Austin, TX — Oct. 9, 2023 — Violet Crown Cinema, in conjunction with Film Masters, is presenting two special Halloween screenings of the ’50s schlock, cult favorites, “The Giant Gila Monster” and “The Killer Shrews,” with an all-new restoration that makes every gill and scale pop off the screen … You can almost feel the saliva!
Film Masters is a vintage film restoration and distribution company launched in June by industry veteran and film historian Phil Hopkins. Violet Crown Cinema is committed to celebrating and preserving the magic of cinema. From new releases to timeless classics, presenting films from across the entire cinematic spectrum to bring extraordinary films to the screen and to the community.
The films, which have both been featured on “Mystery Science Theater 3000,” are a great example of early, “so-bad-it’s-good” B films, shot back-to-back in the Dallas area — with a budget of just $175,000 for “The Giant Gila Monster” and $123,000 for “The Killer Shrews” — produced by local, drive-in theater chain owner Gordon McLendon and released as a double feature bill in 1959. The regional films were so successful they went on to receive national attention and even some international distribution.
Both films were directed by first-time director Ray Kellogg, who headed 20th Century Fox’s special effects department during most of the ’50s and who would eventually work on some of Hollywood’s biggest pictures, including “Cleopatra” and “The Green Berets.”
Each film will be introduced by Dallas author, filmmaker, and artist Josh Hickman, who will share behind-the-scenes insights and stories about the local productions, adding a layer of depth to this beloved classic.
Attendees will also have a chance to win a two-disc, Blu-ray” double feature of “The Giant Gila Monster” and “The Killer Shrews” in a collector’s edition with special features, as well as other memorabilia.
“The Giant Gila Monster” will screen on Wednesday, October 18th @ 7 pm, while “The Killer Shrews” will screen on Wednesday, October 25th @ 7 pm, both at the Violet Crown Cinema, 434 W. 2nd Street, Austin, TX. 78701.
