Ealing's Classic Cinema Club

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Founder Ann Pavett writes about the club's successful year

No cinema in central Ealing? Nonsense! There are two flourishing cinema clubs that are filling the gap left by the commercial business "Empire". The Council leader's enthusiasm to see the Empire return is understandable but in the meanwhile equal enthusiasm could be shown to support the magnificent effort and achievement of Classic Cinema Club and Pitshanger Pictures, both of which are run by residents for residents - and not for profit.

Classic Cinema Club has been open a year and has continuously promoted the "Ealing connection": films from Ealing Studios; films by local directors; Met Film School (Ealing) students' graduation films; and, of course, the most famous Ealing resident of all, Charlie Chaplin. Ealing Studios has offered to take members of the Classic Cinema Club on a guided tour of the famous studios and the Club intends to maintain the "Ealing connection" for members and friends.

This is in addition to screening of the best classic films from around the world - an opportunity not afforded in commercial cinemas. World Cinema is the underlying idea of the Club and monthly seasons have already travelled through France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Russia, India, Japan, USA and South America, screening films made by the world's greatest directors. The Club's film specialist, Simon Johnson, leads a short discussion after each film which is greatly appreciated by the audience.

We will round off this month with the Ealing comedy "Kind Hearts and Coronets".

In July we will be having three dance films to coincide with Big Dance. "Billy Elliot". Directed by Stephen Daldry, Friday 6 July; "Pina". Directed by Wim Wenders, Friday 13 July; "The Tales of Hoffmann". Directed by Michael Powell & Emeric Pressburger, Friday 20th July. To celebrate the Olympics there is a sport film, "The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner". Directed by Tony Richardson, Friday 27th July.

Films are shown every Friday evening at Ealing Town Hall, 7.30pm For full details www.classiccinemaclub.co.uk or write to classiccinemaclub@hotmail.co.uk to go onto the mailing list. Tickets cost £6 & £5 concs. Membership £10 for 12 months or £1 on the door.

 

Ann Pavett

 

28th June 2012