Michael Schlesinger

Movies

The Adventures of Biffle and Shooster
Producer
Feature compilation of four Biffle and Shooster comedy shorts--"The Biffle Murder Case," "Imitation of Wife," "Schmo Boat" and "Bride of Finklestein"--plus five additional songs and sketches.
The Adventures of Biffle and Shooster
Writer
Feature compilation of four Biffle and Shooster comedy shorts--"The Biffle Murder Case," "Imitation of Wife," "Schmo Boat" and "Bride of Finklestein"--plus five additional songs and sketches.
The Adventures of Biffle and Shooster
Director
Feature compilation of four Biffle and Shooster comedy shorts--"The Biffle Murder Case," "Imitation of Wife," "Schmo Boat" and "Bride of Finklestein"--plus five additional songs and sketches.
Out of Print
Self
A documentary exploring the importance of revival cinema and 35mm exhibition - seen through the lens of the patrons of the New Beverly Cinema - a unique and independent revival cinema in Los Angeles.
The Lost Skeleton Returns Again
Producer
THE LOST SKELETON RETURNS AGAIN takes on a whole new series of clichés, primarily drawn from those low budget adventure epics -- rich in potted ferns and stock footage -- that thrived on cheap back lots from the early 30s to the late 50s. It also wanders beyond the narrow confines of jungle pictures, parodying everything from gangster movies to those Mondo films of the 1960s, with their salacious native dances.
Dark and Stormy Night
Producer
In the 1930s the family of old Sinas Cavinder, gathered for the reading of his will, find themselves being murdered by a mysterious phantom while two rival reporters compete for the story.
Spine Tingler! The William Castle Story
Self
Chronicles the last great American showman, filmmaker William Castle, a master of ballyhoo who became a brand name in movie horror with his outrageous audience participation gimmicks.
Why Be Good?: Sexuality & Censorship in Early Cinema
Self
Before the G, PG and R ratings system there was the Production Code, and before that there was, well, nothing. This eye-opening documentary examines the rampant sexuality of early Hollywood through movie clips and reminiscences by stars of the era. Gloria Swanson, Mary Pickford, Marlene Dietrich and others relate tales of the artistic freedom that led to the draconian Production Code, which governed content from 1934 to 1968. Diane Lane narrates.
Battle-Axe: the Making of 'Strait-Jacket'
Self
A look back at the classic 1964 film of horror and suspense starring Joan Crawford as an axe-murderer just released from the mental hospital. Includes footage of the filming and interviews with several of those involved, as well as a look at the movies it was influenced by and those that were in turn influenced by it.
Imagining 'Heavy Metal'
Self
Documentary about the making of "Heavy Metal" (1981).