This film is presented by Silents, Please! STL and will feature a special introduction from SPSTL’s Kate Stewart.

“The audience, confined in the madman’s universe, sees what the madman sees: distorted perspectives, eerie painted lights and shadows, an angular, warped world of fears and menace. The sets are used expressionistically to convey the madman’s thoughts, to intensify the characters’ emotions, and to emphasize the meanings of the action.” -Pauline Kael, The New Yorker

Often credited as the first (feature) horror film, THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI (1920) takes the viewer on a dreamlike journey through distorted spaces both real and imagined. With subtext critical of power and social control that led to the horrors of WWI, Caligari operates on a number of levels. This film is often recognized as the pinnacle of German Expressionism, which found its place in a post war Germany, rife with scarcity and instability. Artists and filmmakers took what limited means they had and worked within in these boundaries to expansive and brilliant effect.

Join us on Wednesday October 12 to see this classic masterpiece of horror. Whether it’s your first time or tenth, there’s always something new to be found in the dreamy landscape where somnambulist Cesare roams the night, doing the bidding of his ruthless master, Dr. Caligari.

A collection of horror shorts from the earliest days of filmmaking will be shown before the feature.

THIS IS AN OUTDOOR SCREENING

In case of inclement weather, this screening will be moved to our indoor theater.

Limited seating is available outside and is first come, first served. It is strongly recommended that you Bring Your Own Chair.

The theater opens one hour prior to showtime.

Tickets can be purchased using the BUY TICKETS link above. Upon ordering, you will receive a confirmation email from Square. Tickets may also be purchased on the day of the show at the concession counter.

If you’ve purchased advance tickets, when you arrive, please give your name at the concession counter to check in.

Tickets are returnable by sending a request through the contact form located on our About Us page prior to showtime.