WHILE the Wharf in Tavistock likes to present the latest films it also delights in occasionally reminding audiences of some of the golden oldies that have graced the silver screen.
To celebrate the memorable movies from the past the Wharf is holding a series of Classic Film ?Specials? which will feature a trio of much loved Ealing Comedies.
The first, Kind Hearts and Coronets (U), is being shown on September 13 at 8pm. This fine 1949 film is an example of Ealing at its very best, with a superlative script and acting of the highest standard. A black comedy , this is an hilarious study in the gentle art of murder.
Directed by Robert Hamer the superb cast includes Sir Alec Guinness, Joan Greenwood, Dennis Price and Arthur Lowe.
The second of the special films from Britain?s famed Ealing Studios is The Lavender Hill Mob (U) which will be shown on October 25.
This 1951 comedy classic was directed by Charles Crichton ? who many years later directed A Fish Called Wanda ? while the witty script was written by T E B Clarke who won an Oscar for his screenplay.
As with many other films from this era The Lavender Hill Mob benefits from the delightfully eccentric performance of Sir Alec Guinness.
Here he plays timid bank clerk Henry Holland, who hatches a scheme for stealing the gold bullion he regularly escorts from refineries to vaults.
With the help of his somewhat gormless friend (Stanley Holloway) and two Cockney crooks, Lackery (Sidney James) and Shorty (Alfie Bass) this madcap crime caper is another Ealing Classic not to be missed.
The Ladykillers (U) is the final film in the Wharf?s series of comic classics. Showing on November 22, the film tells the story of a gang of crooks planning a ?job? who find themselves living with a little old lady who thinks they are musicians.
When the gang set out to kill Mrs Wilberforce they encounter one problem after another and get what they deserve!
Directed by Alexander Mackendrick, The Ladykillers stars Alec Guinness, Cecil Parker, Herbert Lom, Jack Warner and Frankie Howerd.