Pranks for the memories
Biograph Times is a web site where I’ve stored some stories I’ve written, “Pranks for the memories.” This group covers some happenings between 1972 and 1984. Most of the events were set in the Biograph Theatre, or are connected to that long-lost movie house. Here’s an excerpt from “The Devils & the Details”: The plot was […]
Biograph Times is a web site where I’ve stored some stories I’ve written, “Pranks for the memories.” This group covers some happenings between 1972 and 1984. Most of the events were set in the Biograph Theatre, or are connected to that long-lost movie house. Here’s an excerpt from “The Devils & the Details”:
The plot was hatched in early January 1974. It was after-hours in the Biograph’s office, next to the projection booth on the second story. Having finished the box-office paperwork, your narrator was browsing through a stack of newly acquired 16mm film catalogues, and probably enjoying a cold Pabst Blue Ribbon. The scent of recently-burned marijuana may have been in the air. A particular entry — “The Devil and Miss Jones” — jumped off the page. Instantly, it was obvious that the title for that 1941 RKO light comedy had been the inspiration for the X-rated movie’s title. It should be noted that the public had yet to be subjected to the endless puns and referential lowbrowisms the skinflick industry would later use for titles. This was still in what might be called the seminal days of the adult picture business.
Click here to read that story and several more.
There is a gallery of old Biograph programs and handbills there, too. This is a work in progress — more stories are on the way, so check back from time to time.
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