The ship’s big, the film’s big, but the iceberg is even bigger, and the collision in the dark night hours spells terrible news for Madeleine Carroll, John Stuart, John Longden, Donald Calthrop, Ellaline Terriss, Monty Banks, and several hundred extras. E. A. Dupont’s grandiose drama of 1929, inspired by the Titanic disaster, was one of the most celebrated of Britain’s early talkie features, and its spectacle elements and vivid sound effects still retain the power to move and excite audiences.

This rare public screening coincides with the publication of Geoff Brown’s pioneering book, Silent to Sound: British Cinema in Transition, a lively and comprehensive survey of the production side of Britain’s sound revolution. In an introductory clip show and talk, Geoff will explore the challenges faced by production companies at the end of the 1920s, with a special focus on Atlantic’s ground-breaking venture into multi-language film-making. Copies of the book will be on sale (cash only) at a special discount.

35mm Film Screening, courtesy the BFI National Archive.

Doors open at 18.30, for a 19.30 start.

Refreshments will be available in our licensed cafe/bar.

TICKETS & PRICING

Tickets £8.

Advance tickets may be purchased from Ticketlab, or direct from the Museum by calling 020 7840 2200 in office hours.