The history of film exhibition is a loud one, and the notion of the ‘silent film’ something of a misnomer. For this never-to-be-repeated silent horror double feature, cabaret artist and trained knife thrower Maxim Melton returns to BAR TRASH to provide an improvised live score for THE CABINET OF DR CALIGARI (1920). Then, esteemed stage and screen foley artist Ruth Sullivan will create live sound effects for the Buster Keaton short, THE HAUNTED HOUSE (1921) — all for £5 a ticket!

THE CABINET OF DR CALIGARI aka Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari dir Robert Wiene (1920 / Germany / 74mins) with live accompaniment by Maxim Melton

One of the most iconic films in cinema history, Robert Wiene’s Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari shook filmgoers worldwide and changed the direction of the art form. The film’s nightmarish sets and stark lighting influenced generations of filmmakers: you will have felt Dr. Caligari’s long shadow even if you haven’t actually seen the film. Experience this diabolical masterpiece with a new improvised live score by returning artist, Maxim Melton.

THE HAUNTED HOUSE dir Edward F. Cline & Buster Keaton (1921 / USA / 20mins) with live foley effects by Ruth Sullivan

THE HAUNTED HOUSE is a two-reel silent short starring comic genius Buster Keaton aka “The Great Stone Face”. Written and directed by Keaton and Edward F. Cline, the film sees Keaton star as a hapless bank teller who, falsely accused of planning a robbery, takes refuge in a haunted house. Silent films were frequently presented with live music and sound effects, a theatrical gimmick we recreate with Ruth Sullivan who has more than 260 screen credits for creating practical sound effects for TV and film including THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH, 28 DAYS LATER, and URCHIN.

Polite notice: We are showing THE CABINET OF DR CALIGARI and THE HAUNTED HOUSE with English language intertitles and live music/foley: expect sudden loud noises created live in the auditorium.

/// BAR TRASH is a celebration of cult and curious cinema, hosted by queer film fanatic Token Homo and friends. Films are served with themed drinks, introductions, intermissions, prize giveaways, and subtitles / captions where possible. Tickets from £3.50 + fees. Adults 18+ only. Follow @tokenhomo or visit tokenhomo.com for all the gory details ///