We’re all guilty of it. You’re at a friend’s house, in a dorm room, sitting on the couch with your significant other, and the movie that you know and love comes on. You sit there with rapt attention chanting every line back at the screen. You worry that everyone else is staring at you and your freakish devotion, but when you look around they’re all right there with you, the next line at the ready.
Born out of this type of spontaneous cult classic devotional comes the inspired brainchild of the Alamo Drafthouse Quote-Along.
I had the pleasure of attending The Princess Bride Quote-Along & Feast. Not only was Rob Reiner’s endlessly quotable 1987 classic playing in all its big screen glory to a packed house of devotees, who couldn’t wait to start telling people that they “killed my father” and suggesting that they “prepare to die,” but it came with a multicourse meal themed to film.
We were all treated to MLTs (Mutton Lettuce and Tomato sandwiches for the uninitiated), Screeching Eel Salad and Twue Wuv Twuffles to name a few items. Each course came with a wine pairing, and they were even happy to make accommodations for vegetarian quoting feasters. Everything was delicious and the serving staff was always conscious of the film as to not interrupt the most memorable moments.
Alamo Drafthouse also provided props, such as inflatable swords for swashbuckling, and a bell to ring every time love, marriage, or anything remotely mushy was mentioned by any of the characters. They even had themed t-shirts for sale. I picked up the Battle of Wits shirt.
If you’re a making a new foray into quotable cult classics, fear not. Alamo Drafthouse has provided subtitles, turning The Princess Bride into movie karaoke. There were some truly dedicated audience members who didn’t need any assistance, but the subtitles insured that the entire theater could roar “Aaaaassssss yooouuuuuuu wiiiiissssssshhhhh!” as Wesley tumbled down the grassy slope.
The best thing about The Princess Bride Quote-Along was the excitement and interactivity. You couldn’t have this type of event in any other environment. It can only happen in a theatrical venue. There’s something wonderful about yelling out “Anybody wanna peanut?” and realizing that a theatre full of complete strangers just yelled it with you.
You may have missed the feast, but there are two more chances to quote-along with The Princess Bride this Tuesday, September 25th and Wednesday, September 26th.
If you can’t make either of those screenings, there look to be a ton more interactive movie going opportunities coming up on The Alamo Drafthouse Calander. Make sure to check it out.
In addition to contributing to Scene-Stealers, Trey makes short films and teaches at the Kansas City Art Institute. Follow him here:
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