THE Black Country Living Museum in Dudley will be rolling out the red carpet for a glittering evening performance of its latest find - a rare print of Buster Keaton's 1927 silent masterpiece, The General.

The screening will be part of the European 'Nuit des Musées' celebrations that sees museums and galleries across the continent opening their doors for a rare evening event on Saturday May 17.

Offering half price admission, the history-steeped Tipton Road museum is throwing open its doors from 6.30pm to 10pm to show the public just how much it has to offer.

Regarded as one of Keaton's greatest films, the classic movie will be shown twice during the evening at the museum's authentic 1920s Lighthouse Cinema.

Set against the background of the Civil War, it sees Keaton starring as Johnnie Gray - who mans the confederate train, The General.

When Union soldiers steal the train with Johnnie's girl Annabelle Lee on board, Johnnie sets out through enemy lines to rescue his train and his love.

Featuring frantic car chases and spectacular stunts, The General provides a welcome boost to the museum's silent film collection.

Stephen Howard, assistant curator of displays, said: "Tracking down these classic films becomes more and more difficult as time goes by, so we would be very keen to hear from anyone who is interested in donating or loaning a silent film to us."

Tickets for the Nuit des Musees' event are pre-book only and are half the normal admission price (and include free entry to the museum's Lighthouse Cinema).

They cost for adults, £3.50 for children aged five to 18, and £5 for seniors.

Dudley Canal Trust will also be running canal trips at half their normal price.

Call the museum's booking office 0121 520 8054.