Movies so bad, they're good: Field Manor hosts The 'Worst' Film Fest

Field Manor hosts several community events throughout the year to raise awareness of the historic homestead by the banks of the Indian River on Merritt Island.

“We are constantly hearing from new visitors that they hadn’t heard about us before,” said marketing and events assistant Tristann Jones.

A huge fan of the endearing cheesiness of B-movies, Jones had a lightbulb moment. Why not entice people with some of the best of the “worst” movies and, in the process, show them how much Field Manor has to offer?

The result is The "Worst" Film Fest, a triple feature of delightfully silly cult classics from the 50s and 60s and a great way to spend a spring evening out under the stars. The event runs from 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday, March 2, at Field Manor, 750 Field Manor Drive, Merritt Island.

For a mere $5, movie fans can bask in the glorious nonsense of “The Killer Shrews (5:30 to 6:45 p.m.), “Plan 9 from Outer Space (7 to 8:30 p.m.) and “The Brain that Wouldn’t Die (8:45 to 10 p.m.)

Jones selected them after reviewing several lists of the “Top 100 Worst Movies Ever Made,” cross-referenced against lists of film in the public domain, since Field Manor is a nonprofit and keeping costs down was imperative.

“Since interest has been great so far, we are already talking about hosting more movie nights in the future, perhaps with more well-known titles,” Jones added.

The debut trio of films is grand enough. “The Killer Shrews,” for example, was intended as a horror film, but it’s impossible to avoid a case of the giggles when beholding the mighty beasts, which are obviously dogs draped with carpet.

“They definitely aren't scary-looking by today's standards,” Jones said.

“Plan 9 from Outer Space” is a product of the feverish mind of Ed Wood, a director who achieved immortality for his campiness, clunky special effects, technical errors, poor use of stock footage and eccentric casting. The film is also notable because it proved to be horror film master Bela Lugosi’s final opus. Lugosi died before shooting was completed, but didn’t deter Wood.

“For the rest of the film, the body double kept his cape pulled up so you could only see his eyes, as if we wouldn't notice the difference,” Jones explained.

“The Brain that Wouldn’t Die” is a love story, albeit a really weird one, of a doctor who maintains his girlfriend’s severed head operational after the rest of her dies in a horrible accident.

“It's pretty obvious that the woman has her head through a hole in the table, which is just as ridiculous as some of the dialogue,” Jones said.

The films will be shown on a 20-foot outdoor screen set against the backdrop of old oak trees and the river.

“We did a trial run of the equipment a few weeks ago, and you can see and hear great all across the lawn and even under our pavilion, which is where the concession stand and restrooms are,” Jones said.

“We had a lot of fun at the trial run watching the movie with the Indian River in the background and stars overhead.

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Plan to bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the show. Popcorn, soda and other snacks will be available for purchase at the pop-up concession stand, and food trucks will be there with their fare. Outside food and drinks are also permitted.

“We are hoping this unique event will bring new community members to Field Manor so they can learn about our historic property and all it has to offer,” said Gwen Denninghoff, director of marketing and events.

“Plus, it’s just going to be a fun evening.”

Tickets are $5, available online at fieldmanor.org and also at the door. Children 10 and under are admitted free, but these films are not really geared towards kids. The event is weather permitting.

If you go

The 'Worst' Film Fest

Where: Field Manor, 750 Field Manor Drive, Merritt Island

When: Saturday, March 2 from 5 to 10 p.m.

Featured films: “The Killer Shrews” at 5:30 p.m., “Plan 9 from Outer Space” at 7 p.m. and “The Brain That Wouldn’t Die” at 8:45 p.m.

Tickets: $5, or free for kids ages 10 and younger

Website: fieldmanor.org or zeffy.com

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