The Regal Cinema in Fordingbridge celebrates best of British cinema

The 10-day Best of British film festival runs from Friday (September 21) until Sunday, September 30.

It features British movies from the last 70 years including the original 1967 adaption of Hardy’s romantic novel Far From The Madding Crowd, David Lean’s 1945 classic Brief Encounter and the 1955 Ealing comedy The Lady Killers.

Two films of particular interest are Alfred Hitchcock’s first film The Lodger and The Red Shoes which was filmed in 1948.

The Lodger is actually a silent movie but for this very special performance local composer and pianist, Andrew Harrison-King, will be playing his original score live in the cinema.

The Red Shoes is about a young ballerina who becomes the lead dancer in a new ballet, based on the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen.

The film stars former Salisbury resident Moira Shearer and Anton Walbrook, with ballet legends Robert Helpmann and Léonide Massine.

A spokesman for the cinema said: “We’re really looking forward to showcasing the best of British cinema at The Regal throughout the festival.

“Every film selected is a classic in its own right or genre – be it romance, coming-of-age, sci-fi or action. The humour in the comedies we’re showing is timeless and all the films have outstanding performances from some of the most respected, and popular British actors.

“The Regal is a classic Art Deco building, so it’s more than appropriate to be showing these cinematic masterpieces in our beautiful cinema.”

For the full festival film programme go to theregalcinema.org

Festival tickets are available online, and at The Regal Cinema or Fordingbridge Book shop. Day membership tickets are available to all screenings so it is not necessary to be a member to come along to the film festival.