Old Heidelberg live score

Celebrating the centenary of "Ravishing" Ramon Novarro, the sultry- eyed Latino idol of silent cinema, the London Philharmonic Orchestra whips up a presentation of Ernst Lubitsch's 1927 romantic classic, Old Heidelberg (above). Norma Shearer sparkles as the tankard-wielding inn-keeper's daughter, but the bitter constraints of royal duty prevent the German Crown Prince (Novarro) from following his heart. An astonishingly timeless dilemma, explored with cinematic subtlety by a lavish cast of silver- screen greats, in one of the most expensive films of its day. Carl Davis conducts the British premiere of his accompanying live score, against a freshly-restored print, in an all-enveloping swirl of lush German romantic strings and boisterous drinking songs.

`Old Heidelberg': tonight 7.30pm, pounds 5-pounds 16. Carl Davis gives a free pre- concert talk, `The Magical Sound of Silents', at 6.15pm. Royal Festival Hall, London SE1 (0171-960 4242)

Judith Palmer