Duck Soup Cinema

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari

F.W. Murnau | Germany | 1922

Headshot of a man with a scary expression with wide intense eyes. He has dark eye makeup on and short hair.

Saturday, October 5

2pm & 7pm

Capitol Theater

$12 for adults and $4 for ages 12 & under

Age Recommendation

13 and up

Costumes welcome!

It’s spooky season, and what better way to celebrate than with “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari”? This film invites you into a creepy little German town where a string of murders has everyone on edge. Enter the mysterious Dr. Caligari and his hypnotic carnival act. Is he behind these grisly crimes? The film’s twisted visuals match its psychological drama, making it a standout in the world of German Expressionist cinema. Roger Ebert called it "the first true horror film," and it’s easy to see why. The eerie style influenced everything from art cinema to American film noir. You’re in for a night of chills, thrills and, of course, incredible live music from organist Clark Wilson.

Organist: Clark Wilson
Emcee: Joe Thompson
Vaudeville: Wayne the Wizard
Lobby Act: Doc the Rube

Both performances will have an ASL interpreter.

Print provided by Kino Lorber

Step into a world where nothing is quite as it seems. This season, Duck Soup Cinema takes you on an adventure through the theme of illusion versus reality. It’s a thought-provoking season that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat!

LEARN MORE

Resources

Much of the world has changed since this film was created and released over 100 years ago. The historical villainization and stigmatization in film of those impacted by mental health, especially in silent films, continues to be harmful and problematic. We acknowledge this difficult truth and encourage viewers to learn more and critically examine mental health portrayal in film with these resources:
ARTICLE - Distorted Depictions: Popular movies misrepresent the reality of mental health conditions
ARTICLE - Mental Health & Our Relationship with Film
ARTICLE - PBS: Mental Illness in Film
Cream banner reads: "Overture Center's Duck Soup Cinema, 24/25 season." Two kodak film strips overlap to the right with film stills from 1920s silent films.

Join the Duck Soup Cinema Club!

Package includes tickets to all three Duck Soup Cinema shows, priority seating and email newsletters with fun facts about each title. Only $30!

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Note: Overture’s Duck Soup Cinema silent film series is nationally known for providing an authentic and rare silent film experience in the historic Capitol Theater, which opened in 1928. As these films were released nearly a century ago, some films may depict theatric and social conventions of the time related to race, gender, socio-economic status and identity which are unacceptable. In response to and in alignment with our justice, equity, diversity and inclusion commitments, we will be providing pre- and post-show resource material exploring key topics throughout the season.

Photos

  • Three people with concerned looks on their faces stand together. One man on the left has a top hat and cane, the other man also on the left wears all black and has eye makeup and short dark hair. They are both looking at a woman with a dress and wide eyes.

  • Surreal green tinted image of rooftops and a figure carrying a woman's body.

  • Headshot of a man with a scary expression with wide intense eyes. He has dark eye makeup on and short hair.

Upcoming Duck Soup Cinema Events

  • February 21

    Saturday

    Peter Pan

    Duck Soup Cinema, Film, Variety Peter Pan

    Capitol Theater

    Join us for Duck Soup Cinema's "Peter Pan." A spirited boy whisks the Darling children to a magical island for high-flying adventures and daring battles with pirates in this beautifully restored silent-film fantasy.

    Multiple Showtimes
    Buy Tickets
  • June 13

    Saturday

    The Signal Tower

    Duck Soup Cinema, Film, Variety The Signal Tower

    Capitol Theater

    Join us for Duck Soup Cinema's "The Signal Tower." A devoted railroad signalman’s life is thrown into turmoil when a colleague’s interest in his wife sparks a tense and dangerous clash, set against breathtaking mountain scenery.

    Multiple Showtimes
    Buy Tickets