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Doing Double Features
Hi. Welcome to Double Features Info.
In 1980, at the Rhodes Theatre in Atlanta, the new owner revamped the format from first-run films to revivals, and hired me to keep 'em rolling. It was the perfect job. I love movies and I was in the center of a cinematic smorgasbord.
We resurrected everything, too, churning the titles on a daily basis. There were old movies, recent movies, art movies, experimental movies, foreign movies, silent movies, classics, turkeys, and an occasional premiere, usually booked as double feature programs (and sometimes triples).
As the cranky, but suave projectionist with a heart of gold, I soon discovered the fine knack to programming quality, enticing double features. There must always be a connection between the films and not necessarily the obvious choices.
Sure, two Cary Grants or a pair of 007s make terrific viewing, but, hey, that's the easy way out. Why not mate Cary's "North by Northwest" with nearly any James Bond flick? After all, Hitchcock's sweeping comic adventure is a recognized blueprint for the British secret agent series. Can't you envision Oddjob cropdusting Sean Connery in that cornfield? Or Pierce Brosnan and Halle Berry dangling from Mt. Rushmore's earlobes?
In the booth, my favorite pastime (between watching movies, of course) was fantasizing new double feature combinations and challenging my co-workers to top me. It wasn't always easy to find the perfect match.
And now, after all these decades, I'm still shuffling the flickers on a quest for ultimate pairs.
Oops, I'm feeling the urge. Let's plan a Double Feature on the spot.
I haven't prearranged anything with you, have I?
No, me neither.
Let's jam, using an actual movie I have ready to go inside my DVD player. What should we show with "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (1956)?
There is a safe choice, the 1978 remake, but let's go in different direction....
How about the Barney Bear cartoon, "The Bear That Couldn't Sleep" (1939) for starters, and Woody Woodpecker's "Smoked Hams" (1947)? ... Then, ... I know, Jane Fonda and Gig Young in "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" (1969).
What's the theme?
Can't Sleep Movies.
Gee, I'd pay to see that program. I'd even stay awake.
At Double Features Info, we recommend movie combos. It's not only a trivial mental exercise (along the lines of the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon). It's also a good time in the dark.
Watch 'em and weep. Watch 'em and grin. I was introduced to many of my most valued films through twin bills, lucky lucky. Nothing would please me more than to have you uncover and enjoy buried treasures, too.
And, as always, keep telling yourself, "It's only a movie. ... It's only two movies. ... It's only a Double Feature. ... (Sometimes triples and double doubles.)"
In 1980, at the Rhodes Theatre in Atlanta, the new owner revamped the format from first-run films to revivals, and hired me to keep 'em rolling. It was the perfect job. I love movies and I was in the center of a cinematic smorgasbord.
We resurrected everything, too, churning the titles on a daily basis. There were old movies, recent movies, art movies, experimental movies, foreign movies, silent movies, classics, turkeys, and an occasional premiere, usually booked as double feature programs (and sometimes triples).
As the cranky, but suave projectionist with a heart of gold, I soon discovered the fine knack to programming quality, enticing double features. There must always be a connection between the films and not necessarily the obvious choices.
Sure, two Cary Grants or a pair of 007s make terrific viewing, but, hey, that's the easy way out. Why not mate Cary's "North by Northwest" with nearly any James Bond flick? After all, Hitchcock's sweeping comic adventure is a recognized blueprint for the British secret agent series. Can't you envision Oddjob cropdusting Sean Connery in that cornfield? Or Pierce Brosnan and Halle Berry dangling from Mt. Rushmore's earlobes?
In the booth, my favorite pastime (between watching movies, of course) was fantasizing new double feature combinations and challenging my co-workers to top me. It wasn't always easy to find the perfect match.
And now, after all these decades, I'm still shuffling the flickers on a quest for ultimate pairs.
Oops, I'm feeling the urge. Let's plan a Double Feature on the spot.
I haven't prearranged anything with you, have I?
No, me neither.
Let's jam, using an actual movie I have ready to go inside my DVD player. What should we show with "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (1956)?
There is a safe choice, the 1978 remake, but let's go in different direction....
How about the Barney Bear cartoon, "The Bear That Couldn't Sleep" (1939) for starters, and Woody Woodpecker's "Smoked Hams" (1947)? ... Then, ... I know, Jane Fonda and Gig Young in "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" (1969).
What's the theme?
Can't Sleep Movies.
Gee, I'd pay to see that program. I'd even stay awake.
At Double Features Info, we recommend movie combos. It's not only a trivial mental exercise (along the lines of the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon). It's also a good time in the dark.
Watch 'em and weep. Watch 'em and grin. I was introduced to many of my most valued films through twin bills, lucky lucky. Nothing would please me more than to have you uncover and enjoy buried treasures, too.
And, as always, keep telling yourself, "It's only a movie. ... It's only two movies. ... It's only a Double Feature. ... (Sometimes triples and double doubles.)"
Copyright © 2003-2006 Mike Durrett. All rights reserved.