CINEMA fans in Durham have the chance to see classic Hollywood films from the heyday of the silent era. Clayport Library is hosting a free ten-week course of feature films and extracts that explore the talent and range of Lon Chaney Senior, who became known as The Man of a Thousand Faces.

One of the greats of silent cinema, he is well known for his grotesque roles in Phantom of the Opera and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, which will both be screened.

Film historian David Williams will also present a programme of films featuring the actor as a master criminal, a clown and tragic victim, as well as performing in romantic comedy roles.

Lon Chaney Snr was born in 1883 and made his silent film debut in 1912. He gained the Man of a Thousand Faces tag because of his ability to transform himself without sophisticated make-up techniques. He died in 1930.

The course starts on Wednesday, January 18, at 7pm, with a new documentary to shown by permission of Hollywood film historian Kevin Brownlow.

Kino on Video, of New York, has also given permission for its restored film prints to be shown.

Further information about the course is available from the library, Millennium Place, Claypath, 0191-386 4003.