Founded in 1966, the Gothique Film Society specialises in double bills ‘for the connoisseur of the macabre’.
The first cinematic adaptation of Richard Cornell’s classic 1924 short story, The Most Dangerous Game is especially fascinating as it was originally devised as something of a ‘filler’, to take advantage of the King Kong cast and crew who were waiting around for the extensive, and time-consuming, special effects to be completed.
So we have celebrated ‘scream queen’ Fay Wray and Robert Armstrong, from Kong, being taken captive by Count Zaroff on his remote island following a shipwreck. After initially giving them a courteous welcome, the count explains his passion is hunting, and his prey is ‘the most dangerous game of all’… Also known as Hounds of Zaroff.
Dead of Night was a real change of pace for Ealing Studios, albeit perhaps a rather predictable one. Throughout the war, the studio had produced a series of typically morale-boosting films but, as the war ended, and the wartime embargo on horror and the supernatural was being relaxed, studio head Michael Balcon took the opportunity to move into those previously ‘forbidden’ areas.
He ended up with one of the most celebrated genre films produced in the UK. A group of disparate people gather at a country cottage and recall strange events they have heard about, or experienced themselves. Six stories follow, the most well-known being ‘The Ventriloquist’s Dummy’, in which Michael Redgrave is taunted, and driven mad, by his dummy, Hugo.
Doors open at 18.00 for a 19.00 start.
Refreshments will be available in the licensed cafe/bar.
TICKETS & PRICING
Everyone welcome: Individual tickets at £8.00 can be purchased on the door or via TicketLab.
Alternatively, Gothique Film Society membership subscriptions are available. Each season comprises six shows, from October to March. The subscription for all six shows is £30.00, but discounted membership is available for in-season joiners. For further enquiries about membership, contact David Simpson david.simpson399@btinternet.com or come along and join up on the door.
