"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 musical has already won three Golden Globe awards for its dazzling portrayal of the pre-talkies 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 picture was purposely reduced to a 1.33.1 ratio give the film an authentic look of original silent films which were hugely popular from the late 19th century to the early 30s.
Many silent film stars like Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin and Laurel and Hardy are still recognisable even as CGI-laden blockbusters top box office charts.
Critics say that is what makes The Artist a "magnificent crowd-pleaser".
Odeon and UCI Cinemas Group initially denied there had been any complaints made at screenings at their multiplex in Liverpool city centre.
A spokesperson said: "We can confirm that there have been no complaints/refunds regarding The Artist screenings."
But after being confronted with statements from amazed cinema-goers Odeon admitted refunds had been given to some of their guests.
The spokesperson added: "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."
The first award-winning silent film in 90 years stars Jean Dujardian as fading leading man George Valentin at the beginning of the end for the silent film era, Hollywood 1927.
French actress Berenice Bejo also stars as the young dancer Peppy Miller who is destined for fame and a threat to Valentin's limelight.
Famous faces John Goodman, L.A. Confidential star James Cromwell, Malcolm McDowell and Penelope Ann Miller are in supporting roles.
Director Michel Hazanavicius's acclaimed tale was named Best Musical or Comedy along with Best Score - beating Oscar-winning composer Trent Reznor's soundtrack for The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.
Dujardin won Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy for his performance and he also won the Best Actor Award at the Cannes Film Festival 2011.
The Artist is now tipped for Oscar glory after the Golden Globe wins but box office figures might put a stop to a renaissance of silent films.
Since its release in November, The Artist has grossed just $14m and earned $2m net profit from combined ticket sales in the US, the UK and France.
The main box office attractions have been big budget blockbusters Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, Sherlock Holmes 2: Game of Shadows and and the US reboot of Scandinavian thriller The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.
The success of the first "talkie", The Jazz Singer, released in 1927 and starring Al Jolson, brought an end to production for silent films and they had ceased production within a decade.
Bill, Anfield around 4 months ago