Italy’s macabre maestro recognized in Hollywood
The works of Italian horror forefather Mario Bava have been enjoying renewed appreciation the last few years. Outside of the obvious influence his films have had on modern fright-makers and splat-masters like Tim Burton (see: Sweeney Todd) and Eli Roth, Anchor Bay released a pair of Bava DVD box sets, exhuming his choice classics, and Tim Lucas’ end-all, be-all tome “Mario Bava: All the Colors of the Dark” finally saw the light of day.
Soon, the American Cinematheque will present “Mario Bava: Poems of Love and Death” at the Egyptian Theatre (6712 Hollywood Boulevard), ten days of pure Bava running March 13th – 23rd. Here’s the complete program, take note of the special guests. For ticket information, visit AmericanCinematheque.com.
Thursday, March 13th @ 7:30pm
Double Feature: Black Sunday (1960, Uncut European Version!), Black Sabbath (1963, Uncut European Version!) – Introduction to screening by director Joe Dante (The Howling)
Friday, March 14th @ 7:30pm
Double Feature: Five Dolls for an August Moon (1970), Blood and Black Lace (1964)
Saturday, March 15th @ 7:30pm
Double Feature: Lisa and the Devil (1972), Baron Blood (1972) – Introduction to screening by director Joe Dante and discussion in between films with actress Elke Sommer
Sunday, March 16th @ 7:30pm
Double Feature: Kidnapped (1974, aka Rabid Dogs), Shock (1979, Beyond the Door II)
Thursday, March 20th @ 7:30pm
Double Feature: Danger: Diabolik (1967), Planet of the Vampires (1966, restored uncut version w/original Italian score)
Friday, March 21st @ 7:30pm
Double Feature: Bay of Blood (1971, aka Twitch of the Death Nerve), Four Times That Night (1972) – Introduction to screening by Eli Roth
Saturday, March 22nd @ 7:30pm
Double Feature: The Whip and the Body (1963), Kill, Baby, Kill (1966) – Introduction by director Ernest Dickerson (Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight, “Masters of Horror”)
Sunday, March 23rd @ 6:00pm
Closing Night Bava Triple Feature Blowout: The Girl Who Knew Too Much (1963, aka The Evil Eye, original director’s cut), Hatchet for the Honeymoon (1970), Caltiki the Immortal Monster (1959, not available on DVD)
Source: American Cinematheque
