Hey cat’s and kittens, spooky season will be here soon. What interesting concoctions are you experimenting with? In one of our meetings, we learned about magic. Those were some bewitching visual tales, weren’t they? This time, we will be taking a trip down to the lab to see what’s on the slab! Get a closer view, and maybe do an experiment or two. To find out why these scientists are so mad, they’re funny!
You’ll Laugh Your Cranium Off!
This 1983 sci-fi comedy is called The Man With Two Brains. Its director, Carl Reiner, also wrote the screenplay with George Gipe and Steve Martin. It stars Steve Martin, Kathleen Turner, and David Warner.
Plot:
Recently widowed Doctor Michael Hfuhruhurr (not a spelling error; that’s how his name is spelled in the movie), the world’s greatest neurosurgeon, injures Dolores Benedict in a car accident. He performs an operation to save her life using a technique of his own invention: cranial screw-top brain entry. However, Dolores is a greedy black widow. The unsuspecting doctor falls in love, and the couple is soon married. They travel to Vienna to attend a medical conference, where Michael meets another neurosurgeon, Dr. Alfred Necessiter. He invites him over for dinner and to discuss his experiments with the brain. He shows Michael his secret lab and his collection of brains.
While Dr. Necssiter fixes him a drink, Michael sits alone contemplating. Earlier that evening, he found his wife with another man. In despair, he talks to his dead wife and sings her favorite song. To his surprise, he hears a woman’s voice singing with him. He searches the lab only to discover that it is one of the brains in Dr. Necessiter’s collection! He discovers her name is Anne, and she has no idea she is just a brain in a jar. When Michael tries to show the doctor what he’s discovered, the doctor hears nothing. It seems they have a telepathic connection. Could this brain be the woman of his dreams?
This film was made when Steve Martin was known as the wild and crazy guy. Steve has never shied away from physical comedy. This is one of those films that proves it. Add Carl Reiner’s direction and writing skills, and you have something really funny and memorable. Incidentally, this is Kathleen Turner’s first foray into comedy, and you can tell she is really having fun. The funniest moments are when Michael rushes over and gives the little girl instructions and, of course, when Michael discovers Anne. Yes, this film does have its over-the-top comedic moments, but it also has a heart and a couple of brains. All of which I am sure you will enjoy.
Abby, someone… Abby Normal
From one comedic genius director to another, that’s right, I am talking about Mr. Mel Brooks! Young Frankenstein was his first parody film based on Mary Shelley‘s novel Frankenstein. He co-wrote the screenplay with Gene Wilder. The film stars Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn, and Marty Feldman.
Plot:
Lecturing brain surgeon Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced Fron-kon-shteen) has lived in the shadow of his grandfather and infamous mad scientist Dr. Victor Frankenstein for too long. But family is forever. After inheriting the ancestral castle in Transylvania, Frederick is about to discover that legends never die. When Dr. Frederick stumbles upon his ancestor’s secret lab, a miracle happens: the deceased visionary’s journals inspire him to continue where his grandfather left off. As loyal servant Igor and pretty laboratory assistant Inga help him reanimate the dead, Dr. Frederick is on the brink of making history. All that’s missing is a mighty bolt of lightning.
This film is a chef’s kiss in the world of comedy! Both Brooks and Wilder had worked together in Blazing Saddles. The black-and-white film style adds another layer to this brilliantly penned parody. It is so difficult for me to pick memorable moments from this film because the whole movie is memorable and quotable, but if I had to, I would say the train station and the abby normal scene. If you decide not to watch any of the films I have recommended in the Scaredy-Cat Club series, please just watch this one. You won’t regret it.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show | #TBT Trailer | 20th Century FOX
I see you shiver, with antici…pation!
I can hear everyone at Couch Soup cheering and applauding for finally seeing this film appear as a recommendation to watch during the spooky season! The Rocky Horror Picture Show was released on September 26, 1975. It was directed by Jim Sharman, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Richard O’Brien. It stars Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, and Barry Bostwick.
Plot:
A newly engaged couple has a breakdown in an isolated area and must seek shelter at a bizarre castle. Brad Majors (Barry Bostwick) and Janet Weiss (Susan Sarandon) find themselves stranded on their way to visit an ex-tutor. Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry) and his bizarre entourage are having a party. This is no ordinary party, nor an ordinary night. This is the unveiling of the doctor’s latest creation: Rocky Horror (Peter Hinwood), a man-made Adonis that will give absolute pleasure. Dr. Everett V. Scott (Jonathan Adams) arrives looking for his nephew Eddie (Meat Loaf).
Little by little, the effervescent transgressive force gobbles up the unsuspecting visitors. Brad and Janet slowly begin to embrace the potent fascinations of seduction. This shall be a night that all will remember for a very long time in the sexually kinky, rock ‘n roll, rock-opera world of a gender-bending scientist – and his time-warped plans.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is not just a film… It is an experience! The best way to experience this cult classic is to find a movie theater in your area that has it as a ‘special screening.’ These screenings are usually held around Halloween! Why go and watch with other people? It makes it so much more enjoyable. The audience participates; they dress as characters from the film and sing along. It’s everything the trailer says it is and more!
I would say this experiment was a rousing success! It’s also time to adjourn this meeting. Whatever you are experimenting with this spooky season, keep your brains to yourself!
Have you seen any of these films? Which one is your favorite?
