Liverpool cinema-goers demand refunds after discovering silent movie The Artist has no sound

The Artist is being tipped to collect a raft of Baftas – but some cinema-goers are demanding their money back because it is a silent film. The tribute to 1920s Hollywood, the black and white movie has already won three Golden Globe awards for its dazzling portrayal of the pre-talkie era. But audiences at some Odeon Cinemas are unimpressed by the homage to the "Golden Age" of silent films and a smaller-than-usual screen.

Film-fan Nicola Shearer, 25, attended a screening at Odeon Liverpool One after a wave of complaints. She was asked by cinema staff if she knew "it is a silent film". English graduate Nicola, from Liverpool, said: "Of course I knew it was and I asked the usher why she wanted to know. She then told me some people complained and asked for refunds because there is no sound and the screen is smaller. I thought it was really funny and laughed."



The film was purposely reduced to a smaller screen size to give it an authentic look of original silent films which were hugely popular from the late 19th century to the early 30s. Odeon and UCI Cinemas Group initially denied there had been any complaints made at screenings at their multiplex in Liverpool city centre. A spokesperson first said: "We can confirm that there have been no complaints/refunds regarding The Artist screenings."

But after being confronted with statements from amazed cinemagoers Odeon admitted refunds had been given to some of their guests. The spokesman said: "Odeon Liverpool One can confirm it has issued a small number of refunds to guests who were unaware that The Artist was a silent film. The cinema is happy to offer guests a refund on their film choice is they raise concern with a member of staff within 10 minutes of the film starting."