Camp celluloid - The 411 Magazine

FOR MORE THAN A YEAR NOW, Miami drag personality Shelley Novak has screened the campiest and most glamorous films that Hollywood has to offer each month at the Miami Beach Cinematheque.

Novak always makes a night at “Shelley Novak’s Hollywood” an evening to remember, sharing her vast knowledge of Hollywood trivia and folklore with the audience. This month’s screening celebrates a retrospective of Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s work with one of his most heavily gay themed works, “Querelle.”

Starring Brad Davis, Jeanne Moreau, and Franco Nero, “Querelle” is based on Jean Genet’s gay sailor story.

Novak has a deep love for the magic and mystery of the early motion picture industry. Her name comes from two of Hollywood’s greatest leading ladies, Shelley Winters and Kim Novak.

As a loyal fan, Shelley Novak is very saddened by Winter’s recent passing. So it is only appropriate that next month, on Feb. 27, Novak will feature a montage tribute to Shelly Winters before screening the film “A Place in the Sun.” The film concludes a month-long salute to Elizabeth Taylor, and it also starred Winters.

The 411 Magazine: Did you bring the idea of "Shelley Novak's Hollywood" to Cinematheque owner Dana Keith, or did he approach you?

Shelley Novak: Dana found me. I had given my top ten films of all time to an Australian magazine. Dana read it and he approached me about doing a film series that showcased the campy side of film.

When I saw the venue I knew I had a place to not only show my favorite films, but also a place to hang art and photography, have an open mic and a cocktail party, all in one.

411: What kind of crowd do you get, older or younger?

Novak: It’s mixed, which is nice because you can come and not have to scream over the loud music of a nightclub to get to know someone. And people come with a mutual love of film, which is always a nice icebreaker

411: You've screened all kinds of great films from Hollywood's Golden Age, such as "A Letter to Three Wives," and "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." Which films in particular have gone over the best with audiences?

Novak: John Water's “Polyester” was a sellout, thanks to the original scratch and sniff cards that Dana found. And the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” was great, anything with audience participation.

You can never tell what is going to be a hit. Our Femme Fatale Night for example, a tribute to 1940's film noir, was a big hit. You just never know. I say show the films you love and they will come.

411: I know from your name you are an admirer of Kim Novak and Shelley Winters. What other glamour pusses from the silver screen do you really dig?

Novak: First, let’s have a moment of silence for Shelley Winters who passed away on Saturday, Jan. 14th at age 85. I loved her so. I've loved so many from the past, such as Simone Simon, Gene Tierney and Diana Dors.

411: In your opinion, who are some Hollywood greats that never really got the respect they deserved?

Novak: Hands down, Barbara Stanwyck. They gave her an honorary Oscar but she deserved so much more. And Producer Val Lewton, who was given about 10 bucks and some existing leftover sets, though he gave the world 9 of the most lyrical and intelligent horror films of the 1940's, like "Cat People" and "I Walked With a Zombie," just to name a couple.

411: Who do you think is the ultimate Hollywood beauty of all time?

Novak: In modern times, Catherine Deneuve. In the olden days, Ava Gardner.

411: Do you ever go for contemporary movies?

Novak: Very much, so as long as for every Mary Kate and Ashley movie they make a "Brokeback Mountain" or an "Aviator."

411: What is your typical wardrobe ensemble for these cinematic celebrations?

Novak: If the armpits don’t smell I throw it on. If you have style you can make a potato sack look good.

411: Finally, tell our readers about the annual Shelley Novak Awards.

Novak: Well, it’s a mock Academy Awards for the drag queens of South Beach and it’s in its 11th year. I nominate every queen in town in such categories as Best Costumes and Most Glamorous and such. It’s a fun night, everyone comes out decked to the nines, and we have the red carpet where the local press goes nuts.

It’s just a nice night to celebrate the queens who come out every night, night after night, and give one hundred percent of themselves in order to make Miami Beach just that much more exciting.

I get to have the stage all to myself one night a year to do a big number live. I can’t wait. This year it will be Monday, Feb. 27 at midnight at Crobar's Back Door Bamby night.