Hosted by Jesse Hawthorne Ficks of MOViES FOR MANiACS, emphasizing dismissed, underrated and forgotten films for over 23 years
7:00PM - RICH KIDS: THE LOST VERSION (1979) - In 35MM
Directed by Robert M. Young
Containing: Trini Alvarado, Jeremy Levy, John Lithgow, Kathryn Walker, Terry Kiser, Paul Dooley
Produced by Robert Altman under the banner of his new production company, Lionsgate in 1979 this overlooked gem feels like a direct influence on the careers of Wes Anderson, Noah Baumbach, Lena Dunham, and Alex Ross Perry. Director Robert M. Young (Nothing But a Man) brings out a beautifully nuanced performance by 12-year-old Trini Alvarado in her debut role as Franny, a sassy, yet introverted tween who is stuck in the middle of her parents' inevitable divorce. Teaming up with her best friend Jamie (Jeremy Levy), these latchkey kids find solace in the grey and brown(stone) upper-west side New York streets, captured gorgeously by cinematographer Ralf D. Bode (Dressed to Kill & Coal Miner's Daughter). John Lithgow and Catherine Walker’s parental portrayals are hilariously heartbreaking as the deluded, self-absorbed parents.
Rich Kids slipped through the cracks at the time, partly because distributor United Artists blew its publicity budget on Michael Cimino's Heaven's Gate (1980), but also perhaps due to the film’s surprisingly mature subject matter contrasted with deft screwball comedy elements. With the VHS, family-friendly TV version and even Olive's 2016 Blu-Ray release all missing "the lost five minutes", which feature many of the film's most poignant parts, this incredibly rare 35mm print deserves to be restored and recognized in both our modern-day cinemas and in our deepest subconscious. Do not miss this rare screening of a seemingly lost version of an overlooked cinematic gem. Preceded by other late-1970s pre-teen movie trailers. Rated PG. 1979. Running Time: 101 minutes. Screened in 35mm. Rights courtesy of Park Circus.
+ 9:15PM - THE GARBAGE PAIL KIDS MOVIE (1987) IN 35MM
Written by Linda Palmer & Rod Amateau; Directed by Rod Amateau
Containing Mackenzie Astin, Anthony Newley, Katie Barberi, Debbie Lee Carrington, Jim Cummings
This jaw-dropping live-action musical adaptation of the Topps trading-card's satirical spin-off of Mattel's Cabbage Patch Kid phenomenon, was pulled from theaters after only one week (for being too terrifying for kids.) Writer/Director Rod Amateau had initially hoped to incorporate each Garbage Pail Kid as animated characters within a live-action world -- which would have pre-dated Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)! Deemed much too expensive, Amateau turned to some truly memorable animatronic costumes which were performed by professional actors, radio-controlled technicians and even the director's own daughter. Showcasing Sean Astin's younger brother Mackenzie Astin in his debut role, Anthony Newley ("one of Broadway's greatest leading men"), and the voice of Jim Cummings (Winnie the Pooh & Darkwing Duck) alongside Ali-Gator, Greaser-Greg, Messie-Tessie, Valerie-Vomit, Windy-Winston and the unlovable Foul-Phil.
Still ranked as one of the worst films ever made, I double-dare you to come reevaluate this cinematic obscurity (which will be screened from an original 35mm print) and uncover the movie's surprisingly neo-sincere deeper meaning. Preceded by a gaggle of 1980s kids-flick trailers. Rated PG. 1987. Running Time: 100 minutes. Screened in 35mm. Rights courtesy of Park Circus. *SPECiAL NOTE - All attendees will receive an original 1980s Garbage Pail Kid sticker.