Sunday, July 19th, 2026
Sacrilegious Cinema: Menagerie of Madness invites horror hounds on an excursion into the uncanny valley with these roadside attractions worth dying for. This pair provides an unsung gem from the 1970’s and its misunderstood spiritual successor- a reimagining disguised by its deceptive moniker. Step into the psychological and experience the Jungian play of duality.
First, at 8PM, we stumble into the sleepy town of Ambrose, Louisiana, where all the inhabitants are mainly comprised of wax as apart of the exhibit. But something is not quite right with the Sinclair siblings, as their artistry already has found its canvas in unsuspecting transients passing through- tread carefully or be buried in a wax grave at the HOUSE OF WAX (2005), that is but a makeover of Tourist Trap all in but its title, prevailing as an heir of the aforementioned.
Jamie Collet-Serra’s House of Wax (2005) earns an unfair reputation by conflating it as another iteration of the source material in name alone- a tactic utilized to garner more public interest due to the mainstream’s unfamiliarity with the forgotten deep cut. Boasting a cast complete with Paris Hilton, Jared Padalecki, Chad Michael Murray, and Elisha Cuthbert, this film brings more to the table than initially given credit for, adding an effectively eerie atmosphere elevated by outstanding gore and makeup. Moreover, a dichotomy amidst the protagonist and antagonist twin set allows an exploration in duality, mirroring between ‘good’ and ‘evil’ with a healthy dose of trauma. 
Next up, at 10PM, take a sharp turn into Mr. Slausen’s roadside attraction and wax museum, otherwise known as The Lost Oasis, and fall prey to the biggest tourist trap of all- delving into a psychological mystery turned telekinetic- here, the uncanny valley resides in a haven of mannequins and puppets tucked away in the crevice of the California desert.
David Schmoeller’s underrated Tourist Trap (1979) dwells in the recesses of the mind, exploiting the shadow self, as well as anima and animus through Mr. Slausen’s Jekyll and Hyde like psyche, masquerading with mannequin guises to exude multiple facets of himself- expertly portrayed by Chuck Connors. The score, forged by Pino Donaggio, goes from quirky and eccentric to evocative and beautiful- the orchestral moans and laughter of mannequins crescendo into a symphony of terror acting as a precursory lullaby of doom for future victims. Set designer Robert Burns of Texas Chainsaw Massacre (of which this film shares similarities with) worked on Tourist Trap, responsible for the claustrophobia associated with the mob of mannequins inundating the ambience. Fans of adjacent horrors like the TwilightZone’s ‘Afterhours’, or admirers of Norman Bates’ fragmented mind will appreciate this obscure treat. Do not let the PG rating deter you- it is superior to most R rated slashers. 
Who’s ready for a cross country summer voyage starting at Hot Wax? 
FREE popcorn included with a mandatory purchase- no cover charge with a 1 drink (or snack) minimum from the bar.
(Movie nights offer psychological insight accompanied by behind the scenes information and observations by your horror hostess). 