So, here we are again. It’s summer, and for Bangor that means those mincing River City Cinema Society people are back at it again, and they’ve hit the recession-era zeitgeist. They’re bringing audiences the cinematic loot, this time with their free summer film festival, ingeniously titled “Heist School Vacation.”
Starting tonight at sundown (a perfect time for a heist, by the way) and lasting until July 30, the society is packing heat, busting film vaults and once again taking over Pickering Square in downtown Bangor with a bevy of six heist movies.
Here’s a tip — don’t go near an alley. Pack a pepperbox and pepper spray if you must. If you don’t know who the society’s members are, just have a look around. You’ll see them. At each event, they’ll be looking shifty along the sidelines for “sound checks” or, even worse, when they’re “busy” selling popcorn. Yeah, right. Watch your wallets and pocketbooks, people — with this series, these people mean business.
But, then, they always do — which is why this festival is one of the area’s best. And which is why it’s fun to kid the society’s members — they have a sense of humor. Truth be told, each of these series has been a blast, and it’s swell to have access to them. So, kudos to them. Make it a point to visit them at the series — and then in the clink.
This year’s line-up offers a varied mix of the heist genre.
First up is director Alexander MacKendrick’s original 1955 version of “The Lady Killers,” which stars Alec Guinness, Peter Sellers, Herbert Lom and Danny Green as a group of befuddled, buffoonish cons who join forces to steal 60,000 pounds and then take down Katie Johnson’s character, simply referred to as “The Old Lady,” when they believe the elderly woman turned them in. For those who have seen the very good 2004 remake starring Tom Hanks, this version surpasses it, with Johnson’s memorable, award-winning turn neatly stealing a show about, well, stealing. It’s a fun movie and a great way to kick off the festival.
On Friday, July 2, it’s all about Stanley Kubrick’s excellent 1956 film “The Killing.” This was Kubrick’s sixth film, and it’s here that it became clear which path the director would take for the rest of his career — straight into the darkness of the human condition. Moments of comedy wouldn’t elude him, but not unlike Hitch-cock, there would be an edge to the uncomfortable laughs he would ignite. In this noirish film, it’s all about robbing a racetrack for the cool sum of $2 million. It won’t be easy, but Sterling Hayden’s Johnny, fresh out of prison, has a plan. Along for the ride are Elisha Cook Jr., Joe Sawyer and Ted de Corsia. Not to mention a helpful little dog, too. The film’s strong acting, solid direction and brisk pace sells it.
On Friday, July 9, the society offers audiences a shot of smoky cool in the 1960 Rat Pack heist movie, “Ocean’s Eleven.”
The film differs substantially from the 2001 remake, and in ways that make it a better movie. Mirroring Steven Soderbergh’s remake, the film’s first half is mired in the sheer number of characters unleashed onscreen, but stick with it — the last half of the film is engrossing as Danny Ocean (Frank Sinatra) works hard with a group (Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Richard Conte, Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford among them) to pull off an audacious plan. The idea is to rob five Vegas casinos on New Year’s Eve. Doing so will take timing, luck — and the disapproval of Angie Dickinson? Look for Cesar Romero, of all people, to work the sidelines with his own plan as Duke Santos. The film’s last five minutes are as good as they come.
Fans of British heist films know that 1969’s “The Italian Job” is among the best. Look for that movie to air Friday, July 16, with Michael Caine spearheading an attempt to steal gold bullion from Italy. With Maggie Blye, Tony Beckley, Noel Coward in his last film role, a bevy of over-worked Mini Coopers and Benny Hill — yes, that Benny Hill — joining in the heist, what ensues is a sophisticated screwball romp.
Rounding out the remaining two films are the July 23 showing of 1973’s “The Sting,” which stars Paul Newman and Robert Redford in their first pairing after “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” and which took home seven Academy Awards in the process. George Roy Hill returns to direct them, and this time we’re out of the West and in Chicago, where mob bosses are the order of the day. As for Newman’s Henry Gondorff and Redford’s Johnny Hooker, so is the chance to run off with some serious money. Eileen Brennan, Charles Durning, Ray Walston and Robert Shaw co-star.
Closing the festival on July 30 is 1975’s slapstick heist movie “The Return of the Pink Panther,” with Peter Sellers selling it to the back row (and beyond — and then beyond again) in a perfect performance as the bumbling Inspector Clouseau. Christopher Plummer and Catherine Schell co-star.
About the festival. For those who haven’t been to one of them, be prepared for an enthusiastic crowd. A typical night’s attendance ranges anywhere between 400-500 people, filling Pickering Square to capacity, with room left only for standing. The happy buzz of those in attendance, the smell of fresh popcorn and the cars cir-cling the periphery have made this community event a showcase for Bangor. In a few short years, the society has made this something to seek out and attend.
Once again, audiences are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to each event, as seating in Pickering Square is limited to only a few benches. Concessions are just $1, which is ridiculously low, so stock up. In case of rain, expect the show to be cancelled (call 745-1202 to find out). There is one rain date, Aug. 6, and the film will be determined then if any have been cancelled. More information about the series and the society can be found on their website, www.rivercitycinema.com.
See you at the festival.
WeekinRewind.com is the site for Bangor Daily News film critic Christopher Smith’s blog, DVD giveaways and archive of movie reviews. Smith’s reviews appear Mondays, Fridays and weekends in Lifestyle, as well as on bangordailynews.com. He may be reached at Christopher@weekinrewind.com.