The highlight of the Adelaide Cinémathèque season returns with an even bigger selection of classic silent cinema refurbished with newly composed scores from SA’s emerging musicians. With a focus on performance, each soundtrack will be performed live on stage while a classic film flickers on the screen. The Silent ReMasters program has been specifically created to foster the development of musicians seeking work in the film industry, made possible by the generous support of Billy Hyde Music and APRA|AMCOS.

Germany 1920 71mins 16mm
This tall tale about the murderous Dr. Caligari manages to simultaneously define German Expressionism, horror and film noir. Psychosis and paranoia blur the line between sanity and madness, while the hand-painted sets not only represent the mindset of the characters but also draw the audience into this insular world. A subtle comment on the state of Weimar Germany and the first twist ending in cinema history, inserted at the insistence of the producer. Prints courtesy of the National Film & Sound Archive.

Preceded by silent shorts La folie du Docteur Tube (1915)
and Dreams of a Rarebit Fiend: The Pet (1921)
Listed in 1001 Films You Must See Before You Die

Dir: Buster Keaton
US 1925 56mins 16mm
When the cash-strapped Jimmy Shannon learns that he can inherit seven million dollars from his deceased uncle’s estate you’d think he’d be happy. But when the will stipulates Jimmy must marry by 7pm that day, the stage is set for the kind of escalating physical comedy for which Buster Keaton is best remembered. See how they filmed a man outrunning an avalanche of 500 potential brides before the age of sound, colour and computer wizardry. Print courtesy of the National Film & Sound Archive.

Preceded by the silent Fatty Arbuckle comedy short Coney Island (1920)
Listed in 1001 Films You Must See Before You Die

Dir: Victor Sjöström
Sweden 1921 93mins 16mm
Alcoholic David Holm sits in a cemetery waiting for Death’s carriage in the hope of seeing its driver, his old friend Georges. As his life is recounted through flashbacks, the sorry tale is told of his destruction through drinking and how he came to lose everybody close to him along with his self-respect. A landmark Swedish film for both its technical innovations and its fully developed themes of love and redemption. Possibly the single greatest influence on Ingmar Bergman, who would direct the celebrated director and lead, Victor Sjöström, in Wild Strawberries. Print courtesy of the National Film & Sound Archive.

Preceded by silent D.W. Griffiths shorts (1906-1908)
Listed in 1001 Films You Must See Before You Die

Dir: Raymond Longford
Australia 1919 72mins 16mm
Classic Australian verse becomes a classic Australian film with Arthur Tauchert playing the titular hero. Our lovable larrikin with a good heart vows to change his drinking and gambling ways for the lovely Doreen, the woman he loves. This simple plot is aided by the intertitles using C.J. Dennis’ writings in all their colloquial glory, and the highly naturalistic performances in an era where such things were virtually unknown. An early assertion of Aussie identity. Print courtesy of the National Film & Sound Archive.

Preceded by the silent Australian short The Sick Stockrider (1913)