The Portal Theater
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
October 16 & 17 - 7:00 pm
A ragtag group of Pennsylvanians barricade themselves in an old farmhouse to remain safe from a horde of flesh-eating ghouls that are ravaging the Northeast of the United States.
The title is in the public domain because the filmmakers failed to include a mandatory copyright notice on the original film's title card due to a last-minute title change. According to copyright law at the time, this absence of the proper notice meant the film never received copyright protection and entered the public domain upon its release.
The movie drew inspiration from the 1954 novel I Am Legend by Richard Matheson.
Nosferatu (1922)
October 23 & 24 - 7:00 pm
A 1922 movie advertisement called Nosferatu "A thrilling mystery masterpiece—a chilling psycho-drama of blood-lust"
The title is an unlicensed, unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker's novel, Dracula. Stoker's widow sued the production company, Prana Films, for copyright infringement. In 1925, a German court ordered all copies of the movie be destroyed. Despite the court order, some prints of the film had already been distributed globally, evading destruction. By United States laws on copyright from the date of its release, it entered public domain here in 2019.
Little Shop of Horrors (1960)
Saturday, November 1, 2025
A clumsy young man working at an impoverished flower shop discovers that the strange plant he has been nurturing has an insatiable appetite for blood, forcing him to kill to feed it.
The 1960 movie first entered public domain because the filmmakers did not submit a registration to the copyright office. In 1980, a musical version was created. When the original screenwriter discovered this, the copyright registration was submitted 25 years late. It seemed to have worked and they were able to get at least some royalties. With the unusual circumstances of the copyright, it is unclear if this copyright file held up. Unfortunately, the filmmakers missed the deadline to renew the copyright and the film is now confirmed in the public domain.
This showing is not connected to a book. It is an original screenplay.
This is a one night only showing for the Spooktacular Square Affair event.
Food at The Portal
This isn't your average movie theater in a lot of ways. Here, you are welcome to bring in dinner and eat while you watch. We even have tables in the viewing area for you. We request you clean up your own mess to the best of your abilities.
It wouldn't be a movie theater without popcorn though, so we've got you covered there. Only 50 cents for a small bag!
And of course, the bar downstairs will be open for your refreshment needs. Grab a cocktail or two to sip while you view!
Ticket Cost
Tickets are $3.00 in advance and can be purchased online or in store at the bookstore.
Tickets are $5.00 at the door.
Bookstore gift cards may be used for theater ticket purchases, but bookstore discount promotions do not apply unless specifically stated.
Seating opens at 6:30 pm.