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Today in History: Kubrick’s The Shining Debuts on Ten U.S. Screens

5/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On May 23, 1980 Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel *The Shining* opened in ten theaters across New York City and Los Angeles, introducing audiences to Jack Nicholson’s tormented caretaker and the film’s meticulous, genre-blending horror. The premiere marked the debut of Kubrick’s celebrated, detail-driven masterpiece.

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Story summary

On May 23, 1980 Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel *The Shining* opened in ten theaters across New York City and Los Angeles, introducing audiences to Jack Nicholson’s tormented caretaker and the film’s meticulous, genre-blending horror. The premiere marked the debut of Kubrick’s celebrated, detail-driven masterpiece.