th century India who brave a barrage of various dangers with the help of a loyal water boy. Crammed with spectacle, action, comedy, one of the most enjoyable adventure films ever made. Directed by George Stevens, music by Alfred Newman (1939, 117 min, 35mm)

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME 4:45, 9:15
Amidst incredible period recreation, Charles Laughton’s astonishing performance as the crippled bell ringer who pines for the love of Esmeralda enthralls in this superbly crafted rendition of Victor Hugo’s tale. With Maureen O’Hara, Edmond O’Brien and Thomas Mitchell; directed by William Dieterle, music by Alfred Newman (1939, 116 min, 35mm)

THURSDAY JULY 9 DOUBLE FEATURE

GOLDEN BOY 7:00
This film of Clifford Odets’ acclaimed boxing drama gave William Holden his first big break but the real treats here are Adolph Menjou's cynical manager, Barbara Stanwyck's melting moll, and Joseph Calleia's trigger-itchy gangster. Directed by Rouben Mamoulian, music by Victor Young (1939, 99 min, 35mm)

ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS 9:00
Cary Grant and Jean Arthur lead a large, exemplary cast in Howard Hawks’ superb romantic adventure about a band of mail pilots working at a remote station in South America. With Thomas Mitchell, Rita Hayworth and Richard Barthelmess, music by Dimitri Tiomkin. (1939, 121 min, 35mm)

Friday July 10-Sunday July 12

The 14th Annual Silent Film Festival continues SFSFF’s commitment to the authentic presentation of extraordinary work from the silent era with extraordinary musical accompaniment. Find out what the critics are raving about!

Admission price is $14 General/$12 Member for all films unless noted.
Festival Passes are available!
For more information and tickets:
www.silentfilm.org, 800-838-3006.

Friday, July 10
Opening Night THE GAUCHO (1928, USA) 7:00 ($20 General/$17 Member)
Opening Night Film showcases Douglas Fairbanks, who wrote this glorious and jaw-dropping adventure, generously sharing the spotlight with dazzling newcomer Lupe Vélez in her first starring role. The Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra will perform the premiere of their original score, written expressly for the Silent Film Festival!

Saturday, July 11
AMAZING TALES FROM THE ARCHIVES 10:00am (Free)
Joe Lindner and Heather Olson of Academy Film Archive will give a presentation of 28mm films currently being preserved by the Academy, including a trailer for a lost Constance Talmadge film, Polly of the Follies (1922), and a complete 1911 Edison short. Piano accompaniment by Stephen Horne. Admission is free!

BARDELYS THE MAGNIFICENT (1927, USA) 12:00 noon
King Vidor’s swashbuckling romance, now superbly restored and screened digitally, confirms the scope of John Gilbert's bountiful talents—while building to a rousing (and oh-so-satisfying) denouement! Introduced by David Shepard, and accompanied by Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra.

WILD ROSE (1932, China) 2:30 2009 Silent Film Festival Award: Chinese Film Archive
Director Sun Yu’s tale of a mischievous country girl and a wealthy Shanghai artist is set in the same era as Bertolucci's The Last Emperor and portrays a fascinating contrast of rustic countryside and Art Deco cityscape. Wang Renmei was given the nickname Wildcat for her unbridled star performance and co-star Jin Yan, was considered the Valentino of China. Special guest: Qin Yi, widow of Jin Yan. Piano accompaniment by Donald Sosin.

UNDERWORLD (1927, USA) 5:00
Josef von Sternberg’s scintillating Underworld starts out a hard-hitting crime saga as envisioned by writer Ben Hecht, but quickly yields to the Sternberg touch, becoming a reverie on fear and desire. Cinematographer Burt Glennon (who would become a master of film noir style), adds moody light and shadow. Introduced by Czar of Noir Eddie Muller, and accompanied by Stephen Horne on the piano.

THE WIND (1928, USA) 7:30 Centerpiece Film (General $17/Member $15)
The Mojave Desert stands-in for the harsh Texas landscape where young Letty (the luminous Lillian Gish) finds herself fighting loneliness, a violent suitor, and the relentless, punishing wind. Director Victor Sjöström’s masterpiece! With Dennis James on the Mighty Wurlitzer, and featuring a special wind effect used in the 1920s!

AELITA, QUEEN OF MARS (1924, Soviet Union) 9:45
Like a delirious marriage of Metropolis and a Buck Rogers serial, Aelita's set designs and costumes alone are worth the price of admission. Then add accompaniment by Dennis James on the Mighty Wurlitzer and Theremin, and Mark Goldstein on Buchla Lightning and you've got late night magic!

Sunday, July 12
OSWALD, THE LUCKY RABBIT (1927-28, USA) 10:30am
Oswald was Walt Disney’s first attempt to build a series around a cartoon character, but he lost the character in a legal dispute. Now, at long last, the original Oswald—straight from the magic pencil of Ub Iwerks—has come home to the Disney archive, and Leonard Maltin will host a side-splitting selection of Oswald at his innovative best! Piano accompaniment by Donald Sosin.

EROTIKON (1929, Czechoslovakia) 1:30
Remarkably frank for any era, Erotikon is drenched in a ripe sensuality that flows freely from every frame. A young woman is seduced and abandoned by a stranger. What happens next appears to follow the ages-old dictate of guilt, humiliation, and punishment—but director Gustav Machaty has something far more adult up his sleeve. Accompaniment by Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra.

SO'S YOUR OLD MAN (1926, USA) 4:00 Director’s Pick!
This very rare screening features comic master W.C. Fields—known mainly for his work in the talking cinema. Gregory La Cava’s wonderful silent was selected by director Terry Zwigoff (Ghost World, Bad Santa), who will introduce the film. Piano accompaniment by Philip Carli.

THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER (1928, France) 6:15
Luis Buñuel, fresh from his collaboration with Salvador Dali on Un Chien Andalou, served as French surrealist Jean Epstein's assistant on this haunted, exquisitely beautiful adaptation of the famous Poe story. Piano accompaniment by Stephen Horne.

LADY OF THE PAVEMENTS (1929, USA) 8:15 Closing Night Film (General $17/Member $15)
D.W. Griffith's last silent film—this splendid romantic drama set in 19th century Paris— was completed as a silent, then partially re-shot to qualify as a part-talkie including two musical number. Our presentation will include piano accompaniment by Donald Sosin as well as a vocal recreation of the musical numbers by Joanna Seaton.

SEE THE DIGITAL 3D EXPERIENCE AT THE CASTRO!

Monday July 13 & Tuesday July 14
CORALINE
Mon: 7:00, 9:00 Tue: (2:30), 4:45, 7:00. 9:00
A young girl enters a magical world where button-eyed doppelgangers of her parents offer her the affection she craves -- for a price. Director Henry Selick (The Nightmare Before Christmas) spent three years adapting Neil Gaiman’s novel, using puppets, real sets, and stop-motion animation to create its striking and inventive 3-D visuals. (2009, 101 min, Digital)

Wednesday July 15
MONSTERS VS. ALIENS (2:30), 4:45, 7:00, 9:00
An unlikely team of bizarre creatures and misfit mutants is humanity’s only hope against space invaders intent on destroying planet Earth. Reese Witherspoon heads an all-star voice cast that includes Stephen Colbert as the President of the United States in this 3-D computer animated action comedy. Directed by Rob Letterman Conrad Vernon. (2009, 94 min, Digital)

Thursday July 16
MY BLOODY VALENTINE 7:00, 9:00
Part sequel, part remake, this updating of an obscure 1980s slasher resurrects Harry Warden, a deranged, pickaxe-wielding coal miner with no sense of romance. Black humor, gratuitous nudity, and eye-popping effects abound in this overlooked modern masterwork of 3-D schlock horror. With Jensen Ackles, Jamie King, Kerr Smith, Kevin Tighe and Tom Atkins. Directed by Patrick Lussier (2009, 101 min, Digital)

FRIDAY JULY 17 “MiDNiTES FOR MANiACS” presents
"THE COLD WAR... IN JULY" Triple Feature
Hosted By Jesse Hawthorne Ficks

ALL THREE FILMS for only $10.00!

7:15 WAR GAMES (1983) - Directed by John Badham With: Matthew Broderick, Ally Sheedy, Dabney Coleman, John Wood, Michael Ensign. 35mm print, MGM. 114min
In 1983 every kid (young and old) suddenly wanted a personal home computer after watching this prophetic teen adventure. Matthew Broderick & Ally Sheedy (in their first feature films) charismatically hack their way into creating a full blown thermal nuclear war. With inspired technobabble by kooky side characters, a truly visionary 80s synth soundtrack and a production design that "pre-teen dreams" are made of, you don't want to miss the chance of experiencing this in the Castro's gigantic theatre, alongside a farm of fellow computer geeks. Preceded by upcoming film trailers.

9:45 RED DAWN (1984) - Written by Kevin Reynolds; Directed by John Milius With: Patrick Swayze, C. Thomas Howell, Lea Thompson, Charlie Sheen, Ben Johnson, Harry Dean Stanton, Ron O'Neal. 35mm print, MGM. 114min.
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the first released PG-13 film by recruiting all of your "Crazy for Swayze" friends and coming out to cheer for our hometown "insurgents", The Wolverines. As the high schoolers battle the Soviet Union from occupying middle America, be prepared for this terrifically traumatizing Cold War product to be even more relevant for this day-an-age! Preceded by a fistful of 80s rebellious teen trailers.

11:59 INVASION U.S.A. (1985) - Directed by Joseph Zito With: Chuck Norris, Richard Lynch, Melissa Prophet. 35mm print, Cannon Films. 107min.
What happens when a group of ragtag Communist terrorists attack a small town neighborhood in Florida(?) with an endless amount of missile launchers? One word: Chuck Norris. As the one-man-army brings a reign of patriotic terror on these freedom hating Commies, you'll be delighted beyond belief by the amount of excessive violence combined with some of the most quotable one liners of Chuck Norris' career.

Preceded by a duffel bag of Chuck Norris trailers!

 

$10 FOR ONE OR ALL THREE FILMS
Advance Tix at the theatre or at www.ticketweb.com

Curated, hosted and notes by Jesse Hawthorne Ficks
Contact him at www.midnitesformaniacs.com or freekyfridays@gmail.com

Saturday July 18 & Sunday July 19
STAR TREK (1:00), 3:30, 6:00, 8:30
All new! With Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Eric Bana, Bruce Greenwood, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg and Leonard Nimoy. Directed by J.J. Abrams
(2009, 127 min, Digital ‘Scope)

MONDAY JULY 20
6 PM - Meet & Greet Reception with Patty Duke
8 PM - Gala Main Event
Marc Huestis presents SPARKLE, PATTY, SPARKLE!
A Gala Tribute to Academy Award® Winner Patty Duke Live In Person!

Interviewed by Bruce Vilanch with Screening of the classic VALLEY OF THE DOLLS & Performances by Connie Champagne & Matthew Martin
Benefiting New Leaf Services, NAMI Walk/S.F. Bay Area, Mental Health Association of S.F.

It'll be Patty Duke's time to shine as Marc Huestis presents SPARKLE, PATTY, SPARKLE! a gala tribute to Academy Award® Winning star Patty Duke. The screen legend will take center stage for a stellar live in-person interview with comic extraordinaire Bruce Vilanch. They'll discuss her amazing career including winning the Oscar for her remarkable portrayal of Helen Keller in the 1962 classic THE MIRACLE WORKER; playing the iconic Neely O'Hara in VALLEY OF THE DOLLS; writing 2 best selling books (Call Me Anna and A Brilliant Madness: Living With Manic Depression Illness); and her recent stage triumph as Madame Morrible in the smash hit S.F. production of WICKED (now running in an open ended engagement at the Orpheum Theatre.)

They'll be fun a-plenty with an only in San Francisco screening of the classic VALLEY OF THE DOLLS, fabu career clip reels including rare chestnuts from THE PATTY DUKE SHOW, and sizzling send up performances by Connie Champagne as Neely O'Hara & Matthew Martin as Helen Lawson. It'll be a night to remember at San Francisco's historic Castro Theatre!

Tickets are $30-Gala General (8 PM)
$60- Gold Preshow Meet & Greet with Patty Duke (6 PM) & Preferred Orch Seats to 8 PM Gala

Tickets Available at - 415 863-0611 or ticketweb.com
Partial Proceeds Benefiting New Leaf Services, NAMI Walk/S.F. Bay Area, Mental Health Association of S.F.

ADDED - A noon matinee of THE MIRACLE WORKER feauring Patty Duke in her Oscar Winning Performance
Free for people under 16 & seniors; $5 reduced general admission.

Event sponsors include Galleria Park Hotel, Joie de Vivre Hospitality, Twin Peaks Tavern, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly and the Castro Theatre.
Ticket & Other Info - 415 863-0611 or hostess2@earthlink.net.

Tuesday July 21
DRAG ME TO HELL 7:00, 9:00
Taking a break from the Spider Man franchise, director Sam Raimi returns to his roots with this frenetic supernatural horror extravaganza. Shocks and freak-outs propel at unrivaled intensity, as our heroine is put through the ringer in classic Raimi style. With Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver, Dileep Rao, David Paymer, Adrianna Barraza. (2009, 99 min, Digital ‘Scope)

Wednesday July 22 DOUBLE FEATURE
Errol Flynn Centennial!

THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD 2:55, 7:00
Flynn is dashing as the legendary folk hero who robs from the rich and gives to the poor in this breathtaking Technicolor adventure. Many of the creative forces of Captain Blood returned: the ethereal beauty of Olivia de Havilland, the craven villainy of Basil Rathbone, and an Oscar-winning score by Erich Wolfgang Korngold. Claude Rains co-stars: directed by William Keighley and Michael Curtiz (1938, 106 min, 35mm)

CAPTAIN BLOOD 1:00, 5:00, 9:05
The bravado and charisma of Flynn was unleashed in the role of an enslaved English doctor, who escapes with his comrades to become the gentleman rogue pirate of the Caribbean. This phenomenally successful swashbuckler made Flynn a star and it remains the best pirate movie ever made. Olivia De Havilland, Basil Rathbone, and Lionel Atwood co-star; directed by Michael Curtiz (1935, 99 min, 35mm)

Thursday July 23

Plug into the 29th San Francisco Jewish Film Festival for a cinematic kaleidoscope of culture, with more than 40 films, including features, documentaries and shorts from across the globe. Fix the world with Jewish civil rights lawyers and radical eco-pranksters, meet Gertrude Berg, the ‘Jewish Lucille Ball’ of 1950s TV, come of age with Australian nerdy girls and Uruguayan bar mitzvah boys, laugh hysterically with Israeli sumo wrestlers, and enjoy the best in contemporary animation, comedy, drama and more—including a fantastic array of new technological resources at www.sfjff.org.

Tickets, all-festival passes and full schedule available starting June 23, 2009 at www.sfjff.org or 866.55.TICKETS. Join the Jewish Film Forum for ticket discounts and special benefits.
Buy a discount 10-Flix Pack, good for 10 tickets, and save $20!

Opening Night 8:00 Hey Hey It’s Esther Blueberger
Cathy Randall’s wacky/serious coming-of-age comedy mines the phenomenon of good girls going bad and one girl’s indestructible urge to be herself. Cathy Randall in person. (Note: This film contains some sexual content.)

Friday July 24
Sing Along HAIRSPRAY 8:00
Hosted by Laurie Bushman & David Hawkins

Songs by Scott Whittman & Marc Shaiman; directed and choreographed by Adam Shankman (2007, 117 min, 35mm ‘Scope) Special Admission: $15 general and $10 children/seniors

Saturday July 25-Thursday July 30

For full info please visit www.sfjff.org or call (866) 55-TICKETS

ROLLING THUNDER:
THE FILMS OF QUENTIN TARANTINO

FRIDAY JULY 31 DOUBLE FEATURE
KILL BILL VOL. 1 7:00 VOL. 2 9:10
Under a canopy of Hong Kong martial arts movies, Japanese samurai movies and Italian spaghetti westerns, QT fashioned this ass-kicking revenge epic. Uma Thurman is the ex-assassin/bride left for dead who hunts down those who betrayed her, namely David Carradine as her mentor/ex-lover. Co-starring Daryl Hannah, Michael Madsen, Lucy Liu and Michael Parks. Vol. 1 (2003, 111 min, 35mm ‘Scope) Vol. 2 (2004, 136 min, 35mm ‘Scope)

SATURDAY AUGUST 1 DOUBLE FEATURE
RESERVOIR DOGS 2:00, 7:00
After a diamond heist goes horribly wrong, a band of criminals hole up in an abandoned warehouse, where accusations and suspicions escalate into violence. As told in multi-layered flashbacks, this tour-de-force put Tarantino on the map and gave prime hard-boiled material to Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Chris Penn, Steve Buscemi and Lawrence Tierney.
(1992, 99 min, 35mm ‘Scope)

PULP FICTION 4:00, 9:00
One of the greatest casts ever assembled for a motion picture is one of the many highlights of Tarantino’s obsessively stylized – and insanely influential - crime film. Nominated for 7 Oscars, QT and Roger Avery’s screenplay, charting intersecting storylines of Los Angeles mobsters, fringe players, small-time criminals, and a mysterious briefcase, won the gold. (1994, 154 min, 35mm ‘Scope)

SUNDAY AUGUST 2 DOUBLE FEATURE
JACKIE BROWN 1:05, 6:00
Pam Grier and Robert Forster returned to the spotlight in this gritty romance of a flight attendant and the bail bondsman who helps in her attempt to bring down arms smuggler Samuel L. Jackson. Co-stars Michael Keaton, Robert De Niro and Bridget Fonda add their chops in character roles. Based on Elmore Leonard’s book Rum Punch. (1997, 154 min, 35mm)

DEATH PROOF 4:00, 8:55
Tarantino’s acute take on the slasher genre pits two groups of young women against Kurt Russell as a sports car-wielding maniac. Featuring hair-raising stunt work from Zoë Bell as she rides the lightning atop a 1970 Dodge Challenger. (2007, approx 90 min, 35mm ‘Scope)


Reminder - Parking is very limited around the Castro District. Street parking is available along with two small parking lots. Please leave yourself extra travel time for parking for prompt arrival at the theatre. San Francisco city residents are advised to use public transportation available from all points of the city to the Castro District.

 


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