The Penalty: Silent horror film, live music, and luscious cocktails

Join us for a journey to the San Francisco underworld, where a grim villain reigns over the dark criminal underworld, and innocence becomes the tool of his dastardly plan for revenge.
The Penalty (1920) was Lon Chaney’s breakout film, catapulting him to international stardom. This haunting silent gothic horror film was also the first silent Hollywood feature starring a young Claire Adams, who spent the second half of her life at Mooramong, now a National Trust property in Skipton.

Your ticket to this one-night-only event includes:
• a specially created cocktail/mocktail from Ballarat’s finest mixologist at The Crypt, available from 5.00pm
• a sprinkling of silent film history to set the scene, presented by author Heather Robinson and
• a live musical soundtrack created and performed by legendary local musicians Anna Morley and Tom Macgowan

Doors to the theatre open at 5.30pm for a 6.00pm start.

This pre-code film features nudity, drug addiction and violence, and is STRICTLY ADULTS ONLY.

Tickets are available at https://ballaratheritagefestival.com.au/explore/the-penalty-film-presentation-music-and-cocktails

Part of the 2025 Ballarat Heritage Festival, and supported by the City of Ballarat and Federation University.

Also check out other Entertainment events in Ballarat, Music events in Ballarat.