Film in the Fog

Film in the Fog which each year bids summer farewell with a free, all-ages outdoor screening in San Francisco's Presidio. An annual event since 2002, the film is often a classic sci-fi flick.
(1) 2002-10-05 It Came From Beneath the Sea

(2) 2003-09-08 The Blob


"The Blob" Oozes into Film in the Fog at the Presidio: Free Outdoor Screening of 1958 Sci-Fi Classic with Steve McQueen

PRESIDIO OF SAN FRANCISCO (September 8, 2003) - The San Francisco Film Society and the Presidio Trust present the 2nd Annual Film in the Fog outdoor film and music program, to be held on the lawn of the Main Post Theatre, 99 Moraga Avenue, in the Presidio. The free, all-ages picnic, concert, and movie screening on Saturday, October 4 at 5 pm, will feature the campy ‘50s science fiction classic, THE BLOB, starring Steve McQueen. Last year’s event was attended by an estimated 1,500 people.

The independently produced thriller tells the story of a rebellious teenager who leads the fight to save his small town from being swallowed up by a gelatinous invader from outer space. The action climaxes in a truly marvelous scene, utilizing ingenious special effects in which the monster devours an entire diner. THE BLOB was made at the height of the red-scare era, but the filmmakers denied that there was a political subtext, even though the ever-redder blob insidiously attacked sacred American institutions. The movie launched the careers of antihero Steve McQueen and composer Burt Bacharach, and has become a cult classic with an enthusiastic following of websites and sci-fi fans. THE BLOB will be screened at 7:00 pm, preceded by a vintage 1959 newsreel and the classic 1953 Chuck Jones cartoon, DUCK DODGERS IN THE 24 1/2TH CENTURY.

Visitors to Film in the Fog should bring lawn chairs and blankets, and arrive early to reserve a spot to enjoy live music. The SuperSonic Saxes and a brass quintet of the Air National Guard Band of the West Coast will entertain visitors with an outdoor performance of American standards beginning at 5:00 pm. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. The historic Main Post Theatre will be open for public tours at 5 p.m.


(3) 2004-09-25 Forbidden Planet
(4) 2005-10-01 The Day The Earth Stood Still

This year we are featuring the sci-fi 50’s classic THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL. It’s an all-ages, outdoor extravaganza, complete with live music and a costume contest.

About the Film: An alien (Klaatu) with his mighty robot (Gort) land their spacecraft on cold war Earth just after the end of World War II. They bring an important message for the planet which Klaatu wishes to tell to representatives of all nations. However, communication turns out to be difficult so, after learning something of the natives, Klaatu decides on an alternative approach.
(5) 2006-09-30 THEM!
(6) 2007-09-29 Creature from the Black Lagoon
(7) 2008-09-27 An American in Paris

Set to the music and lyrics of George and Ira Gershwin, starring Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron and the always droll Oscar Levant and directed by Vincente Minnelli, the MGM musical An American in Paris (1951) won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and remains one of the beloved films of the 1950s. Kelly plays an American expatriate painter trying to make a name for himself in the Parisan art world. He falls for Lise (Caron), but complications ensue as she is promised to another man. Shot in stunning Technicolor (capturing three separate Academy Awards for its use of color), the film is undeniably romantic and includes songs and dance numbers to tunes such as "Embraceable You," "I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise" and "Love Is Here to Stay." Minnelli was honored with a tribute to his impressive career at the 1971 San Francisco International Film Festival.