"The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" presented by East Lynne Theater Company

Description

Considered the first horror film ever made, it begins at a carnival where a sideshow operator named Caligari, played by Werner Krauss, exhibits Cesare, a Somnambulist, played by Conrad Veidt. Caligari claims that Cesare has been sleeping since birth, and keeps him in a coffin. Caligari also claims that he can answer any question, including when someone will die. Directed by Robert Weine, this film is believed to be the first example in cinema of German Expressionism, a visual style in which both characters and the world itself are out of joint. The set is comprised of jagged landscapes, tilted walls, and staircases going in odd directions. Its camera angles and lighting can be seen in such later “film noirs” like "The Third Man" (1949). See the film as silents are meant to be heard – with live music! Accompanying the film is organist Wayne Zimmerman, making this his 7th year with ELTC. Wayne has played in a variety of venues from coast-to-coast and in Hawaii, regaling audiences with his silent-film accompaniment and concerts.