Silents at the Senate Presents: Salomé (1923)  

Sat. Jun. 13 

Doors – 7:00 PM  

Film – 8:00 PM  

Tickets - $15 

1hr 14min | NR | Drama| USA 

Live organ accompaniment by John Lauter 

A lecherous authoritarian! A callous princess! A defiant zealot! The literal shadow of death! 

Don’t miss Salomé, a trailblazing silent era phantasmagoria with a live score by John Lauter who will accompany the film on the Senate Theater’s Mighty Wurlitzer theater pipe organ!  

A loose adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s play, (itself a loose adaptation of the biblical tale of King Herod and the execution of John the Baptist) Salomé was independently produced and is one of the first art films made in the United States. Its wild costumes, dreamy visual style, and striking set design were admired by many contemporaries. But these qualities could not win over those offended by its frank portrayal of taboo sexual obsession within a biblical story. Controversy surrounded its release, leading to censorship and obscurity. But thanks to (plausible but unconfirmable) rumors of an all gay or bisexual cast and retrospective rave reviews from cinephiles scouring for discarded celluloid gems, this once ignored film is now a queer cult classic. 

Come see what the New York State Censorship Board called “a story of depravity and immorality” on the big screen as it was intended to be seen, with live musical accompaniment on a theater pipe organ designed to do just that. And, as always, stick around after the show for a pipe chamber tour and a chance to talk to our organist for the evening!

Parking is available in our gated lot, on Gilbert, and Michigan Avenue