Silent Films, Jewish Films, 1939 Films and Tarantino Films

The Castro Theater has released their July programming calendar.

They are presenting a program called "1939: The Golden Year of Cinema" from July 1 to 9. 1939 is frequently cited as the greatest year in Hollywood cinema. The Castro is screening 18 films from 1939 although two of the most famous from that vintage are missing from the line-up - The Wizard of Oz and Gone with the Wind. Among the standouts in the schedule are Ninotchka, The Women, Destry Rides Again (a personal favorite), Gunga Din and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

From July 10 to 12, the Castro hosts the San Francisco Silent Film Festival. I've purchased my festival pass.

From July 23 to 30 (with the exception of the 24th when they screen Sing Along Hairspray), the Castro hosts the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival.

Undoubtedly programmed to take advantage of the lead up to Inglourious Basterds (what's up with the spelling?) and perhaps the recent demise of David Carradine, the Castro is presenting "Rolling Thunder: The Films of Quentin Tarantino" from July 31 to August 2. I believe they are screening the entire filmography of Quentin Tarantino (at least as director) to date - Kill Bill Vol. 1, Kill Bill Vol. 2, Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, Jackie Brown and Death Proof. I am an unabashed fan of Tarantino so I may be there all three days.

Rolling Thunder is the title of a 1977 revenge film starring William Devane and Tommy Lee Jones about a Vietnam War POW who has his arm amputated by a garbage disposal when some lowlifes rob him. If I recall correctly, Tarantino cites that film as one of his favorites. The Castro screened Rolling Thunder in February 2008 as part of the their "Second Dark Age" series which was an excellent program.