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An exciting nautical double bill featuring an early Chaplin (1917). The scene in which Chaplin's character kicks an immigration officer was cited later as evidence of his anti-Americanism when he was forced to leave the United States in 1952 - plenty there relevant to today. While this film is very funny, shots of the Statue of Liberty while immigrants are herded like cattle possibly how self-aware the new medium of film was becoming.

'The Boat' is more escapism. It's a 1921 American two-reel silent comedy film written and directed by, and starring Buster Keaton. Contemporary reviews consider it one of his best shorts.

Live piano accompaniment makes a huge difference to these films. As Paul Merton has remarked: 'if you have never seen silent comedy on a big screen with a big audience and great live music you will be amazed'

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