Northern silents: Chicago

75 years before the Broadway musical, the true story of jazz-loving murderess Roxie Hart was brought to the silent screen by legendary Hollywood producer Cecil B. DeMille.

After slaying her lover, Roxie Hart teams up with an unscrupulous lawyer, Billy Flynn, and fellow murderess Velma Kelly, to milk her trial for publicity and become famous. A cracking satire on fame and the media, Cecil B. DeMille’s film is as sensational as the real-life scandal on which it’s based.

This live-scored screening brings the film vividly to life with a duo of outstanding musicians. At the piano, Jonny Best leads the 1920s-themed live musical score with his trademark flair for silent cinema. He’s joined by percussionist Jeff Davenport, whose silent film playing has been acclaimed around the UK. Together, they improvise as they watch alongside the audience, creating a unique one-off soundtrack.

Northern Silents presents The Mountain of Destiny, followed the same evening by Chicago.