GRANDMA's BOY (1922) ​

Harold Lloyd at his very best in this delighful 1922 comedy! with Live Wurlitzer Organ Accompaniment by Donald MacKenzie. A shy grandson becomes an unlikely hero in one of silent cinema's most entertaining and heartwarming crowd-pleasers plus a supporting comedy.

A Comedy of Courage Directed by Fred C. Newmeyer and starring the legendary Harold Lloyd, Grandma's Boy is one of the most significant films of the silent era. It is a brilliant blend of comedy, pathos, and character development, showcasing Lloyd’s unique ability to combine physical slapstick with genuine human emotion.

The Plot The story follows "Sunny" Harold (Lloyd), a timid, cowardly young man who is afraid of almost everything—from the local bully to the very idea of confrontation. When a crime occurs in town and the sheriff is too afraid to pursue the culprit, Harold is pressured to step up. His grandmother gives him an old umbrella handle, claiming it is a "magic charm" that once gave his grandfather the courage to be a hero during the Civil War. Empowered by the belief in the charm, Harold undergoes a transformation, discovering the bravery that was inside him all along.

Why It’s Special

• The "Glasses Character": This film was instrumental in cementing Harold Lloyd’s iconic "Glasses Character"—a relatable, optimistic, and earnest young man who finds himself in over his head. It helped differentiate him from the "Tramp" of Charlie Chaplin or the "Stone Face" of Buster Keaton.
• Narrative Depth: Unlike many comedies of the time that were merely a string of gags, Grandma's Boy features a strong narrative arc. It is widely considered one of the first "feature-length" comedies to successfully integrate a heartfelt story with slapstick humor.
• Historical Significance: The film is a masterclass in silent-era storytelling, relying on expressive acting and clever visual gags rather than title cards to convey the internal growth of the protagonist.

Event Details

• Date: Sunday, 22 November 2026
• Time: 2:30 PM start.
• Location: Kew Bridge Kinema at The Musical Museum
• Ticket Price: £15 Adult, £8 Child 
  

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The Kew Bridge Kinema at The Musical Museum

The Kew Bridge Kinema at The Musical Museum is truly unique. It is the UK's only repertory series featuring live Wurlitzer organ accompaniment to silent classic film in the UK.

A Century of Cinematic Tradition In January 1925, the first Wurlitzer organ was opened in a British cinema. These remarkable instruments were originally designed to accompany moving pictures. More than a century later, we are keeping this art alive at the Museum, allowing new generations to experience the thrill of the golden age of silent cinema. We select a compelling mix of beloved classics together with lesser-known titles, chosen to captivate modern audiences.

Artistry in Residence We are delighted that Donald MacKenzie is our Silent Film Artist in Residence. He curates each programme, introduces the films and performs an exciting and enthralling improvised score and provides a live, improvised score on the Museum's "Mighty Wurlitzer". The premiere renowned artist in his field, he is excited to be part of this project. 

Visitor Information Advance booking is recommended for all the programmes. Our licensed café is open before each film serving snacks and drinks. Most screenings include an interval, providing guests an additional opportunity to enjoy our facilities and refreshments.