Pickford Film Center

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Pickford Film Center and Rocket Donuts present...

Rocket Sci-Fi Matinees: A Monthly Series of Classic Science Fiction at 50’s Prices

As the folks at Rocket Donuts say, “Donuts just ain’t serious business,” and sometimes film shouldn’t be either. Our features may be an unintentionally hilarious B-Movie (Queen from Outer Space, for instance), a semi-serious commentary on our fear of nuclear holocaust or Alien invasions (such as Invasion of the Body Snatchers), special effects extravaganza’s of the day (Forbidden Planet) or our grand series of Jack Arnold 3D spectaculars.

Frankly, there is never a dull moment as each month’s edition of Rocket Sci-Fi unspools. Always featured at noon on a Saturday (usually the 2nd or 3rd Saturday of the month), admission is $1.50—impossible to beat for a classic on the big screen! Don’t forget to buy your real-buttered popcorn and soft drinks for the complete experience.

The Deadly Mantis

  • Sat. 3/20 12:00 PM

78 minutes • 1957 • USA • In English • Unrated

Film Trailer

Official Website

Sci-Fi classic watchers might notice shades of THEM! coloring this one, since insect mutations are a common theme of '50's sci-fi. Here, a gigantic praying mantis finds its Arctic home, destroyed by an earthquake, and it sweeps south toward New York City while scientists work feverishly to stop it. Today’s audiences will especially enjoy the sight of the mantis chewing up most of Washington DC before the end--it’s not exactly serious stuff here, but B-movie lovers will find much to enjoy.