Halloween Triple Feature

As a movie buff I relate every holiday to favorite movies. Since Halloween is the perfect occasion for a late night horror-movie-fest, I have compiled a list of six different triple features appropriate for almost any group.  So light those jack-O-lanterns, pop some popcorn and, after the last trick-or-treater has come and gone, sit back and enjoy...

For the rowdy party crowd I recommend The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Scream and Scary Movie as a memorable movie trio. It really won't matter if people pay attention; these movies will serve as the perfect backdrop for a room full of partying teens. Besides who amongst us can pass up the chance to do the "Time Warp" again?

For the traditionalist there is the unholy trinity of Halloween archetypes, Frankenstein, Dracula and The Wolf Man, portrayed by Boris Karloff, Bela Lagosi and Lon Chaney jr. respectively. These are the movies that started it all. Here's just a sample... "It's Alive!" "Good Evening..." "...When The Moon Is Full And The Wolfsbane Blooms..."

If your tastes lean more to the gruesome side, how about Night of the Living Dead, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Halloween?  The original installments of course. Flesh eating zombies, demented rampaging rednecks and an indestructible psychotic with cool theme music; sounds pretty entertaining to me.

Perhaps you prefer a somewhat more thought provoking line-up. Well what could be better for testing a little faith than the devilish trilogy of Rosemary's Baby, The Exorcist and The Omen? Three Movie Buffs doesn't recommend watching these alone however. Can you say Satan?

OK so you've got small children and you don't want to be up all night talking them down from nightmares. Not a problem. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Young Frankenstein and E. T. The Extra Terrestrial. The Mel Brooks' spoof will keep you from overdosing on the saccharine laced combo of Disney and Spielberg.

Finally for the movie snob here's a rather eclectic collection. The Phantom of the Opera, Arsenic and Old Lace and The Creature From the Black Lagoon. A silent gothic masterpiece, a witty urbane black comedy and an unintentionally hilarious camp/horror classic. I should do programming for TCM.

Since no triple-feature is complete without the opening cartoon be sure to have a copy of The Great Pumpkin on hand. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!