Based on the longest running Broadway musical of its time, ‘Hellzapoppin’ is a hilarious absurdist meta-comedy that sees vaudevillian comedians Ole Olsen and Chic Johnson attempting to adapt their aforementioned scatterbrain musical into a studio film. When the director insists that their brand of humour won’t work and that they must include a love story because 'every picture has one', the team work with their wiry writer to outline the rest of the film’s ‘plot’.

Hellzapoppin’ will be presented by Golden Age projectionist and filmmaker Tom Ward.

Packed to the brim with slapstick, corny gags, and a plethora of fourth wall breaks, this under-seen gem is a testament to Olsen and Johnson’s trademark orchestrated mayhem. Despite being a relatively unknown relic of the `40s, Hellzapoppin’s specific brand of humour is far ballsier and more ludicrous than the current slate of modern comedy – it’s even noted as a huge inspiration to director Joe Dante (Gremlins, The Burbs, The Howling). When it’s not throwing every joke at the wall, Hellzapoppin’ still features incredible musical moments and one of the greatest dance sequences by Whitey's Lindy Hoppers.