Time: 2.00pm
Introduction | Fri 20th | Sat 21st | Sun 22nd
HOLLYWOOD'S CHILDREN (USA1982, PG)
Time: 11.00am
Narrated by ex-child star Roddy McDowall, this 1982 documentary profiles Hollywood children from Jackie Coogan to Jodie Foster and beyond. Based on Diana Serra Cary's book of the same name, Diana is featured (both as herself and as Baby Peggy) along with Jackie Coogan, and a host of child stars. This film offers an introduction to Diana’s event, which follows.
BABY PEGGY'S HOLLYWOOD'S CHILDREN
Time: 2.00pm
Child Stars were big box office in the silent days. Along with international stars such as Jackie Coogan and Baby Peggy child troupes Our Gang and Little Rascals were hugely popular film series making a fortune for film studios and their performer's parents. Diana Serra Cary (Baby Peggy) reveals what it was like working as child star in the twenties and discusses the careers of other child stars and the impact that working so young in Hollywood had on them. With screenings of selection of related film titles. With live piano accompaniment by Neil Brand.
LOST LAUGHS II: SLAPSTICK PANEL
Time: 4.00pm
More recently restored gems championed and introduced by Bristol Silents patron’s Paul Merton, Paul McGann, Diana Serra Cary and Aardman Animation’s Director Peter Lord. The films include the most complete copy possible of Buster Keaston’s DAYDREAMS (1922) - famously missing some vital scenes since its release; Charley Bowers' surreal and spooky THERE IT IS (1928) combining live action and animation, Baby Peggy's first appearance in PLAYMATES (1921), and a complete restoration of the long lost LOVE (1919) with Roscoe ‘Fatty’Arbuckle. With live piano accompaniment by Gunter Buchwald.
Special Closing Event: THE KID (1921)
Plus THE ROUNDERS (1914)
Time: 8.30pm
THE KID is Chaplin’s most sophisticated blend of comedy and emotion, with the brilliant Jackie Coogan evoking the comedian’s own childhood traumas. Screened with Chaplin’s own musical score and introduced by Diana Serra Cary (Baby Peggy) - Coogan’s childhood playmate and biographer and Paul Merton.
Plus: THE ROUNDERS (1914) Chaplin and Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle play a pair of hilarious inebriates in pure slapstick accompanied live by Neil Brand on piano and Gunter Buchwald on violin.
£6/£8.