Meet “Heliotrope” Harry – the most debonair of all gentlemen thieves to have ever graced a cinema screen.

Harry might be a master criminal, but his gallantry knows no bounds.  What’s more, he’s a loyal husband and devoted father. These qualities are deftly painted for us in the opening minutes of this cleverly directed and tightly scripted feature, propelling us into the subsequent explosive events which see Harry finding out the truth about his treacherous wife and forced to act quickly to protect his baby daughter from her mother’s depravity. 

It is scarcely believable that such a splendid film has languished unknown for decades despite the Library of Congress initiated restoration completed ten years ago, and that it is only now enjoying a moment in the sun. Culminating in a tour de force final act, worthy of our closing film for 2025, we are delighted to conclude HippFest for another year with this screening. Hold on to your seats!

Dir. Victor Schertzinger | USA | 1928 | N/C PG | b&w | English intertitles | 1h 23m + short

With: Clive Brook, Mary Brian, William Powell, Olga Baclanova
 
Performing live: Stephen Horne (piano, accordion, flute), Frank Bockius (percussion)

Online programme notes by Mike Mashon

Restored by the Library of Congress