Expired March 8, 2021 1:00 PM
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Our opening event is a double bill of W.C. Fields comedies with a live welcome from festival director Chris Daniels and insights from the star’s granddaughter, Dr Harriet Fields


W. C. FIELDS  SILENT COMEDY DOUBLE BILL

 

Running Wild (1927)* Dir: Gregory La Cava US 67 mins  


A browbeaten Fields gains the courage of a lion thanks to a vaudeville hypnotist in this hilarious early silent comedy. Fields stars as Elmer Finch, a meek accountant nagged by his wife, harassed by his children, and awed by his boss. After he accidentally throws a horseshoe through a window, the cops are on his tail, and a suitably ridiculous chain of events puts him under the thrall of hypnosis, where he believes himself to be a lion. With newly leonine strength he visits all those who shamed and bullied him, and tries to get a raise in the process. RUNNING WILD is a wonderful early example of Fields’ in action and a non-stop laugh riot.   


Pool Sharks (1915) Dir: Edwin Middleton US 11 mins


In Fields’ first on-screen appearance, two romantic rivals play a game of pool for the hand of their lady love. A silent slapstick affair, this short is partly based on Fields’ stage act and was influenced by the comedians of the day, especially Chaplin.


Dr Harriet Fields (W.C. Fields’ champion and granddaughter) introduces each film, and John Sweeney provides live piano accompaniment.


*Mastered in 2K from 35mm film elements preserved by The Library of Congress.

With special thanks to Kino Lorber.


This film is not BBFC Certificated. The festival team suggest parental guidance



For more information on W.C. Fields see www.wcfields.com




Tickets:


  • Virtual Admission £6

If you can afford to, please book this ticket, our usual rate; this allows us to help run the festival, provide the content and make ends meet during these challenging times.


  • Slapstick Champion £10

This rate, if you have the means, will help support Slapstick and our ongoing programme along with subsidising concession tickets, for those who otherwise could not afford to attend.


  • Young Person, ages 16-29 £3

 Continuing our efforts to encourage younger audiences to discover the screen comedy greats of the past


  • Covid Impact £3

We know these times are exceptional, so this special low price is for those on low or no pay due to the pandemic!


Booking fees will be applied


If you are purchasing for more than one event at the festival you might prefer to buy a pass


https://slapstick2021.eventive.org/passes/buy