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An insider look at the decadent premiere of ''The Abominable Dr. Phibes''
The stage was set for Vincent Price's 100th movie
Film premiers have lost a lot of their luster. There just isn't the same kind of glitz and glamour that was once associated with them. Once upon a time in Hollywood, premiers were illustrious, extravagant soirees.
Walt Disney, in particular, seemed adept at using movie premiers as incredible public relations events. He'd deck out the theater for each latest animated adventure. Costumed professionals traipsed about in the style of new characters. The premiers were surely a thrill to attend, but they were meant more to be reported on, and published so that the public might see the pictures and read excitedly about the movie.
This kind of fabricated fervor was a great way to build buzz around a new picture, and studios went to great lengths to draw attention to these debuts. While it might be hard to guarantee good reviews, the movie executives could at least guarantee a good party in hopes that people would see the excitement and eventually part with their ticket money.
One such picture that sought to create a great deal of anticipation for its premier was The Abominable Dr. Phibes, starring Vincent Price. The film was a British production, which nonetheless used a little Hollywood flashiness to connect with its audience.
Horror and sci-fi fan magazine Cinefantastique reported on Dr. Phibes' premiere in its summer 1971 volume:
"The film had its World Premier May 19 at the Pacific Pantages Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard and managed to recapture some of the flair, the ostentation, and the excitement of Hollywood's golden era. The film's debut was arranged in the style of a '30s Hollywood Premier, with celebrities and stars of that period attending by special invitation, with old-time cars and the '30s clothes and decor much in evidence.
"The motif of the premiere was designed to celebrate the nostalgic feeling of the thirties as evidenced in Dr. Phibes, which was written around this theme to capitalize on its current popularity. Vincent Price was in attendance and was honored for the completion of his 100th film.
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