Well, here we are. Somehow it’s November, and it’s almost time for the Silent Laughter Weekend at London’s Cinema Museum. We think it’s a great lineup, from classics with Chaplin, Keaton, Lloyd and Laurel and Hardy, through to obscurities and rediscoveries starring everyone from Dorothy Devore, Monty Banks and Charley Bowers to Marion Davies and Pat & Patachon. Plus the UK re-premieres of long unseen films with Charley Chase, Syd Chaplin, Charlie Murray and Clara Bow.
The trailer above gives a good flavour of what’s to come, but if you want to know more, here are the full programme notes for the weekend:
(And if that doesn’t convince you, we’ve got a whole load of “Easter Egg” extras to add in. AND some of the most talented silent film accompanists playing for each show!) Here’s the link to buy tickets, if you haven’t already:
It’s back! Mark your diaries for giggles, chuckles and belly laughs! On November 9th & 10th, Kennington Bioscope present another Silent Laughter Weekend: two days of live silent cinema showcasing the cream of silent comedy films.
This year features one of our most packed programmes ever, a wide-ranging and eclectic selection of the funniest, rarest and most unusual gems from comedy’s greatest era. From the best-loved comedians to the most obscure; from wild slapstick to the subtle and sophisticated; from surreal stop-motion animation to European clowns, there’s a smorgasbord of silent hilarity spread over twelve programmes.
You’ll find plenty of familiar favourites, including classic shorts starring Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd and Laurel & Hardy. But there’s so much more to silent comedy than the well-known stars, and as always we also spotlight the undeservedly forgotten comedy talents, such as Marion Davies (in The Patsy), Danish comedy team Pat & Patachon, Richard Dix, Charlie Murray and Charley Chase.
Regular attendees will know that we always pull some real rarities out of the hat. This year is no exception, as we’ll be hosting the U.K. premieres of several recently rediscovered films. On Saturday evening, Charlie Chaplin’s brother Syd stars in Oh! What a Nurse! one of the big hits of last year’s Pordenone, it hasn’t been seen in this country for almost 100 years! We’re also thrilled to be showing the newly rediscovered spooky comedy thriller The Gorilla, starring comedy stalwart Charlie Murray. Murray also features alongside Clara Bow in another previously lost film, The Pill-Pounder. Bioscope favourite Charley Chase will feature in a programme of newly restored short comedies that have been unseen in many, many years and we’ll also be showing some incredibly rare films starring the likes of Monty Banks, Harold Lloyd and Dorothy Devore.
There is also a spotlight on the iconic Keystone Kops, as well as the work of Vitagraph Studios. An ‘Animations and Illusions’ programme will feature camera trickery, from Meliés’ experiments to the mind-blowing madness of Charley Bowers. You won’t want to miss a very special presentation of 9.5mm rarities by Christopher Bird, shown on film using amazing vintage projectors. Bioscope favourite Charley Chase will feature in some of his rarest comedies, newly restored and presented by Hal Roach expert Richard M Roberts.
We’ve even got a silent film appearance of a Marx Brother! There’s a rare screening of Too Many Kisses, a 1925 comedy featuring a supporting role from none other than Harpo Marx.
Every programme features live musical accompaniment from London’s finest silent film pianists. A roll call of comedy film authors, enthusiasts and collectors will contextualise the films, and share stories of the filmmakers. And it all takes place in the wonderful surroundings of London’s Cinema Museum. Oh, and it’s just £30 for the whole weekend!
So come and join us on the 9th-10th November for a lafftastic weekend of live silent cinema. It’s the best selection of rare and classic silent comedy you’ll find anywhere!
Here’s the link to the full programme, and to buy tickets:
The Lost Laugh 