Friday 21st November: MR. BURTON [12A] 124 mins – Drama/Biography
It’s 1942 and Richard Jenkins (Harry Lawtey) is at school in Port Talbot, caught between the pressures of an alcoholic father, a devastating war, and his own ambitions.
A new opportunity beckons when Richard’s natural talent for drama catches the attention of his teacher, Philip Burton (Toby Jones). The young man thrives under Philip’s strict tutelage and the guidance of a kindly landlady, Ma Smith (Lesley Manville). But as the acting world comes within Richard’s reach, the burden of his past risks holding him back forever.
Why see it? It’s a gripping account of the back story of Wales’s greatest actor.
“The performances from the two leads are impressive, with Lawtey deftly charting Richard’s progress from squeaky adolescent to adored stage smoothie, complete with trademark pout and mellifluous baritone. Jones finds wrenching sadness in the role of a teacher who once dreamt of writing for the stage and sees in Richard a conduit for his own unfulfilled life.” The Times
There will be an interval during the showing. Subtitles will be displayed too.
All films are shown upstairs in Pelham Hall (directions at page bottom) in the bar area. Doors open at 7.15 pm and films start at 7.30 pm prompt. There is a £7 per head entry fee, payable on the door (cash or card). The bar will be open too.
Back to Film Night programme.