Sherlock Jr. (1924) with live accompaniment from Richard Hills at the Compton pipe organ
Tuesday 15 November 2022 at 7:30pm
Dir. Buster Keaton | USA | 45m | U | Feature with live music
A film projectionist longs to be a detective, and puts his meagre skills to work when he is framed by a rival for stealing his girlfriend's father's pocketwatch.
We are thrilled to announce that this event will begin with a performance by Richard Hills at the organ, demonstrating the range and full wonder of its capability, followed by an interval and then the film screening with accompaniment.
After a break during lockdown and the Covid pandemic it's a joy to welcome Silver Street Films back to SFW for our longstanding film week tradition, a classic silent film with live accompaniment from the historic Guildhall Compton Pipe Organ. Celebrated Cinema Organist Richard Hills will be presenting live soundtrack to the Buster Keaton classic, 1924's Sherlock Jr.
Arguably the cleverest of Keaton's 1920's films, this detective fantasy takes place inside the head of a cinema projectionist (Keaton) who – in a sequence that’s a technical marvel to this day – dreams himself into the screen only to be flummoxed by the film’s editing. This film includes many other fantastical set pieces, including one stunt that even fractured Keaton's neck, the footage of which made it into the final film. Keaton suffered from blinding migraines for years afterwards and was unaware of the reason, until a doctor diagnosed him in the 1930s.
The Guildhall Compton Pipe Organ is one of Southampton's greatest hidden treasures. Witness to all the artists, bands, performances and events which have taken place at the 02 Guildhall, the organ pipes wait patiently and quietly above the stage for opportunities such as these when at the hands of the maestro they are brought to life. Our organ in Southampton is wonderful and unique, providing two beautiful walnut consoles - one classic and one theatre, or Variety as it was originally called. The consoles are positioned either side of the stage and like the pipes above the proscenium arch generally go unnoticed.
This event provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the wonder of the silent-age as it would have been experienced at the time Sherlock Jr. was produced, whilst enjoying the magnificent Compton Organ and a glimpse of an often over-looked jewel in the City's rich heritage.
Tickets cost £14.95 or £12.75 (concession) including booking fee from the O2 Guildhall.
Please note that seating WILL BE PROVIDED although the Guildhall booking system implies that this is a standing event!
is run by film charity 
Charity Number 1089882
