THE KEEP (1983)

• Director: Michael Mann
• Cast: Scott Glenn, Ian McKellen, Alberta Watson
• Film: 96mins | USA | Subtitles | Intermission
• Event: 20:45 – 23:10 [18+]

Nazis turn to a Jewish historian for help in battling the ancient demon they have freed from its prison.

“THEY WERE ALL DRAWN TO THE KEEP!”

BAR TRASH celebrates our 3rd year and 10th sensational season with WE ARE TRASH!, a fan-made mixtape of cult and chaotic cinema (14 May to 20 Aug 2025).

Some films you can’t resist, and Michael Mann’s self-described “Freudian fairytale on the nature of Fascism” has been appearing on our audience suggestion cards since we launched them way back in season 3 (TRASH OR TREASURE?). But don’t let Mann’s reputation as a master make you think we’ve veered to the dark side of ‘quality cinema’. THE KEEP (1983) has a production history as troubled as any we’ve ever shown at BAR TRASH!

Set in Romania during World War II, THE KEEP follows a group of Nazi soldiers who unleash a malevolent supernatural force after setting up camp in an ancient stone fortress in the Carpathian Mountains. Adapted from a novel by F. Paul Wilson, THE KEEP features a stunning score by Tangerine Dream, jaw-dropping special effects (completed after the death of supervisor Wally Veevers), and a dreamlike narrative caused, in part, by directorial indecision, extensive re-shoots, and radical re-editing by the studio to reduce the run time… Strap in for a wild ride to the dark side.

Polite notice: We are showing THE KEEP with subtitles from the best available digital source.

// BAR TRASH is a celebration of cult and curious cinema, hosted by queer film fanatic Token Homo and friends. Films are served with introductions, intermissions, prize giveaways, and subtitles / captions where possible. Tickets from £3.50+. Adults 18+ only. Follow @tokenhomo on Instagram for updates. //

Programme supported by Film Hub London, managed by Film London. Proud to be a partner of the BFI Film Audience Network, funded by the National Lottery. www.filmlondon.org.uk/film-hub-london