At the corner of Sixth and Downing, in the historic Clifton neighborhood of Denver, sits Esquire Theater. In the 80s, the Esquire Theater was almost destroyed and replaced by a Wendy’s. During this period in the theater’s long-lived history, the Esquire was at a point of disrepair, becoming a remnant of itself. Wendy’s, with its corporate lawyers and incredible war coffers, was prepared to buy and demolish the Esquire and all of its history with it. 

To the neighbors of Clinton, this was unacceptable. Thus the community banded together, forming the Clifton Theater Corp., which successfully raised enough money to not only win their litigation with Wendy’s but also to renovate the Esquire, making it the beloved community hub that it is today. 

The Theater, originally opening in 1911 as the Clifton Opera House, has seen countless renovations and overhauls to maintain its “old-timey” theater feel while remaining a quintessential gathering place for Denver residents. Seeing as Halloween is quickly approaching, the Esquire is gearing up with a whole docket of classic horror movies, complete with Q&As, shadow cast performances and the encouragement to dress up to attend. Along with the Rocky Horror Picture Show, the Esquire is showing quite a few spooky classics. Their details and show times are listed below:

Shocktober 2022 (Tickets and details here)

All adult tickets start at $10.25.

Shocktober is a month-long horror celebration featuring four legendary horror pieces, including: “The Birds”, “The Shining”, “The Exorcist”, and the original “Nosferatu”. There is also a new psychology-horror piece filmed in Chicago appearing called “All Jacked Up and Full of Worms.” Moreover, some showings include a Q&A and commentary from Film Professor Joe Horine (LinkedIn) who teaches at the University of Cincinnati.

The Birds (1963)

Don’t let the name deceive you: this older horror flick by Alfred Hitchcock is guaranteed to be quite frightening! The movie follows a Californian socialite on a quest to get a boyfriend when birds start randomly attacking people.

Showing Sunday 10/09 at 1 p.m. and Wednesday 10/12 at 7 p.m., both showings with professor commentary.

The Shining (1980)

This psychological masterclass following the plot of Stephen King’s novel by the same name is probably one of the most iconic horror works in the history of the art. It follows a caretaker family staying at a hotel in the Rockies for the winter while completely isolated. The father’s unsteady mental state rears its ugly head and slowly leads to the thrilling moments of this classic film.

Showing Wednesday 10/27 at 7 p.m. with professor commentary.

The Exorcist – Director’s Cut (1973)

The Exorcist is well known for its ability to scare audiences; being one of the highest-earning horror films of all time, this flick is sure to impress. It follows a mother-and-daughter combo as the daughter begins to experience elements of possession. A priest deems an exorcism necessary and sends in a professional to get the job done.

Showing Monday 10/31 (Halloween) at 7 p.m. with professor commentary.

Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (1922)

Nosferatu is considered to be the first modern horror film, creating an ensuing artistic tradition that lives on today. The film takes place in the mountains of Transylvania, where the mysterious Count Orlock decides to move closer to Thomas Hutter and his wife, Ellen. Thomas realizes that the Count is a vampire and has to act fast, as his wife is in grave danger!

Showing Saturday 10/15 at 1 p.m. and 10 p.m., and 10/28 at 9 p.m. There is also one showing on Monday 10/17 at 7 p.m. that includes professor commentary.

All Jacked Up and Full of Worms (2022)

This new psychological horror flick follows a maintenance man and a moped enthusiast down a path of self-destruction as the duo discovers a stash of hallucinogenic worms.

Showing Friday 10/21 at 9 p.m. and Sunday 10/23 at 5 p.m.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Tickets and details here)

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is probably what the Esquire is best known for each spooky season. This musical features a newlywed couple when their car breaks down and they have to take refuge in the residence of Dr. Frank-n-Furter. The Esquire goes all out for this production, complete with a shadow cast acting out what’s happening in the film, right there in front of the big screen. This is the must-see film at the Esquire for the season.

Showing Saturday 10/15 at 11:55 p.m. and 10/29 at 9:30 p.m. and 11:55 p.m.