As a sci-fi fan, I choose to forget the post-Terminator years of Arnold. Before Twins and his governorship of California, he was Conan the Barbarian and that’s how he’ll forever be etched in my memory — that huge muscle man who knew how to wield a sword and split enemies in two, NOT the flabby geriatric paper-pusher who sports polo shirts and linen trousers. (Now if there really is going to be a King Conan movie about the later years, that’s another matter.)

For those nostalgic for Fantasy Hero Arnold, Aero Theatre will be presenting a double feature of the Conan movies based on the Robert E. Howard novels (Conan the Barbarian and Conan the Destroyer) as part of the Annual Festival of Fantasy, Horror & Science Fiction. Truthfully I’m more excited about the first movie as the second one with Grace Jones and Wilt Chamberlain was just plain silly and annoying.

The Barbarian had giant snakes, kick-ass women warriors, lots of swordplay, a revenge story, James Earl Jones in a wig and even romance amid the carnage. Sigh, good times. Grab some burgers and beer at Father’s Office before the show, but save some room for the Aero’s renovated concession stand.

EVENT: SATURDAY, AUGUST 12 at 7:30PM

1328 Montana Avenue
Santa Monica, California 90403
Cross Street: 14th Street
Admission: $9 general, $7 students