SLAPSTICON FAQ
WHY IS SLAPSTICON HELD IN WASHINGTON DC DURING THE MIDDLE OF JULY!?!?!?
The weather isn't as bad in our nation's capitol as legend has it. Yes, it can get a tad warm and a bit humid, but Slapsticon attendees will be watching films in an air-conditioned theatre, staying in air-conditioned hotels and eating in air-conditioned restaurants. And those who venture out to see the sights in our wonderful city will find a delightful (air-conditioned) rail and bus transportation system that will whisk them to world class museums and historical sites. We picked July because it is a family vacation-friendly month and hotels can be had at a discount. All those tourists who come to our fair city each summer can't be wrong.
I DON'T KNOW CHARLEY CHASE FROM CHEVY CHASE. WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?
A thousand laughs. The programming committee has picked films with entertainment value in mind, not just for the sake of rarity. In fact, the element of surprise was such a critical ingredient in silent comedy, they often work best on folks seeing them for the first time. Written program notes and spoken introductions will help guide audiences though uncharted waters. Finally, classic comedy buffs love to talk about their favorite subject. If you have a question, just accost one of the film presenters in the lobby. They are ready and willing to talk about anything comedic.
DO I NEED TO HAVE A CAR? MY OWN OR A RENTAL?
The beauty of Rosslyn, is that the Spectrum Theatre, our hotels and dozens of restaurants are all within a few block radius. There is also a Metrorail station right in the center of it all. Rail and bus transportation links connect Rosslyn to all the airports. And there will be a bus for field trips to the National Gallery and Library of Congress screenings. In fact, there are weekday parking fees at many of the hotels, the Spectrum and metered parking on the streets, so we recommend you leave your car at home. You won't miss a thing.
DO ANY SLAPSTICON EVENTS TAKE PLACE AT THE HOTEL?
No. The hub of Slapsticon social and cinematic activity is the Spectrum Theatre. Unlike the other classic filmfests, there are no screenings, dealers' rooms or social events planned for the hotels. When our discount hotel block sold out at the first Slapsticon in 2003, many attendees found comparable rates at other Rosslyn hotels. So you will not miss out on anything by staying at the hotel of your choice. But book early. Folks showing up without reservations of any kind were out-of-luck.
WILL THERE BE A DEALERS' ROOM?
The Spectrum's lobby is spacious, but can only accommodate a few dealers. So while the focus will primarily be on the films, we hope you will stop by the dealers' tables and check them out.
CAN I BUY THESE FILMS ON VIDEO OR DVD?
The films being screened were chosen precisely because they can't (yet) be seen on cable or video. But more and more classic comedy is being released by specialty houses like Reel Classic, Laughsmith, Slaphappy, Milestone and Kino. Many of these discs will be on sale in the lobby.
IS THE SPECTRUM WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?
Completely. And Washington DC, being the nation's capitol, is probably one of the most accessible cities in the world.
WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Just e-mail .
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