In an ancient kingdom in the middle of Europe, handsome Prince Wolfram falls in love with hot-headed orphan Patricia Kelly (Gloria Swanson), inciting the cruel jealousy of his betrothed – the “mad queen” Regina. Patricia and Wolfram try desperately to overcome the crazed Queen's efforts to drive them apart, but her rage knows no bounds… will the couple find happiness in the name of true love?

Legendary screen icon Gloria Swanson was one of the biggest stars in Hollywood when she hired, and then fired, von Stroheim from this project, making Queen Kelly the most infamous unfinished film in cinema history. Using Swanson's own prints and outtakes, preserved at the George Eastman Museum, archivists Dennis Doros and Amy Heller of Milestone Films have now brought von Stroheim's original script to life, fashioning this remarkable reconstruction of Queen Kelly in its most complete and spectacular form to date.

With an in-person introduction and post-screening Q&A with critic, film historian and author of ‘The Curse of Queen Kelly’, Pamela Hutchinson, joined by musician and broadcaster Neil Brand for the Q&A. Pamela will also be selling and signing copies of her book The Curse of Queen Kelly.

Post-screening Q&A with Pamela Hutchinson and Neil Brand (captioned).
Dir. Erich von Stroheim | USA | 1929 | N/C 12A | b&w | 1h 45m + intro + Q&A (captioned)
With: Gloria Swanson, Walter Byron, Seena Owen, Wilhelm von Brincken
Performing live: Neil Brand (piano)

CONTENT ADVISORY: suicide references.

Screening material courtesy of Milestone Film & Video / Kino Lorber

Shuttle bus available! Book a return ticket from Linlithgow Station to the Hippodrome.

Multi-screening deal: book 2 screenings for £20/£16, 3 screenings for £30/£24, and all 4 screenings for £40/£32. Discount applied at check out.