Chicago Public Library

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Gay Fright Fest

Published October 17, 2026 by biggayhorrorfan

As someone who loves physical media, I don’t think I have always reaped the full benefits of my local libraries. Innately, I want to own the books I read and to have copies of the films I love on the ready at any given moment in time. That being said, budget issues and the space limitations of city living have often compelled me to make glorious use of the three libraries that mark the  boundaries of my neighborhood. What fantastic spaces they are!

Those who don’t ever visit their own branch may also not realize the amazing services that these institutions provide for the community, as well. They offer free computer use and job resources, after school activities for teens and a warm space for the homeless to gather during winter months. They also provide amazing and inclusive programming.

In fact, this fall I’ve been happily co-programming an upcoming Halloween event at the Bezazian Library Branch in the Uptown neighborhood in Chicago. Gay Fright Fest will highlight how queer genre cinema has changed over the years, with modern short Family for Christmas playing alongside 1940’s The Mad Doctor. Christmas‘ director Nick Pospisil will even be on hand for a panel discussion on how the openly gay couple of his work compares with the queer coded partnering, supplied by the ever elegant Basil Rathbone and the always mysterious Martin Kosleck, at the heart of Doctor.

To make the afternoon even more spook-tacular, electroclash artist Marital Streep will be performing songs from Hunting for a Beautiful Accident, her latest EP. Free candy, coloring contests and photo ops – perhaps even with The Mad Doctor himself!!! – will also round out this eclectic celebration.

We hope all you rainbow-hugging Midwest fiends can join us!

The Friends of the Bezazian Library present Gay Fright Fest on Saturday October 24th – 1 pm at the Bezazian Library, 1226 W Ainslie – Free Admission.

When Legends Meet: Bela Lugosi and Greta Garbo

Published July 29, 2020 by biggayhorrorfan

Bela and Greta

As the pandemic rages on, sometimes the smallest pleasures can produce the biggest thrills. For example, the recently reopened Chicago Public Library has been an oasis for me, allowing me to check out a variety of classic films from the ’30s and ’40s, the celluloid eras that bring me the most joy, as of late.

A few weeks ago, I was happy to find 1939’s Ninotchka, the film that gave the usually regal Greta Garbo a chance to let loose and convulse with laughter due to the smart joys of the irreplaceable Billy Wilder’s script.

Layered with an expected sense of sly, often infectious humor, this classic film’s biggest surprise for me wound up being the presence of horror legend Bela Lugosi. Playing the commanding officer of Garbo’s loyal Russian ambassador, the two share a very fun scene towards the film’s end, resulting in a magical moment for those who are fans of all kinds of cinema. Showing that he was capable of subtle theatrics and able to stretch his skills far beyond the mysterious creatures and mad scientists that he was usually asked to play, Lugosi, in particular, shines here with a sense of authority and truth.

Admirers of his work (and of Garbo’s undiminished power) may do well to track this gem down. Its a sure way to ease those lingering stay-at-home blues for an hour or two.

Until the next time, SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

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