Mega Silents: Comedy Western Double Bill
Marking the 40th anniversary of the classic comedy western ¡Three Amigos! (1986) South West Silents is very excited to present a special double bill connecting two classic comedies from two classic Hollywood eras; both of which play we the concepts of reality and illusion of cinema and the Wild West.
From the silent era, and starring one of the all-time greats, Douglas Fairbanks; Wild and Woolly (1917) is one of the best action-packed comedies ever to be produced from the golden age of Hollywood. Fairbanks plays Jeff Hillington, a millionaire who is obsessed with the folklore of the ‘Wild West’, so much so he would love to ‘live in it’. Taking advantage of his passion, Jeff is invited to a town out West, but unbeknown to him, the town’s “wild” days are long over. The townspeople are all after Jeff for his money, so they humour his taste for the “West”.
But reality catches up with the townsfolk when a real bunch of “Wild” bandits role into town. In classic Fairbanks style, the films plays out with some of the best stunts and funniest moments on film.
From the silent era we jump to the height of the 1980s with comedy classic ¡Three Amigos! (1986). Starring Steve Martin, Chevy Chase and Martin Short and directed by John Landis. Lucky Day (Martin), Dusty Bottoms (Chase) and Ned Nederlander (Short) are a trio of silent film stars, known as the 'Three Amigos', who have been dropped by their studio.
When they receive a telegram inviting them to put on a show in a remote Mexican village, they are forced to accept. However, there is one problem; the villagers mistake them for real daring caballeros, and the banditos they are being paid to take on fire real bullets. Will the Amigos save the day, or have they bitten off more than they can chew?
With thanks to FPA Classics France, Park Circus and MGM Studios.
We highly recommend booking tickets early to avoid disappointment!
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.