By Jim Bloch
Movie fans, make plans to postpone dinner and make your way to the SC4 Cinema tonight, June 17, for a deep dive into New Line Cinema, the independent production company that helped define independent film making in the 1980s and 90s.
Dr. Daniel Herbert, professor of film, television and media at the University of Michigan, will discuss his new book Maverick Movies: New Line Cinema and the Transformation of American Film.
Herbert will speak at 6 p.m. in the movie theater formerly known as Sperry’s in downtown Port Huron.
The event is free and open to the public.
Following Herbert’s presentation, he will screen the 1990 New Line Film House Party at 8 p.m. SC4 is charging $5 to watch the movie, which was directed by Reginald Hudlin and stars Christopher Reid and Christopher Martin of the hip hop band Kid ‘n Play.
The movie follows the shenanigans of the pair as they plan the ultimate house party. Criterion Collection, which issued the movie on Blu-Ray this year, called the picture “a beloved, feel-good snapshot of early-1990s hip-hop culture that brought Black teenage experience to the mainstream, and that shines bright today.”
The movie also features Martin Lawerence, Robin Harris and funk master George Clinton of Parliament-Funkadelic as a deejay.
Michigan native Robert Shaye founded the company and helmed it as became one of Hollywood’s most trend-setting studios.
Herbert will talk about Shaye’s vision for the company, its glory years, and its continued relevance today. Turner Broadcasting bought New Line in 1994 and the company became a subsidiary of Time Warner when it merged with Turner Broadcasting in 1998. A restructuring in 2008 led to New Line’s full merger into Warner.
Herbert will take questions from the audience and sign copies of his book.
Even casual film fans will know New Line Cinema’s movies, including A Nightmare on Elm Street, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Austin Powers, Blade, Rush Hour, Final Destination, and The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Upon its release, film critic Roger Ebert, who died in 2013, praised the movie’s “energy and exuberance.”
“SC4 is excited to bring Professor Herbert to campus for what promises to be a fascinating discussion of film history, popular culture, and Michigan’s connection to one of Hollywood’s most influential studios,” said Sarah Rutallie, Chief of Staff at SC, in her June 3 press release. “Events like this reflect our commitment to providing enriching cultural and educational experiences that connect our community with leading scholars and important conversations.”
For details, visit www.SC4Cinema.com.
Jim Bloch is a freelance writer based in St. Clair, Michigan. Contact him at bloch.jim@gmail.com.
