Back in the dark days before home video, the only way to catch old, rare, foreign, uncut-for-television screenings of movies was to go to 'revival houses' - movie theatres that specialized in playing all the films you'd read about but had never had a chance to see.

 

The Ken Cinema was the best of the San Diego revival houses (and remains so - by the skin of their teeth). Back in the olden days they boasted a new double-feature EVERY NIGHT OF THE WEEK. Me and my equally film-obsessed high school friends would pore over the Ken's schedule every month, circling which films we just HAD to see. I received more education about cinema in the seats at the Ken than I did in any classroom.

 

As a result, I've always harbored the fantasy of owning my own revival house. Coming up with double-features that fit together perfectly (even if, at first glance, the films would seem to share nothing in common). Unfortunately for my little fantasy, the availability of countless movies on home video and the internet have guaranteed that the old 'double-feature every night' business model is gone forever.

 

But that doesn't mean I can't still program my fantasy revival house.

 

So, every now and again (as they occur to me) I'll post a double-feature straight from my imaginary cluttered office located upstairs in my dark, popcorn-scented, when-are-they-gonna-re-upholster-these-chairs theatre.

 

And in honor of The Ken, I'll call my imaginary theatre The Dave.

 

(CLICK on posters below for each double feature.)