See the film that inspired the character of Batman’s arch-nemesis, the Joker with live accompaniment by Red Wings organist Lance Luce on the Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ!

Based on the novel by Victor Hugo (The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Les Misérables), the story follows Gwynplaine, also known &s the Laughing Man, famously portrayed by Conrad Veidt. Now the star of & traveling freak show, Gwynplaine was disfigured as a young child and forced to wear & permanent grin so that he would “laugh forever at his fool of a father”. Gwynplaine later finds love in the heart of & young blind woman, Dea (Mary Philbin), but will they be permitted to remain together or will they be forced apart? The character of Gwynplaine, and more notably Condrad Veidtʼs performance, serves as the primary inspiration for Batmanʼs greatest villain, the Joker. Further, despite being filmed as & romantic melodrama, Gwynplaineʼs horrific appearance and the expressionistic tone of the film would greatly influence the Universal Classic Monster movies made from the 1930ʼs to the 1950ʼs. Green Brain Comics will be on hand with &ll your Joker related comics, graphic novels and merch.

Doors - 7:00 PM

Film - 8:00 PM

Tickets - $10 | Not Rated | Please note that there will not be a pre-film organ overture.

This week on Showtime at the Senate, I talk with Green Brain Comics co-owner Dan Merritt about the 1928 silent film classic The Man Who Laughs, some history about the film, his influence on the initial creation of the Joker and his many variations since.

Silents at the Senate, is receiving generous support from the Knight Arts Challenge and Creators of Culture