In addition to its annual Scarecrows on the Common, the new Park Theatre at 19 Main St. in Jaffrey is presenting a festival of horror movies, plus spooky events and their second Halloween costume contest. Halloweek Fest runs from Oct. 26 to 31.
The festival begins on Tuesday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. with an old-fashioned $5 double feature. The two films are “The Bat” (1959 with Vincent Price and Agnes Moorehead) and “Night of The Living Dead” (1968), voted the best horror film of all time in many polls.
“Possession” (1981), starring Sam Neill and Isabelle Adjani, has been restored in high definition. Rogerebert.com gave it a 4-star review. It will be shown Oct. 26 to 28.
On Wednesday, Oct. 27, there will be a screening of the silent horror classic “The Phantom of The Opera” (1925). This restored film will be shown in the 333-seat Eppes Auditorium. The film will have a musical soundtrack of organ music that will be provided live on stage by silent film accompanist Jeff Rapsis. Tickets are $12.
The original “Halloween” from 1978 plays on Oct. 30 and 31. “Halloween IV” will be shown Oct. 29, and “Halloween V” is scheduled for Oct. 28.
A new documentary about the life of one of the top horror actors of all time, Boris Karloff, will screen Oct. 29 to 31. “Boris Karloff: The Man Behind The Monster” reviews his life and some of his most significant roles, including the Frankenstein monster, The Mummy, and the voice of the Grinch.
Starting Halloween Day, Oct. 31, there will be a screening of the new animated family film, “The Addams Family 2” (2021). It shows 2 p.m. and continues for a week.
The Park Theatre is holding its second Halloween Costume Contest. Costume-wearers can upload a picture of themselves (or their pets) in three categories: Adult, Child or Pet. A panel will review the entries and select three finalists in each category. The finalists will be asked to be in their costume and come to the theater on Halloween at 4 p.m. for the audience to vote in each category. Category winners will each receive a $50 gift certificate from the Woodbound Inn as well as a $25 certificate for The Hometown Diner. Contest details can be found on The Park Theatre website and its Facebook page.
“We love Halloween at The Park Theatre. Our Halloweek Fest offers a wide selection of entertainment for everyone. Plus, our staff is devising some special scary stuff that will be going on all during the festival. And we encourage families (and pets) to enter our costume contest. Boo!,” said Steve Jackson , CEO and managing director of The Park Theatre.
Information and tickets for Halloweek Fest 2021 events can be found at theparktheatre.org or by calling the Park Theatre box office 603-532-8888.