Mega Silents: Gloria Swanson Double Bill

As part of the BFI's Too Much Melodrama season, South West Silents and Film Noir UK are proud to present this very special double bill celebrating the Melodrama Queen herself, Gloria Swanson (1899-1983). This event will consist of Allan Dwan's silent comedy classic Stage Struck (1925), which will be screened with live music, and Billy Wilder's noir masterpiece, Sunset Boulevard (1950).

Stage Struck (1925): Daydreaming waitress Jennie Hagen fantasizes about becoming a famous actress, while in reality she and her cook boyfriend, Orme Wilson, hope to one day own their own diner. Although Orme loves Jennie, he also has a weakness for stage stars – so when a riverboat theatrical crew comes to their town, he is smitten by lead actress Lillian Lyons. Desperate to keep Orme, Jennie insists on going onstage to best Lillian, but is soon out of her depth.

The film will be accompanied with live music.

Sunset Boulevard (1950) Intense, enthralling, and unforgettable, Sunset Boulevard stars Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond, a faded silent-movie star, and William Holden as Joe Gillis, a down-on-his-luck screenwriter whom she enlists to help her make her triumphant "return to the screen". Directed and co-written by acclaimed filmmaker Billy Wilder, this mesmerising Hollywood classic won three Academy Awards®.

We highly recommend booking tickets early to avoid disappointment!

Our thanks to Kino Studios, Paramount Studios and Park Circus.

South West Silents is a not-for-profit organisation. With support of the BFI Film Audience Network, awarding funds from the National Lottery in order to bring this project to more audiences across the UK. This screening is part of the BFI's Too Much Melodrama Season.