Timeless Silent Film Safety Last! to be Screened with Live Organ Accompaniment at The Plaza, Weston-super-Mare

Experience the golden age of cinema like never before! On Sunday, 16th March 2025, the Plaza in Weston-super-Mare will host a rare screening of the 1923 silent comedy classic Safety Last! starring Harold Lloyd. This iconic film will be accompanied by a live performance on the Plaza’s historic Compton organ, offering an authentic glimpse into the cinematic experiences of the 1920s.

Safety Last! starring Harold Lloyd, 1923

Renowned organist Donald MacKenzie, celebrated for his performances at London’s Odeon Luxe Leicester Square, will bring the Plaza’s Compton organ to life. Before the main feature, Donald will perform a short selection of film music, showcasing the organ’s versatility and rich tones. Throughout the screening, he will provide a continuous improvised accompaniment, echoing the orchestral or piano performances that accompanied silent films a century ago.

While the Plaza’s Compton organ was installed after the silent film era, it remains perfectly suited for this purpose. The instrument, with its sound effects and percussion capabilities, enhances the storytelling in a way that is both evocative and immersive. The organ’s pipework and percussion instruments are housed in chambers on the roof, delivering sound that seems to emanate directly from the screen, a testament to the ingenious design of cinema organs of its time.

Compton Organ at Plaza Cinema

This event marks a significant milestone, as it is the first silent feature film with organ accompaniment to be shown at the Plaza in over 25 years. It is also a rare opportunity to experience one of the few remaining cinema organs in its original home, offering a unique connection to Weston-super-Mare’s cultural and architectural heritage.

Harold Lloyd’s Safety Last! is a timeless tale of ambition and ingenuity, featuring one of the most iconic stunts in film history with Lloyd hanging precariously from a clock tower. The film is a delightful mix of humour, suspense, and heart, making it a perfect choice for audiences of all ages.

Craig May, Director and Programmer at Merlin Cinemas, said, “The Plaza is a truly special place, and we’re so pleased to play a role in bringing these organ screenings to life. We truly appreciate the invaluable support we’ve received from the Theatre Organ Club, the dedicated organists, and everyone who has worked to preserve and protect the Plaza’s magnificent organ over the years, and now with us in the last 18 months. It’s an honour to make history by hosting the first silent film with organ accompaniment here in almost 30 years, and we hope you’ll join us for this momentous occasion.”

Don’t miss this extraordinary celebration of silent cinema and live music!

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