H.P. LOVECRAFT WALKING TOUR

Special tour will explore Lovecraft’s favorite Providence haunts

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Providence native and cult horror writer H.P. Lovecraft will be the subject of a special walking tour and film series during the annual Rhode Island International Horror Film Festival (RIHFF), October 23 – 26th. The tour will take place on Saturday, October 25th .

The life and work of Providence's best-known fantasy and horror author, Howard Phillips Lovecraft, will provide the backdrop for the tour, which will be lead by the Rhode Island Historical Society.  Lovecraft's "Providence stories" (written between 1924 and 1935) provide the basis for this walk.  Lovecraft wrote eloquently, and in great detail, about such landmarks as Prospect Terrace, the First Baptist Church, and Benefit Street houses.  Participants will see the site of his former home, as well as locales mentioned in The Case of Charles Dexter Ward, The Haunter of the Dark, The Shunned House, and The Call of Cthulhu.

Following the tour, which begins at 1:00 p.m. and lasts for approximately 90 minutes, participants will be treated to a special screening of films at the Columbus Theater in Providence inspired by Lovecraft’s stories.  These films include "Pickman’s Model” and “Call of Cthulu."  The latter film has played such prestigious film festivals as Seattle, Slamdance, Avignon, Rome, and Rhode Island.  The film features incredible shots of Providence that have been digitally doctored to capture the look and feel of the city in the 1920’s.

“It is amazing how Lovecraft’s horror writing still resonates with audiences today,” commented Adam Short, Producing Director of the Rhode Island International Film Festival.  “Providence provided the inspiration for his most chilling and terrifying stories.  This walking tour is a wonderful opportunity for his fans to connect with the man behind the writer.”

Please feel free to call the RIIFF office to make reservations or to have any questions answered: 401.861.4445.

Event Details :

Saturday, October 25, 2008

“Literary Providence: The Life And Times Of H. P. Lovecraft” Walking Tour
Cost:  $15 (includes Horror Festival screening ticket)
The walking tour departs at 1:00 p.m. from the Van Wickle Gates at Brown University (College Street at Prospect Street). The guide is Morgan Grefe, Director of Education at the Rhode Island Historical Society.

“Call of Cthulu” Film Screening
Cost:  $10 General Admission (Free for walking tour participants)
The screening will take place at 5:30 p.m. at the Columbus Theater, 268 Broadway in Providence.  For more information about the film, please visit <www.cthulhulives.org/cocmovie>.

Advance Tickets:

H. P. Lovecraft” Walking Tour & Film Screening

Tour starts at 1:00 p.m. and film at 5:30 p.m.

LOCATION:Columbus Theatre Arts Center, 270 Broadway, PROVIDENCE

Lovecraft Walking Tour $15.00

2008 Rhode Island International Film Festival®. All Rights Reserved.