Shameless plug alert: Tuesday night at Studio@620 in St. Petersburg I'll have the honor of contributing to the Salvador Dali Museum's lecture series in conjunction with the current Dali & Film exhibition.

Honest, that plug sounds more uptight and academic than I plan to make the presentation. My idea of a night at the museum is either a bad Ben Stiller flick or a ticket to Madame Toussaud's.

The topic is Dalihoo: The Twisted Art of Selling Movies, from Kroger Babb to Cloverfield. We'll be breezing through the golden era of ballyhoo, when theaters sold sizzle when the steak wasn't there. Babb was a pioneer of schlock marketing with his "scared straight" films of the 1940's and 50's that were public services on the surface and prurient peek-a-boo thrills at heart.

Changing times mean we're not as curious about sex, drugs and general immorality anymore but the same selling principles to a gullible public remain, hopped-up on Internet power.

Dali's concept of critical paranoia -- the benefits of allowing yourself to be deluded  -- figure prominently in this psychology.

We'll see some of the tricks employed by Babb, prankster-producer William Castle and others. We'll also look at the role of exhibitors like my father in corralling interest. It should be a lot of fun and, what the heck, it's free. If you're not completely satisfied I'll give your money back.

Studio@620 is located at 620 1st Ave. S. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Hope to see you there.