There wasn't much silence at the Manoel Theatre Courtyard last Tuesday as a sell out audience applauded the musicians following the screening of Dreyer's silent masterpiece The Passion of Joan of Arc.

The live musical accompaniment was created by Alex Vella Gregory on keyboards and John McDonough on woodwinds. This project, organised by the Manoel Theatre and St. James Cavalier, is offering the possibility of rediscovering the experience of silent movies to live music.

Next week's film, The General, to be screened on Monday at 9pm, is an imaginative masterpiece of dead-pan "Stone-Face" Buster Keaton. It is generally regarded as one of the greatest of all silent comedies (and Keaton's own favorite) and undoubtedly the best train film ever made.

The Civil War adventure-epic classic was made toward the end of the silent era. Posters describing the slapstick film heralded: "Love, Locomotives and Laughs." Filled with hilarious sight gags and perfectly timed stunt work, the chase comedy was written and directed by Buster Keaton and Clyde Bruckman.

Screening starts at 9pm at the Manoel Theatre Courtyard. Tickets at Lm2 may be obtained from the Manoel Theatre booking office. Early booking is recommended.