Halloween Film Night - THE BAT (1926) ​

Chills and suspense reign in this stylish 1926 silent 'old dark house' classic with Live Wurlitzer Organ Accompaniment by Donald MacKenzie. Packed with eerie twists and creepy atmosphere, it's the perfect Halloween feature.

A Masterpiece of Mystery Directed by Roland West, The Bat is one of the most influential mystery films of the silent era. Based on the hit Broadway play by Mary Roberts Rinehart and Avery Hopwood, the film is credited with establishing the "Old Dark House" trope—a genre that would define mystery cinema for decades to come.

The Plot The story centers on a wealthy socialite who rents a country mansion, only to find herself caught in a web of terror. A masked criminal known as "The Bat" is on the loose, terrorizing the countryside and searching for a hidden fortune within the mansion’s walls. As the night unfolds, the household is plunged into chaos, with secret passages, flickering lights, and a mysterious figure lurking in the shadows.

Why It’s Special

• Atmospheric Tension: The Bat relies on suspense, shadow, and psychological tension. It is a perfect film to showcase how silent directors used lighting and set design to create fear.
• Pop Culture Legacy: The Bat is historically significant for its influence on the creation of the DC Comics character Batman. Bob Kane and Bill Finger, the creators of Batman, cited the visual aesthetic and the "masked criminal" concept of this film as a major inspiration for the Caped Crusader.
• The "Silent" Advantage: The film’s reliance on visual storytelling and eerie, wordless suspense makes it a fantastic candidate for a live musical score. A museum setting with live music can really lean into the "spooky" and dramatic elements of the film.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, 31 October 2026
• Time: 8 PM start. Cafe Bar open from 7:15 PM.
• Location: Kew Bridge Kinema at The Musical Museum
• Ticket Price: £20 Adult[includes a welcome drink]
• Atmosphere: Halloween costumes encouraged! ✨✨✨ Prize for the best dressed BAT ✨ ✨✨

Book Your Tickets Now!

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.