[photo credit: City of South Pasadena]
The evening begins at 6:30 a.m. with a reception featuring complimentary non-alcoholic wine provided by Burden of Proof. The haunting film screening starts at 7 p.m. in the library’s Community Room. No registration is required for this event sponsored by the Friends of the South Pasadena Public Library.
Robert Wiene’s “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” stands as a masterpiece of German Expressionism and a pioneering work in the horror genre. The film depicts the sinister Dr. Caligari, a hypnotist who uses his control over Cesare, a sleepwalker, to commit murders. Roger Ebert wrote that “a case can be made” that it was the first true horror film.
Adding musical atmosphere is Michael D. Mortilla, whose impressive career includes composing for the Chicago Symphony, the Academy of Motion Pictures, the Library of Congress and the National Film Preservation Foundation. He also collaborated with renowned choreographer Martha Graham. Since 2000, Mortilla has been a freelance composer and sound designer based in Burbank, specializing in theater, dance and silent film productions.
This unique combination of silent film artistry and live musical accompaniment offers residents a rare opportunity to experience landmark cinema in an intimate community setting.
“The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” screening with live piano will run on Friday, Oct. 17, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at South Pasadena Public Library, 1100 Oxley Street, Pasadena. For more call (626) 403-7330 or visit https://www.southpasadenaca.gov/Events-Directory/Silent-Film-Screening. Tickets: Free.
