This Halloween, the North Bend Theatre resurrects the original cinematic vampire, Nosferatu, the 1922 silent horror film that was legally burned at the stake but miraculously survived.
Nosferatu was an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s book, Dracula. Despite changing names and settings, the film mirrored the novel’s plot. When Florence Stoker, Bram Stoker’s widow, learned of the film, she sued the German filmmakers for copyright infringement.
In 1925, a German court ruled in her favor, declaring that Nosferatu had indeed violated the rights of the Stoker estate. The court ordered every copy of the film destroyed. But as expected from the undead, Nosferatu could not be killed so easily. A few prints managed to escape destruction, thus resurrecting the silent masterpiece that continues to haunt us today.
“This is a rare chance to experience a film that was condemned to die and really should not be living today,” said Beth Burrows, owner of the North Bend Theatre. “It’s a testament to the resilience of art, and vampires, of course.”
Founder of Jazz Clubs NW, Danny Kolke’s original score breathes new life into this ghost of cinema, channeling the film’s tension and surreal beauty. His improvisational style promises a performance as unpredictable and chilling as the vampire himself.
The one and only showing of the year will take place at 7 PM on Friday, October 31 in the Theatre’s historic 1941 auditorium, where flickering candlelight and authentic vintage vibe sets the mood for a truly immersive and unforgettable Halloween night. Tickets are available at http://northbendtheatre.com. Goosebumps included.
