THE award-winning American independent film Shirley is Ilkley Film Society’s next screening on Sunday, October 31st (8pm, Ilkley Playhouse).

An appropriate choice for Halloween, the film is an imagined episode in the life of a real person, Shirley Jackson, one of the 20th century’s leading authors of horror and mystery fiction including The Haunting Of Hill House (filmed as The Haunting in 1963 with Claire Bloom and Julie Harris).

After Shirley and her husband take a young couple, Fred & Rose, into their home she develops an obsessive interest in Rose which promises to inspire a new novel but jeopardises Shirley’s sanity.

Built around an extraordinary performance from Elisabeth Moss the film won a Special Jury Award at the Sundance Festival. Non-members are welcome as guests (£4) but are asked to phone Dave Howell on 01943 430097 in advance to ensure admission.