SCREEN TIME: Reality and escapism

Sat., Oct. 1

Silver Scream Spook Show: The Tingler — Vincent Price plays a scientist obsessed by discovering “The Tingler,” a parasitical monster that feeds on human fear. In 1959, director William Castle originally presented this goofy horror flick with a gimmick called “Percepto!,” in which certain theater seats would give audiences light electrical shocks. Presented by the Silver Scream Spook Show, a live, burlesque tribute to the classic horror hosts of yesteryear.
$10-$15. Sat., Oct. 1, 1:30 and 10 p.m. Plaza Theatre, 1049 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, 30306. plazaatlanta.com

Tue., Oct. 4

The Sting— Paul Newman and Robert Redford play two likable grifters who target Robert Shaw’s vicious mob boss. A huge hit in 1973 that won seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for George Roy Hill, its most lasting legacy may be popularizing the kind of “con man” film that tricks the audience as well as the characters.
$12. 7 p.m., Tue. Oct. 4. Landmark Midtown Art Cinema, 931 Monroe Drive NE, Atlanta, 30308. landmarktheatres.com/atlanta/midtown-art-cinema

Fri., Oct. 7

Hausu — Seven Japanese schoolgirls visit a country house and are beset by surreal, spooky events. This 1977 cult film has a delirious, go-for-broke attitude that puts logic aside in favor of unforgettable imagery. If you like unconventional film experiences, the Plaza’s 35mm presentation is a must-see. — Curt Holman
$13. Fri., Oct. 7. Plaza Theatre, 1049 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, 30306. plazaatlanta.com

Wed., Oct. 12

8 1/2 — Emory Cinematheque’s “Federico Fellini: A Centennial Celebration” series screens the director’s greatest films, as well as Italian films that influenced Fellini and that he would later inspire. Few were more influential than 8 1/2, a thinly-veiled autobiographer about a filmmaker (played by Marcello Mastroianni) at a creative crossroads.
Free. Wed., Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m. Emory University, Room 208, White Hall, 301 Downman Drive, Atlanta. 30322. filmandmedia.emory.edu/news-events/emory-cinematheque.html

Fri., Oct. 14

Till — Atlanta actor Danielle Deadwyler, a supporting scene-stealer in last year’s The Harder They Fall, takes on a major leading role as Mamie Till-Mobley, the mother of Emmet Till, notoriously lynched in 1955 Mississippi. Featuring Frankie Faison and Whoopi Goldberg, the film tracks Till-Mobley’s long efforts to bring her son’s killers to justice.
Opens Oct. 14 at area theaters.

Fri., Oct. 14 – Sun., Oct. 16

Atlanta Horror Film Festival— Every year since 2006 this indie festival has screened dozens of American and international features and short films in the horror genre, including science fiction, dark comedies and animation.
RoleCall Theater, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE Atlanta, 30308. atlantahorrorfilmfest.com

Sun., Oct. 16, and Wed., Oct. 19

In the Heat of the Night— A Philadelphia police detective (Sidney Poitier) reluctantly works with a Mississippi sheriff (Rod Steiger) to solve a murder in this 1967 Best Picture Oscar winner. One of the iconic roles of the late Sidney Poitier, the film has local interest for its TV adaptation, which became a cornerstone of Georgia television production in the 1980s and 1990s. — Curt Holman’’
Sun., Oct. 16 and Wed., Oct. 19. Atlanta area theaters. fathomevents.com/events

Fri., Oct. 21

Black Adam — Filmed in part at Trilith Studios in Fayette County, this superhero film casts Dwayne Johnson as an antihero released from centuries of imprisonment to the modern world. A spinoff of Shazam!, Black Adam introduces a new bevvy of costumed crusaders, including Pierce Brosnan as the wizard Dr. Fate.
Opens Oct. 21 at area theaters.

Wed., Oct. 26

Hocus Pocus — Wussy Mag co-hosts a special screening of the beloved, kid-friendly spooktacular about three dead witches (Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker) who are resurrected and run amok in a small town. (This month Disney Plus debuts a sequel reuniting the original cast.)
$13. Fri., Oct. 7. Plaza Theatre, 1049 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, 30306. plazaatlanta.com