“Watching the film…I fell into a reverie, sometimes moved, sometimes amused, sometimes involved in a strange dreamlike way. By not alerting us with the logic of language, silent films can more easily slip us off into the shadows of fantasy.” -Roger Ebert

Presented by Silents, Please STL

THE MAN WHO LAUGHS is likely best known as the aesthetic inspiration for Batman’s Joker. However, the character of Gwynplaine in this film is anything but a trickster and villain. Disfigured by a king as a child, Gwynplaine, an 18th-century clown becomes the pawn of royalty and star of the freak show of a travelling carnival. Based on the Victor Hugo novel, starting Conrad Veidt (best known for his role as Cesare in The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari), and directed by German expatriate Paul Leni, “The Man Who Laughs is a melodrama, at times even a swashbuckler, but so steeped in expressionist gloom that it plays like a horror film.” This event is 21+ and outdoors on the Backlot of Arkadin Cinema. We are hoping for fair weather but be prepared to bundle up, get cozy, and settle in for an evening with a movie you never knew you needed to see.

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.