Concert & Attractions // Blackmail
Alfred Hitchcock’s restored print of the now rarely screened silent film, Blackmail, (1929) is now available with orchestral accompaniment from London’s legendary silent movie composer, Neil Brand, with conductor Timothy Brock, in the United States.
About the Project: Neil Brand, legendary silent film composer and pianist, was commissioned by Cinema Ritrovata, Bologna, to provide a full-length orchestral score to accompany Hitchcock’s brilliant silent film Blackmail. The premiere performance debuted at the Piazza Maggiore, Bologna, on July 1st 2008 by the Orchestra of the Teatro Communale and later at the Barbican with the BBC Symphony, both with critical acclaim (please see links). Today, Michael Moore Agency is collaborating with Studio Canal’s film distributor to bring this film, with Neil’s wonderful orchestra accompaniment, and Timothy’s conducting skills, to the United States.
About the Movie: Hitchcock’s Blackmail is based on the play by Charles Bennett – who also collaborated with Hitchcock on The 39 Steps and The Man Who Knew Too Much. The innocent and capricious Alice leaves her policeman boyfriend, Frank, for an attentive painter. Unfortunately, the painter wants more then Alice’s pretty face to paint, leaving to Alice defend herself by stabbing him to death. Tom tries to cover it up but a petty thief has seen it all and blackmail ensues. This forgotten treasure is quintessential Hitchcock with amazing chase scenes, intrigue, and – of course- a brief cameo.
