Film Club Latest News >

2022/2023 Programme (all subject to change)
6th October    Tom Jones. (1963)
This massively popular period romp, based on the novel, the History of Tom Jones, by Henry Feilding, carted off four Oscars, including best picture and best director. It was always arch and uncertain of tone, but nevertheless very funny and extraordinarily bawdy, especially in the notorious eating scene between Albert Finney (as tom) and Joyce Redman.
Technically, the film was massively influential and the desaturated colour, speed-up action and lewd narration characterised the 1960s “Swinging England” cinema, and attracted all of Hollywood majors to come and make movies here.
Yes, you’ve seen it before, probably more than once, but surly it’s well worth another shot, if only to vicariously relive your youth! Be warned, however, at 3 minutes over two hours this is quite a long film, so you might want to bring a little something to keep you going.
20th October     Jour de Fete, (french with subtitles, by Jacques Tati)
I last watched this film at age 12. I found it so funny that my sides ached for a full day afterwards. However, like all of Tati’s films, there is a serious side which, at that age, went entirely over my head.
What is the story?
A festive day in Sainte-Severe. The fairground entertainers have arrived, accompanied by their caravans, a merry go-round and even a travelling cinema, showing the awe-struck villagers a documentary on modern methods of the American Postal Services. This presents the local village Post man, ( Jacques Tati) with some problems.
The film has a charming melancholy feel but is also decidedly funny.  Very Tati!
3rd November     Le Samourai.
Alain Delon excels in this ultra-stylish study of the ultimate professional. The way in which the director, Jean-Pierre Melville sets up hitman Dellon’s next job is mesmerising, attending to each part of the preparation with the detailed eye of a true craftsman. Yet, as in every good film noir, there is a femme fatale waiting in the shadows to tempt the hero away from his purpose and this one is about as chic as an angel of doom could be. Almost devoid of dialogue, the film owes everything to the subtlety of the acting, the sinister beauty of the photography and the intracity of the direction.
 This is not a film to miss
17th November    Evita
An Alan Price film with Madonna in the title role with Jonathan Price as Juan Peron.
You all know the story and you all know the music.
It’s well worth another viewing so Just come and enjoy. You might even want to sing along, and why not?
1st December       The Firemans Ball.  (Again, with subtitles)
Described as, quietly, irresistibly, funny. This is a very amusing film, but with a rather dark historical background, ‘the Stalinist Purges of the 1950’s.
However, the chaotic beauty contest, the theft of the lottery prizes and the considerable discomfort of the guest of honour, together with all the other goings on, make this a well worth while watch. And you don’t even need to have any knowledge of Czech politics.
In their small-town meeting hall, a maladroit committee of volunteer fire fighters plan a ball to celebrate the retirement of one of their own. However, because of poor planning and lack of leadership the evening quickly devolves into catastrophe, worsened by the occurrence of a real fire next door. Will they survive? Come and find out.