The National Justice Museum is holding its first ever film season, and they've picked an absolute belter...
Four films from legendary cult director John Carpenter are being screened at the National Justice Museum throughout March and April as the Nottingham venue hosts its first ever film season. Incorporating titles from the director's impressive run throughout the 70s and 80s, here's what you can catch during the John Carpenter Film Season...
The Fog (1980) – Sunday 11 March
To the ships at sea who can hear my voice, look across the water, into the darkness.
Starring: Adrienne Barbeau, Jamie Lee Curtis, Janet Leigh
Running time: 89 min
Rating: Over 15s only
Time: 8pm (Museum opens at 7pm, Ghost Tour will begin at 7.15pm)
As a small California coastal town prepares to celebrate its centenary, Rev. Malone (Hal Holbrook) stumbles upon a dark secret about the village's founding. Inanimate objects spring to life, radio announcer Stevie witnesses a mystical fire, hitchhiker Elizabeth discovers the mutilated corpse of a fisherman and a mysterious fog descends on the town, as the body count continues to rise.
Did you know? John Carpenter has an uncredited cameo as Bennett, Father Malone's assistant at the beginning of the film.
Special introduction by film reviewer and commentator Niall Browne
Includes a Ghost Tour of the National Justice Museum
Big Trouble In Little China (1986) – Thursday 22 March
I'm a reasonable guy. But, I've just experienced some very unreasonable things.
Starring: Kurt Russell, Kim Cattrall, Dennis Dun
Running time: 99 min
Rating: Over 15s only
Time: 8pm (Museum opens at 7pm)
Truck driver Jack Burton (Russell) gets caught up in a strange conflict within San Francisco's Chinatown. An ancient Chinese prince and local crime lord has kidnapped a green-eyed woman, who is the fiancée to Jack's best friend. It falls to Jack to help his friend save the girl before the evil Lo Pan uses her to break the ancient curse that keeps him immortal.
Did you know? Jackie Chan was Carpenter's original choice for the role of Wang Chi, but producer Lawrence Gordon blocked the casting, stating that Chan's level of English wasn't good enough.
Special introduction by film reviewer and commentator Niall Browne
Escape From New York (1981) – Sunday 8 April
I don't give a fuck about your war... or your president.
Starring: Kurt Russell, Lee Van Cleef, Ernest Borgnine
Running time: 99 min
Rating: Over 15s only
Time: 8pm (Museum opens at 7pm)
It's 1997, and an enormous war between the USA and the Soviet Union is drawing to a close, with the entire island of Manhattan having been converted into a maximum security prison in the process. Following the hijacking of Air Force One, which crashes into the island, Snake Plisken (Russell), an eye-patch wearing, shit-talking former Special Forces soldier turned criminal, is recruited to save the President (Donald Pleasance) who has been taken hostage, in exchange for his own freedom.
Did you know? The model of the city set used in Escape from New York was repainted and reused for Blade Runner.
Special introduction by film reviewer and commentator Niall Browne
Assault on Precinct 13 (1976) – Thursday 19 April
There are no heroes anymore, Bishop. Just men who follow orders.
Starring: Austin Stoker, Darwin Joston, Laurie Zimmer
Running time: 91 min
Rating: Over 15s only
Time: 8pm (Museum opens at 7pm, Police Station Tour will begin at 7.15pm)
When the LAPD kills several members of the South Central gang Street Thunder, the remaining members avenge themselves by way of a bloody war waged against cops and citizens alike. Caught in the crossfire is Lt. Ethan Bishop (Austin Stoker), who's managing a skeleton crew at the local and soon-to-be-closed police precinct. As the gang members close in, Bishop forms an unlikely alliance with a group of prisoners in order to defend the station and the lives of everyone in it.
Did you know? The precinct's new address (1977 Ellendale Place), was John Carpenter's real address when he first lived in Los Angeles.
Special introduction by film reviewer and commentator Niall Browne
Includes a tour of the National Justice Museum’s Edwardian Police Station
The National Justice Museum's John Carpenter Film Season is sponsored by Last Exit To Nowhere and Wired Cafe in association with Movies In Focus. Screenings are strictly limited to 30 places - find out more information at the National Justice Museum Website.
We have a favour to ask
LeftLion is Nottingham’s meeting point for information about what’s going on in our city, from the established organisations to the grassroots. We want to keep what we do free to all to access, but increasingly we are relying on revenue from our readers to continue. Can you spare a few quid each month to support us?
