We’re all just human and after a while everything just “blurs” together. I’m know that I “remember” a lot of the great times in the past, as per my numerous trips to the Unicorn and such…and tend to forget all the bad stuff. That’s part of the “fun” of being nostalgic and trying to “relive” past days. I worked in a few theaters, bookstores and even managed a record store in my younger days, and I tend to now and then sometimes confuse one movie with another…One “Rollerball” with a “Rollerboggie”…As per the Unicorn, for whatever reason; given the hundreds of times I visited the place…I completely forgot about the movie poster covered floors till someone mentioned it and jogged my memory. Getting older is just great, isn’t it?
“Whew”…I’m certainly glad we got that straightened out. While I’m sure we can all appreciate the “attributes” of Ms. Linda Blair, I hardly think that Rollerboggie"(1979)was her most sterling achievement, to say the least. I’m sure we all remember (but best forgotten)the “wonders” of the disco-craze and Hollywood’s jump unto that bandwagon for a time. Jeez! Throw in some skating and it’s “Beach Blanket Bingo” for the 1970’s. I’m surprised somebody hasn’t reworked this movie into another bad remake or at least adapted it for the stage. How about maybe a combo of “Rollerball” and “Rollerboggie”! Now there’s a movie for future generations to pause and wonder about…Ha!
…Dead on the money Roger L. Right-On! I didn’t want to mention Charlotte Rampling but she is an added plus on the watchablity factor for Zardoz! Great team-up with Rollerball for a head trip back to the seventies with some “ultra-violence.” (As noted the original version – let’s not even think about the stinking remake. Now THERE’S a bomb-o-rama!)…and to Mike Rogers: check “Zardoz” out and you’ll be pleasantly surprised, I think.
I was about twenty-two when I checked “Zardoz” out during it’s first run and it may very well have been at the Unicorn or some other San Diego “art” theater. As I recall, it played off and on for at least a month…perhaps more “meaningful” and “insightful” as seen through my “college-haze”, but I did purchase DVD when it came out and there’s quite a decent commentary with John Boorman throughout the film. Granted, the “wiZARD of OZ” thing was pretty much a give-away from nearly the start and it’s not the best thing Sean Connery ever did, running around in his red diapers, cool looking boots and that long ponytail wig; but he was trying to break out his “Bond” mode. But ya gotta admit, the flying God-Head itself was rather cool along with those double sided Zardoz-masks…It’s worth a look. Great musical score and art direction.
…Actually, No. Not a bomb, really. “Zardoz” (1974 Irish-Made Science Fiction romp) was written and directed by John Boorman, an accomplished and highly thought of director. “Zardoz” has developed quite a cult following and it’s one of those films you either hate or love…I found it amusing in that sort of seventies over-blown way with some interesting ideas. While pretty confusing in parts it’s worth a look. Decent special effects for such a low budget film and how bad can any film be with a giant God-Head flying around to classical music and spewing weapons outta his mouth upon landing? I mean, come on. There’s a lot lot worse trash out there these days with countless infernal remakes (most of which are completely awful)! At least “Zardoz” was trying at a few creative ideas which is more than you can say for most films around today. As I said before, you were always be “entertained” at the Unicorn.
Dear Michael G. Kramer…You were very fortunate indeed to have been a part (even if only in a financial sense) of what was one of the greatest treasures in the San Diego area for all of those cinema/book/culture enthusiasts who “took part”. Thank you for your contribution, insight and your memories…It is so nice to know that so many people appreciated and enjoyed the Unicorn/Mithras during it’s times of operation. As I have commented before, it was like the death of a very dear friend when I learned of the closing of what should be regarded now as a San Diego Historic Landmark…and is, at least in the hearts of all the many fans of the Unicorn Cinema/Mithras Book Store. Thanks and best regards, Nick.
Thank you Benjamin Darling…Appreciate it and please know that the Unicorn Cinema/Mithras Book Store was (and still is) one of my fondest and very best loved memories of living in the San Diego area for something like twenty-eight years…It was one of the finest assets to the cinema community and is much missed. I am planning a relocate back to the San Diego area within the next two months and one of my many “re-living the past” treks will be to visit the actual building location of the Unicorn…even though it’s just a site and some other business operates in it, just “being there” will bring back many many fond recollections. Thanks again to your father, godmother and you. Best regards, Nick.
…Ah, I see what you’re saying and I stand corrected…I’ll go back one day to La Jolla hopefully, and see what actually “remains” if anything, of the “old haunts”…But regardless, why was the Unicorn such a “stand out”? Why do I miss the “Unicorn/Mithras experience” so?…Well, as far as just movies go; while I certainly have my preferences in film, I’m basically “open” to any sort of cinema no matter the genre (Drama, Action, Science-Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Comedy, Classics, Documentary, Animation, Exploitation, Family, Cult, even “Adult Fare” – whatever…) as long as whatever I am being presented with abides by two very simple but steadfast rules: 1.) Do not bore me, please. 2.)Do not insult my intelligence. And there you see, is the problem…99% of the time, most of what is being spewed forth today that passes for “cinematic entertainment” breaks these rules…And no, I am not some sort of pretentious jackass who will “only watch foreign stuff”. Don’t get me wrong. There’s some good stuff being made these days…but man, you really have to make a huge effort and really really look hard. (Not to mention the over-priced ticket and snack costs). And that is why the Unicorn, when it closed, was such a loss. At least for me, I always knew that when I walked in there, I was always guaranteed, no matter what they were presenting was going to be amazingly wondrous and in most case…I would be far more than “just entertained”…
Not sure..but that “sounds” sorta right to me. Possible and maybe someone else knows. One other thing that I should mention, that I wasn’t aware of…It’s nice to hear that at least the location of the Unicorn is now still being used for something…A kitchen store…“sigh”…Oh well, I guess that counts for “something”…
Thanks for the wonderful article from the (1977) LA Times. Nice to see the admission prices were lower than I recalled when I was hitting the Unicorn. Remember seeing a great original German version of “Metropolis” there as well as a wonderful Ray Harryhausen festival of his films. What a far out place it was! So cool!
Very sad indeed and perhaps because of changing times and in the presentation of “movies” and people’s “expectations” of what they want or is force fed to them, unavoidable. In my experience, the Unicorn/Mithras was a unique standout and probably could never be “reproduced” today as some sort of counterculture “throwback” cinema house…Just wouldn’t work. Sure, there’s plenty of “art house” theatres around still showing “classic” stuff but it’s like the “head” shops and “hippie” culture that are around now that younger people are into these days…interesting but really just not the same. Not trying to sound like some sort of pompous jerk or anything; but I guess you had to be “there”. Same deal with the Unicorn/Mithras. It was a “total” presentation and experience that is sorely lacking today. As I said, times change and are very different…and from what I can see, at least in the presentation of cinema and culture…not for the better.
Nick P.
Just as a follow up to my last comments…A bit of research indicates that the Unicorn Cinema and Mithras Bookstore were operated by Harold Leigh, Howard Darling with Elizabeth Rattisseau from 1964 to 1982.(Harold Leigh passed away in 2005). Turns out that Harold Leigh was a fantasic photographer whose slide shows were presented before and between the film(s). No radio music, stupid trivia questions or insulting ads for local businesses and “buy the snacks” foolishness! Just beautiful photos presented in an artistic way. These slide shows were worth the admission price alone…which I seem to recall being at the time around $3.00 to $4.00. The amazing “coming soon” flyers/programs I mentioned were executed by Howard Darling’s wife, Sandra Louise Woodward Darling. The incredible hand carved fixtures that fascinated me were done by artist, Xian Yeagan. I also read somewhere that the very narrow theatre itself held a little over 200 seats. These seats, I remember were made of wood and fixed to the floor. Folding seats which were pretty stiff with the thinnest of cushioning and were somewhat unforgiving on the buttocks the next morning but very well worth it! I always made sure to hit the Unicorn/Mithras only at night even though I vaguely remember the bookstore portion being open during day-light hours. This added to the “mood” and “mystery” of this amazingly unique and wonderful world I was partaking in…Man, I miss this place and everything it represented to me. A real loss when it shut down. Times changed and something was certainly “lost”…
Nick P.
I didn’t “discover” the Unicorn and the “Mithras” bookstore till 1970 when I was a senior in high school. An art/cinema teacher took a few students there, including myself. For a young guy who wasn’t easily “impressed” by much, the place totally blew me away! It was like traveling to another place and time. I remember well the poster decorated floor and for some reason, I recall the doors being decorated and the door push being wood and hand carved with some sort of “All Seeing Eye” which was pretty cool. Also remember there were plants and weird sculptural things hanging off the ceiling. There were actual chairs here and there where you take it easy and actually read a book…which was unheard off in my experience at that time. All totally alien to me but happily so. I wanted to be a “part” of it and the Unicorn opened up a new world for me and my interest in foreign/off beat/weird cinema has remained with me to this day. The popcorn was free – hey, how can you go wrong with that? The incense and “other” stuff in the air was thick and you never knew what you’d see or who you’re run into there. I seem to recall as well, people doing Tarot readings and selling jewelry off and on. The Unicorn also had the coolest “coming” features flyer I’d ever seen. Many many visits followed and I have only fond fond memories of the place. When I learned many years ago that the place had closed, it was like the loss of a very dear friend. It was a great “classical” and “New Age” place long before “New Age” was totally commercialized and ruined.
Nick P.
We’re all just human and after a while everything just “blurs” together. I’m know that I “remember” a lot of the great times in the past, as per my numerous trips to the Unicorn and such…and tend to forget all the bad stuff. That’s part of the “fun” of being nostalgic and trying to “relive” past days. I worked in a few theaters, bookstores and even managed a record store in my younger days, and I tend to now and then sometimes confuse one movie with another…One “Rollerball” with a “Rollerboggie”…As per the Unicorn, for whatever reason; given the hundreds of times I visited the place…I completely forgot about the movie poster covered floors till someone mentioned it and jogged my memory. Getting older is just great, isn’t it?
“Whew”…I’m certainly glad we got that straightened out. While I’m sure we can all appreciate the “attributes” of Ms. Linda Blair, I hardly think that Rollerboggie"(1979)was her most sterling achievement, to say the least. I’m sure we all remember (but best forgotten)the “wonders” of the disco-craze and Hollywood’s jump unto that bandwagon for a time. Jeez! Throw in some skating and it’s “Beach Blanket Bingo” for the 1970’s. I’m surprised somebody hasn’t reworked this movie into another bad remake or at least adapted it for the stage. How about maybe a combo of “Rollerball” and “Rollerboggie”! Now there’s a movie for future generations to pause and wonder about…Ha!
…Dead on the money Roger L. Right-On! I didn’t want to mention Charlotte Rampling but she is an added plus on the watchablity factor for Zardoz! Great team-up with Rollerball for a head trip back to the seventies with some “ultra-violence.” (As noted the original version – let’s not even think about the stinking remake. Now THERE’S a bomb-o-rama!)…and to Mike Rogers: check “Zardoz” out and you’ll be pleasantly surprised, I think.
I was about twenty-two when I checked “Zardoz” out during it’s first run and it may very well have been at the Unicorn or some other San Diego “art” theater. As I recall, it played off and on for at least a month…perhaps more “meaningful” and “insightful” as seen through my “college-haze”, but I did purchase DVD when it came out and there’s quite a decent commentary with John Boorman throughout the film. Granted, the “wiZARD of OZ” thing was pretty much a give-away from nearly the start and it’s not the best thing Sean Connery ever did, running around in his red diapers, cool looking boots and that long ponytail wig; but he was trying to break out his “Bond” mode. But ya gotta admit, the flying God-Head itself was rather cool along with those double sided Zardoz-masks…It’s worth a look. Great musical score and art direction.
…Actually, No. Not a bomb, really. “Zardoz” (1974 Irish-Made Science Fiction romp) was written and directed by John Boorman, an accomplished and highly thought of director. “Zardoz” has developed quite a cult following and it’s one of those films you either hate or love…I found it amusing in that sort of seventies over-blown way with some interesting ideas. While pretty confusing in parts it’s worth a look. Decent special effects for such a low budget film and how bad can any film be with a giant God-Head flying around to classical music and spewing weapons outta his mouth upon landing? I mean, come on. There’s a lot lot worse trash out there these days with countless infernal remakes (most of which are completely awful)! At least “Zardoz” was trying at a few creative ideas which is more than you can say for most films around today. As I said before, you were always be “entertained” at the Unicorn.
Dear Michael G. Kramer…You were very fortunate indeed to have been a part (even if only in a financial sense) of what was one of the greatest treasures in the San Diego area for all of those cinema/book/culture enthusiasts who “took part”. Thank you for your contribution, insight and your memories…It is so nice to know that so many people appreciated and enjoyed the Unicorn/Mithras during it’s times of operation. As I have commented before, it was like the death of a very dear friend when I learned of the closing of what should be regarded now as a San Diego Historic Landmark…and is, at least in the hearts of all the many fans of the Unicorn Cinema/Mithras Book Store. Thanks and best regards, Nick.
Thank you Benjamin Darling…Appreciate it and please know that the Unicorn Cinema/Mithras Book Store was (and still is) one of my fondest and very best loved memories of living in the San Diego area for something like twenty-eight years…It was one of the finest assets to the cinema community and is much missed. I am planning a relocate back to the San Diego area within the next two months and one of my many “re-living the past” treks will be to visit the actual building location of the Unicorn…even though it’s just a site and some other business operates in it, just “being there” will bring back many many fond recollections. Thanks again to your father, godmother and you. Best regards, Nick.
…Ah, I see what you’re saying and I stand corrected…I’ll go back one day to La Jolla hopefully, and see what actually “remains” if anything, of the “old haunts”…But regardless, why was the Unicorn such a “stand out”? Why do I miss the “Unicorn/Mithras experience” so?…Well, as far as just movies go; while I certainly have my preferences in film, I’m basically “open” to any sort of cinema no matter the genre (Drama, Action, Science-Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Comedy, Classics, Documentary, Animation, Exploitation, Family, Cult, even “Adult Fare” – whatever…) as long as whatever I am being presented with abides by two very simple but steadfast rules: 1.) Do not bore me, please. 2.)Do not insult my intelligence. And there you see, is the problem…99% of the time, most of what is being spewed forth today that passes for “cinematic entertainment” breaks these rules…And no, I am not some sort of pretentious jackass who will “only watch foreign stuff”. Don’t get me wrong. There’s some good stuff being made these days…but man, you really have to make a huge effort and really really look hard. (Not to mention the over-priced ticket and snack costs). And that is why the Unicorn, when it closed, was such a loss. At least for me, I always knew that when I walked in there, I was always guaranteed, no matter what they were presenting was going to be amazingly wondrous and in most case…I would be far more than “just entertained”…
Not sure..but that “sounds” sorta right to me. Possible and maybe someone else knows. One other thing that I should mention, that I wasn’t aware of…It’s nice to hear that at least the location of the Unicorn is now still being used for something…A kitchen store…“sigh”…Oh well, I guess that counts for “something”…
Thanks for the wonderful article from the (1977) LA Times. Nice to see the admission prices were lower than I recalled when I was hitting the Unicorn. Remember seeing a great original German version of “Metropolis” there as well as a wonderful Ray Harryhausen festival of his films. What a far out place it was! So cool!
Very sad indeed and perhaps because of changing times and in the presentation of “movies” and people’s “expectations” of what they want or is force fed to them, unavoidable. In my experience, the Unicorn/Mithras was a unique standout and probably could never be “reproduced” today as some sort of counterculture “throwback” cinema house…Just wouldn’t work. Sure, there’s plenty of “art house” theatres around still showing “classic” stuff but it’s like the “head” shops and “hippie” culture that are around now that younger people are into these days…interesting but really just not the same. Not trying to sound like some sort of pompous jerk or anything; but I guess you had to be “there”. Same deal with the Unicorn/Mithras. It was a “total” presentation and experience that is sorely lacking today. As I said, times change and are very different…and from what I can see, at least in the presentation of cinema and culture…not for the better.
Nick P.
Just as a follow up to my last comments…A bit of research indicates that the Unicorn Cinema and Mithras Bookstore were operated by Harold Leigh, Howard Darling with Elizabeth Rattisseau from 1964 to 1982.(Harold Leigh passed away in 2005). Turns out that Harold Leigh was a fantasic photographer whose slide shows were presented before and between the film(s). No radio music, stupid trivia questions or insulting ads for local businesses and “buy the snacks” foolishness! Just beautiful photos presented in an artistic way. These slide shows were worth the admission price alone…which I seem to recall being at the time around $3.00 to $4.00. The amazing “coming soon” flyers/programs I mentioned were executed by Howard Darling’s wife, Sandra Louise Woodward Darling. The incredible hand carved fixtures that fascinated me were done by artist, Xian Yeagan. I also read somewhere that the very narrow theatre itself held a little over 200 seats. These seats, I remember were made of wood and fixed to the floor. Folding seats which were pretty stiff with the thinnest of cushioning and were somewhat unforgiving on the buttocks the next morning but very well worth it! I always made sure to hit the Unicorn/Mithras only at night even though I vaguely remember the bookstore portion being open during day-light hours. This added to the “mood” and “mystery” of this amazingly unique and wonderful world I was partaking in…Man, I miss this place and everything it represented to me. A real loss when it shut down. Times changed and something was certainly “lost”…
Nick P.
I didn’t “discover” the Unicorn and the “Mithras” bookstore till 1970 when I was a senior in high school. An art/cinema teacher took a few students there, including myself. For a young guy who wasn’t easily “impressed” by much, the place totally blew me away! It was like traveling to another place and time. I remember well the poster decorated floor and for some reason, I recall the doors being decorated and the door push being wood and hand carved with some sort of “All Seeing Eye” which was pretty cool. Also remember there were plants and weird sculptural things hanging off the ceiling. There were actual chairs here and there where you take it easy and actually read a book…which was unheard off in my experience at that time. All totally alien to me but happily so. I wanted to be a “part” of it and the Unicorn opened up a new world for me and my interest in foreign/off beat/weird cinema has remained with me to this day. The popcorn was free – hey, how can you go wrong with that? The incense and “other” stuff in the air was thick and you never knew what you’d see or who you’re run into there. I seem to recall as well, people doing Tarot readings and selling jewelry off and on. The Unicorn also had the coolest “coming” features flyer I’d ever seen. Many many visits followed and I have only fond fond memories of the place. When I learned many years ago that the place had closed, it was like the loss of a very dear friend. It was a great “classical” and “New Age” place long before “New Age” was totally commercialized and ruined.
Nick P.