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Gene Wilder, as Wonka, in scene from film seen dancing in center of colorful candy factory
Gene Wilder, as Wonka, in scene from film seen dancing in center of colorful candy factory

This Month at the Packard Campus Theater — April 2023

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It’s Cinema Fantastik!

Fantasy to science fiction. From the unreal to the surreal. Cinema Fantastik are the films that play homage to your imagination, that go beyond your fantasies. Did I just see that? Can that really happen? Yes and no to both questions, or is it no and yes? So during the month of April, enjoy being a kid again, let yourself in on a dream or two. As a wise chocolate factory owner once said:  “A little nonsense, now and then, is relished by the wisest men.”

Film poster for "Labyrinth," David Bowie at top center of busy color illustration of scenes/characters in the film
“Labyrinth,” 1986

Saturday, April 1 @ 2pm

“Labyrinth” (Tri-Star, 1986)

Rock star David Bowie in a movie directed by the creator of the Muppets that was written by Monty Python’s Terry Jones and executive produced by George Lucas. Not sure much more needs to be said about this wonderful musical fantasy, except to enjoy!  (Color, 101 minutes)

Movie poster for "Wizard of Oz," 1939, faces of Judy Garland and other cast members in costume, sepia-toned photo of Munchkins in upper-right corner; titles and cast spelled out at angle
“The Wizard of Oz,” 1939

Saturday, April 1 @ 7:30pm

“The Wizard of Oz” (MGM, 1939)

On most “greatest movies of all time” lists this movie is the pinnacle of musical fantasies. Judy Garland in her most famous role is Dorothy, the girl who lives in a black and white world but dreams in Technicolor, dreams of a place somewhere over the rainbow.  (Color, 101 minutes. Added to National Registry, 1989)

“The Ed Sullivan Show”

Friday, April 14 @ 7:30pm

“Rock ‘& Roll on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show”

Media historian and former NAVCC video preservationist Bill Rush will present two “clip” shows that are sure to please music lovers.  Some of the most famous and some of the most frustratingly forgotten will be featured.

Black and white drawing of musical notes on staff
“An Afternoon of the Blues”

Saturday, April 15 @ 2pm

“Good Morning Blues”

Media historian and former NAVCC video preservationist Bill Rush will present two “clip” shows that are sure to please music lovers.  Some of the most famous and some of the most frustratingly forgotten will be featured.  This Saturday afternoon post is all about the Blues.

 

“Zardoz,” 1974

Saturday, April 15 @ 7:30pm

“Zardoz” (20th Century-Fox, 1974)

From director John Boorman (“Deliverance”) comes a film experience like no other! In the distant future of 2293, Sean Connery plays Zed, a brutal man of the wilderness who breaks into a land of immortal beings led by Charlotte Rampling through a big stone floating head. …then the film gets a bit weird! A favorite of midnight movies, cult movie fanatics and filmmakers alike. Cinema Fantastik at its core!  (Color, 102 minutes)

“8 1/2,” 1963

Friday, April 21 @ 7:30pm

“8 1/2” (Cineriz/Columbia, 1963)

Many consider Federico Fellini to be the greatest of all filmmakers and this as his greatest opus. Filled with stunning cinematography, surrealist humor, and the most beautiful actresses in Europe, this film cannot help but inspire.  (Italian with English subtitles; black & white, 138 minutes)

“Alice in Wonderland,” 1951

Saturday, April 22 @ 2pm

“Alice in Wonderland” (RKO Radio, 1951)

One of Walt Disney’s most endearing cartoon features, and the one said to be closest to his heart. As a young filmmaker in Kansas City, he made a series of live action/animated short subjects with Alice, as in Wonderland, as the central character. When Disney built Disneyland, he based not one but two rides on the film (Alice in Wonderland and the Mad Tea Party). With this film,and all this month, remember what the dormouse said, “Feed your head!” (Color, 75 minutes. Plus short subjects.)

“Barbarella,” 1968

Saturday, April 22 @ 7:30pm

“Barbarella” (Paramount, 1968)

Often considered the peak of “camp” films, “Barbarella” is a high-point of 1960s psychedelic cinema. So, jump upon her shag covered spaceship, fend off the attacking baby dolls, romance some winged angels and save the world against mad scientists and their rhino-horned henchwomen. With Jane Fonda, David Hemmings and Marcel Marceau.  (Color, 98 minutes.)

“Fantastic Planet,” 1973

Friday, April 28 @ 7:30pm

“Fantastic Planet” (New World, 1973)

A surreal, futuristic animated feature film. This isn’t a Disney cartoon, it is an allegorical story about humans on a strange planet (as if planet Earth isn’t strange enough).  (Color, 71 minutes, plus selected short subjects.)

“Melies: Fairy Tales,” early 1900s

Saturday, April 29 @ 2pm

“Melies:  Fairy Tales” (Star Film Co., early 1900s)

Anyone familiar with the film “Hugo” has an understanding of who Georges Melies was. He invented movie special effects and, in the infancy of film, took our imaginations and put them up on the screen.  (Black and white, tinted, 90 minutes; live musical accompaniment by Andrew Simpson)

“Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” 1971

Saturday April 29 @ 7:30pm

“Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (Paramount, 1971)

Who can take tomorrow and dip it in a dream? The candy man, of course. A brilliant Gene Wilder portrays the more brilliant candy maker Willy Wonka. A wonderful musical trip that will make all confection lovers happy, even if they are only getting an imaginary golden ticket. (Color, 100 minutes; added to the National Film Registry in 2014)

 

 

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