Las Vegas Mixtape v44: Where To Go Now: Classic and Modern Vegas

Track #2 (of 5): “Faster, Pussycat…” Beverly Theater @Downtown

In the lobby at the Beverly Theater. (Image: Jerry Watson)

Whenever given the opportunity, I tell everyone around me they should run to The Beverly Theater. This beautifully designed neo-mid-century-modern building which opened downtown in March 2023 is an intelligently curated arthouse cinema and cultural space. It’s where discerning audiences go to see revival movies, edgy new films, and documentaries (not to mention occasional performances by indie musical artists). 

The smart set was definitely on hand for a recent Saturday night screening of the Russ Meyer-directed “Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!”  Before there was punk and gal power, there was this 1965 cult favorite in black and white that “follows sadistic go-go dancers Varla, Rosie and Billie as they break free from the nightclub where they perform and race out to the [California] desert to stir up a little mayhem.” The pre-feminist movement film gives all the power to women, even if they, well, partake in murder and kidnapping.

This classic film poster leaves little to the imagination. (Image: courtesy of Eve Production)

The film stars Tura Satana, the intimidating, beloved Japanese-American actress, showgirl, and exotic dancer. Satana’s lethal presence and her quick karate chops—plus of course her famous prominent bust—drive the movie which can easily be likened to a twisting roller coaster ride. Is the film (whose title contains no less than three exclamation points) an example of female exploitation? Or female empowerment? Or both? Just sit back and enjoy Tura’s searing (and campy) one-liners. When a guy tells her, “Look, I don't know what the hell your point is,” she snaps back, “The point is of no return and you've reached it!” (She goes on to murder this person.)

Be sure to consider joining the Beverly’s membership program to achieve maximum coolness. For $99 a year, members enjoy “$8 movie tickets, $6 popcorn, early access to premier show announcements and live events,” and many more perks. Sounds like a perfect holiday gift to give and receive.