THE cream of Hollywood is represented in The Post, the opening film in Ilkley Film Society’s new season on Sunday, September 9 (8pm at Ilkley Playhouse).

Director Steven Spielberg and stars Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks recreate the true story of the leaking to the press in 1971 of the top secret Pentagon Papers, a highly critical study of the conduct of the Vietnam War by successive presidents, and the legal and constitutional battle over the freedom of the press which followed.

Both the film and Ms Streep’s performance were nominated for Academy Awards, and The Post is a worthy successor to such true-life press-and politics thrillers as Truth and All The President’s Men.

The Film Society’s 50th season, with 24 films, features screenings from 11 countries including Oscar winners Darkest Hour, Get Out and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, as well as outstanding films from India, Brazil, Israel, Romania and Chile.

Special events include a revisit to the very first season with the French musical Umbrellas Of Cherbourg, and a screening of WW1 drama Journey’s End on November 11, 100 years to the day after the war ended.

Amazingly, the Society has only increased its membership charge once in the last 14 years and the subscription for the new season is once again £40 for the 24 films with nothing more to pay. Application forms are in the brochure to be found in many places in Ilkley, or the membership secretary can be contacted via the website at www.ilkleyfilmsociety.org.uk.

Non-members are welcome as guests (£4) but are asked to phone Dave Howell on 01943 430097 to reserve a seat.