52nd City

Tonight: Cine16

If the word we're hearing is correct, Cine16 may soon call a new venue home. It'd be fitting for fans of the what's become a rather long-running free event to pop by the Mad Art tonight, for another session in the wooden chairs, taking in a seven-pack of 16mm films, fresh (well, not exactly fresh) from the archives of the St. Louis Public Schools.

Though a few films tonight have an appealing sound to them, the clear highlight is the shortest: "Where the Wild Things Are." This short, based on the classic book by Maurice Sendak, will send you into a time warp to childhood. It's an absolute treat. Here's the full rundown, compliments of co-curator Margie Newman.

The Hangman; 11 minutes; Late 1960s; Dir. Les Goldman and Paul Julian
A gaunt stranger shows up to town, and the locals watch as he proceeds to go about his business -- hanging people! This animated realization of the classic children's poem contains exquisite artwork and striking narration.

The Robotics Phenomenon; 14 minutes; 1987; Dir. Walter Shedd
Robots: what's not to like? After all, as the film tells us, "A robot's intelligence is man's and man's alone." Includes interesting footage of assembly-line robots.

Where the Wild Things Are; 6 minutes; 1973; Dir. Gene Deitch
Charming animated adaptation of Maurice Sendak's book by legendary Weston Woods animator Gene Deitch. Young Max wants to be wild with the wild things. He spurns dinner to go off to seek company on a beastly island.

Interpretations; 13 minutes; 1970; Dir. Unknown
Watch painters at work in this Polish film. These painters silently and intently create their paintings amid an empty landscape, leaving behind completed works for the public to see.

Solo; 15 minutes; 1972; Dir. Mike Hoover
The director "plays" the climber who spends a day trying to reach a mountain peak all alone (except for his camera crew, of course). Included are extended and amusing sequences of Hoover "dancing" on the side of the mountain.

The Spider; 17 minutes; 1975; Dir. Jonathan McDonald
From the popular "Wild, Wild World of Animals" series comes this gem, which presents an overview of arachnid life. Warning: The close-up shots on the big screen may be overwhelming.

The Man from A.U.N.T.I.E.; 13 minutes; 1977 ; Dir. George Gordon
A space alien comes to earth...to learn about insurance! This film combines stylized animation with blatant propaganda from the insurance industry, which produced it.