Spookeasy San Francisco

My fellow chorus girl alerted me to a Halloween themed Vaudevillian show at Chinatown's Great Star Theatre and sent me a link for the pre-view show. Spookeasy San Francisco. The variety show consisted of short skits, burlesque, chorus girls, dance routines, juggling acts and comedy acts. It was incredibly entertaining. It's great to see theatre shows of yesteryear making a return to the stage.

1920s built Great Star Theatre in Chinatown

Great Star Theatre Interior

Talent Show

Contortionist

Minnie the Moocher parody

Mr. Nobody

Great skit. I loved the Raymond Scott music.

Mobile users can view video here.

 Chainsaw juggling act

Mobile users can view video here

Classic Horror Cinema

In the spirit of Halloween, I decided to post 31 Days of Classic Horror Cinema on my Instagram account; each day showcasing a different horror movie from days gone by. I started with 1920s cinema and have completed up to the late 1950s. I've seen each film posted to my Instagram and only those that I enjoyed. What constituted as scary during that time would be considered corny today. Some have held up over time or could possibly be reclassified under a different genre (sci-fi, suspense, psychological thrillers, etc.) But as I looked back on each post, I started to notice the underlying themes that reflected their respective generations and their fears.

1920s 

What I noticed was that the antagonist tended to be either a disturbed or deeply misunderstood person. Emotionally, he never fit in with the general public, or he was simply unaccepted because of a physical abnormality. The 1920s was generally a time of exuberance, opulence, and indulgence. But it was also an era of illicit behavior due to the prohibitive laws of that time. What was there to fear except the inner demons let lose when under the influence of often potent if not deadly libations.

1930s 

We've now reached the Depression Era when most everyone was struggling and skeptical of their fellow man. Is it any surprise, then, that many of the antagonists were mindless drones seeking what other individuals had? Even King Kong was considered a metaphor of the rural south invading the industrialized big city and wreaking havoc. Men feared each other due to the harm they could cause each other.

1940s

World War II brought the U.S. out of the brink of total despair that followed the economic downturn of the 1930s. The war unified the nation against the threat of the Axis powers. The monster had a face, and it was Hitler. Though the 40s had its fair share of monster movies, many films focused more on psychological fear; quite possibly because there was a real threat overseas. In fact most films of this era were considered dark, suspenseful, and psychologically thrilling (Film Noir) with a tinge of apathy.

1950s
Ah the Fifties. The Atomic Era. The Red Scare. McCarthyism. Blacklisting. The U.S. was under threat of communism (or so its government would have Americans believe). Is it really a surprise, then, that most films focused on supposed consequences of atomic warfare or people being led to an impending doom? Several films depicted grossly oversized bugs (as a result of radiation exposure) terrorizing people. The alien invasion as a metaphor of the invasion of all things un-American. There was always something to run away from before finally standing up to and victoriously attacking the threat.

My Personal Favorites
This final week before Halloween will have posts consisting of my favorite horror films that I will never tire watching. Some have already been posted in the previous decades listed (Dr. Caligari, King Kong, Cat People), but others are as recent as 1987. When it comes to horror film, I'm less about gore and more about the suspense and thrill.

Alfred Hitchcock has always been one of my favorite directors (the other is Tim Burton). When it comes to suspense and thrills, his films are on the must-see list. Evil Dead is ridiculously gory, but hey, it's Bruce Campbell! Poltergeist still creeps me out today and The Lost Boys has a special place in my heart; who doesn't love 1980s Santa Cruz? But when it comes to my all time favorite, it's American Werewolf in London. I don't care what people say about it looking fakey today. I still say that it is by far the best werewolf transformation in history.

So if you're not sure what to include on your Halloween Horror Fest, choose a few of the films above for a public viewing and appreciate the history of horror and it's projection of American fears.

Presidio Officers' Club

There has been a lot going on this weekend: The Alameda Park Street Car Show, the Rosie the Riveter Show and the Royal Jazz Society at the recently remodeled Presidio Officers Club. I rarely make trips to the East Bay unless it has to do with coloring my hair or buying vintage clothing and other antique goods (though I need to take a drive to Berkeley for the Magic Vegan Bacon Grease). So Presidio Officers' Club it is. 

From what I gathered in learning its history, it was established in 1776 (long before California statehood) as an entertainment meeting place for military personnel and their families. The architecture is typical Spanish adobe prevalent throughout California. It harkens back to the days of Spanish colonialism and the establishment of missions up and down the coast. Today, the Officers' Club continues its tradition of cultural entertainment now open to the public.

Considering that the Royal Jazz Society typically performs at Gatsby, I decided to go in 1920s attire. My inspiration, of course, was none other than the "It Girl" herself, Clara Bow. I pulled back my red hair and secured it with a scarf; typical flapper attire. I went heavy on the eye make up with dark red lips and rouged cheeks (Merlot lip color and Apricot Rouge by Bésame Cosmetics). I only wish I had her eyebrows. I went for a Jersey dress that was popular during the 20s. The shoes are "It Girl" from Remix. Great dancing shoes, by the way.

I didn't expect there to be such a crowd, but when the band is good and the venue is free, expect the entire Bay Area swing dance community to attend. It was packed. I danced quite a bit but it was mostly Balboa due to the tight quarters. I did some Lindy hop provided that there was some space available to do a swing out. I only wish there were collegiate shag dancers out there. Shag is my favorite dance. 

 

I took a break from dancing and decided to tour the rest of the space. In addition to its dance hall, there are several exhibit halls showcasing the history of The Presidio and its shaping of San Francisco culture. 

I really hope the swing dancing is something that continues even if for a monthly or seasonal occasion. It's always nice to get dolled up and dance in historic venues.

2014 Vintage Purchase #11: Art Deco Dresser (FINALLY!)

For the past four years, I had been storing my lingerie, shirts and pants in this cheap, tiny plastic set of drawers from Bed, Bath & Beyond. I could've bought a dresser a long time ago, but I really had my heart set on purchasing an antique dresser; preferably an Art Deco piece. 

I always come across them at the Alameda Pointe Antique Fair but they were not the type I wanted. I was searching specifically for a stacked set of drawers (also called a high boy). Since I already have an antique vanity with a full length mirror, I didn't want to purchase a horizontal piece with a mirror. Sometimes I'd browse Craigslist only to find a hefty price tag. Even at Alameda they're pricey. I've found some Deco highboys for anywhere between $200-$400! The max I'm willing to spend is $150.

I decided to go back to perusing estate sales. Depending on the location, you can find some really good antiques for relatively good prices. I'm on a mailing list that alerts me to any sales with keywords vintage, antique and art deco. One popped up out of Half Moon Bay.

This house had a ton of antique items and plenty of Art Deco furniture. I wish I could've taken it all, but I either didn't need it or the condition wasn't that great. I first looked to see what would catch my eye in the garage, kitchen and living/dining room. Nothing. Then it was off to the bedrooms. There were four of them and each one had some type of antique furnishings but it was mostly shaker style. Once I got to the last bedroom, I spied an Art Deco highboy dresser. I immediately inspected it, pulling out drawers and looking for damage. It was in excellent condition. Sure it had a few scoffs here and there, but nothing a good polish couldn't handle. I went back to the front of the house and said, "I want that Art Deco dresser." Thank goodness it hadn't yet been sold. I had the cash, paid the lady and loaded it onto my truck.

Once home, I polished it from top to bottom, side to side. It looks absolutely stunning. Notice the handles. It's bakelite; an early form of plastic used extensively during the early 20th century.

The picture below shows where it currently stands. I decided to sit my 1956 Kangaroo caddy on top, though I'd much rather look for some older antique pieces to dress it up a bit more. November is a month of antique buys with three events coming up: Alameda Pointe Antique Fair, Alameda Fashion Fair and the San Francisco Vintage Expo.

Here's the best part of this purchase. It cost me only $45. Definitely a great score.

2014 Hike #17: Arastradero Preserve

My Bay Area hiking consisted of trails in San Francisco, Marin and San Mateo counties; I even hiked around Santa Cruz. But I had yet to venture into Santa Clara County's great outdoors. So I set out on a trail along Arastradero  Preserve. I should've waited until December to go there. It was hotter than Hades reaching above 90 degree temps.

There were a few different trails, and I chose the hottest one (unbeknownst to me). The trail is 99% exposed with very little shade relief.  Poor Daisy was panting throughout the hike that I had to stop every 10 minutes for her to drink up. Eventually I soaked her with my water bottle to keep her cool. Pobrecita. 

Still the landscape had nice views of a golden grassland, oak trees and the bay. There was also a lake that looked to be receding; a consequence of the drought. The preserve also has its charm with wooden fences, birdhouses, bridges and even grazing horses.

I'll definitely come back to view the other trail, but I'll wait until it gets cooler.

Ms. Daisy trying to take a cool breather on a slab of concrete. And a very beat Daisy after climbing aboard the truck. Silly dog.