Silent Film With Live Score: The Man Who Laughs

Experience the haunting 1928 silent classic *The Man Who Laughs* as it was meant to be seen—with a live musical score performed in real time. Directed by German Expressionist filmmaker Paul Leni and adapted from Victor Hugo's novel, the film stars Conrad Veidt as Gwynplaine, a man whose face has been carved into a permanent grin. The story follows his journey from abandoned child to celebrated performer, alongside the blind Dea (Mary Philbin) and the kindly showman Ursus.

This screening brings together cinema and live music, creating an immersive atmosphere that heightens the film's expressionist gloom and romantic melodrama. Attendees can expect a unique evening where the synchronized score underscores every twist of the plot—from the snowstorm rescue to the courtly intrigue. The event is a rare chance to see a landmark of early sound cinema in a communal setting, with the live performance adding a layer of immediacy that recordings cannot match.

The film's influence on horror and its striking visual style make it a compelling entry point into silent cinema. The live score brings the silent era to life.