RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD 20TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION

Return of the Living Dead 20th Anniversary Reunion
By Ken Leicht

L.A. fans of the classic 80’s horror-comedy RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD got a treat on Saturday, August 13th when the American Cinematheque hosted a special 20th Anniversary screening event at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood as part of its annual Horror, Fantasy and Science Fiction Film Series. With the exception of Linnea Quigley (who had to cancel at the last minute due to family illness), pretty much the entire cast was in attendance. Also present were director Dan O’Bannon, former Orion executive (and author of the excellent FUTURE NOIR: THE MAKING OF BLADE RUNNER) Paul Sammons, and designer Bill Stout.

Following the screening of a crisp print of the film (always the best at the Egyptian), there was a Q&A hosted by Cinematheque programmer Dennis Bartok. While there were a few bits of interesting information disclosed by director Dan O’Bannon, mostly the Q&A was just a big love fest. Every time an actor was asked a question, their answer seemed to be preceded by a five minute speech on how happy they were to be here and thanks to all of the fans. As happy as the cast and crew were to be on stage for the fans, they were also very happy to see each other. Clearly it had been a while for some of them. Many questions would be used as an excuse to say how much they loved and/or respected each other or would be used as an excuse to bust each other’s balls.

Some highlights included Dan’s explanation of the origins of the film which oddly enough involved the Byzantine rights nightmare surrounding Night of the Living Dead. Apparently they inherited the rights to say “living” dead while George Romero was just left with “Dead.” And Tobe Hooper was to be the original director.

A lot of stage time was given to talking about working with one another. Clu Gulager was especially effusive when describing co-star Thom Mathews’s performance. James Karen and all the others talked about how extensive rehearsal time; a luxury for any film, especially a low budget horror film; helped create the ensemble chemistry that was evident on screen. O’Bannon also detailed how he came to cast Alan Trautman as the Tar Man zombie. Alan, who was a surprise guest, was brought to the stage where he talked about his audition and to the audience’s delight, did the Tar Man’s walk.

After the Q & A was over, fans mobbed the stage for autographs. The cast and crew generously stayed a while and signed and posed for pictures. All in all it was a great evening for fans of the film. If you couldn’t make it or live outside L.A., have no fear, members of the cast are starting to pop up at horror shows across the USA. So keep an eye out.