Alert reader Kenneth notes:

Recently, the Library of Congress announced their latest additions to the National Film Registry, where films are set aside for special preservation. Now, in addition to artistic merit, one of the criteria considered for inclusion on the Registry is cultural impact It seems to me that even bad movies (even really bad movies) can fit that second criteria.

Kenneth then asks if “‘Manos’ The Hands of Fate” should receive that designation, but I — with the “Film Anti-Preservation Society” host segment having just been discussed in the episode guide — want to open up the question.

What “bad” or B movie (MSTed or otherwise) deserves preservation based on that “cultural impact” clause?

MSTed: I would have to go with “Robot Monster.” It’s a bad movie icon.
Non-MSTed: Well, the first thing that comes to mind is “Rocky Horror Picture Show” — and based on some of the HORRIBLE prints I have seen circulating in the last couple of decades, preservation is sorely overdue.

Your thoughts?