Alfred Hitchcock Double Bill

South West Silents throws you into the paranoid world of the great Alfred Hitchcock this autumn.

Marking the 100th anniversary of the making of his breakout silent film thriller The Lodger (1927) starring Ivor Novello, June Tripp and Malcolm Keen. The SWS team is pairing this gem of the British silent era (with live music by Neil Brand) with his most profound Hollywood calling card, Vertigo (1958) starring James Stewart and Kim Novak.

The Lodger (1927): With his third feature film, The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog, Alfred Hitchcock took a major step toward greatness and made what he would come to consider his true directorial debut.

This haunting silent thriller tells the tale of a mysterious young man (matinee idol Ivor Novello) who takes up residence at a London boarding house just as a killer known as the Avenger descends upon the city, preying on blonde women. The film is animated by the palpable energy of a young stylist at play, decisively establishing the director’s formal and thematic obsessions.
Live music by writer, broadcaster and composer Neil Brand.

Vertigo (1958): Considered one of Alfred Hitchcock’s greatest cinematic achievements, Vertigo is a dreamlike thriller from the Master of Suspense. Set in San Francisco, the film creates a dizzying web of mistaken identity, passion and murder after an acrophobic detective (James Stewart) rescues a mysterious blonde (Kim Novak) from the bay and must unravel the secrets of the past to find the key to his future.

Recognised for excellence in not only the BFI’s Sight and Sound Greatest Films of All Time poll (which it has appeared five times) and the AFI’s 100 Years…100 Movies, Vertigo is a “great motion picture that demands multiple viewings” (Leonard Maltin’s Classic Movie Guide).

Entry requirements: no age restrictions (under 18s to be accompanied by an adult over 21yrs, 1:1 ratio)

Project the Dolls: Alfred Hitchcock Double Bill

Project the Dolls presents a double bill of Hitchcock classics on the biggest screen in Bristol! The words “queer” and “camp” don’t necessarily come to mind when one thinks of Alfred Hitchcock. However, on closer inspection of the master’s filmography, you’d be surprised. Our double bill presentation of Rope (1948) and Rebecca (1940) highlights some of the most iconic entrants in Hitch’s canon of queer-coded villains, namely the murderous homosexual couple, Brandon (John Dall) and Phillip (Farley Granger), and the sapphic spectre Mrs Danvers. Come along for a queer perspective on the thrillers of one of the most influential directors of the 20th century. Both films will be introduced by guest speakers. We can’t wait to talk queer villains with you at the bar!

Timings: Sunday 15^th November 4.30PM to 10.00PM

Cary Comes Home Festival 2026 – Cary On The Go!

Cary Grant comes home to Bristol for three packed days of classic cinema, conversation and celebration from 27-29 November.

This year’s theme, Cary On The Go!, takes audiences on a journey across seas, skies and continents, exploring the many sides of Bristol’s most famous Hollywood star. From submarines and houseboats to daring aviators and Olympic-era Tokyo, the programme spans Grant’s extraordinary career from his very first screen appearance to his final film.

Across three differently themed days, expect rarely screened gems alongside much-loved classics, with expert introductions, panel discussions and special activities bringing new stories and perspectives to the films.

And where better to see Cary Grant than the Bristol Megascreen? Experience the wit, romance, action and sheer star power of Cary Grant larger than life on the big screen.

Choose a Festival Pass for the full weekend experience, a Day Pass for your favourite theme, or join us for an individual screening.

From Bristol to Tokyo, submarines to seaplanes, come and celebrate Cary Grant in the city where his story began.