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 (Tuesday 28th April)

18:00

DJ Ahmet PG
£6 for Members + short film
1h 39m | Macedonian & Turkish w/ English subtitles
Fifteen-year-old Ahmet navigates life in a remote Yuruk village after his mother’s death, balancing family duties and community expectations. He finds escape in techno music, which draws him closer to Aya, in a lively, heartfelt coming-of-age story.

Book here

20:30

The Drama 15
£6 for Members + short film
1h 45m
Emma and Charlie’s wedding week descends into chaos after an unexpected revelation. With Kristoffer Borgli’s absurdist touch, Robert Pattinson and Zendaya navigate a darkly comic rom-com that’s clever, unconventional, and delightfully unpredictable.

Book here


Tomorrow (Wednesday 29th April)

15:15

The Magic Faraway Tree U
1h 50m
The Thompson children discover a magical tree leading to fantastical lands. Facing quirky inhabitants and wondrous adventures, they reconnect and grow closer. Enid Blyton’s beloved classic comes to life in this enchanting adaptation starring Andrew Garfield, Nicola Coughlan, and Claire Foy.

Book here

17:45

The Drama 15
1h 45m
Emma and Charlie’s wedding week descends into chaos after an unexpected revelation. With Kristoffer Borgli’s absurdist touch, Robert Pattinson and Zendaya navigate a darkly comic rom-com that’s clever, unconventional, and delightfully unpredictable.

Book here

20:15

Breakwater 12A
+ Director Introduction
1h 31m
Set between Oxford’s dreaming spires and Aldeburgh’s windswept coast, this landmark student-made feature from Oxford University follows Otto and John, bound by loss. As their connection deepens, buried secrets and grief resurface, haunting their fragile, transformative relationship.

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 only show a few adverts – less than most cinemas – and we only play a couple of trailers, so please don’t be late as the film itself starts very close to the advertised time!