Founded in 1966, the Gothique Film Society specialises in double bills ‘for the connoisseur of the macabre’.
We are delighted to be presenting two genuine classics from the Golden Age of Pre-Code* Horror!
Freaks opens our double bill of shockers produced by MGM in the wake of the massive artistic and financial successes of Universal’s Dracula and Frankenstein.
The remit was to ‘outdo Universal’ – and, boy, did they succeed! (Even with cuts made for the US release, Freaks didn’t get a certificate in the UK until, unbelievably, 1963!)
To cast the ‘freaks’, the studio scoured sideshows and carnivals. However, unlike their exploitation at those venues, the film treats them with the utmost respect: it is the ‘normal’ humans who are the ‘bad guys’, as beautiful trapeze artiste Cleopatra plots with her strongman lover to defraud dwarf Hans out of his fortune – with very unfortunate results in an unforgettable finale that remains as powerful today.
The Mask of Fu Manchu followed Freaks into production at MGM – and was substantially re-worked in the wake of the disastrous release of its predecessor. Even so, it’s still powerful stuff, with Boris Karloff at his hammiest as the title character, seeking the mask and sword of Genghis Khan in order to proclaim himself the reincarnation of the legendary conqueror and inflame the peoples of Asia and the Middle East into a war to wipe out the “white race”.
His nemesis is British Secret Service agent Nayland Smith, who enlists prominent Egyptologist Sir Lionel Barton in his quest to beat Fu Manchu in the race for these fabulous treasures.
In a fascinating sub-text, Sir Lionel’s daughter Sheila, who accompanies the expedition, comes to the attention of Fu Manchu’s daughter, a “sadistic nymphomaniac” who clearly has the hots for her!
*”Pre-Code” refers to the period in the USA between the introduction of sound in 1929 and the rigid enforcement of the [censorship] Production Code in 1934. During this time the Code was routinely ignored, producing some of the most amazing – and outrageous – films.
Doors open at 18.00 for a 19.00 start.
Refreshments will be available in the licensed cafe/bar.
TICKETS & PRICING
Everyone welcome: Individual tickets at £8.00 can be purchased on the door or via TicketLab.
Alternatively, Gothique Film Society membership subscriptions are available. Each season comprises six shows, from October to March. The subscription for all six shows is £30.00, but discounted membership is available for in-season joiners. For further enquiries about membership, contact David Simpson david.simpson399@btinternet.com or come along and join up on the door.
