published on 10/27/06

VCTV shows annual marathon of classic, creepy films

Mally Anderson Arts Editor

For the third year in a row, Vassar College Television (VCTV) will host its marathon of classic Halloween-oriented movies—horrors, slashers, and thrillers—on the night of Tuesday, Oct. 31.

This year’s lineup includes Shaun of the Dead, a “high-comedy zombie-movie spoof,” according to VCTV Head Director Peter Papachronopoulos ’08. The film parodies Dawn of the Dead and follows Shaun, an aimless young Londoner, who springs to action to save his ex-girlfriend and mother from a band of flesh-hungry undead who storm the city. Simon Pegg stars as Shaun in the film, which became an instant cult favorite upon its release in 2004.

Also showing will be Stephen King’s 1976 horror classic Carrie, starring Sissy Spacek. The title character, a telekinetic high school student with no friends, is invited to the prom by class hottie Tommy Ross as her hateful classmates’ revenge for a teacher’defending her. When Carrie gets doused with pig’s blood as a mean joke, her rage leads her to use her gift in new—and interesting—ways.

At midnight, in accordance with VCTV tradition, VCTV will screen Tim Burton’s touching classic The Nightmare Before Christmas. Jack Skellington, Pumpkin King and fright expert of Halloweentown, stumbles into Christmastown and is so mesmerized by the holiday that he kidnaps Santa Claus and decides to change Halloween into another Christmas. The film abounds with clever songs and invites a new appreciation for the holiday, as well as Burton’s brilliant animation.

Between the films, VCTV will screen two episodes of The Simpsons’ Halloween specials. As a comfort to counteract scariness and gore, VCTV will provide free candy, pizza, drinks, and homemade cupcakes. Next semester, look for a similar VCTV event in honor of Valentine’s Day.

The Halloween marathon will start at 6 p.m. on the second floor of Students’ Building.

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