Hey everyone. Capone in Chicago here.
Earlier this year when I interviewed George Romero, I mentioned that George would be part of a world tour celebrating the 40th anniversary of the release of NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD. In less than two weeks, Romero and seven cast members from that landmark film will be the a part of Chicago's premiere horror convention, Flashback Weekend, June 27-29, at which I'll be pulling double duty as a co-emcee and a rabid fanboy getting my posters and DVDs signed like a maniac. All details on the event can be found at http://www.flashbackweekend.com, but allow me to tell you about a couple of the great guests the event will feature.
As for as the NOTLD reunion, we'll have on hand director/co-writer Romero; Judith O'Dea (Barbra); Marilyn Eastman (Helen Cooper); John Russo (co-writer/crowbar zombie); Russ Streiner (Johnny/co-producer); Kyra Schon (Karen Cooper); Bill Hinzman (Graveyard Zombie); and George Kosana (Sheriff McCelan).
As if that weren't enough, Flashback is also celebrating the 30th anniversary of PHANTASM with the largest reunion of PHANTASM folks ever. We'll have the Tall Man himself, Angus Scrimm; writer-director Don Coscarelli; Michael Baldwin (Mike); Reggie Bannister (Reg); Bill Thornberry (Jody); and Kathy Lester (The Lady in Lavender). A lot of Ain't It Cool folks are friendly with Coscarelli (and he did a fantastic farewell video for the Alamo Drafthouse), and I can't wait to finally meet him.
As awesome as these two massive reunions are, the hormonal adolescent in me is most excited about the appearance of Elvira -- Mistress of the Dark, who will be on hand only on Saturday, June 28; her alter ego, actress Cassandra Peterson, will be on hand Sunday, June 29.
Also on hand this year will be The Ladies of THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE: lead actress Marilyn Burns from the classic 1974 original; and Carolyn Williams, who played "Stretch" in the 1985 sequel, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 2.
The Babysitters from Rob Zombie's HALLOWEEN--Scout-Taylor Compton (Laurie Strode), Danielle Harris (Annie Bracket), and Kristina Klebe (Lynda)--will reunite in Chicago.
And returning to Flashback Weekend will be Eileen Dietz, the face of death and the possessed Regan from the original THE EXORCIST. Check out the web site for a few additional guests, but you get the idea.
One of my favorite aspects of Flashback Weekend is the outdoor film screenings. There's truly nothing like it in or around Chicago. This year's line up is stellar: on Friday, June 27 we'll play the original NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, introduced by the reunited cast and crew. This will be followed by PHANTASM III: LORD OF THE DEAD from 1994. On Saturday, June 28, we lead off with the original PHANTASM, introduced by Don Coscarelli and his cast. Following that is the Chicago premiere of director Jonathan Levine's ALL THE BOYS LOVE MANDY LANE, which has been hopping around the festival circuit since the 2006 Toronto Film Festival. I've already seen and have fallen in love with Levine's follow-up film, THE WACKNESS, but I have yet to see this one. I can't wait. I've heard loads of great things about it from other AICN staffers, who seem to relish in rubbing it in when they've seen something I haven't.
There are loads of other fun things to do at Flashback Weekend, so come out and spend some time meeting these great guests. And if you can, come say hi to me as well. See you there, folks.
Capone
capone@aintitcoolmail.com
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