1926. Director: Roland West. Runtime: 90min.

A masked criminal (dressed like a giant bat) terrorises the guests at an old house rented by a mystery writer!

A colourful cast of characters is thrown together in this hugely entertaining ‘Old Dark House’ thriller. Together they must solve the mystery of a bank heist… before they too become victims of THE BAT! With notable art direction by Oscar winner William Cameron Menzies, and stunning photography by Arthur Edeson (Casablanca) and Gregg Toland (Citizen Kane) this horror-comedy is a classy combination of thrills and chills.

Fun fact: Bob Kane, co-creator of Batman, has said that the idea of the caped crusader’s bat identity and costume was inspired by this film!

Dir. Roland West | USA | 1926 | N/C PG b&w | English intertitles | 1h 27m

Doors 21:30

With: Emily Fitzroy, Eddie Gribbon, Jack Pickford

Performing live: Stephen Horne (piano)

Online programme notes: Allan Hunter

Content advisory: Contains derogatory racial language

Screening material courtesy of Undercrank Productions/UCLA Film & Television Archive