Tag: London
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DRACULA (31)
“Dracula” (1931) is the seminal Universal horror film directed by Tod Browning, which set the stage for many of the iconic vampire films that followed. Adapted from the 1897 novel by Bram Stoker, the film tells the story of Count Dracula, a centuries-old vampire who seeks to move from Transylvania to London to spread the…
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SHORT FILM: THE GIRL CHEWING GUM
The Girl Chewing Gum (1976) by John Smith is a short experimental film that deconstructs the relationship between film, reality, and directorial control. The film begins with a commanding voiceover directing various elements of an everyday street scene in Dalston, East London. The voice, resembling that of a film director, orchestrates the movement of people,…
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A HARD DAYS NIGHT
“A Hard Day’s Night” (1964) is a musical comedy film directed by Richard Lester and starring the Beatles — John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. The film is a semi-fictionalized account of a day in the band’s life at the height of Beatlemania. It’s widely praised for its innovative style, sharp humor,…
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WITHNAIL AND I
“Withnail and I” is a 1987 British black comedy film written and directed by Bruce Robinson. It is a darkly comedic portrayal of two struggling actors who embark on a chaotic, booze-fueled holiday in the English countryside. Starring Richard E. Grant as the flamboyant Withnail and Paul McGann as the more reserved “I” (whose name…
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STRAIGHT ON TILL MORNING
“Straight on Till Morning” is a 1972 British psychological thriller directed by Peter Collinson. The film stars Rita Tushingham, Shane Briant, and James Bolam.The story revolves around Brenda Thompson (played by Rita Tushingham), a shy and introverted young woman who moves to London in search of independence and excitement. Brenda rents a room in a…
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HELP!
“Help!” is a musical comedy film directed by Richard Lester, released in 1965, and starring the iconic British band The Beatles: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. The film is a zany adventure that follows the Fab Four as they find themselves entangled in a madcap escapade involving a cult, a sacrificial…
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THE MAGIC CHRISTIAN
“The Magic Christian” is a 1969 British satirical comedy film directed by Joseph McGrath and based on the novel of the same name by Terry Southern. The film features a cast of notable actors, including Peter Sellers, Ringo Starr, Raquel Welch, and Christopher Lee.The story follows Sir Guy Grand (Peter Sellers), an eccentric and immensely…
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SACRED HOUSES: THE RIO, DALSTON, LONDON
The Rio Cinema, situated on Kingsland High Street in Dalston, east London, is an independent Art Deco cinema that has been in operation for over 100 years. The cinema is listed as a Grade II building. The building was initially an auctioneer’s shop, later transformed into the Kingsland Palace in 1909 by its owner, Clara…
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BLOW-UP
“Blow-Up,” directed by the visionary Italian filmmaker Michelangelo Antonioni in 1966, is a groundbreaking cinematic exploration of perception, reality, and the elusive nature of truth. Set in the vibrant and swinging London of the 1960s, the film features a cast led by David Hemmings, Vanessa Redgrave, and Sarah Miles. The story follows Thomas, played by…
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SACRED HOUSES: SCALA CINEMA, LONDON
The Scala was initially constructed as a cinema following the designs of H Courtney Constantine. However, the construction was halted due to the onset of the First World War. During the War, the building was repurposed to manufacture aircraft components as part of the War efforts. Later on, it served as a labor exchange for…
The Other Cinema 