Halloween Screening of “The Shining” at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Heeeeere’s Jack!

For Halloween night, the Cinespia Cemetery Screenings showed Stanley Kubrick’s "The Shining."  Considered one of the most frightening films ever made, this special screening was a smash hit.  "Come and play with us Danny!"  And play they did as over a thousand visitors squatted on the wide, green lawn to watch the movie on the mausoleum wall.

Sound ironic?  You bet!  And what better way to see "The Shining" than at a cemetery?

Ghosts, goblins, and ghouls all showed up for this special event on Halloween night.  Gates opened at 5:30PM with the film screening a little after seven.  Visitors enjoyed mainstay DJ Jun before the show, with a little mixing of Bauhaus "Bela Lugosi’s Dead" in keeping with the mood.  The Halloween special screening let out at the perfect time for those who still wanted to trick or treat the night away.

For those not inclined to be scared out of their minds while surrounded by tombstones, Hollywood Cemetery Screenings at the landmark Hollywood Forever Cemetery on Santa Monica Blvd. and Gower, offers a variety of classic films during their seasonal run from May to September.  Started in 2002 by set designer John Wyatt and Tyler Cassity, owner of Hollywood Forever Cemetery, the screenings (made possible by film organization Cinespia) have become a local staple and continue to attract filmgoers of all ages.

  

Although the idea of sitting around a bunch of plots and crypts can sound a bit, well…creepy, the outdoor atmosphere graced by tall palm trees and a pair of peacocks that mysteriously walk the grounds is enchanting.   

The cemetery is beautifully maintained with several who’s who of Hollywood’s legends buried there such as Mel Blanc, Douglas Fairbanks and Jr., Tyrone Power, Rudolph Valentino and a famous bronze cenotaph for Johnny Ramone of The Ramones, playing his guitar.

Visitors bring their own blankets and many enjoy a full course picnic before the film.  There is a donation charge of $10 to keep the grounds clean and the upkeep of plentiful port-a-potties.  There is security on the grounds and visitors can either drive and park inside the gate or walk.  Given the cluster jam of exiting cars, it is a good idea to park on a side street and hoof it.  Remember to bring a jacket, even in the summer months, as once the sun goes down it gets very chilly.

Stanley Kubrick probably didn’t intend for "The Shining" to shine against a mausoleum, but the film never looked better.  If there are such things as ghosts then they joined the living that night and enjoyed some "Redrum…redrum." 

For more information about 2008 Cemetery Screenings please visit www.cemeteryscreenings.com or www.hollywoodforever.com.

Photos by Norm Quiros