Classic and Indie Film Holiday Movie: SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS (1964)

Time to have some fun. Who said classic and indie movie watches had to be stuffy?

So bring your best sarcastic riffs and sense of humor to a classic of a different kind - 1964's immortal no-budget SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS featuring, in her film debut, that 10 year old future thespian giant Pia Zadora.

Some movies just can't help themselves. They are funny for all the wrong reasons and they just beg to have people shout out smart ass comments and throw popcorn at the screen. In this way SCCTM follows in the long tradition of most of Ed Wood's films, including the equally riff-worthy PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE (1959).

The plot, not that it matters very much, involves a Martian leader who decides Martian children don't have enough fun, and naturally determines that the only way to cure this is to kidnap Earth's Santa Claus, who appears to make Earth children very happy. Hijinks ensue.

I don't want you to get the wrong idea here. I absolutely love movies like this, and consider them a treasured part of my collection. Making a movie...any movie...is a frustratingly difficult affair, and I try to remember that when I watch these.

Chances are if SCCTM had not achieved its deserved cult status, it would have faded quicker than the usually in focus image did when the projector was turned off after its first showing. It is also a wonderful example of how independent movies used to get made and distributed at a time when film studios locked up most regular movie theaters to show only their films. We'll talk about some of that history before the movie, and I hope you'll come away with some new found respect for these determined filmmakers who defied considerable odds just to get their visions made and seen.

And hopefully lovingly riff right along with us as we watch. But please hold your popcorn and tomatoes. I'd rather not have to clean up afterwards.

Presenting our Indie & Classic Movie Series, where we'll all get together to watch a variety of classic and independent films.

I have the movies. I have the projector. I have a big 10 foot roll down screen and nice padded chairs and room for about 15 people in my living toom

I'll have some holiday stuff to nibble on and some drinks, but feel free to bring other stuff if you want. Per policy I do not serve alcohol (don't want the liability), but feel free to bring your own.

We'll socialize for about a half hour before the movie, which will start promptly at 7:30.

CARPOOLS - My parking around here really is limited thanks to overbuilding on nearby lots, so carpooling is encouraged.

In keeping with the general idea of this group, we will have a short discussion about the film and the filmmakers before and after the movie. I hope you'll participate.

Hope to see you there.