double feature
C1informal, historical (cinema), occasionally formal in extended metaphorical use
Definition
Meaning
A single cinema ticket granting admission to two films shown consecutively.
Any pairing of two related items, events, or performances offered as a single unit or experience.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a historical term for a cinema programming practice from the mid-20th century. In extended use, implies two components of similar weight or interest presented together.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Term originated and was most common in American cinema. British English may use 'double bill' more frequently, though 'double feature' is understood.
Connotations
Nostalgic, retro, evocative of mid-20th century entertainment. In extended use, can imply a bonus or good value.
Frequency
Low frequency in contemporary use for its original meaning. Occasionally appears in cultural commentary or metaphorically.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
double feature of [Film A] and [Film B]double feature with [Film]double feature at the [Venue]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It was a real double feature of disasters.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Potentially in marketing: 'Our webinar is a double feature on SEO and content marketing.'
Academic
Rare, except in film history or cultural studies contexts.
Everyday
Low. Used by older generations or film enthusiasts recalling classic cinema. Metaphorical use possible: 'My weekend was a double feature of laundry and grocery shopping.'
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The double-feature presentation was a staple of 1950s cinemas.
American English
- They advertised a double-feature night every Friday.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We watched a double feature at the old theatre.
- The film festival is showing a double feature of the director's early works.
- The curator described the exhibition as a double feature, juxtaposing Renaissance sketches with modern digital art.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an old cinema marquee with TWO main titles featured.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A CINEMA PROGRAMME (e.g., 'The conference morning was a double feature of keynotes.')
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- False friend: Not related to 'фича' (feature as in gadget feature). Direct translation 'двойная особенность' would be incorrect. The correct equivalent is 'двойной сеанс' or 'показ двух фильмов'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'double feature' to mean a film with two plots. Using it for any pair of things without the connotation of a presented programme.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'double feature' most historically accurate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is largely a historical term from the era when cinemas would regularly programme two main films. Modern multiplexes rarely use this model.
Yes, it can describe any two significant events or items presented together, often with a sense of added value or thematic pairing (e.g., 'The lecture was a double feature on climate and economics').
They are largely synonymous. 'Double feature' is slightly more American, while 'double bill' is common in British English. 'Double bill' can also extend to theatre or television.
Historically, yes, though sometimes a shorter 'B-movie' would be paired with a major 'A-movie'. The key is that both are presented as the main programme.