THE MADS VIRTUALLY RIFF “MANOS: THE HANDS OF FATE”!
Mystery Science Theater 3000‘s Frank Conniff and Trace Beaulieu are “taking movie riffing back onstage” once again in a livestreamed event – this time 6:00 pm MT Tuesday, December 14.
The two, who starred as Dr. Clayton Forrester and TV’s Frank on MST3K, are riffing 1966 independent (and infamous) horror flick, Manos: The Hands of Fate! This show will mark their 18th time performing together virtually during the 2020-2021 COVID-19 pandemic. A Q&A session with actress Jackey Neyman Jones (“Debbie,” the young daughter, in Manos) follows the screening.
Past guests have included Mike Nelson (Mystery Science Theater 3000, RiffTrax), Bridget Nelson (Mystery Science Theater 3000, RiffTrax), Lizz Winstead (co-creator of The Daily Show), Victoria Price (daughter of horror legend Vincent Price), Jonah Ray (Mystery Science Theater 3000), Kevin Murphy (Mystery Science Theater 3000, RiffTrax), Dana Gould (The Simpsons, Stan Against Evil), Marcus Parks (Last Podcast on the Left), Carolina Hidalgo (Movie Sign with the Mads), Andy Kindler (Maron, Bob’s Burgers), J. Elvis Weinstein (Mystery Science Theater 3000), Bill Corbett (Mystery Science Theater 3000, Rifftrax), Mary Jo Pehl (Mystery Science Theater 3000, Rifftrax), Rich Koz (host of MeTV’s Svengoolie), and Blaine Capatach (Comedy Central’s Beat The Geeks).
A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit Friends In Need Food Shelf in Minneapolis.
Manos: The Hands of Fate is a 1966 American independent horror film written, directed, and produced by Harold P. Warren, who also starred in the film. The film’s plot revolves primarily around a vacationing family who lose their way on a road trip. After a long drive in the Texas desert, the family find themselves trapped at a lodge maintained by a polygynous pagan cult led by a man known only as The Master, and they attempt to escape as the cult’s members decide what to do with them. Warren was an insurance and fertilizer salesman from El Paso, Texas, who produced the film as the result of a bet with screenwriter Stirling Silliphant. He also starred in it, alongside El Paso theater actors Tom Neyman and John Reynolds. Manos was made by a crew with little or no background or experience in filmmaking and a very limited budget at its disposal. Upon its theatrical debut, the film was poorly received, playing only at the Capri Theater in El Paso and some drive-ins around West Texas and New Mexico.
Manos remained obscure until 1993, when the television series Mystery Science Theater 3000 featured the film in an episode, helping it develop a cult reputation as one of the worst films ever made. The film is notable for its technical deficiencies, especially its editing and continuity flaws; poorly-synchronized soundtrack and visuals; tedious pacing; abysmal acting; and several scenes that are seemingly inexplicable or disconnected from the overall plot, such as a couple making out in a car and The Master’s wives breaking into catfights. The film was followed by a prequel, Manos: The Rise of Torgo, and a sequel, Manos Returns, both of which were released in 2018.
Viewers will be able to tune in from anywhere in the world. Anyone who purchases a ticket will gain access to re-watch the livestream and download it for personal viewing.
Tickets for the December 14 livestreamed event are $10.00 plus a service fee. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-mads-manos-the-hands-of-fate.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: Can I watch this anywhere in the world?
A: Yes. As long as you have internet access you will be able to watch and/or download the show.
Q: What is the format of the show like? Will there be silhouettes like on MST3K?
A: While the film plays, only the voices of The Mads will be heard riffing. Trace & Frank will only be on screen during the very beginning for a quick intro and again at the end of the show for a Q&A.
Q: Where will the livestream be broadcast?
A: Most likely on YouTube, but we cannot guarantee this. Unfortunately, sometimes YouTube will flag content in the public domain without reason or warning. We run multiple tests to ensure the movies we select will livestream over YouTube without getting pulled due to their strict copyright restrictions. If this happens during one of our tests, we will find an alternate platform (most likely Twitch) and notify all ticket holders with enough time to prepare their setup.
Q: Is the show appropriate for children?
A: That depends on what kind of parent you are. Strong language is used, but that’s it. Think of it as being rated a “hard PG-13.”
Q: Where will the livestream be broadcast?
A: The show will broadcast via a private Twitch link which will be sent to ticket holders an hour prior to showtime.
Q: Can I watch the show on my TV?
A: Probably! If you have a smartphone and a streaming device (like Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, etc.) you should be able to “cast” from the Twitch app on your phone to the Twitch app on your streaming device. Availability of this feature depends on your own personal setup. Visit here for instructions.
Q: Can I still watch the event even if I can’t tune in live?
A: Yes! Anyone who purchases a ticket prior to showtime will receive a link to download the show within 24 hours of the broadcast ending. If you don’t receive an email with instructions on how to access your download after 24 hours, please email chris@dumb-industries.com.
Q: Where can I buy official Mads merchandise?
A: Tim Holly designs The Mads’ t-shirts and posters and can be purchased on his website.
Q: Can I gift a ticket to a friend?
A: Yes! If you are doing this, make sure to enter their name and email address on the attendee’s info at checkout. This way they’ll receive all the emails on how to access the livestream and download the show afterwards. If you forgot to enter their info, just email chris@dumb-industries.com to update it.
Q: I never got an email confirmation or instructions on how to access the livestream and/or download. Help!
A: Email chris@dumb-industries.com for any issues regarding not receiving emails.