[A part of Video Stores in Films tribute.]
Video Americain, Baltimore’s Best Video Store.
One of the best pros of working in a video store is that you can watch films while working. Chip (Matthew Lillard), accompanied by his friends, is looking for axe murders. Behind them, two posters are noticed, Howard Avedis’ Scorchy (1976) and Roger Corman’s The Wasp Woman (1959).
They watch Joan Crawford in William Castle’s Strait-Jacket (1964).
When his sister comes to confess her suspicions about their mother, the camera moves into the store and some posters and VHS tapes can be seen. Remember, this is a John Waters film, so don’t expect just blockbusters. Sarah Kernochan/Howard Smith’s Marjoe (1972), Kenneth Anger’s Lucifer Rising (1972).
Posters of David Cronenberg’s Rabid (1977) and Freddie Francis’ Trog (1970).
Todd Haynes’ Poison (1991), Tom Stern/Alex Winter’s Squeal of Death (1985) and lots of music VHS.
Walter Hill’s 48 Hrs. (1982) & Another 48 Hrs. (1990), Martin Brest’s Beverly Hills Cop (1984), John Landis’ Coming to America (1988), John Hughes’ Curly Sue (1991), Steven Spielberg’s 1941 (1979), Rod Daniel’s K-9 (1989), James Orr’s Mr. Destiny (1990), Dennis Feldman’s Real Men (1987).
Mark Freed’s Shock ‘Em Dead (1991), David Price’s Son of Darkness: To Die for II (1991).
Later on the film, Chip is hiding his mother (Kathleen Turner) at the back of the video store. Poster of Adrian Hoven/David F. Friedman’s The Long Swift Sword of Siegfried (1971) and standee of Robert Zemeckis’ Death Becomes Her (1992).
Disturbing customer who doesn’t feel like to rewind the tapes (a fatal mistake) complains about the violent film on TV, asks for John Huston’s Annie (1982) and returns Sidney Poitier’s Ghost Dad (1990) saying that she loves Bill Cosby’s films.
She complained for Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974).
While she’s asking for Annie, some postcards are revealed behind Chip. Ermanno Olmi’s The Tree Of Wooden Clogs (1978), Sam Wood’s A Day at the Races (1937) and George Sluizer’s The Vanishing (1988).
Scenes from John Waters’ Serial Mom (1994).
