Footloose was always kind of a dumb movie. I’m not saying I and millions of other people like me didn’t love the film. I’m just saying it’s a corny construct, what with its twinkle-toed rock ’n’ roll rebel and endless music montages. But it succeeded thanks to one of its era’s most ecstatic pop soundtracks and the Reagan administration’s prevailing attitude of repression. Back in 1984, mere months before Tipper Gore founded the Parents Music Resource Center, it wasn’t at all far-fetched an idea that evil government and religious forces could band together to outlaw rock ’n’ roll. Back then, the plot to Styx’s 1983 concept album Killroy Was Here (a postapocalyptic world ruled by music-hating evangelical fascists) seemed unlikely ... but thrillingly plausible.

The idea of “Glee” writers-producers-creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk dreaming up an erotic-grotesque horror series for FOX’s envelope-pushing cable cousin FX sounds, at first, like a really bad idea. But then you might remember the duo also gave us six seasons’ worth of the FX-based plastic surgery drama “Nip/Tuck.” That show had more than its fair share of sick and twisted storylines (cannibalism, penis-free serial rapists, lobster claw babies, Brooke Shields as a stalker, Richard Burgi having sex with a couch). So, maybe they’ve got more than inspirational high school karaoke in them.

Peace and Security Funders Group is sponsoring an exclusive sneak peek preview this Friday, Oct. 14, of “Peace Unveiled.” The documentary follows three courageous Afghani women—a parliamentarian, a midwife and a young activist—who organize to ensure female rights in their country. Narrated by Tilda Swinton, “Peace Unveiled” is one part of the upcoming five-part documentary series “Women, War & Peace” to be broadcast on PBS this fall. The screening will take place at La Fonda Hotel’s Santa Fe Room and will be followed by a discussion with producer/philanthropist Abigail E. Disney. This screening and discussion is free and open to the public. RSVP is required, however, so you need to contact cong@peaceandsecurity.org to secure a seat.