Hey Dude, There’s Something On Your Back ...

After his success with House on Haunted Hill, film studios were inclined to let director William Castle mess around a bit with his horror films. He did that in 1959 with his gimmicky camp classic, The Tingler, which Texas Theatre (231 W. Jefferson Blvd.) resurrects Thursday, along with its spine-teasing...

By Jamie Laughlin

October 31, 2013

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After his success with House on Haunted Hill, film studios were inclined to let director William Castle mess around a bit with his horror films. He did that in 1959 with his gimmicky camp classic, The Tingler, which Texas Theatre (231 W. Jefferson Blvd.) resurrects Thursday, along with its spine-teasing “Percepto!” effect. It’s an interactive experience, similar to how John Waters piped scents into screenings of Polyester. Percepto! plays on the story’s thread that centipede-like creatures called Tinglers occupy our bodies. As anxiety rises, the parasites apply pressure to the spinal column that can only be relieved through screaming. In the original run, special devices were attached to the chairs of certain cinemas, mimicking the Tingler’s ill deeds. How will Texas Theatre replicate that? Well, there’s only one way to find out: See The Tingler at 8 p.m. Thursday. There’s a costumed sock hop happening after the film, so release any lingering nervous energy on the dance floor. Tickets cost $10.50. Visit thetexastheatre.com.
Thu., Oct. 31, 2013

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