The 1994 Roger Corman “Fantastic Four” film is the stuff of legends. For years comic fans have attempted to get their hands on the elusive, unreleased film, scouring comic conventions for rare bootleg copies. It’s a valiant search, but the film was never meant to be seen and even the most dedicated convention nerd usually rummaged in vain. Producer Roger Corman financed the low-budget spectacle only to secure movie rights for future films. Unbeknownst to the cast and director, Corman never had any intention to let the film see the light of day. Consequently, Roger Corman’s “Fantastic Four” has sat on the shelf for the last 17 years. Until now, sorta…

On June 24-26, Con-Tamination 2011 will reunite the original cast of Roger Corman’s “Fantastic Four” for the first time ever! Meet Alex Hyde-White as Mister Fantastic, Rebecca Staab as Sue Storm, Michael Bailey Smith as Ben Grimm, Carl Ciarfalio as The Thing, Jay Underwood as Human Torch, and Joseph Culp as Doctor Doom. Whether or not anyone has actually seen the film to make this appearance worthwhile is debatable, but it’s still cool it’s happening right here in St. Louis. I’ve actually been fortunate enough to borrow a VHS bootleg copy from Cinema St. Louis operation supervisor Brian Spath, but I might save my viewing experience until after I meet the cast.

Also, if you were interested in meeting the quirky producer responsible for making the legendary B-movie and maybe even asking him a few questions about Fantastic Four, Roger Corman will be in St. Louis on May 21-22 at the Hi-Pointe Theatre as part of the Vincentennial celebration. Of course, you can see the Vincent Price Present gallery exhibit at Star Clipper right now until June 29.

-Jon

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