The first in a series of films which, for reasons of studio economics, saw only short runs and were subsequently given no distribution despite impressive casting and positive reviews. Deemed slow movers, these relatively low-budget films did not warrant, from the studio's perspective, high-budget ad campaigns. Thus, although Joan Micklin Silver had made a stunning directorial debut with Hester Street, Between the Lines (August 8) got only spotty release; Alan Rudolph's Roadie (July 25) was shelved two weeks after its release, though reviews were enthusiastic by film and rock fans alike; and, in the case of Carny, the studio simply could not get an angle on how to market it. In offering these films a “second chance,” we are able to screen them in specially-priced double-bills (tonight's program includes Tod Browning's Freaks) and, in the case of Roadie, have invited director Alan Rudolph to present...
