The Kennington Bioscope is a regular cinema event featuring live accompaniment to silent films that takes place at the Cinema Museum.

The Beloved Rogue (1927) USA. Directed by Alan Crosland. 16mm amber print from The Cinema Museum. Produced by Joseph M. Schenck. Scenario by Paul Bern, from the adaptation by Paul Bern of the play If I Were King by Justin Huntly McCarthy, based on his novel. Production design by William Cameron Menzies. Cinematography by Joseph August. Cast: John Barrymore (François Villon), Marceline Day (Charlotte de Vauxcelles), Conrad Veidt (King Louis XI), Lawson Butt (John, Duke of Burgundy), Henry Victor (Thibault d’Aussigny), Mack Swain (Nicholas), Slim Summerville (Jehan).

A romantic adventure film, loosely based on the life of the 15th century French poet, François Villon. John Barrymore ‘out-Fairbanks’ Douglas Fairbanks in this enjoyable medieval swashbuckler. Villon in The Beloved Rogue is described through inter-titles as “poet, pickpocket, patriot, loving France earnestly, Frenchwomen excessively, French wine exclusively.” A fun loving fool sporting Peter Pan attire with Robin Hood tights who recites poetry whenever it suits him, steals from the rich and gives to the poor, and travels along with two other companions, Jehan (Slim Summerville) and Nicholas (Mack Swain), the film has all the similarities of a Douglas Fairbanks adventure combining Robin Hood, D’Artagnan of the Three Musketeers, and Zorro all into one. Francois Villon is in fact far from being a fictional character originated in novels – he actually lived from 1431 to 1463, and his poems have enjoyed popularity in translation ever since.

The print shown will be The Cinema Museum’s own 16mm print.

Rare silent period trailers and shorts will accompany the screening, also all 16mm prints.

The programme is introduced by Michelle Facey. Colin Sell will be playing for the shorts, and John Sweeney will be accompanying The Beloved Rogue.

Silent film with intertitles which may be suitable for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Tickets & Pricing

£7. Seats are limited, so please arrive early or request an invitation using the email kenbioscope@gmail.com.