Fairbanks and Chaplin double bill

Join us for a taste of the ‘flickers’ from a century ago - Saturday morning pictures circa 1916. A silent comedy double bill featuring two of the biggest stars of the silent era. Introduced by film historian Kevin Brownlow and with live piano accompaniment by John Sweeney.

The Matrimaniac

Dir: Paul Powell US 1916 44mins

This early Douglas Fairbanks outing showcasing his flair for charm, comedy and athleticism sees a young couple, with plans to elope, flee on a train. But her meddling family and a jealous rival work to stop their plans.

The Count

Dir: Charles Chaplin US 1916 24mins

The first outing at Slapstick for this little known film from Charlie’s happiest years of film-making. A tailor's handyman (played by Chaplin) burns a count's trousers while ironing them and is fired, only to find his superior has discovered a note explaining the count can't attend a party, so dresses up like one himself to take his place.

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