Little Old New York (PG*) + live musical accompaniment by Morgan Cooke

Silent Film and Live Music

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Marion Davis isn't fooling anyone by pretending to be a boy

A young Irish girl (controversial silent film star Marion Davies) arrives in early 19th century New York disguised as a boy to claim a fortune left for her late brother.

One of the most charming and funniest silent screen stars, Marion Davies plays Patricia O'Day, who, by unlucky circumstance, plays Patrick O'Day, her deceased brother. It all begins with the death of a wealthy relative in New York, who opts to leave the bulk of his inheritance to his nephew Patrick back in Ireland instead of his step-son Larry. When Patrick dies, his sister decides to take his place in order to gain the fortune. When 'Patrick' arrives in New York, she takes a shine to Larry, the poor man she's swindling out of an inheritance. How can she save her own family from poverty and protect her new friend?

Directed by the incredibly prolific Sidney Olcott - Toronto-born of Irish descent - this historical drama is based on a play by Rida Johnson Young.

The film is accompanied live by acclaimed Galway musician Morgan Cooke with a range of instruments including piano, melodica and harp.

Cinema Silent Film & Live Music

US 1932 Dir Sidney Olcott 110 min

Presented in partnership with Irish Film Institute

Supported by Culture Ireland as part of GB18: Promoting Irish Arts in Britain

*This film has been locally classified by the City of London Corporation

Part of Barbican OpenFest

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Marion Davis isn't fooling anyone by pretending to be a boy

Long read: The Modern Silent

Enjoy scrolling through cat videos on social media? Silent film got there first. Silent London’s Pamela Hutchinson looks at the origins of silent cinema and the striking similarities to what we're watching now on our phones and on the big screen.

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