Zombie Fest Attacks The Sherman

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA presented another horrifying evening in their Severed Sinema series on Friday February 20th with a special Zombie Fest hosted by the series’ founder Earl Kessler. The films featured that evening were a 1974 English Zombie Film entitled, “Let Sleeping Corpses Lie” by Spanish director, scriptwriter, playwright and painter Jorge Grau and the 1968 horror classic “The Night of the Living Dead” directed by George A. Romero. The films were shown in the theatre’s lobby which served as a perfect setting for an enormous number of people (both living and undead) to experience this Double Feature of Golden Era Cult, Horror, and Bizarre Cinema.

After a viewing of trailers from other cult classics, the film “Let Sleeping Corpses Lie” was shown. This film is also known by several titles which was common for films of this era. This was due to them being shown in several markets and it was much more cost effective to recycle the film by adding a new titled than it was to create another film. Other titles to this film included, “The Living Dead at the Manchester Morgue,” “Don't Open the Window,” “The Living Dead,” “Breakfast at the Manchester Morgue,” “Breakfast With the Dead,” “Brunch with the Dead,” and “Weekend with the Dead.”

The first half to three quarters of the film shown some very good production values along with some equally good acting which thoughtfully explored the dimensions of the characters portrayed in the piece. However, after this cinematic interlude, the film got silly as the Zombies began plodding in to make their overwhelming appearance. It’s as if the director decided during the filming of “Let Sleeping Corpses Lie” that all this was getting much too serious and it was time to have some fun with the project. And, fun it was. This made the entire viewing experience an enjoyable one.

I have heard it said among the horror aficionados attending the event that this was typical of the English Horror genre of that period. Filmmakers would begin filming with a chilling premise and add some comedic effects to reflect the shear joy they had in making it. I’ve also heard this film is considered by many to be an inspiration to George Romero to make his sequel to “The Night of the Living Dead” entitled, “The Dawn of the Dead.”

Speaking of the classic, Zombie Fest continued with the much anticipated showing of George A. Romero‘s “The Night of the Living Dead.” There’s not much to say about this film that hasn’t already been said in countless books and textbook on the entire horror genre. All that can be added is that it was an enjoyable experience to share the film in the company of the large audience who attending the screening. The screams and laughter which filled the room took the film beyond all the academic commentaries to why it was an important film and made it the really great experience it was intended to be.

Among those who were brave enough to be in attendance included Rich Berkowitz*, Bill Kelly* and Theresa Woehrel* of The Sherman Theatre* along with Arline M. Smeltz* and Dave Morton*. I’m sure there were many of you there as well and I invite you to share your experiences of Zombie fest. I would be eager to learn your thoughts as I’m sure others who read this would be as well.

The next presentation in The Severed Sinema Series will be a Special event and screening with members of the cast and crew of “Hell’s Half Acre” (Rated R) and “Brutal Massacre: A Comedy” (Rated R) on Friday March 13th beginning at 7pm. Both films we’re recently shot in the Lehigh Valley Area and have received great acclaim. Discretion is Advised.

The next events taking place at The Sherman Theatre will include The Bound by Blood* Concert on Saturday February 21st at 6pm with special guests Binary Code*, Aphotic Discord*, She Chased The Sky, Arencebia*, Ruina*, The Only Solace*, and Anathemat* as part of their Independent Rock Series, and Rock N' Art Featuring Pink Floyd's The Wall on Saturday February 28th at 8pm with a meet and greet with local artists Bill Kelley* and Chris Francz* followed by a screening of the film, “Pink Floyd's The Wall.”

Please Explore The Sherman Theatre* Website for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Zombie Fest Attacks The Sherman Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.