Follow instructions to the letter! Or else your town might be overrun by violently mischievous, reptilian monsters. And that might just ruin your Christmas, now, wouldn’t it?
Zach Galligan as Billy Peltzer
Gremlins, directed by horror-comedy master Joe Dante, (Piranha, The Howling) and written by Chris Columbus (The Goonies writ., Home Alone dir.) and executive produced by Steven Spielberg, was one of the most imaginative and original films of the 1980s. Its blend of manic black comedy and special effects laden horror against the backdrop of the Christmas holiday impressed critics and thrilled audiences, though many were downright outraged by its irreverent blend of violence and humor. They came for a sweet little family holiday film, and didn’t get what they bargained for.
All was not calm. All was not bright.
The film tells the story of Billy Peltzer, a young bank teller, and the consequences that follow after he receives a strange, furry creature called a mogwai as a gift from his eccentric father, Randal. Dubbing him “Gizmo,” Randall passes along three essential rules for the creature’s care: don’t expose him to light, especially from the sun; don’t allow him to come in contact with water; and, most importantly, don’t allow him to eat after midnight. For a while Billy’s new pet seems innocuous enough. But then, after a series of accidents, the innate danger of this cute, doe-eyed critter becomes all too apparent. As night falls on Christmas Eve, Billy’s idyllic burg is soon overrun by a fast-multiplying hoard of devilish gremlins, spawned from the body of poor, innocent Gizmo.
Phoebe Cates as Kate Beringer
And the night will neither be silent nor holy.
Merry Christmas!
Doors – 7:00 PM
Film – 8:00 PM
Tickets - $6
1hr 46min | PG | Comedy/Horror | USA
The Senate Theater and The Detroit Theater Organ Society is supported by The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and The National Endowment for the Arts.
