That's Exploitation - this week at Cinematheque

This week at the Chauvel Cinema, Cinematheque presents the first in a special two week program devoted to the exploitation film of the 1930s, 40s and 50s.

Starting this Saturday the 13th of September at 12 noon, and repeating on Monday the 15th of September at 6:30pm, Cinematheque curator Brett Garten presents a multimedia lecture on the social history of this colourful and controversial industry that grew in the shadow of Hollywood during the Hays code era.

Using rare film excerpts, trailers, and dozens of slides, Brett will explore the fascinating social and cultural factors that saw the exploitation film emerge, profile the shady entrepreneurs that pioneered the industry, as well as look in detail at some of the major films. Far from being just bad movies, films like Reefer Madness, Mom & Dad and Maniac, reveal a great deal about the anxieties of American life in the 20th century and the issues they raise are still debated today.