MOVIE ROOM
Movie times are approximate, (give or take a minute or two).
All movies scheduled for screening are subject to change.
You are allowed to eat and drink in the movie room but we ask that you please put your garbage into the trashcan before you leave.
Please exercise the same courtesy to your neighbors as you would in a major movie theater (which means switching your smartphone to silence).
THIS YEAR WE ARE CELEBRATING THE COMEDIES OF THE THE 1930s!
WEDNESDAY
6:00 pm, THELMA TODD COMEDIES
Two hours of classic Thelma Todd comedies from the 1930s. Thelma Todd’s comedies were sparkling showcases of her quick wit, charm, and impeccable timing. Best remembered for her roles in Hal Roach shorts of the early 1930s, she often played the glamorous foil to slapstick antics, balancing sophistication with a knack for physical humor. Paired memorably with Zasu Pitts and later Patsy Kelly, Todd brought a smart, playful energy that elevated routine gags into memorable laughs, establishing her as one of the brightest comediennes of her era.
8:00 pm, CHARLEY CHASE COMEDIES
Charley Chase’s comedies were celebrated for their clever blend of situational humor, fast-paced gags, and a touch of sophistication. Unlike many slapstick stars, Chase specialized in everyday characters caught in escalating predicaments, making his misadventures both funny and relatable. Working extensively at Hal Roach Studios, he became known for his sharp timing, inventive storytelling, and ability to turn ordinary social situations into comic gold, securing his place as one of silent and early sound comedy’s most inventive craftsmen.
10:00 pm, IT'S A GIFT (1934)
It’s a Gift (1934) stars W.C. Fields as Harold Bissonette, a weary grocer dreaming of an orange grove in California while battling his nagging family, noisy neighbors, and maddening customers. Famous for classic set pieces like the back-porch nap and chaotic grocery store scenes, the film is considered one of Fields’ finest comedies. A Depression-era hit that captured everyday frustrations with sharp satire, it was later added to the National Film Registry as a landmark of American film comedy. If there was a list of 100 must-see movies that often gets overlooked, this would be one of them.
11:30 pm, VINTAGE SPOOKY CARTOONS
A half hour of spooky cartoons from the 1930s with dancing skeletons, black bats, ghosts and other specters as we ring in this year's convention with eight hours of vintage silent horror movies that begin at midnight.
12 Midnight, ALL-NIGHT HORROR MOVIES
Alex presents his usual obscurities of rare horror films starting at midnight, all three nights. Titles to be announced.
THURSDAY
9:00 am, THE HOLLYWOOD GIRLS COMEDIES
The Hollywood Girls comedies (1929–1930) were a short-lived but lively series from Warner Bros., featuring Rita Flynn, Tut Mace, and Virginia Brooks as three spirited young women navigating romance, work, and comic scrapes in Hollywood. Each short played on the trio’s contrasting personalities—glamorous, wisecracking, and sweet-natured—allowing for fast banter, playful misunderstandings, and situations that poked fun at the movie industry itself. Though the series only ran a few entries during the early sound era, it captured the studio’s attempt to blend the breezy appeal of flapper humor with the new possibilities of talking pictures. We will be screening five of the six comedies.
11:00 am, MARJORIE BEEBE COMEDIES
The Marjorie Beebe comedies (late 1920s–early 1930s) were a series of two-reelers produced at the Hal Roach Studios that spotlighted Beebe’s flair for playing ordinary small-town girls tossed into silly predicaments. Unlike the glamorous flapper types often seen on screen, Beebe specialized in wholesome, down-to-earth characters who found themselves in awkward scrapes—whether trying to keep up appearances, handle romances gone wrong, or navigate the everyday chaos of work and family. Her style relied on a mixture of expressive physical comedy and relatable charm, making her a refreshing foil to the studio’s better-known male comics like Charley Chase and the Laurel & Hardy team.
1:00 pm, TIGER BAY (1959)
Tiger Bay (1959) is a British crime drama that marked the screen debut of Hayley Mills, acting alongside her father, John Mills. Set in the multicultural dockside district of Cardiff, the film tells the story of a young tomboy, Gillie (weekend guest Hayley Mills), who witnesses a Polish sailor (Horst Buchholz) commit a crime of passion. Instead of reporting him, she befriends him, drawn to his vulnerability and the excitement of secrecy. Their unlikely bond is threatened as the police, led by her father’s character, close in, forcing Gillie to confront loyalty, truth, and the moral weight of her choices.
3:00 pm, WORLD OF GIANTS MINI MARATHON
World of Giants (1959) was a short-lived syndicated American television series that blended science fiction with espionage adventure. The show followed U.S. counter-espionage agent Mel Hunter (Marshall Thompson), who, after a laboratory accident, is reduced to just six inches tall. Despite his size, Hunter continues to work as a government operative, using his miniature stature to infiltrate enemy hideouts, gather intelligence, and foil international plots. Each episode emphasized the challenges and ingenuity of a man living in a full-sized world, often relying on his full-sized partner (Arthur Franz) to complete dangerous missions.
Although only 13 episodes were produced, World of Giants is remembered as a curious forerunner to later “miniaturization” adventure series like Land of the Giants (1968) and films such as Fantastic Voyage (1966). Produced during the height of 1950s Cold War anxieties, it blended spy-thriller motifs with imaginative special effects to capitalize on the era’s fascination with science fiction and atomic-age mishaps. While never a ratings success, the series has enduring cult interest as one of television’s earliest attempts at combining genre spectacle with serialized espionage storytelling.
5:00 pm, JOE COOK COMEDIES
The Joe Cook comedies of the 1930s showcased the unique talents of vaudeville star Joe Cook, who brought his stage persona of a fast-talking, gag-spinning eccentric to the screen. Known for his whirlwind patter, absurd inventions, and knack for juggling both words and props, Cook starred in features such as Rain or Shine (1930) and Arizona Mahoney (1936). His humor often revolved around elaborate nonsense routines and surreal wordplay, setting him apart from the more slapstick-driven comedians of his era. On film, Cook typically played the lovable oddball whose quick wit and offbeat antics turned chaotic situations into comic mayhem.
7:00 pm, LAUREL AND HARDY COMEDIES
The Laurel and Hardy comedies (1927–1950) remain among the most beloved works in film history, pairing Stan Laurel’s childlike innocence and clumsy logic with Oliver Hardy’s pompous bluster and exasperated dignity. Working primarily at the Hal Roach Studios, the duo created a comic formula built on slow-burn gags, escalating misunderstandings, and richly choreographed slapstick routines. From silent classics like The Battle of the Century (1927) to sound-era gems such as Sons of the Desert (1933) and Way Out West (1937), Laurel and Hardy perfected the art of taking the simplest premise—moving a piano, building a house, or sharing a meal—and stretching it into a masterpiece of timing, rhythm, and character interplay.
9:00 pm, THIS IS A THRILLER!
Though it ran only two seasons, Thriller (1960 to 1962) gained cult status as one of the most atmospheric anthology series of its time. It bridged the gap between crime and supernatural storytelling, helping to usher horror onto American television at a time when networks were wary of the genre. Karloff’s presence lent the show prestige and credibility, and its influence can be seen in later anthology programs that blended suspense with outright terror. Today, Thriller is remembered as a cornerstone of early TV horror, with episodes still celebrated in critical circles and horror fandom. We will be screening three of the best episodes of the series, "Pigeons from Hell," "The Grim Reaper" and "Parasite Mansion."
12 Midnight ALL-NIGHT HORROR MOVIES
Alex presents his usual obscurities of rare horror films starting at midnight, all three nights. Titles to be announced.
FRIDAY
9:00 am, CARTOON CLASSICS
Vintage cartoons from the 1930s, 40s and 50s -- many you probably never saw before! From Calvin and the Colonel to Hoppity Hooper, these rarely-seen gems are sure to tickle your funny bone.
11:00 am, EDGAR KENNEDY COMEDY SHORTS
The Edgar Kennedy comedies (1930s–1940s), often billed as his “Average Man” series at RKO, revolved around Kennedy’s perpetually flustered everyman character. Best remembered for his patented “slow burn” reaction—an escalating glare, muttered complaint, and exasperated sigh—Kennedy specialized in domestic comedies where ordinary situations spiraled into frustration. Whether battling nosy neighbors, meddling in-laws, or his own inept attempts at home repairs, Kennedy’s character embodied the long-suffering husband pushed to the brink by everyday annoyances. His shorts offered relatable, small-scale humor, with Kennedy’s timing and weary expressions carrying the comedy.
1:00 pm, LAW AND DISORDER (1974)
Law and Disorder (1974) is a darkly comic crime film starring Carroll O’Connor and Ernest Borgnine as two weary New Yorkers fed up with the rising crime in their city. O’Connor plays a barber and Borgnine a funeral director, both frustrated by the ineffectiveness of the police and the growing decay of their neighborhood. When they decide to form their own citizens’ patrol, their well-meaning plan spirals out of control, drawing them into the same violence and lawlessness they hoped to prevent. The mix of comedy and grim social commentary captures the mood of 1970s urban America, where fear of crime and distrust in institutions were at a peak.
3:00 pm, LADY IN QUESTION (1940)
The Lady in Question (1940) is a Columbia Pictures romantic drama directed by Charles Vidor and featuring Rita Hayworth in one of her earliest starring roles. The story follows André Morestan (Brian Aherne), a kindly Parisian bicycle shop owner who serves on a jury and persuades his fellow jurors to acquit a young woman, Natalie Roguin (Rita Hayworth), accused of murder. Sympathetic to her plight, he invites her into his home, where his family members respond with a mix of suspicion and fascination. As Natalie attempts to rebuild her life and romance blossoms with Morestan’s son (Glenn Ford), lingering doubts about her innocence create tension that threatens both her future and the family’s peace. Rarely seen, this is a great time to watch this obscure gem.
The film is especially notable for pairing Rita Hayworth with Glenn Ford for the first time—a screen partnership that would flourish across multiple films in the 1940s. Released just as Hayworth’s star was beginning to rise, The Lady in Question showcased her talent in a sympathetic dramatic role and helped cement her reputation as more than just a dancer or glamour girl. While not as well-remembered as her later classics, it occupies an important place in Hollywood history as an early milestone in both Hayworth’s ascent to stardom and in the long-running Hayworth-Ford collaboration that became one of Columbia’s most reliable box-office draws.
4:30 pm, MAX DAVIDSON COMEDIES
The Max Davidson comedies of the 1920s, produced mainly at Hal Roach Studios, were a series of two-reel silent shorts that built on Davidson’s persona as a bemused, put-upon Jewish father figure. These films placed him in everyday domestic or social situations—moving to a new neighborhood (Pass the Gravy, 1928), arranging a marriage, or managing difficult in-laws—only for events to spiral into escalating absurdity. Davidson’s expressive face, nervous mannerisms, and carefully timed reactions made him the perfect foil for the chaos around him, blending cultural satire with universally relatable humor.
7:00 pm, THE BOSS (1956)
The Boss (1956) is a hard-hitting political drama directed by Byron Haskin and written by blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo (credited to a front, Ben L. Perry). The film stars John Payne as Matt Brady, a ruthless World War I veteran who inherits his brother’s political machine and rises to power through intimidation, corruption, and manipulation. Brady’s rise is fueled by his loyal but morally conflicted war buddy, played by William Bishop, while his arrogance and alcoholism lead to increasingly destructive decisions. The story traces his journey from a decorated soldier to a tyrannical political “boss,” exposing the greed and moral decay behind urban machine politics.
8:30 pm, THE BRIBE (1949)
The Bribe (1949) is a moody film noir from MGM, directed by Robert Z. Leonard, starring Robert Taylor, Ava Gardner, Charles Laughton, and Vincent Price. Set on a steamy island off the coast of Central America, the story follows U.S. federal agent Rigby (Taylor), who is sent to investigate a black-market ring smuggling surplus war goods. He quickly finds himself entangled with Elizabeth (Gardner), the sultry wife of a down-on-his-luck war veteran, and lured into a dangerous web of temptation, greed, and betrayal. Charles Laughton plays a greasy middleman, and Vincent Price delivers a scene-stealing performance as the smooth, corrupt mastermind. Torn between duty and desire, Rigby must decide whether to uphold the law or succumb to the lure of forbidden love and profit.
10:30 pm, THE GHOST OF SIERRA DE COBRE (1964)
Starring Martin Landau and weekend guest Diane Baker. Terrified of being buried alive by mistake, a woman puts a phone in her crypt to be able to call home if she needs help. She dies and nothing happens. One day, the phone suddenly rings. Paranormal investigator Nelson Orion (Martin Landau) is brought in. This was meant to serve as a pilot for a proposed new series, using the same directors and writers for The Outer Limits. But the pilot never aired and was rarely seen for decades.
12 midnight ALL-NIGHT HORROR MOVIES
Alex presents his usual obscurities of rare horror films starting at midnight, all three nights. Titles to be announced.
SATURDAY
9:00 am, SATURDAY MORNING CARTOONS
More than an hour's worth of vintage cartoons that you grew up with on Saturday morning. Many of your favorite characters will be offered including Popeye, Woody Woodpecker, Casper the Friendly Ghost, Betty Boop, Felix the Cat, Little Lulu, Clutch Cargo, The Three Stooges and many, many more! You'll discover gems from the early days of animation and charming fables galore.
10:00 am, BUSTER WEST AND TOM PATRICOLA COMEDIES
The Buster West and Tom Patricola comedies of the early 1930s were short subjects that showcased the lively vaudeville roots of both performers. West, a rubber-limbed eccentric dancer, and Patricola, a nimble song-and-dance comic, were paired in a handful of two-reel comedies for RKO and Educational Pictures. Their films typically revolved around everyday situations—a dance hall, a workplace, or a romantic entanglement—punctuated by bursts of acrobatic dancing, slapstick gags, and playful rivalry. The duo’s energy drew directly from their stage backgrounds, giving their shorts a frantic pace that mixed physical comedy with musical interludes.
12 noon, TOM HOWARD AND GEORGE SHELTON COMEDIES
The Tom Howard and George Shelton comedies of the 1930s were two-reel shorts produced primarily for Educational Pictures, bringing to the screen a pair of vaudeville veterans best known for their work in burlesque and sketch comedy. Howard, with his deadpan delivery and mock-serious manner, played the blustery “straight man” to Shelton’s rubbery-faced clowning. Their films usually centered on simple premises—a business scheme gone wrong, a household in chaos, or a night out that collapses into disaster—driven less by slapstick than by sharp repartee and comic timing rooted in the stage. The interplay between Howard’s gruff mock-authority and Shelton’s wide-eyed foolishness gave the shorts a distinct personality compared to broader knockabout comedies of the same era.
2:00 pm, HE RAN ALL THE WAY (1951)
A film noir classic with John Garfield (in his last screen role) and the beautiful Shelley Winters (pulling off a performance like you've never seen). Petty thief Nick Robey botches a robbery, shooting and killing a policeman, and leaving his partner severely wounded. Nick escapes with over $10,000, meets a beautiful and homely woman who is willing to forgive his past in return for affection… or is it the money she wants? We like to screen a film noir (or two) every year and usually the best one out of the 30 or 40 we manage to watch every year. This is a goody!
4:00 pm, GUNSMOKE MINI-MARATHON
Ride along with Marshal Matt Dillon as he combats the rawness of the wild west. For those who are seeking something to enjoy watching until the Saturday Evening Meet and Greet event, we'll be screening the best half-hour episodes for a few hours starting at 4:00 p.m.