Where those 'Vault' films come from

Some readers have asked where we get the films that w list in the From the Vaults section of this column now and then. It's easy in these days of DVDs available via the Internet.

Netflix was the first company to make thousands of older films available through snail mail. You simply signed up for one, two or three movies that you could have at any one time, with costs ranging from $9 a month for one to $18 for three.

Now Blockbuster.com and other sites offer the same service at varying costs. I've never switched from Netflix because its service is adequate; We signed up for one film at a time, and the quick return of new old films is fast enough for our limited viewing time.

Yes, there are problems. Because the DVDs are used by many other viewers, the discs at times have playing problems, usually dirt or grease smudges on the playing surface. A little window washer fluid usually takes care of the problems, but sometimes the disc is beyond repair. But you can send it back and check the right box on the envelope, and Netflix sends back another copy of the same film.

The providers usually help you find old movies, then track your previous selections to suggest other titles that seem to fit your viewing habits. This is handy when you find a director of interest, but don't know what other films he or she has made.

If the current crop of films doesn't satisfy, you may want to try one of the Internet sources. There are thousands of fine films out there, some of which were never released in the United States.

Here's one we've enjoyed of late:

FROM THE VAULTS

A wartime classic, "Children of Paradise" is a 1946 release of a French film made under the occupation of Nazi Germany. It's a thinly disguised allegory of the occupation, which apparently was missed by the occupiers.

Jean Louis Barraut stars as a mime who falls in love with a woman pursued by many others, including a wealthy nobleman. It's in black and white, and there isn't any violence. It has a lot of acting that would be faintly hammy today, but passed as classic theater back then. A two-set disc, well worth viewing. No rating.

DANCE, ANYONE?

The accordions will be on fire at Atlantis Casino Resort Spa during the POLKAPALOOZA RENO Polka Festival Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 28-29.

The music starts at noon and features some top polka bands, including 15-time Grammy Award winner Jimmy Sturr and His Orchestra, Polka Power of California, Big Lou's Casserole and others. Polkas were big back in Ohio when I was growing up, so this is not to be allowed to pass without a step or two. It'll cost you $20 per day, or $35 for a two-day pass when purchased prior to Wednesday. Call 824-4467 and get out the dirndls.

BLUE MEN ARE COMING!

The highly innovative trio Blue Man Group is coming to the Reno Events Center at 8 p.m. Nov. 2. The men are a truly weird group whose music is the kind that sticks to the walls, to borrow an advertising adage.

Their "How To Be a Megastar Tour 2.0" made the trio history. Blue Man Group is joined by an eight-piece band for the Reno engagement.

This is a co-op deal in which casinos Circus Circus Reno, Eldorado Hotel Casino and Silver Legacy Resort Casino join forces to brighten up the town. Tickets are $77.75, $67.75 and $57.75 at (888) 288-1833 or at any sponsoring casino hotel.

Why 75 cents? Tax problems probably. Not cheap for sure, but a very hot group.

• Contact Sam Bauman at 881-1236 or sbauman@nevadaappeal.com.