August 20 - September 2

Dennis Nyback's Animation Extravaganza!

Dir: Various
Various, USA / B&W - Color, 16mm / 90min.

World-renowned film curator, archivist, and historian Dennis Nyback returns to the Grand Illusion to tell the untold story of American animation. From a long forgotten racist Bugs Bunny; to exuberant parodies of beloved Mickey Mouse; to the shock and awe of US Army propaganda films by Ted Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss); you'll see rare and banned titles from the golden age of cartoons that you may never see again!

These programs feature adult content and are not suitable for children.

"Often shocking collection that serves as a warning about the effectiveness of propaganda when it's created by a very smart man." -The Stranger

August 27 - September 2

F**k Mickey Mouse

Is it true? Is there a segment of the population that believes Walt Disney invented animation? This program examines how the other Hollywood animation studios reacted to the Disney juggernaut in the 1930′s and 1940′s. I focus on three tactics by his competition: rip him off, beat him to the punch, or make vicious fun of him. Program includes…

A Toytown Tale (1931)
Mickey Mouse spawned many imitators. This was the only one that resulted in a Disney lawsuit against.

One More Time (1931)
Warner's best attempt at their own Mickey Mouse, a character called Foxy.

Snow White (1933)
Max Fleischer's version done several years before Disney's. This featured Betty Boop and the voice of Cab Calloway.

Johnny Smith and Poker-Huntas (1938)
Long before Disney's Pocahontas, Tex Avery did this version.

Porky In Wackyland (1938)
Disney had a flop in 1951 with Alice In Wonderland. This earlier version by Bob Clampett is much better.

You Ought To Be In Pictures (1940)
Friz Freleng combines live action and animation fifty years before Disney's Who Framed Roger Rabbit.

A Corny Concerto (1943)
Warner Brother's wonderful parody of Fantasia. Written by Frank Tashlin, and directed by Bob Clampett.

Red Hot Riding Hood (1943)
Tex Avery makes fun of Disney's approach to fairy tales with an adult version.

And more….

August 27 - September 2

The Dark Side of Dr. Seuss

This could be called "What did you do in the war, Doc?" For the second half of his long career Ted Geisel (Dr. Seuss) wrote hugely popular children's books. Before that he wrote for humor magazines and made money in advertising. For a brief time in the 1940s he was in the US Army making gung ho propaganda and army training films. Is there a correlation between attracting young readers and influencing the minds of adults? With this program you can examine Dr. Seuss' adult oriented work and make your own decision. Program includes…

Coming Snafu (c1943)
A cartoon for soldiers announcing the new character Private Snafu created by Dr. Seuss and animated by Warner Brothers.

Fear (c1943)
The first Snafu cartoon explaining how fear works and how to not let it over come a soldier.

Target Snafu (c1944)
Snafu is lax in guarding against mosquitoes, the carriers of malaria. He is targeted by a squadron of mosquitoes using military tactics.

Spies! (c1944)
Snafu doesn't watch his mouth. He is seduced by a sexy spy and spills the beans about his troop ship's movements. He ends up in Hell.

The Goldbrick (c1943)
Snafu is a malingerer. He shirks his duty. He pays the consequences.

Our Job in Japan (1945)
Written and directed by Dr. Seuss. A training film for soldiers who would occupy Japan after the war.

Rumors (c1944)
The most Seuss like of all the Snafus. A rumor spreads through an army base. Snafu is to blame. He goes insane.

Booby Traps (c1943)
A very adult Snafu. He encounters many booby traps but the literal one is the best: A bomb hidden in a woman's brassiere.

The Home Front (c1943)
Snafu is freezing his nuts (see how this is addressed) in Alaska. He dreams of the soft life he is missing in the states.

Your Job in Germany (c1945)
Written by Dr. Seuss and directed by Frank Capra!! The greatest and most horrific propaganda film ever made in the land of the free!

And more….

September 3 - 9

BATTLE LEAGUE HORUMO (Kamogawa Horumo)

Dir: Katsuhide Motoki
2009, Japan / Color, 35mm / 113min

This fantasy action-comedy/love story from Japan focuses on a group of college students who get mixed up in the world of Horumo—a fighting competition where the contestants call upon ancient spirits to inhabit miniature statues to do battle for them in an arena. Supernatural combat might not be the best fit for freshman Akira Abe when he falls in love with classmate Kyoko, but if he has any hope of getting close to her he'll need to join the school's Horumo team—the Kyoto University Azure Dragons!

In Japanese with English subtitles.

"In a comedic performance, there's a fine line between playing a role with abandon and simply mugging for the camera. Battle League Horumo succeeds largely in part due to its performers throwing themselves just up to—but not over—that fine line." -twitchfilm.net

September 10 - 16

Aguirre, The Wrath Of God

Dir: Werner Herzog
1972, Germany / Color, 35mm / 93min

Klaus Kinski was arguably one of the most intense personalities to have ever had a camera pointed at him. He was notoriously difficult to work with, often unleashing violent outbursts on the cast and crew of any given production. However, he met his match in German director Werner Herzog, and the two of them collaborated on some of the greatest works of world cinema. Aguirre, der Zorn Gottes is the most famed and well-regarded collaboration between the two. The story follows the travels of Spanish soldier Lope de Aguirre, who leads a group of conquistadores down the Amazon River in search of the legendary city of gold, El Dorado. Along their journey they're attacked by natives and the four parties are separated. Consumed by his greed and growing insanity Aguirre ruthlessly pushes the survivors onward to the fabled golden city. Using a minimalist story and dialogue, the film creates a vision of madness and folly, counterpointed by the lush but unforgiving Amazon jungle. The last scene is worth the price of admission alone!

In German with English subtitles.

"Aguirre… is one of the great haunting visions of the cinema." Roger Ebert

September 17 - 23

Harimaya Bridge

Dir: Aaron Woolfolk
2009, USA - Japan / Color, Video / 120min

Daniel Holder's father was killed fighting the Japanese during World War II, something he thought he had made peace with until the recent discovery that his father was killed in a very cruel and brutal way. When his beloved son Mickey takes a job in Japan teaching English, it creates a rift between them. Mickey dies in a traffic accident, and Daniel's profound regret at their estrangement is matched only by his increasing resentment towards Japan. Despite these feelings, he goes there to retrieve his son's belongings. Daniel is welcomed by Mickey's former colleagues. While he sees that his son was loved by the people there, he rejects the kindness shown towards him, preferring to hold onto his hatred. But a series of unexpected discoveries about Mickey forces Daniel to reassess his feelings for Japan and the life he will henceforth lead.

In English and Japanese with English subtitles.

"It is a unique, complex, consciousness-raising accomplishment." - Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times

September 25 - Grand Illusion Fundraiser

Casablanca

Dir: Michael Curtiz
1942, USA B&W, 35mm / 102min

As you may know, our screen almost went dark this summer after a severe slow period. We sent a plea to the community and received a generous response in memberships and donations. Thank you! We still need your help though. In light of the scare we are holding our first ever real live fundraising event. All money will go towards ongoing operating expenses and maintenance of projection equipment so we can continue what we love to do: show movies and preserve the cinematic experience.

Here's our idea: you'll mingle with film lovers, nibble on hors d'oeuvres, sip on drinks and enjoy some music at our version of Rick's Café (with a surprise appearance by Bogie himself). There will be a silent auction or you can take your) chances on a raffle to win a prize. Then you'll enjoy one of the greatest films of all time, Casablanca, in glorious 35mm at the classi- est cinema in town. Have a great time, feel good, and support Seattle's only 100% volunteer operated non-profit community cinema!

First showing: Doors open 5:30pm, movie starts at 6:30pm
Second showing: Doors open 8:30pm, movie starts at 9:30pm
Ticket Prices: $25 (includes two drinks tickets)

Which show?

6:30pm show $25.00 9:30pm show $25.00

Ticket Delivery?

Will call Mail

September 27 - 30

The Grand Illusion's Mystery Theatre

It's a surprise! / Color, B&W, 35mm & 16mm / 90-120min

Due to a disappointing lack of complaints about the secretive nature of our We Found It In The Basement program last month, we decided to stretch things into a full four days of mystery. But this time, instead of a mind-melting mish-mash we're going to burn your retinas with a different surprise feature film every night! Expect a superhero, drugs, and more! Check our website for hints as the days approach.

Co-presented by The Sprocket Society