FANTASTIC CLASSICS

Frank Borzage’s Desire (1936) is a dazzling romantic caper, blending wit, sophistication, and charm in a way that few films of the era achieved so effortlessly. Anchored by Marlene Dietrich’s magnificent performance and buoyed by Gary Cooper’s most charming turn, the film remains a standout for its sharp writing, electric chemistry, and a rare portrayal of a female character who consistently outsmarts the men around her. Dietrich plays Madeleine de Beaupré, a master con artist whose daring jewel heist sets the story in motion. From the moment she appears on screen, Dietrich commands attention—not just with her usual allure but with a wry intelligence and quicksilver adaptability that make Madeleine such a compelling character. In a time when female characters were often relegated to damsels or sidekicks, Desire gives us a woman who is not only in control but always two steps ahead of everyone else. Opposite her, Gary Cooper is at his most irresistibly charming as Tom Bradley, an easy...

Tourist Trap (1979) is a uniquely eerie entry in the late ’70s horror canon, blending elements of the slasher and supernatural thriller genres to create an unsettling experience that lingers long after the credits roll. Directed by David Schmoeller and produced by Charles Band, the film takes a familiar setup—young travelers stumbling upon a strange roadside attraction—and twists it into a nightmarish fever dream filled with living mannequins, bizarre telekinetic powers, and a villain as unnerving as he is compelling. At the heart of Tourist Trap ’s effectiveness is Chuck Connors, whose performance as the mysterious and menacing Mr. Slausen is both unexpected and chilling. Known primarily for his heroic roles in Westerns, Connors leans fully into the film’s off-kilter tone, making Slausen alternately charming, tragic, and terrifying. His ability to shift between avuncular warmth and sinister cruelty adds layers to what could have been a standard horror antagonist, making him one of t...