Silence is golden as classic movies return
THE GREAT films of early cinema history were not known for spin-offs and sequels – but a Leeds event which pays homage to the silent movie era opened to audiences for the third time last night.
Comedian Paul Merton, best known for being a lead panellist on BBC One show Have I Got
News For You, hosted the start of the Yorkshire Silent Film Festival at the City Varieties, a venue known for its bygone charm, last night. The long-time fan of silent film clowns presented a night of slapstick featuring famous silverscreen performers, accompanied by pianist Neil Brand.
Speaking ahead of the event, Merton said: “I’m thrilled beyond words to be presenting my favourite silent comedians – Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd, and Laurel and Hardy – at the iconic City Varieties theatre in Leeds, in some of the funniest films ever made.
“With live music provided by the brilliant Neil Brand, the evening promises to be a comic cavalcade of fantastic fun and laughter.”
The festival, billed as the UK’s largest celebration of silent film, takes place in cinemas, theatres and community venues across the region. There will be 40 events and each one is to feature a performance by specialist film musicians. Events are taking place in Hebden Bridge, Holmfirth, Huddersfield, Leeds, Ossett, York and further afield until May 27.
Harold Lloyd’s last silent film Speedy will be shown in Sheffield, Settle, Hebden Bridge and Hull.
Yorkshire itself has a place in cinema history. Frenchman Louis Le Prince’s 1888 silent film of carriages on Leeds Bridge may be the first example of moving images, pre-dating the Lumiere brothers and Thomas Edison – who are usually credited with pioneering cinema. Visit www. yorkshiresilentfilm.com.