10/23/2026
One of our favorite Shawnee Spooky Season Traditions: For the fifth time, Emmanuel Episcopal Church (501 N. Broadway) will present a classic silent movie featuring live organ accompaniment for the Halloween season.
The 1926 silent mystery/horror/comedy “The Bat” will be presented on Sunday, October 25, at 7:00 p.m. in the church nave. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free, up to the church’s seating capacity.
Based on the hit 1920 Broadway play by Mary Roberts Rinehart and Avery Hopwood, this Roland West film has been praised for its innovative visuals and atmospheric cinematography. The original film was a major box office success and was later remade with sound in 1930 using an early widescreen 70mm format, as well as in 1959 starring horror icon Vincent Price. The film was part of the inspiration for the creation of “Batman”.
The story revolves around a masked criminal terrorizing guests at a sprawling old dark mansion as they hunt for stolen loot, combining suspense, horror thrills, and light comedy complete with secret passages, spooky characters, and clever twists.
