Walter Forde on the set of The Silent House (courtesy Weybridge Museum Collection)

Why is that creepy Dr Chan-Fu fiendishly menacing sweet Mabel Poulton with hypnosis, shots from hidden revolvers, and a pit of poisonous snakes? All will be revealed in a rare screening of Walter Forde’s lively silent version of a popular 192os stage melodrama.

Mabel Poulton & Gibb McLaughlin as Dr Chan-Fu

Historian Geoff Brown examines the versatile Forde’s career as comedian and director. The son of a music hall performer and comedian, Forde spent most of his early life touring in stage melodramas and music hall acts, where he developed his comic routines. From 1920, in collaboration with his father, Forde wrote and directed a number of short film comedies featuring himself as ‘Walter’ – a hapless innocent, sporting a boater and Oxford bags, and getting into scrapes.

He moved into directing features in the late 1920s, initially starring in them as well, but eventually, as in this evening’s film, working solely behind the camera. With the advent of sound films, he joined producer Michael Balcon at Gainsborough, and quickly established himself as one of the company’s most reliable and versatile directors, with thrillers such as The Ringer (1932), musical spectaculars such as Chu Chin Chow (1934), starring Anna May Wong, and prestige productions such as Rome Express (1932).

The eminent silent film pianist John Sweeney will accompany this evening’s screening.

This event is expected to end around 22.30.

Tickets & Pricing

Autumn Season 2011 ticketing applies.