The Undying ‘70s Massacre
Beer, Bands and Exploitation Film For a Good Cause
A 40-year-old porn cinema, an anniversary featuring exploitation film and a charity joining in so the party could qualify for a liquor licence were the humble beginnings of Montreal’s quasi-monthly institution, Grindhouse Wednesdays.
A 40-year-old porn cinema. An anniversary. An infamous exploitation film. And a charity, so the party could qualify for a liquor license. These elements combined to form one of Montreal’s quasi-monthly institution, Grindhouse Wednesdays.
“Exploitation film is a kind of film that’s been around as long as cinema’s been around,” said Ben Godin, one of the event’s organizers.
“They had a movie code back in the day and it was a very firm rating system—if you got a bad rating or you had no rating you could not be shown in a respectable theatre. But then you had independent theatres, and they could show anything.”
Cinema L’Amour on St. Laurent Blvd. was one of the places showing these lurid films in Montreal, joining the ranks of other independent theatres known as “grindhouses.”
Exploitation film was popularized in the 60s and 70s when censorship started to decline in Canada and the United States. Drive-ins were big supporters of exploitation film to the point that some were coined, as a genre, “drive-in” films.
Since its inception in 2010 there have been 16 Grindhouse Wednesdays, and after many shows at Cinema L’Amour, the more classically historic Rialto Theatre is now its home.
The proceeds from the events still go to Head & Hands, although not just as a way of getting a liquor license since the Rialto already has one.
Godin is an avid supporter of Head & Hands and proceeds from all but two Grindhouse nights have gone to them except for one show dedicated to Occupy Montreal and another to the annual graffiti festival Under Pressure.
This month’s edition will feature the ‘70s classic The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, which is considered the gold standard of slasher films. The documentary-style filming and clever script elevated this $83,000 movie to enduring cult status.
Grindhouse offers more than just a horror classic on screen; Godin uses the event to promote Montreal’s indie artists. The evening starts at 7:30 p.m. with short films and is followed by half an hour of stand-up comedy by Robbie Hoffman.
“She’s this awesome queer-comic that we’ve had on a couple of times now,” Godin said. “Now she’s signed up to be our regular MC.”
Bands have always been a part of the format and this month psychedelic rock band the Breezes will be performing after the movie.
“Think Ariel Pink or Cass Mccombs, with a touch of Elliot Smith some Syd Barret and a hint of John Phillips,” says The Breezes member James Benjamin, who have been described as retro-futuristic psychedelic rock and roll with mixtape alter egos that make hip-hop beats.
“What’s really cool about the night we’re doing with Grindhouse is that we’re gonna spread out a bit and play the people the entire psychedelic rock and roll LP coming out this spring,” said Benjamin. “As well as let the alter egos take over and drop some brand new beats, all this over a classic horror projection.”
“We’re always looking for local indie bands that want exposure,” Godin said. “If they have some skills we’re happy to give them a chance.”
Grindhouse Wednesdays presents The Texas Chain Saw Massacre / April 11 / 7:30 p.m. / The Rialto (5723 Parc Ave.) / $10.00 door, $8.00 advance at Cruella or Head & Hands
