Preceded by movie trivia, hosted by the Gene Siskel Film Center’s Associate Producers!
"One of the most powerful films ever made about the need for humanity and solidarity in the face of cruelty and oppression." - Tom Huddleston, Time Out
"It is a work of genius." - Peter Bradshaw, Guardian
September 9 at 9pm | This shocking and controversial pre-Code cult favorite, heavily edited by MGM before it was released – and banned in the UK for decades – follows a traveling French circus troupe, including the beautiful trapeze artist Cleopatra, who plots to kill off her husband, the dwarf Hans. Paired with Salome Chasnoff’s CODE OF THE FREAKS (screening September 9-11 at the Film Center), Browning’s film has been hailed for being a compassionate, groundbreaking, and humanistic presentation of disability in cinema. Preceded by movie trivia, hosted by the Gene Siskel Film Center’s Associate Producers!
Fringe Benefits: Presenting the provocative and embracing the extreme, Fringe Benefits is a monthly late night series dedicated to celebrating films that live on the margins - the niche, the unusual, the divisive and the camp. Spend some time with us on the outskirts of the mainstream as we explore cinema that has galvanized audiences and critics alike, incited passionate conversation, and inspired devoted cult followings among the most adventurous cinephiles. $5 student tickets for all screenings. View full series here.
Please check our full COVID-19 policy and details below: