Alfred Hitchcock’s rarely-seen gem The Lodger gets a welcome airing with a twist this week when the Wimbledon Film Club join forces with the Wimbledon Society for a one-off screening with a difference.

Not only will the silent movie play out in their eerie surroundings of Christ Church Hall, but British Film Institute specialist Andrew Youdell will be on hand to provide a live piano accompaniment.

Film Club secretary Peter Cargin reveals the reason for the daring project.

He explains: “I was chatting with some colleagues a while back and we moved onto talking about the author Marie Belloc-Lowndes.

“What I didn’t know was that she lived in a cottage near the Crooked Billet in Wimbledon, and one of her novels was The Lodger, which Hitchcock made as one of his first films back in 1927.

“I have some friends at the BFI so I was aware that their was a tinted version of the film available, and as there was such a strong Wimbledon connection we decided to give it a go.”

The novel and subsequent film are a thinly-veiled take on the Jack the Ripper story, with mysterious lodger Ivor Novello suspected of being the notorious serial killer.

And despite its age the film still showcases some of the traditional Hitchcock flair, including one of his earliest on-screen cameos.

Cargin continues: “It is a wonderful film and it is certainly atmospheric.

“People have to take into account how long ago it was made and some of the acting is a bit over the top as there is no dialogue.

“But it is an important film historically and we hope people enjoy it.

“It has taken a lot of effort to put the night together and we urge people to book in advance if they want to ensure a ticket.”

The Lodger, Christ Church Hall, Copse Hill, September 30, 7.30pm, £7, phone 020 8543 5816 or email peter.cargin@gmail.com for details