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 two 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—starting with the timeless enchantment of The Wizard of Oz this May.

MAY
Sunday, 3 May 2026 at 17:00
Sunday, 10 May 2026 at 17:00
Wednesday, 20 May 2026 at 19:30

THE WIZARD OF OZ
1939, Dir: Victor Fleming, 102 minutes, Colour & Black and White, 4K DCP (PG)
Starring Judy Garland, Bert Lahr, Billie Burke, Margaret Hamilton

“Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore!”

Adapted from L. Frank Baum’s first novel set in the fantastical world of Oz, this fantasy-musical has become – over the last 80 years – one of the most beloved, iconic and influential films of all time.

It tells the story of Dorothy (Judy Garland), a Kansas farm girl, who – along with loyal dog Toto – is hurled by a tornado into the magical landscapes of the weird and wonderful Oz.

She travels to the Emerald City, where a powerful Wizard might help her return home. Along the Yellow Brick Road, she befriends strange and loveable characters (The Tin Man, Scarecrow and Lion), while attempting to evade the vengeance-seeking Wicked Witch of the West and flying monkeys!

DID YOU KNOW: The Wizard of Oz played at the Capitol Theatre when it ‘re-opened’ in 1940 after installing a brand-new air-conditioning system and re-upholstered seats. So, we’re delighted to host the Singapore premiere of the 4K DCP restoration!

Stay tuned for more exciting themed experiences launching in conjunction with this movie screening - from The Wiz Afternoon and cocktails, to limited-edition merchandise.

Ticket sales start from SGD 20 nett for general admission, SGD 15 nett for students, senior citizens and children aged two to 12 on SISTIC.

Wednesday, 20 May 2026, at 19:30

This screening will be introduced by Tan Kheng Hua.

Kheng Hua is one of Singapore’s best-loved and most respected actors, creating iconic characters on television, stage and screen, and winning many awards. Her role in the hugely successful Crazy Rich Asians (2018) brought her international recognition.

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JUNE
Sunday, 7 June 2026 at 15:00
Sunday, 21 June 2026 at 15:00

E.T The Extra-Terrestrial
1982. Dir: Steven Spielberg, 114 minutes, Colour, 4K DCP (PG)
Starring Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote, Dee Wallace

“Genuinely entrancing movies are almost as rare as extraterrestrial visitors.” Pauline Kael

Before E.T The Extra-Terrestrial was released, Hollywood wunderkind Steven Spielberg’s previous film Raiders of The Lost Ark (1981) was criticised as cold and mechanical. E.T, by contrast, was surprisingly personal, fusing the director’s long-standing fascination for aliens with nostalgia for his suburban childhood.

E.T tells the story of two lost souls: Elliott, a 10-year-old boy struggling to cope with his parents’ separation, and E.T, an alien botanist accidentally left on earth, who befriends the boy. As it becomes increasingly difficult to hide E.T., Elliott recruits his friends and siblings to keep their new friend from prying adult eyes, but sinister forces are closing in. It’s a moving, soaring adventure that became, for a time, the most successful film ever made.

Spielberg worked with key collaborators: screenwriter Melissa Mathison, cinematographer Allen Daviau, production designer Jim Bissell, soundtrack composer John, and special effects wizard Carlo Rimbaldi (responsible for the E.T. puppetry), to craft his most magical film. The evocation of a glowing, autumnal American suburbia in which the children freely cycle, run and play, is now a ubiquitous part of popular culture, and fans of Stranger Things will feel at home.

E.T was released in Singapore on 27 November 1982 and ran exclusively at Lido for many weeks before transferring to Jade in January 1983. This may be the first time E.T has played at the Capitol Theatre!

The film is in English. Please note there will not be subtitles.

Sunday 7 June at 15:00

This screening will be introduced by Eric Khoo.

Eric Khoo is one of Singapore’s most prominent and pioneering film directors. His films have premiered at festivals all over the world, including 12 Storeys (1997), the first Singaporean film to be selected for the Cannes Film Festival, and Be With Me (2005) which opened the Directors Fortnight in Cannes. As a producer he has worked with and supported many young filmmakers, and was awarded the Cultural Medallion in 2007. He’s served on juries at major festivals, produced successful films and TV series, including HBO’s Folklore and Foodlore, and his most recent feature Spirit World was chosen to be the closing film for the 2024 Busan International Film Festival.

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

THE APARTMENT
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!

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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
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