The Enigma of Kaspar HauserPG

Directed by Werner Herzog | West Germany | 1974 | 1h 49m | German w/ English subtitles | Starring Bruno S., Walter Ladengast, Brigitte Mira, Willy Semmelrogge, Michael Kroecher

Barely able to walk or talk due to a life spent in isolation, a young man arrives in 1820s Nuremberg, clutching a note with his name written on it. Initially regarded by the locals as a novel curiosity, he is taken under the wing of a compassionate professor who gradually assists him in adapting to conventional life. Werner Herzog’s eloquent interpretation of this remarkable true story, featuring a mesmerising performance by non-professional actor Bruno S, is back in cinemas to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Grand Jury Prize winner at the 1975 Cannes Film Festival.

Reviews

‘Werner Herzog’s enduringly gripping and influential movie is rereleased for its 50th anniversary; it is Herzog’s early masterpiece, a bold and brilliant retelling of a strange true story from German history’
★★★★★
Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian

‘This terrific movie from Werner Herzog’s golden period in the 1970s is deliberately-paced, perfectly played and as moving as it is thought-provoking.’
★★★★★
Kim Newman, Empire Magazine

Sorry - you missed it!

We showed The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser between February 11, 2024 and February 12, 2024.

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What else is on?

Today (Wednesday 18th June)

15:45

The Salt Path 12A
Deaf/HOH Subtitles
1h 55m
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18:15

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20:45

The Phoenician Scheme 15
1h 41m
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Tomorrow (Thursday 19th June)

16:00

A New Kind of Wilderness 12A
1h 24m
After tragedy strikes, a family living off-grid in Norway must question the life they’ve built. Winner of Sundance 2024’s Grand Jury Documentary Prize, this moving documentary explores grief, resilience, and what it means to live by your values.

Book here

17:45

The Salt Path 12A
1h 55m
Evicted and facing illness, a couple embarks on a 630-mile walk along England’s coast. Starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs, this moving adaptation of Raynor Winn’s memoir is a story of love, survival, and resilience.

Book here

20:15

Hyper: The Stevie Hyper D Story 15
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1h 30m
A musical pioneer and UK rave icon, MC Stevie Hyper D shaped a global movement. His nephew Darrell Austin traces his powerful legacy in this emotional documentary. Screening followed by Q&A with directors Jamie Ross-Hulme and Darrell Austin.

Book here


Plan your visit

Our beautiful art deco inspired auditorium can be found just off East Oxford's Cowley Road. We are open 7 days a week. We open the cinema and box office 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of each film, and the Box Office then closes 10 minutes after the film starts. We don’t show adverts, just a couple of trailers, so don't be late as the film itself starts very close to the advertised time!