THE first of Ilkley Film Society’s two annual Special Events is a screening of the deeply moving WW1 drama Journey’s End on Sunday November 11 (8pm at Ilkley Playhouse).
A group of officers await in a dugout the massive German offensive which took place in March 1918. The mental health of their commander, Captain Stanhope, is disintegrating under the intolerable stress and he is increasingly reliant on alcohol. When a young lieutenant, who knew Stanhope at school and hero-worships him, arrives in the trench the pressure on Stanhope increases.
R C Sherriff’s play was a huge hit on the London stage in 1928 (with Laurence Olivier as Stanhope) and an equally big hit on Broadway. It was then filmed in 1930 by future Frankenstein director James Whale. Saul Dibb’s new version has fine ensemble acting from Sam Claflin, Paul Bettany, Tom Sturridge and Asa Butterfield, and provides poignant and haunting viewing.
This event, 100 years to the day after the end of the Great War, forms part of the Ilkley Arts Festival and will begin with a short talk by Tricia Platts, president of the Bradford WW1 Group.
Non-members are welcome as guests (£4) but are asked to phone Dave Howell on 01943 430097 to reserve a seat.
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