by Rosalie Kicks, Old Sport & Editor in Chief

When that first fall feeling weather day hits, I crawl out of my coffin and gloriously declare the start of spooky season. Fortunately in Philadelphia this happened at the end of August, which means I am now in full on haunt mode.

I’ve always been somewhat of an indoor kid, but the summer heat takes my recluse tendencies to a whole other level. The UV rays sear my flesh and I find that even nighttime brings very little relief. Fortunately, I have never been a fan of the beach or pretty much any activity that involves sunlight. For me, most of the dog days of summer are spent in my abode, blinds shuttered, fan cooling, while I watch flicks comfortably from the sofa. If I do manage to venture out, my destination is more than often a cinema. Although, who am I trying to fool… for even with the arrival of cooler temps I still can’t keep myself from the magic of the movies.

On September 27th and 28th: The Hiway Theater will celebrate the second annual Terror Thon. This two day event will showcase a variety of classic horror sequels from demonic possession to slashers to creature features and cult hits. MovieJawn is fortunate enough to be on location for Saturday’s festivities to sling zines and chat all things horror. If you’re around town or looking for a road trip, stop by. Tickets are available for each of the screenings or buy a pass here for the entire event to receive a special enamel pin! Hope to see you there goblins and ghouls… mention this post, and we will have a treat (we promise no tricks) waiting for you at the table. Below are the list of the films slated to grace the silver screen for this frightful affair at the Hiway.

Eric Mintel Investigates: The History and Mysteries of The Historic Jenkintown Library
Friday, September 27 at 6pm, tickets here

Eric Mintel is hired to visit locations and produce/edit a documentary-esque program that shares the history and importance to the community. In partnership with The Jenkintown Library and Jenkintown Community Alliance, the Hiway will present a screening of Eric’s investigation in celebration of Jenkintown’s 150th celebration. This particular rendition will share the history and eerie stories of Jenkintown Library. Apparently the location has been subject to disembodied voices, electronic disturbances, and shadowy figures. This all seems rather intriguing and I am always down for a spooky tale, especially when it is one that has occurred in my backyard.

The Evil Dead (1981)
Friday, September 27 at 7:30pm, tickets here

Sam Raimi’s sophomore feature, The Evil Dead is a spooky season classic in which five pals head to a cabin in the woods hoping for a weekend getaway. Instead, they experience the worst holiday of their life when they release a gaggle of flesh possessing demons. What is intriguing about this particular showing is that it will be presented in a brand new 4K restoration with a new 5.1 surround mix that is sure to shake your bones. Not familiar with The Evil Dead? Check out MJ’s Billy Russell’s ranking of the franchise here.

Tales From The Crypt: Demon Knight (1995)
Friday, September 27 at 10:00pm, tickets here

Any flick with Billy Zane is often worth a watch. In Demon Knight, he plays a mystifying demon known as the collector who is on the hunt for a magical key that is said to initiate the apocalypse. An ex-soldier, Frank Brayker (William Sadler), has been on the run from the collector and his wicked ghouls for close to ninety years. When he decides he is done running, he obtains help from the residents in a small town in New Mexico to help him face-off against Zane and his rag-tag demons. This is a memorable and wild flick as it is, but being shown on 35mm is sure to make it unforgettable.

Mad Monster Party (1967)
Saturday, September 28 at 10:30am, tickets here

In 1967 Rankin and Bass - known for hit holiday flicks Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town - created a glorious tribute to monster movies of days gone by with Mad Monster Party. Dr. Frankenstein (voiced by Boris Karloff) calls his creepy acquaintances to his Isle of Evil to declare his retirement in the monster making business. This invitation list is stacked, including Dracula, The Wolf Man, Creature, and even Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. While looking to announce his successor, Dr. Frankenstein also wants to ensure that the secret of total destruction does not fall into the wrong hands. I can’t wait to witness this one on the big screen in all its glory.

Dracula (1931)
Saturday, September 28 at 1:00pm, tickets here

If there was ever an actor made to play a part, it was Bela Lugosi as Dracula. Many have followed in his footsteps, but, in my opinion, they don’t even come close to filling his shoes. I have witnessed Tod Browning’s treasure of a film on the silver screen before. However, I never turn down an opportunity for my eyes to be filled with its magic once more. Looking to read more about vampires? MovieJawn has you covered here.

Ringu (1998)
Saturday, September 28 at 3:15pm, tickets here

I have been wanting to catch Ringu for quite some and am thrilled that I finally will get to cross it off my watchlist. A mysterious videotape is believed to kill its viewer seven days after being watched. When a reporter sets out to investigate, she finds herself caught up in the nightmare. Of course I have seen the remake, but I feel that Ringu may, in fact, find me chilled to the bone.

Scream 2 (1997)
Saturday, September 28 at 7:00pm, tickets here

I will stand by the statement that Scream (1996) has one of the best damn horror flick openings. However, Scream 2 gives it a run for its money. In terms of sequels, this film is aces and proves that Wes Craven truly was a master of the slasher.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2 (1986)
Saturday, September 28 at 10:00pm, tickets here

This movie is W-I-L-D. Vanita “Stretch” Brock (Caroline Williams), a radio deejay, is attacked by a cannibal family while a Texas Marshall, Lieutenant “Lefty” Enright (Dennis Hopper), is hot on their trail. This movie goes from madcap to completely unhinged quick. I’ve watched a lot of films, but this still tops the list in terms of one of the most off the rails stories (sometimes in the not best way) I’ve seen. If you have never watched, there’s no time like the present as it will be shown in glorious 35mm, compliments of Exhumed Films.

Terror Thon 2 will be held September 27 and 28 at Hiway Theater, tickets and passes available here.