Classics at Capitol

This year, starting in February, classic movies return to Capitol Theatre for the first time since the theatre was restored and reopened in 2015. Under the branding of CLASSICS AT CAPITOL, a regular program of restored classic films from the history of cinema will play in newly restored digital versions, curated by film lecturer and writer Dr Ben Slater.

Titled CLASSICS AT CAPITOL, the program will start with three iconic films, each from different genres – the comedy-musical SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (1952), the epic war adventure LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962) and elegant thriller NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1962).

CLASSICS AT CAPITOL aims to revive the communal magic of movie-going. Each month will showcase one classic film for a series of limited screenings, enhanced by introductions by experts and special guests, surprises and above all, the historic ambiance of a grand, heritage hall. The event will bring back vibrancy and excitement to the ‘big screen’ experience, and introduce new audiences to older film titles in this unique historical setting.

HISTORY OF CAPITOL THEATRE

Nearly a century old, 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 proud 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 and it is currently managed by The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore.
 

INFORMATION ON THE FILMS

FEBRUARY
Sunday, 22 February 2026 at 19:00
Tuesday, 24 February 2026 at 19:30

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN
1952, Dir: Stanley Donen, 103 minutes, Colour, 4K DCP (PG)
Starring Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, Debbie Reynolds, Rita Moreno

One of the most purely entertaining films ever made, this extraordinary musical, shot in glorious ‘Technicolor’, is an affectionately comic look back at the late 1920s, when Hollywood shifted from Silent Sound Pictures, the period in which Capitol Theatre was built. It tells the story of cynical silent film star Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly – at his greatest) in his struggles to hold onto his career, alongside buddy Cosmo (Donald O’Connor), while falling for chorus girl Kathy (Debbie Reynolds) and rediscovering a love for moviemaking.

Drawing nostalgically from hit songs from the 1920s and 1930s, SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN is a gloriously funny and inventive series of set-pieces which showcase the brilliant choreographic and comic skills of its stars (as well as amazing costumes and set-designs). Regularly voted one of the best films ever made, it was described by critic Roger Ebert as “a transcendental experience”.

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MARCH
Thursday, 5 March 2026 at 19:00
Wednesday, 18 March 2026 at 19:00
Wednesday, 25 March 2026 at 19:00
Sunday, 29 March 2026 at 17:00

LAWRENCE OF ARABIA
1962, Dir: David Lean, 222 mins, Colour, 4K DCP (PG)
Starring: Peter O’Toole, Omar Sharif, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn

The story of a highly formidable man – T.E Lawrence, a British officer and spy, who became an unlikely leader in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire in World War I – is the compelling subject for inarguably the most magnificent epic in cinema.

Directed by David Lean, the film traces the journey of Lawrence (Peter O’Toole) from misfit soldier to a rebel leader, through stunning desert landscapes, encounters with an extraordinary cast of historical characters and startlingly realistic battle sequences. The film combines stunning visual splendour, a lushly memorable soundtrack by Maurice Jarre, with a complex depiction of shifting wartime allegiances, morality and the heroism. At the heart of the film is Peter O’Toole’s mesmerising, enigmatic performance.

Some aspects of the film have dated, but the film was deeply researched, and its use of cinematic techniques in depicting vast historical events at a personal level, has arguably never been equalled.

This version is based on the 1989 restoration digitised in 2013 and includes twenty additional minutes. There will be a 10-minute interval between the two halves of the film.

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APRIL
Wednesday, 8 April 2026 at 19:30
Wednesday, 22 April 2026 at 19:30
Sunday, 26 April 2026 at 17:00
Tuesday, 28 April 2026 at 19:30

NORTH BY NORTHWEST
1959, Dir: Alfred Hitchcock, 136 mins, Colour, 4K DCP (PG)
Starring: Cary Grant, Eve Marie Saint, James Mason

The film that set the template for every action-adventure, non-stop chase film that came after, from James Bond to Mission Impossible.

Cary Grant stars as Roger Thornhill, an elegant ‘Mad Man’ era advertising executive mistaken for a spy, then framed for murder, thereby setting in motion a breathlessly exciting cross-country race for him to evade his enemies and clear his name. Legendary director Alfred Hitchcock is at the height of his powers in choreographing terrific suspense-filled sequences of pure cinema, which include Grant’s drunken bicycle ride, the iconic ‘Crop Duster’ sequence and the grand climax at Mount Rushmore.

The witty script by Ernest Lehman, creates delicious romance between Grant and Eve Marie Saint’s mysterious stranger on the train, and concocts two splendidly eccentric villains in the form of James Mason and his sinister sidekick Martin Landau. It’s a tremendously enjoyable film of relentless forward motion and absurd comic detail, that effortlessly revolves around a supremely droll star performance by Grant.

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Classics at Capitol is running from 22 February 2026 to 28 April 2026.