A new classic film season on Friday afternoons is being launched, as part of the Midsomer Norton Community Cinema's fortnightly Autumn Programme.
Designed to complement the already established Saturday Matinee and Evening Showcase, the new slot on a Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. will explore not just the Golden Age of Hollywood, but also British greats, starting with Noel Coward's legendary 'Brief Encounter' on Friday, 13th September.
It's a bold step with the jury out on whether there is a market for great films from the past, but which still more have never even heard of. By introducing each screening with a short talk and by including free tea and cake in the ticket price, the aim is to appeal to a wide audience from film aficionados to those who have never considered watching older films.
"Until you've seen Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard fall in love on the big, high definition projection screen, it's difficult to imagine the appeal of these legendary classic films, which our parents and grandparents flocked to the cinema to see in their day. Whilst the challenge is getting people to take the plunge and come along for the first time – thereafter, these films, I know, will work the magic their creators in the golden age of cinema intended," said Paul Myers, Mayor of Midsomer Norton.
The recent investment in Community Cinema's facilities at the Town Hall, in Midsomer Norton, means that cinemagoers will be treated to an experience which surprises many attending for the first time. From the ticket box office through to the comfy seating, nineteen-foot screen, high definition digital projection and ice cream served in the interval – it's an experience the volunteers who've worked so hard should be proud of.
But for those who prefer the latest releases, then the new Saturday evening Showcase, beginning on 31st August at 7.30 p.m., can look forward to a comedy with 'Hyde Park on the Hudson' (a change from the previously advertised film of 'Mamma Mia') followed by 'Les Miserables', 'Hitchcock' and 'Song for Marion'. Complementing this will be the Saturday afternoon matinee slot, beginning on 28th September with 'Oz the Great and Powerful', followed by 'Wreck it Ralph' and 'Ice Age 4: Continental Drift'. Details of the programme with links to trailers at: http://www.midsomernortoncommunitytrust.co.uk">www.midsomernortoncommunitytrust.co.uk