Silent Film - Phantom of the Opera

Phantom of the Opera

Our Pre-Halloween Horror Screening for 2025 features Lon Chaney starring as Erik - the Phantom! Stalking and scaring

the opera goers at the Paris Garnier Opera House - in search of his desire Christie Daae (played by Mary Philbin). You may

have seen the film before but celebrating its centenary we are showing a specially prepared print of the original 1925

version. This is quite a difference between the original cut and the later cut (often shown) from 1929.

The Kew Bridge Kinema at the Musical Museum, is unique! It is the only repertory series which features live Wurlitzer organ accompaniment to silent classic films in the UK.

 In January 1925 the first Wurlitzer organ was opened in a British cinema - these fascinating instruments were originally designed to accompany moving pictures. 100 years on and we are recreating this magic at the Museum with current generations experiencing the thrill of the halcyon days. We are thrilled to have Donald MacKenzie as our Silent Film Artist in Residence - he devises each programme and presents the films at the screening, as well as performing an exciting and enthralling improvised score to each film on the Mighty Wurlitzer, and is equally delighted to be part of this project. 

We carefully choose a good mix of well known classics and more obscure titles which we feel deserve a screening to a modern audience. You can book in advance for all the programmes, and our café is open serving our usual selection of snacks and drinks before the film. At most screenings we include an interval where refreshments are available.