As Scalarama’s annual celebration of film sets out to fill the land with cinemas The Curzon contributes D.W. Griffith’s masterpiece, Broken Blossoms, to the programme on Sunday 13th September at 2pm.
The screening continues a partnership between the cinema and Bristol Silents sharing a commitment to showing the films that have shaped the industry from its early days. Broken Blossoms features the legendary Lilian Gish playing a frail waif, abused by her brutal boxer father, in London’s seedy Limehouse where she is befriended by a sensitive Chinese immigrant with tragic consequences. The gritty realism of this first interracial film is heralded by film historians as an early example of Film Noir.
Live accompaniment is provided by Andy Quin, award winning composer and jazz pianist, returning to his 
roots in silent cinema. Celebrating 50 years in music Quin is keen to get out of the studio and return to live performance. His compositions have backed films, TV and adverts known to all, across the globe, from Oxo and Coronation Street to Nike and Boardwalk Empire.
As something of a prodigy at 11 years old Andy’s talent for improvisation was recognised and he was soon accompanying films for Hutchingson Cinema Group. It was at Regal Edmonton he was introduced to a Christie pipe organ; his love of this instrument has brought him to Clevedon to put the cinema’s historic organ through its paces.
Working with De Wolfe in the 70s and early 80s Andy pioneered computer sampling. His Moog synthesizer tracks were influential and broadcast worldwide; his early albums on vinyl are now collectors’ items.
Reconnecting with his musical past Quin tracked down the Christie organ at The Curzon where Programme Manager Luke Doran was delighted to schedule Broken Blossoms to provide a platform for his virtuoso talents.
The screening of Broken Blossoms will mark Heritage Open Days’ national celebration of historic 
buildings. The sumptuous crimson and gold, art deco interior of The Curzon is perfectly matched to the film, released a few years after the cinema opened in 1912.
Celebrating Heritage Open Days, further events will take place on Sunday 13th September including tours of the cinema and opportunities to play the Christie Pipe Organ.
For details and tickets visit www. www.curzon.org.uk or ring 01275 871000