Paul Merton screens extracts from the very best silent comedians in some of their funniest films. Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Laurel & Hardy and many others are hilighted by Merton, who enlightens with his enthusiasm and infectious knowledge of these films. See the best of the silent comics on the big screen with a fantastic live musical accompaniment by the world renowned Neil Brand.

In the second half Harold Lloyd’s feature-length comedy Safety Last is shown in its breathtaking entirety. A comic masterpiece, its compelling mixture of thrills and laughter is as potent today as it was in 1923.