If there’s a perfect Richmond spot to watch a horror movie, it’s the landmark Byrd Theatre in Carytown. This palace of motion pictures has entertained locals and visitors for almost 100 years, and is bringing us another spooky month of sci-fi, thriller + paranormal classics to enjoy up on the big screen.
Here’s a look at some featured flicks:
On Sun., Oct. 24, the Byrd is going back in time to present 2 classic silent films that were made just shy of the Byrd’s 1928 opening date. Michael Britt, a DC-based organist, will utilize the Mighty Wurlitzer’s full range of pipes, percussion + special sound effects to play the full score of both the original “Phantom of the Opera” (1925) + “Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde” (1920). Tickets for those shows, which begin at 3 + 4 p.m., are $20, and will go towards the upkeep of the organ.
To wrap up the month, the Byrd has a special Halloween triple feature. First up is 1964’s “Last Man on Earth” at 2 p.m., great for those vampire and Vincent Price lovers. Next at 4 p.m. is “House on Haunted Hill,” a William Castle classic. And then at 6 p.m. — they’re coming to get you Barbara — the Byrd is screening George Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead.”
Each of those shows are $5, and their scores will all be played live by the Byrd’s resident organist Bob Gulledge.
If you’re not a fan of real spooky stuff, mark your calendar for a live performance of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” featuring Yes And Theatrical Co., a local improv group.
Check out the rest of the Byrd Theatre’s October movie lineup, if you dare.