Classics at Capitol

Experience the magic of cinema's golden age as classic films return to the historic Capitol Theatre for the first time since its grand restoration in 2015.

Look forward to an ongoing program of cinematic masterpieces under the banner of CLASSICS AT CAPITOL, all meticulously remastered in stunning digital formats. The inaugural season was a resounding success, featuring three sold-out screenings of Singin’ in the Rain (1952), David Lean’s epic Lawrence of Arabia (1962), and Alfred Hitchcock’s thrilling North by Northwest (1959).

HISTORY OF CAPITOL THEATRE

Nearly a century old, the Capitol Theatre stands as Singapore’s last great movie palace. Originally built in 1930 by Persian businessman M.A. Namazie, it debuted as the city’s most luxurious and best-equipped venue for "talkies." From 1946, under the stewardship of the Shaw Brothers, it solidified its reputation as a premier destination, hosting Hollywood legends such as Charlie Chaplin and Ava Gardner.

While many of Singapore’s historic cinemas were eventually demolished or converted into modern cineplexes over the decades, the Capitol Theatre proudly remained a single, grand hall until its closure in 1998. Throughout its history, it served as the definitive backdrop for glamorous premieres, international film festivals, and high-profile events.

In 2015, the theatre was meticulously restored to its 1930s glory and reopened as a versatile venue for live performances, music, and film. It is currently managed by The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore.
 

INFORMATION ON THE FILMS

Now, Season Two is here to bring more beloved favourites back to the big screen.

JULY
Sunday, 5 July 2026 at 17:00
Sunday, 19 July 2026 at 17:00
Friday, 31 July 2026 at 20:00

THE APARTMENT
(with post-show discussion by Dr. Timothy R White, Khoo Sim Eng and Ken Kwek on 19 July 2026)
1960, Dir: Billy Wilder, 125 mins, Black & White, 4K DCP (PG)
Starring Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, Fred MacMurray

“Why do people have to love people anyway?”

Following his 1959 smash-hit Some Like It Hot, director Billy Wilder reunited with screenwriter I.A.L.
Diamond and comedy star Jack Lemmon, to produce an even greater masterpiece, winning five Oscars. The Apartment is a bittersweet romantic comedy, a biting satire on American corporate life, and a stunning widescreen depiction of urban space.

Jack Lemmon stars as C.C. Baxter, a lonely accountant who has a crush on Fran Kubelick, the funny-cute lift attendant (played by a magnetic Shirley MacLaine) at the giant New York City insurance company where they are cogs in the machine. Baxter’s greatest asset is a modest apartment in the city centre, which the company’s bosses pressure him into lending them for after-hours trysts with their mistresses. These favours could help Baxter ascend the male-dominated corporate ladder, but there’s a price to be paid, and that might involve the love of his life, as well as his principles.

At the heart of The Apartment is Lemmon and MacLaine’s delightfully comic (and poignant) screen rapport (which the screenplay was written around), but there’s also incredible art direction by Alexandre Trauner, a master of architectural space and scale, as well as beautifully textured black and white photography by Joseph LaShelle, redolent of film noir. Heartbreaking and hilarious, The Apartment’s sharp observations of workplace dynamics are just as relevant and resonant today.

The Apartment premiered exclusively at the Capitol Theatre on 12 January 1961, billed as “the year’s best film”, and screenings were sponsored by a calculator company. We bring it back to premiere this breathtaking 4K restoration!

Sunday, 19 July 2026 at 17:00

This screening will be followed by a lively and opinionated discussion (45 minutes) exploring The Apartment from many angles, featuring the following speakers:

Dr. Timothy R White is a Professor Emeritus of Film Studies at Missouri State University. He formerly taught at Auburn University and the National University of Singapore, he has written on the cinema industry of Singapore and Hollywood.

Khoo Sim Eng is Head of Programme for Film Studies at the Singapore University of Social Sciences, as well as one of the stars of Tiong Bahru Social Club.

Ken Kwek is an award-winning filmmaker, playwright and author. His first feature, Unlucky Plaza, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was the first local film to open the Singapore International Film Festival. His second feature, #LookAtMe, won the Youth Jury Prize and Audience Choice Award at Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema

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AUGUST
Sunday, 2 August 2026 at 17:00
Saturday, 15 August 2026 at 17:00
Sunday, 23 August 2026 at 17:00

2001: A Space Odyssey
(with post-show discussion by Shane Koh on 2 August 2026)
1968. Dir: Stanley Kubrick, 149 mins. (with 10 min. intermission), Colour, 4K DCP (PG)
Starring Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, Douglas Rain

One of the great masterpieces of cinema, Stanley Kubrick’s science fiction epic 2001: A Space Odyssey, is a work of extraordinary cinematic vision. It begins in prehistoric times, then leaps forward into the future of 2001, telling of humanity’s capacity for self-destruction. 2001 remains prescient, especially in our era of Artificial Intelligence.

Kubrick wanted to take Science Fiction, a genre often seen as ridiculous, and create an interplanetary spectacle as realistic and believable as possible.  Sci-fi author Arthur C. Clarke developed the story, about a mysterious monolith that appears on the moon, which has previously visited earth during a critical stage of human evolution. We then follow an expedition to Jupiter through deep space on a covert mission, derailed by the increasingly odd behaviour of HAL, the distinctively voiced AI that controls their spaceship.

In addition to the extraordinary special effects photography, production design and the choreography of the ‘Dawn of Man’ sequence (memorably parodied in Barbie!), Kubrick made iconic use of classical music on the soundtrack, including Richard Strauss’s Also sprach Zarathustra as a recurring theme, and Johann Strauss’s The Blue Danube to accompany the elegant movement of space flight.

On release in 1968 (eight months before the actual moon-landings), 2001 overwhelmed and fascinated audiences. They were often perplexed by the final section of the film, which Kubrick designed to be an purely visual and sonic journey open to interpretation. It is still utterly mind-blowing 58 years later.

Sunday, 2 August 2026 at 17:00

This screening will be introduced by Shane Koh

Shane is a historian, educator and prodigious collector of film posters and memorabilia, 2001 is one of his favourite films.

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Timeless Film Timeless Stay

Immerse yourself in heritage luxury at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore with our Timeless Film Timeless Stay package. Enjoy a refined escape in the Deluxe Room, paired with 20% off dining privileges across our signature restaurants and bars. Complete the experience with classic films screened at the iconic Capitol Theatre, where history and cinematic magic come alive.

Book your stay with us

The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
15 Stamford Road
Singapore 178906
kempinski.com/singapore

T +65 6368 8888
F +65 6384 1929
[email protected]