The first-ever Manos Day is almost here! A celebration of all things of beloved cult film, “Manos: The Hands Of Fate” will be hosted by Dumb Industries on November 15th! Read the press release below to learn more about what, when, and where you can watch the festivities or Torgo will have to bring you to The Master! Check out our interview here
NEW YORK, NY — Bad movie buffs, mark your calendars! On November 15, fans from around the globe will be celebrating the 57th anniversary of the B-movie horror classic, Manos: The Hands Of Fate, which was released on this day in 1966. Dubbed Manos Day, the occasion is set to tribute all that Manos has become, as well as honoring the Fans Of Fate, for without them none of this would be possible.
Fans can sign up to receive an alert from Dumb Industries as soon as more details are announced.
Jackey Neyman Jones, who played Debbie in the original film and its 2018 sequel, Manos Returns, has been keeping the legacy alive and well over the years. She’s been touched by the kindness and adoration of the many Manos fans – which have since been referred to as Fans Of Fate. Starring alongside her father, Tom Neyman, who played the iconic role of The Master in both films, Neyman Jones is one of the last members of the original cast to keep the ‘Will Of Manos’ in full effect.
“November 15th marks the 57th anniversary that Manos was introduced to the public,” states Jackey. “It went quiet for almost thirty years. But, after it aired on Mystery Science Theater 3000 in 1993, it instantly became known as the “worst movie ever made” and was adored by fans of the show.”
Manos: The Hands Of Fate is infamous for its ill-conceived script and premise, shoddy camera work, jarring editing, and sound design. Yet, despite its MANY flaws, it possesses a unique and captivating charm. The sum of the film’s parts and its cultural effect is truly an underdog’s story to behold.
Created by the late Harold P. Warren, a fertilizer salesman residing in El Paso, Texas, Manos: The Hands Of Fate came about as a bet that “anyone can make a movie”. It was shot in July of 1966, in just three weeks, on a meager budget, enlisting actors from the local theater group to fill the roles. It’s also important to note no one had any filmmaking experience beforehand.
After an abysmal premiere at the (now defunct) Capri Theater in El Paso, on November 15th, 1966, Manos: The Hands Of Fate was heavily panned and ridiculed for its lackluster quality. From there, it quickly faded away and was soon forgotten. However, 27 years later, the film appeared on Mystery Science Theater 3000, a show known for riffing on movies in the public domain.
Just like that, Manos was pulled from obscurity and quickly became a fan favorite, as well as a campy, yet justifiable cult classic. Over the years, it amassed a dedicated following as well as inspired many fan projects.
When asked about her thoughts on the resurgence and sudden popularity of Manos, Jackey mentioned, “Manos created a global, diverse, loving and deeply creative fan base who continues to uphold its claim to fame as any self-respecting cult following would. The public domain status of the film makes possible the variety of Manos-related projects developed independently by the fans over the years, creating a series of rabbit holes that is now known as “The Manosverse”.
Chris Gersbeck, owner of Dumb Industries, works closely with Jackey Neyman-Jones, through her online painting classes. He is also very involved with some of the cast and crew behind MST3K, and its counterpart, RiffTrax. He considers himself a Manos superfan, and for good reason.
“Manos: The Hands of Fate is one of those rare gems of a B-movie that only gets more fascinating with time,” says Chris. “A huge part of that is owed to Jackey Neyman Jones’ dedication to keeping Manos fandom alive.”
As for Dumb Industries’s involvement, Chris adds, “Dumb Industries has been so honored to collaborate with Jackey on her regular online art classes, her paintings, an entire clothing line of Manos-related apparel, and the upcoming audiobook version of Growing Up With Manos: The Hands of Fate.”
Wanting to give back, Gersbeck will be offering a bunch of treats for the Fans Of Fate through Dumb Industries. Some of what fans can expect are sales and discounts on Jackey’s The Master Collection clothing and accessories, The Mads Are Back: Manos: The Hands of Fate video, as well as Growing Up With Manos, both the tell-all book and audiobook, both written and voiced by Jackey Neyman-Jones.
There will also be “24 Hours of Manos” on Dumb Industries’ Twitch channel, including the world premiere of The Manos Chronicles series, as well as a plethora of other great things in store.
When asked about what she would like fans to get out of Manos Day, Jackey Neyman Jones says, “Manos Day is a day to share our love of Manos and what Manos means to each of us. It’s an opportunity to show others how so much has been inspired by something so bad that it’s good. It’s a movie that ignited many creative sparks, and through those sparks, it showcased so much talent to the world. Pass it on.”
