A/V CLUB THEATER SPECIAL: 'SPIDER BABY (1967)' & 'THE CRAMPS: LIVE AT NAPA STATE MENTAL HOSPITAL (1981)'
I'll be honest, this is one of my absolute favorite films and part of the reason I picked it is to see it on the big screen. Comedy? Horror? Family Drama? Why not all three? That's what you get when Lon Chaney, Jr., in one of his most sympathetic performances, tries to care for the last remaining children of the Merrye family. Unfortunately, they suffer from a syndrome that makes them revert to feral, cannibalistic beings as they reach adulthood. This is Jack Hill's horror classic that inspired everyone from Tobe Hooper to Rob Zombie and features a very young Sid Haig. As an added bonus, we are pairing it with fully restored footage of The Cramps legendary 1978 concert at the Napa State Mental Hospital in California. One of the best movies ever made coupled with the best band of all time? Sign me up!
- Lon Chaney Jr., Carol Ohmart, Quinn K. Redeker (SPIDER BABY) / The Cramps, Bryan Gregory, Lux Interior (THE CRAMPS)
- Jack Hill (SPIDER BABY) / Joe Rees (THE CRAMPS)
- Jack Hill (SPIDER BABY)
- 101 minutes
- NR
$3 select drafts. $3 well drinks. Film starts at 8pm.
As a special event screening, only certain member tickets are applicable.
Hosted by Dylan Roahrig from The Walter Paisley Movie House
Dylan Roahrig was mentally scarred at the tender age of five by the opening scene of Horror Hospital. Since that time, he has spent most of his freetime reading about, watching, and endlessly discussing obscure cult films. His podcast, The Walter Paisley Movie House, which is currently number six on Feedspots' list of the Top 30 Cult Movie Podcasts, features interviews with legends in the world of cult movies and TV. Guests include Lloyd Kaufman, Debbie Rochon, Fred Olen Ray, Bill Rebane, Mark Pirro, James Lorinz, Beverly Washburn, Butch Patrick, Dana Gould, Hyapatia Lee, and the great Jack Hill.
Restorations courtesy of the American Genre Film Archive, UCLA Film & TV Archive and The Outfest Legacy Project
About Kan-Kan Cinema and Restaurant
An arthouse cinema. A Japanese tavern–inspired restaurant. Unbelievably good craft cocktails. A neighborhood gathering place. A home for film lovers, food lovers and community seekers proudly serving an indie Indy.