A collection of genre short films, including horror, science fiction, fantasy, and thriller/suspense.

A man’s reality shatters under an unseen threat in The Prowler, while Don’t Leave Me explores mental health spiraling into something predatory. Myth, ritual, and maternal terror collide in the surreal Feast of the Serpent. Among the Wounded races through a snow-covered housing project as a mother searches for her missing son amid a drug-fueled epidemic.

Paranormal chaos erupts in the darkly comedic ¡ALPACA! when an influencer brings home more than souvenirs. In Ignominy, sleep paralysis and humiliation nightmares blur identity and reality. Horns traps two friends in a claustrophobic, voice-filled descent into fear, while Jordan Just Needs to Relax questions whether the end of the world is all in someone’s head—or not.

Closing the block, Hat Trick brings grief, magic, and sinister humor together at a children’s birthday party like no other.

A tight, eerie, genre-bending showcase—perfect for fans of psychological horror, surreal worlds, and unsettling mystery.

Followed by an audience Q&A session with attending filmmakers.

9 Short Films: (More info on all of the short films here)

• The Prowler (Dir. Christopher Piñero, 10 Minutes)

• Don’t Leave Me (Dir. Jennifer Bunnell, 8 Minutes)

• The Feast of the Serpent (Dir. Craig Baurley, 10 Minutes)

• Among The Wounded (Dir. Adonis Williams, 9 Minutes)

• ¡ALPACA! (Dir. Sylvia Caminer, 16 Minutes)

• Ignominy (Dir. Alexia Kerwick, 6 Minutes)

• Horns (Dir. Pranesh Devuni, 5 Minutes)

• Jordan Just Needs to Relax (Dir. Neil Davis, 9 Minutes)

• Hat Trick (Dir. Noah Deats, Tess Lafia, 14 Minutes)

Playing as part of Another Hole in the Head 2025

Saturday, December 13

A collection of genre short films, including horror, science fiction, fantasy, and thriller/suspense.

Followed by an audience Q&A session with attending filmmakers.

8 Short Films: (More info on all of the short films here)

• The Convenience Store (Dir. Julian Davis, 10 Minutes)

• May I Put You On Hold? (Dir. Ash Blodgett, 14 Minutes)

• One Second (Dir. Alex Hoxie, 7 Minutes)

• Bad Chemistry (Dir. Michael Rognlie, 20 Minutes)

• My Wife (Dir. Aaron Garcia, 6 Minutes)

• Trim The Barley (Dir. Joshua M. Thomas, 16 Minutes)

• Little Death (Dir. Derek Bensonhaver, 6 Minutes)

• Little Hands (Dir. Pat Mesiti-Miller, 5 Minutes)

Playing as part of Another Hole in the Head 2025

Saturday, December 13

When young priest Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor) is sent to assist charismatic firebrand Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin), it’s clear that all is not well in the pews. After a sudden and seemingly impossible murder rocks the town, the lack of an obvious suspect prompts local police chief Geraldine Scott (Mila Kunis) to join forces with renowned detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) to unravel a mystery that defies all logic.

Saturday, December 13

Sunday, December 14

A collection of genre short films, including horror, science fiction, fantasy, and thriller/suspense.

Followed by an audience Q&A session with attending filmmakers.

9 Short Films: (More info on all of the short films here)

• Contraptions (Dir. Zachary Sweet, 1 Minute)

• Bike Shorts (Dir. Kevin McDevitt, 9 Minutes)

• The Mere (Dir. Denys Bastov, 20 Minutes)

• Texas Strange (Dir. Justin Eugene Evans, 10 Minutes)

• Bart & Bobbi Kill Each Other (Dir. Aaron Barrocas, 7 Minutes)

• Secret Admirer (Dir. Stephen Chen, 11 Minutes)

• Free Pancakes (Dir. Lije Morgan, 2 Minutes)

• Hey HeLP-O! Let's Go! (Dir. Kevin O'Brien, 17 Minutes)

• The Print in the Woods (Dir. Luke Kreger, 12 Minutes)

Playing as part of Another Hole in the Head 2025

Saturday, December 13

"After three long years in the wilderness, Conan the Barbarian has returned to civilization! Sleepbomb is bringing back their iconic alternative score for the classic John Milius 1982 swords and snakes epic at Another Hole in the Head 2025. Learn the Riddle of Steel, marvel at the Eye of the Serpent and climb the temple to the Tree of Woe. You will experience the thrills and chills of Arnold Schwarzenegger's breakthrough film like never before! Conan is a wanderer, so who know's when he may return? Be there!!!

Founded in 2003, Sleepbomb is a San Francisco-based psychedelic doom project focused on full, original scores for genre films including the German Expressionist silent masterpieces - The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, Nosferatu and Metropolis as well as scores for George Romero’s 1968 classic zombie film Night of the Living Dead and the 1982 epic Conan the Barbarian. Stylistically ranging from drone and electronics to sludge and doom metal, Sleepbomb has been described informally as a combination of Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Neurosis with a little Steve Reich for flavor. Sleepbomb's unique scores provide a transformative take on classic genre films, recontextualizing them for our modern age.

In 2023, Sleepbomb joined Bill Gould’s koolarrow records for the release of their first full film score, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, also available worldwide via Belgium's Consouling Sounds. This was followed by the 2025 release of their score for the original zombie flick - George Romero’s Night of the Living Dead also on koolarrow and Consouling Sounds."

A horde of rampaging warriors massacre the parents of young Conan and enslave the young child for years on The Wheel of Pain. As the sole survivor of the childhood massacre, Conan is released from slavery and taught the ancient arts of fighting. Transforming himself into a killing machine, Conan travels into the wilderness to seek vengeance on Thulsa Doom, the man responsible for killing his family. In the wilderness, Conan takes up with the thieves Valeria and Subotai. The group comes upon King Osric, who wants the trio of warriors to help rescue his daughter who has joined Doom in the hills.

Playing as part of Another Hole in the Head 2025

Saturday, December 13

Stand-Up Comedy at the Balboa Theatre

A Packed Lineup of shorter sets for up and coming Bay Area comedians during the first half of the show, with an intermission to grab another beer or popcorn from the lobby or that right on time bathroom break. The second half of the show features national touring and veteran comedians…With surprise pop-in guest sets.

A night of laughs in the Richmond District you will not want to miss!

Headliner Josef Anolin

From Oakland, California currently living in Los Angeles, Josef has opened for the likes of Tom Segura, Whitney Cummings, and Michael Che. He likes telling irreverent stories based on his life and observations. He has an Android phone because he likes pissing you off with his green text bubbles.

Featuring

Jade Theriault

Jade Theriault is a Forbes-recognized comedian who combines provocative thought with moving furniture. Jade was manufactured in the Bay Area and is a regular at Alameda Comedy Club, The Punchline, Cobbs Comedy Club, Tommy T's, and the San Jose Improv, featuring for Trejo and Amy Silverberg. Festival credits include SF Sketchfest, The Art of Female Comedy Festival (Wichita, KS), Palm Springs International Comedy Festival, and the Westside Comedy Festival in Santa Monica, where she was honored for Best Joke of the Night. Jade starred in Malic Almaya's "RUN!" (2018), was featured in Jeff Giordano’s “Romantic Chorus” (2021), and was on an episode of MTV Decoded (2018). From 2019-2021, Jade clowned seasonally under the famed SF drag queen Peaches Christ. Most recently, Jade was featured in Troma's "Divide & Conquer" (2021) and a few radio plays for Bloody FM (2024). 

Jade Theriault conceived of their act in a sweaty high school piano closet, anticipating a ride home on a smaller yellow bus. This led to a 12-year exploration of comedy, visual art, music, and feelings. When not anxious, Jade thinks about the future of Artificial Intelligence and becomes anxious again.

Special Guests

Terrell “Big T” Butler

Terrell “Big T” Butler grew up in Oakland, California as the “fat kid”. Terrell quickly learned how roast other kids on the playground. His comedy began as a defense mechanism, and transformed into a means to gain friends. Once Terrell knew he could make the kids laugh, they stopped laughing at him, and started laughing with him. Telling jokes was the icebreaker. Stand-up was a natural path after that.

Seamus Donohue

Seamus Donohue is a Comedian/Producer/San francisco native. Has been performing stand up for four years all over the bay area.   Owner of Seamus Donohoe Productions. You can Follow him @755doughboy on Instagram.

Paul Robertson

Paul Robertson is a San Francisco comic and local favorite. He performs all over the bay and started his career in New York City. He produces three shows in the Bay Area: ValueCulture at the BoomBoom Room, The Weekly Show at @ Zingari's Downtown, and The VitaBrevis Standup Show.

Saturday, December 13

A collection of genre mid-length films, including horror, science fiction, fantasy, and thriller/suspense.

Followed by an audience Q&A session with attending filmmakers.

6 Featurette Films: (More info on all of the films here)

• Bring the Doom (Dir. Eric Younger, 28 Minute)

• Evil (Dir. Max Palahniuk, 22 Minutes)

• Shrine of Abominations (Dir. Ross Kennedy, Skinner, 38 Minutes)

• Vibeland: Zodiac (Dir. Rodrigo Williams, Alexi Papalexopoulos, 24 Minutes)

• Focal Point (Dir. Raphael Buisson, 23 Minutes)

• Remy & Bo: Blood Debt (Dir. Terry Chez, Nasty Hall, 48 Minutes)

  Playing as part of Another Hole in the Head 2025

Sunday, December 14

When young priest Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor) is sent to assist charismatic firebrand Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin), it’s clear that all is not well in the pews. After a sudden and seemingly impossible murder rocks the town, the lack of an obvious suspect prompts local police chief Geraldine Scott (Mila Kunis) to join forces with renowned detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) to unravel a mystery that defies all logic.

Sunday, December 14

Sheltered Willow auditions for mysterious director Matthew's play, a Greek tragedy adaptation. Enthralled, she ignores dangers and undergoes self-discovery as the lead under his tutelage.

In attendance for Q&A after screening

Olivia Blue, Screenwriter

+ 1 Short Film

• Over the River and Through the Woods (Dir. Graham Burrell, 15 Minutes)

Playing as part of Another Hole in the Head 2025

Sunday, December 14

A mysterious egg contains an impish creature who can grant great power, for good or evil. Brendan Bean, a kindly family man, finds himself face to face with the bizarre creature, and before long a friendship for the ages develops. Meanwhile, the depraved Benny Piazza leads his deranged militia on a violent quest to reclaim the magical homunculi.

In attendance for Q&A after screening

Matt Hewitt: Director, Screenwriter

Ryan Morley: Screenwriter, Actor

Playing as part of Another Hole in the Head 2025

sunday, December 14

Rebecca cleans houses to make ends meet, but her true passion is recording her clients without their knowledge. Eavesdropping on their private moments, she compiles a library of fights, family meetings, confessions and hookups - an array of emotions to taste-test, rewind and revisit as she likes. When she encounters Martin, a self-secluded man who harbors violent fantasies, Rebecca creeps down from her voyeuristic listening post. Helpless to resist, she engages with him in a visceral but contactless transaction - as grave as life and death but just within earshot.

In attendance for Q&A after screening

Dallas Richard Hallam: Director, Screenwriter

+ 2 Short Films

• The Time Traveling Cougar (Dir. Haldean Brown, 15 Minutes)

• Tunnel Vision (Dir. Juan Aguirre, 16 Minutes)

Playing as part of Another Hole in the Head 2025

Sunday, December 14

There will be a 51 minute 9 film AI short film block with Q&A's before the Metropolis screening. Metropolis will start after the short film block at 7:15pm

In a futuristic city sharply divided between the rich and the poor, the son of the city's mastermind meets a prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences.

Metropolis (1927) with Re-score by The New Pollutants moonflix Restoration and Colorization moonflix, in collaboration with new breakthrough AI colorization software, brings you this stunning restoration and colorization of Metropolis. This restoration breathes new life into the film, bringing out details and nuances that were previously unseen.The New Pollutants' Original Rescore Accompanying the restoration is the original rescore by The New Pollutants, which offers a fresh auditory experience while respecting the film's historical significance. The haunting and atmospheric music adds depth to the viewing, creating an emotional connection between the audience and the characters.

+ 9 A.I. Short Films (Followed by an audience Q&A session with attending filmmakers.)

• Finale (Dir. Giovanni Pedde, Vittorino Testa, 15 Minutes)

• OntologIA (Dir. Francesco Rivolta, 3 Minutes)

• Hard To Be a God (Dir. DT Yang, 3 Minutes)

• Escape from Lumora (Dir. Michael-Claude Winfield, 3 Minutes)

• Sundial (Dir. Rob Thomas, 3 Minutes)

• Terminal 9 0123 (Dir. Jessica Elizabeth Davenport, Ciro Ayala, 8 Minutes)

• Last Dream (Dir. Takeshi KUSHIDA, 10 Minutes)

• The Christmas Operation (Dir. Hyun Cheol PARK, 3 Minutes)

• I'm Happy Again (Dir. Charles Dillon Ward, 4 Minutes)

Playing as part of Another Hole in the Head 2025

Monday, December 15

When young priest Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor) is sent to assist charismatic firebrand Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin), it’s clear that all is not well in the pews. After a sudden and seemingly impossible murder rocks the town, the lack of an obvious suspect prompts local police chief Geraldine Scott (Mila Kunis) to join forces with renowned detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) to unravel a mystery that defies all logic.

Monday, December 15

Tuesday, december 16

Wednesday, December 17

When young priest Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor) is sent to assist charismatic firebrand Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin), it’s clear that all is not well in the pews. After a sudden and seemingly impossible murder rocks the town, the lack of an obvious suspect prompts local police chief Geraldine Scott (Mila Kunis) to join forces with renowned detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) to unravel a mystery that defies all logic.

Tuesday, december 16

Wednesday, December 17

Catastrophe looms. A lonely wanderer dreams of transcending. All things merge in the abyss.

In attendance for Q&A after screening

Stephen Michaels, Director

+ 2 Short Films

• Coup (Dir. Salamo Manetti-Lax, 1 Minute)

• Peripheral (Dir. Felix Milionis, Laszlo Green, 16 Minutes)

Playing as part of Another Hole in the Head 2025

Tuesday, December 16

Strange movies presented by Kai Wada Roath at the haunted & historic Balboa theater in San Francisco!

Tuesday, December 16

Rewind the 80s: An 80s Time Capsule is a 90-minute cinematic mixtape celebrating the decade that defined a generation. Bursting with iconic music, unforgettable TV moments, movie clips, and pop culture highlights, this film takes audiences on a neon-soaked journey through the fashion, sounds, and spirit of the 1980s. From synth-pop anthems and VHS classics to Saturday morning cartoons and the rise of MTV, Time Capsule captures the energy, creativity, and sheer fun of an era that changed entertainment forever. Whether you lived it or just love it, this is the ultimate rewind to the most radical decade of them all.

In attendance for Q&A after screening

Benji Carver: Director

Playing as part of Another Hole in the Head 2025

Tuesday, December 16

Four friends and their professor are headed to a Native reservation when a run-in with a satanic cult alters their trajectory. Witchcraft, black magic and some sick billionaires put them onto a path of unspeakable terrors.

In attendance for Q&A after screening

Paul Jay Wilson: Director

Rose of Sharon: Screenwriter

Playing as part of Another Hole in the Head 2025

Wednesday, December 17

When young priest Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor) is sent to assist charismatic firebrand Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin), it’s clear that all is not well in the pews. After a sudden and seemingly impossible murder rocks the town, the lack of an obvious suspect prompts local police chief Geraldine Scott (Mila Kunis) to join forces with renowned detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) to unravel a mystery that defies all logic.

Wednesday, December 17

Get ready for a stunning 4K DCP presentation of John Carpenter’s dystopian masterpiece—restored with razor-sharp clarity, immersive detail, and the neon-soaked atmosphere that defines the film’s legendary style. This is Escape from New York like you’ve never seen it before: bold, crisp, and explosively cinematic.

In this iconic sci-fi action thriller, Manhattan has become a maximum-security prison—a lawless no-man’s-land where criminals rule what’s left of the streets. When Air Force One crashes inside the walls, the government turns to its only hope: Snake Plissken—outlaw, war hero, and all-around legend. With a 24-hour deadline ticking down, Snake must infiltrate the island, survive its brutal factions, and extract the President before time runs out.

Escape from New York remains one of the defining cult films of the 1980s, loaded with atmosphere, attitude, and Carpenter’s unmistakable synth-driven pulse. Experiencing it in pristine 4K brings the tension, world-building, and iconic visuals roaring back to life with new intensity.

For fans of Carpenter and cult cinema, this is a one-night-only mission you don’t want to miss.

Playing as part of Another Hole in the Head 2025

Wednesday, December 17

Dive into Dark Rainbow, a bold collection of boundary-pushing LGBTQ+ short films exploring the strange, the spectral, and the spectacular. This year’s lineup brings together genre storytellers from across the spectrum, blending science fiction, fantasy, and horror through queer perspectives that are rarely seen on the big screen.

From cosmic love stories to nightmarish transformations, tender hauntings to electric acts of rebellion, Dark Rainbow delivers a vibrant, unsettling, and wildly imaginative showcase of voices redefining what queer genre cinema can be.

A signature whirlwind of heart, horror, and the beautifully bizarre—only at Another Hole in the Head.

Followed by an audience Q&A session with attending filmmakers.

9 Short Films: (More info on all of the short films here)

• Bloody Larry (Dir. Jillian Cantwell, 8 Minutes)

• Cyberdyke (Dir. Kylie Mungenast, 2 Minutes)

• DEMONBOY (Dir. Aaron Lovett, 11 Minutes)

• God's Lonely Magician (Dir. Walker Higgins, 15 Minutes)

• Grizzly Peak (Dir. Jason Ragosta, 14 Minutes)

• Gummy Worms (Dir. Sophie Lee Bennett, 10 Minutes)

• Last Bite (Dir. Nicole de Meneses, 9 Minutes)

• Purple Patrol! (Dir. Jessica Q Moore, 7 Minutes)

• The Last Sleep (Dir. Federica Bertellotti, 15 Minutes)

Playing as part of Another Hole in the Head 2025

Thursday, December 18

Get ready for a gloriously retro night of holiday horror—because we’re screening Silent Night, Deadly Night straight from a real VHS tape. That means tape hiss, analog fuzz, soft edges, and the exact gritty charm that defined the golden age of ’80s video rentals. This is how cult slashers were meant to be seen.

The infamous 1984 shocker follows Billy Chapman, whose childhood is destroyed when he witnesses his parents’ murder at the hands of a killer dressed as Santa—right after his unhinged grandfather warns him that Santa punishes the naughty. Traumatized and raised in a harsh orphanage, Billy grows up carrying a wound that never heals. And when Christmas rolls around again, the holiday spirit pushes him over the edge… turning him into the most terrifying Santa the suburbs have ever seen.

Upon release, Silent Night, Deadly Night became one of the most controversial horror films of the decade. Parents protested outside theaters, TV commercials terrified unsuspecting families, and the uproar was so intense that the movie was pulled after just one week—despite a strong box-office opening. Of course, that only fueled its underground reputation. Decades later, it stands as a beloved cult classic that spawned sequels, a remake, and endless debates about naughty vs. nice.

Seeing it on VHS, projected for a crowd of genre-loving misfits, amps up that midnight-movie energy like nothing else. It’s gritty. It’s raw. It’s nostalgic in the best (and bloodiest) way possible.

🎄 This is your chance to relive the most controversial Christmas slasher ever—analog style.
Grab your tickets, grab some eggnog, and prepare for a holiday massacre.

+ 1 Short Film

• Red Ribbons in the House of Stained Glass (Dir. Jeff Speed, 12 Minutes)

Playing as part of Another Hole in the Head 2025

Thursday, December 18

With its Christmas lights and dusting of snow, Kingston Falls is an idyllic small town--until the gremlins take over. A father returns from Chinatown with an unusual pet, a Mogwai--a gift for his son. The rules are simple: Keep your Mogwai away from water, bright lights and, most importantly, never--never--feed him after midnight. But the rules are inadvertently broken, and the consequences multiply at an alarming rate.

Friday, December 19

Saturday, December 20

With its Christmas lights and dusting of snow, Kingston Falls is an idyllic small town--until the gremlins take over. A father returns from Chinatown with an unusual pet, a Mogwai--a gift for his son. The rules are simple: Keep your Mogwai away from water, bright lights and, most importantly, never--never--feed him after midnight. But the rules are inadvertently broken, and the consequences multiply at an alarming rate.

Saturday, December 20

When young Buddy falls into Santa’s gift sack on Christmas Eve, he’s transported back to the North Pole and raised as a toy-making elf by Santa’s helpers. But as he grows into adulthood, he can’t shake the nagging feeling that he doesn’t belong. Buddy vows to visit Manhattan and find his real dad, a workaholic publisher.

Monday, December 22

George Bailey is a small-town man whose life seems so desperate he contemplates suicide. He had always wanted to leave Bedford Falls to see the world, but circumstances and his own good heart have led him to stay. He sacrficed his education for his brother's, kept the family-run savings and loan afloat, protected the town from the avarice of the greedy banker Mr. Potter, and married his childhood sweetheart. As he prepares to jump from a bridge, his guardian angel intercedes, showing him what life would have become for the residents of Bedford Falls if he had never lived.

Tuesday December 23rd

Wednesday December 24th

George Bailey is a small-town man whose life seems so desperate he contemplates suicide. He had always wanted to leave Bedford Falls to see the world, but circumstances and his own good heart have led him to stay. He sacrficed his education for his brother's, kept the family-run savings and loan afloat, protected the town from the avarice of the greedy banker Mr. Potter, and married his childhood sweetheart. As he prepares to jump from a bridge, his guardian angel intercedes, showing him what life would have become for the residents of Bedford Falls if he had never lived.

Wednesday December 24th

In the 1950s, young Marty Mauser pursues his dream of becoming a champion table-tennis player.

Thursday, December 25

Friday, December 26

Saturday, December 27

Sunday, December 28

In the 1950s, young Marty Mauser pursues his dream of becoming a champion table-tennis player.

Friday, December 26

Saturday, December 27

Sunday, December 28

When an alien becomes stranded on Earth, he forms an extraordinary bond with Elliott, a lonely boy in suburban California. As their friendship grows, Elliott and his siblings risk everything to help E.T. find his way home—outrunning government agents and discovering that sometimes, the most powerful force in the universe is connection.

Friday, December 26

In the 1950s, young Marty Mauser pursues his dream of becoming a champion table-tennis player.

Saturday, December 27

Sunday, December 28

A vivid, visceral Macbeth adaptation, Throne of Blood, directed by Akira Kurosawa, sets Shakespeare’s definitive tale of ambition and duplicity in a ghostly, fog-enshrouded landscape in feudal Japan. As a hardened warrior who rises savagely to power, Toshiro Mifune gives a remarkable, animalistic performance, as does Isuzu Yamada as his ruthless wife. Throne of Blood fuses classical Western tragedy with formal elements taken from Noh theater to create an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Saturday, December 27

In the 1950s, young Marty Mauser pursues his dream of becoming a champion table-tennis player.

Sunday, December 28

Renowned dressmaker Reynolds Woodcock and his sister Cyril are at the center of British fashion in 1950s London -- dressing royalty, movie stars, heiresses, socialites and debutantes. Women come and go in Woodcock's life, providing the confirmed bachelor with inspiration and companionship. His carefully tailored existence soon gets disrupted by Alma, a young and strong-willed woman who becomes his muse and lover.

december 28, 2025

In Anselm, Wim Wenders creates a portrait of Anselm Kiefer, one of the most innovative and important painters and sculptors of our time. Shot in 6K-resolution, the film presents a cinematic experience of the artist’s work which explores human existence and the cyclical nature of history, inspired by literature, poetry, philosophy, science, mythology and religion. For over two years, Wenders traced Kiefer’s path from his native Germany to his current home in France, connecting the stages of his life to the essential places of his career that spans more than five decades.

Presented by Gallery 3630

Monday, December 29

Help the Free French? Not world-weary gunrunner Harry Morgan (Humphrey Bogart). But he changes his mind when a sultry siren-in-distress named Marie asks, "Anybody got a match?"

That red-hot match is Bogart and 19-year-old first-time film actress Lauren Bacall. Full of intrigue and racy banter (including Bacall's legendary whistling instructions), this thriller excites further interest for what it has and has not.

Cannily directed by Howard Hawks and smartly written by William Faulkner and Jules Furthman, it doesn't have much similarity to the Ernest Hemingway novel that inspired it. And it strongly resembles Casablanca: French resistance fighters, a piano-playing bluesman (Hoagy Carmichael) and a Martinique bar much like Rick's Cafe Americaine.

But first and foremost, it showcases Bogart and Bacall, carrying on with a passion that smolders from the tips of their cigarettes clear through to their souls.

Tuesday, December 30

In 1977, college graduates Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) share a contentious car ride from Chicago to New York, during which they argue about whether men and women can ever truly be strictly platonic friends. Ten years later, Harry and Sally meet again at a bookstore, and in the company of their respective best friends, Jess (Bruno Kirby) and Marie (Carrie Fisher), attempt to stay friends without sex becoming an issue between them.

Wednesday, December 31