Silents at the Senate Presents: Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927)  

Sat. Mar. 21 

Doors – 7:00 PM  

Films – 8:00 PM  

Tickets - $12  

1hr 35min | NR | Drama | USA 

Live organ accompaniment by Dennis Scott 

What is lust against the power of love? What are the temptations of modernity against the bedrock of human connection? 

Find out as Silents at the Senate begins its 2026 season with F.W. Murnau’s silent film, Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans. Live musical accompaniment will be provided by Dennis Scott on the Senate’s Mighty Wurlitzer theater pipe organ. This massive and magnificent instrument is the eighth largest instrument of its kind and made its debut inside Detroit’s Fisher Theater in 1928, one year after this film was first screened! 

Released on the eve of the sound era and a Best Picture winner at the inaugural Academy Awards in 1929, Sunrise is considered a masterpiece of silent cinema, representing the zenith of purely visual storytelling. Its groundbreaking techniques in cinematography and special effects tell a story of a marriage threatened by temptation and deadly sin, using intertitles sparingly in favor of action and expressive acting. The result is a superlative work, with all the impressionistic power of poetry. 

Though it was one of the first films released with synchronized music and sound effects, patrons at the Senate will be treated to a live score from the aforementioned Mr. Scott, one of today’s premiere silent film accompanists. 

And, as always, following the silent film presentation patrons will have a chance to take a tour of the organ pipe chambers. Additionally, the organist for the evening will be available to field any questions you may have about theater organ and the art of silent film accompaniment! 

Parking is available in our gated lot, on Gilbert, and Michigan Avenue