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Paul Merton's Silent Clowns

 
Alan Chorley Review by Alan Chorley 4 Published: 11 Aug 2008 Show Dates: 31 Dec 1969-31 Dec 1969

Paul Merton introduces a selection of silent film classics, featuring Charlie Chaplin, Harold Lloyd and Laurel & Hardy. He finishes with ‘Sherlock Junior’, a forty five minute long film starring Buster Keaton. All the films are accompanied by Neil Brand on piano.

Merton is clearly extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about silent film and his introductions are very interesting. As well as talking about each film, he gives a brief description of the backgrounds of the stars. The films he has selected for the show are not those that are regularly screened (I’d never seen any of them before) which adds greatly to the experience. Neil Brand is an accomplished accompanist and knows exactly what to play for each moment of each film.

I would have liked a question and answer session at the end, as an opportunity to find out more about silent films and what attracts Paul Merton to them, but I’m probably just being greedy. Very enjoyable and educational.

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The Blurb:

Paul Merton presents Buster Keaton in the uproariously funny 'Sherlock Junior' - shown on the big screen. Plus hilarious extracts featuring Chaplin, Laurel & Hardy and Harold Lloyd, all beautifully accompanied by Neil Brand on piano.