Get Eerie at Fort East Martello

Get Eerie at Fort East Martello - A group of people standing on top of a grass covered field - Night of the Living Dead
The original 1968 black & white film, ‘Night of the Living Dead,’ directed by film-maker George Romero will be shown as the Key West Art & Historical Society Fort Fright Night film on Wednesday, October 19 at Fort East Martello. Perceived by many as a social commentary of the 1960’s and widely hailed as 'the first modern horror movie,' NOTLD was also one of the first films to feature an African-American hero in a mostly white cast.(Photo Contributed)

with “Night of the Living Dead” Outdoor Film Showing

 What’s better than a good horror film at Halloween than a nighttime, outdoor viewing of a classic at a haunted fort? Pack your lawn chairs, blankets, and courage and head over to Fort East Martello on Wednesday October 19 from 6 – 8pm for Key West Art & Historical Society’s Fort Fright Night, featuring “Night of the Living Dead,” the enduring 1968 classic that helped define the zombie film genre.

Director George Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead” was an instant monster hit nearly fifty years ago, garnering the critical acclaim of hardcore horror fans and new-guard film critics alike. It has a thematic weight not often found in a horror film, casting African American Duane Jones as the film’s protagonist and the only character with a strong moral center, trying to keep everyone working together towards their mutual survival against the zombies.  The film is also drips with political commentary, exposing the discontent over American involvement in the Vietnam War.  Though true to zombie movies, there are some flesh-eating scenes, but overall, it is a movie with a message, focusing more heavily on atmospheric horror than shock or gore.

Offered as part of The Society’s Film Series and selected to help kick off the upcoming Zombie Bike Ride that gathers at the Fort on Sunday, October 23, from 2pm to 10pm, the film will be shown on the big screen inside the courtyard, with a beer and wine bar and free popcorn for everyone.

The Key West Art & Historical Society film series is curated by Society Board member and cineaste Michael Shields. Tickets are $8 for KWAHS members, $12 for non-members. For more information or to purchase your tickets online, visit kwahs.org/education/filmseries or contact Operations Manager Shawn Cowles at scowles@kwahs.org or 305.295.6616 x111. Your Museums.  Your Community.  It takes an Island.

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The original 1968 black & white film ‘Night of the Living Dead,’ directed by film-maker George Romero will be shown as the Key West Art & Historical Society Fort Fright Night film on Wednesday, October 19 at Fort East Martello. Perceived by many as a social commentary of the 1960’s and widely hailed as ‘the first modern horror movie,’ NOTLD was also one of the first films to feature an African-American hero in a mostly white cast.

(Photo Contributed)