Trash Palace
I’m off to Trash Palace in Toronto this Friday for a screening of the Bud Spencer poliziotteschi Flat Foot, which reminds me that I never did get around to talking about this wonderful cinematic experience.
In order to gain access to Trash Palace, you first have to buy a ticket at the Suspect Video store on Queen St. The ticket describes how to get to the secret location where the screening will take place. Dependent on how late you get there, the proprietors may throw the keys down to you so you can let yourself in. After climbing a set of stairs, you enter a darkened studio filled with screen printing equipment, Mexican movie memorabilia, folding chairs, gym mats and a makeshift screen against one wall. A small alcove to the side of the room contains the snack bar, where you can purchase popcorn in beautiful screen printed bags, assorted pop and candy and, most importantly, beer. This is truly the classiest movie theatre in all of Toronto.
What really sets Trash Palace apart from the vast majority of cinematic experiences I’ve had is the unbridled enthusiam of the hosts, Stacey Case and Matt Mullen. Before each screening they take a few moments to describe what you’re about to witness and why it’s worth watching, often interrupting one another in a manic effort to get the crowd riled up. Both before and after the film they present assorted educational shorts and trailers, letting things slide well past midnight like a party no one wants to be the first to leave for fear that they’ll miss something cool. I have never seen a movie presented with as much passion as the screening of Deathsport J. and I attended a few months back, with the duo going so far as to sincerely thank everyone for attending and making their dream of running a movie night come true. Their love for these films, and their glee in presenting them, is so overwhelming that during the credits for Deathsport Stacey came up to my seat and began discussing the merits of the score based solely upon catching me nod my head to the music.
If these guys weren’t able to share these treasures with others I think they’d explode. If you get a chance make sure you check it out, no matter what they’re showing.
September 28th, 2007 at 9:34 am
I went for the Frankenstein’s Daughter screening back in July, and had a good time, just haven’t had a chance to catch my breath lately to go back–even though I really wanted to see Scared Straight again. And hey, I just noticed they’re showing the 1978 Canadian horror film Plague on Jan 4th! It’s never been on video.
September 28th, 2007 at 9:45 am
Your description of the Trash Palace reminds me of Baltimore’s late, lamented Orpheum Cinema, also hidden away in a second-floor walk-up.
Hmm… It’s only 500 miles to Toronto…
ROAD TRIP!
October 8th, 2007 at 4:00 pm
Oh man was Flat Foot ever great. A scratchy letterboxed 16mm print, dubbed into English. The whole film is fistfights and car chases. The audience certainly got their money’s worth!
And yup, screening these films for an audience brings me such an insane amount of joy, I can’t even begin to describe it. All the cool stuff that I can do for the theatre because I am a screenprinter, designer, editor, etc…like, I just finished designing and screenprinting Trash Palace Membership PunchCards, to use in my 1950’s vintage punch clock. A $50 value for only $10…you punch in at the beginning of a screening, and punch out when you leave. the card fits 12 screenings, and CardHolders win something different at each screening you attend! It’s the little details that keep me excited about the Trash….that, and meeting new people, and finding new trash films to share. i have enough 16mm features for Cycle Three now, which will take us right into next summer! Sweet!