A Romance of Seville

Featuring gorgeous cinematography from Claude Friese-Greene, this stirring drama of romance and derring-do features an early film role for debonair Egyptian-born actor Alexandre D'Arcy, playing opposite Russian-British star Marguerite Allan. Initially released as a silent film with Pathecolor sequences in May 1929, A Romance of Seville was re-released in July 1930 without the stencil colouring but with new titles and a soundtrack showcasing a feature-length medley of colourful Spanish music. The Pathecolor version no longer exists, but the re-release is presented here in a brand-new transfer from original film elements, in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.Dolores and Ramon celebrate their arranged betrothal with little enthusiasm: Dolores has a lover, and Ramon wants his freedom so that he can pursue Pepita. Having heard of Ramon's betrothal, Pepita gives her heart to another – but when bandits accost her and try to rob her father, they give the dashing Ramon just the chance he needs to prove the gallant lover!

British Musicals of the 1930s - Vol. 4

From playful romantic comedies to variety extravaganzas, the pre-war British musical films offered audiences a source of much-needed escapism throughout the decade haunted by the Great Depression and the growing menace of war. Often adapting much-loved hits of the music hall as well as serving as vehicles for the era's composers, performers and band leaders, they showcased home-grown talent alongside some of Hollywood's most bankable stars.This ongoing, multi-volume collection makes available a wealth of rare gems from the very earliest days of the British talkies, many of which have remained unseen since their original release; each film is presented uncut, in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.DANCE BAND (1935)Life gets complicated for bandleader Buddy when he falls for his greatest rival – the leader of an all-girl dance band!KATHLEEN MAVOURNEEN (1937)A hugely popular, much-adapted comedy in which a Liverpool lass visits family in rural Ireland and finds she has several rivals for her affections.HOLD MY HAND (1938)Eddie Marston is wealthy and kind, but his affairs are rapidly descending into chaos. Who can help him?YES, MADAM? (1938)The hilarious tale of two cousins who must complete a period in domestic service in order to receive an inheritance.

Luck of the Navy

Released a year prior to the outbreak of World War II, this espionage thriller taps into the fears and concerns of the time and features imposing screen and stage star Geoffrey Toone as a Naval commander who alone is entrusted with secret information that might foil an enemy invasion. Also starring Clifford Evans, Judy Kelly and comedian Albert Burdon, The Luck of the Navy is featured here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements, in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.International relations are strained; there is a strong possibility of war and, should diplomacy fail, Britain must be prepared to strike the first, and hopefully decisive, blow. The British Navy is the instrument, and Commander Clive Stanton the man chosen for a special and secret mission. He receives sealed orders as he is about to go ashore to dine with Mrs Maybridge, a local socialite and wife of a retired admiral – unaware that the house has been infiltrated by fifth columnists...

Talk of a Million

A family reduced to imminent poverty by the father's disinclination to work; an American lawyer looking for the heir to half a million pounds; the scene is set for a hilarious tale of creative deception from director John Paddy Carstairs!Featured in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements, this highly engaging comedy stars Dixon of Dock Green star Jack Warner as Bartley Murnahan, a likeable loafer who manages to give the impression that a large inheritance is due to his family. Bartley uses his wiliness to settle some scores and secure a future for his children, but this new-found prosperity comes at a price he may not be willing to pay!

Small Hotel

In his penultimate film, Gordon Harker heads a strong cast in a charming comedy charting the battle between the staff of a none-too-prosperous hotel, and a supervisor eager to make some unpopular changes. Co-starring Marie Lohr, John Loder and Billie Whitelaw, Small Hotel is featured here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements.The dining room of the Jolly Fiddler has long been presided over by Albert, an aged but very shrewd waiter. A past master of the gentle art of fiddling, he extracts the maximum profit from his job while managing to endear himself to both the customers and staff. Then, there's a visit from Mr Finch. He thinks it's time Albert was replaced...Features: Original Theatrical Trailer

The Flower of Gloster - The Complete Series

The first Granada Television series to be filmed in colour (though initially transmitted in black and white), this popular children's adventure featured a star who is 72 feet long and painted in cheerful shades of red and yellow! She is The Flower of Gloster, a converted canal barge which over the course of the series winds her way from Wales, through the inland waterways of England to the Pool of London at Tower Bridge. When their boatyard owner father is taken ill, ten-year-old Michael, his twelve-year-old sister Elizabeth and elder brother Dick decide to deliver a narrow-boat to a buyer on his behalf. During their 220-mile trip, they make new friends but also encounter all kinds of danger and difficulties, played out against the changing pattern of the British countryside.

The Conquest of the Air

Charting man's complicated journey towards and mastery over flight, this fascinating film uses both drama and documentary footage to present a highly cinematic account of the evolution of aviation, encompassing early experiments in automated flight, the development of bombers and aircraft carriers, and the earliest experiments in vertical rotary flight.A project initiated in 1935 by Alexander Korda as a potential collaboration with Winston Churchill, The Conquest of the Air was produced in fits and starts over the following five years – eventually being released in 1940 as a propaganda film to help the war effort both here and in America. The film is featured here in a brand-new transfer from original film elements in its as-exhibited aspect ratio.

Two Letter Alibi

Charles Hilary is in love with Kathy Forrester, a beautiful television personality, but is married to Louise, an alcoholic with as many lovers as whisky bottles. His pleas for a divorce are met with threats and abuse. You'll have to murder me first , Louise tells him – and three hours later she is found dead, shot with her husband's pistol. When Charles is arrested, Kathy desperately sets to work to prove his innocence.This rare 1960s thriller features an early screenplay by Roger Marshall, the future co-creator of Public Eye whose credits would also include The Sweeney, The Gentle Touch and The Professionals. A taut, compelling drama, Two Letter Alibi is featured here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.

Let's Be Happy

A lavish British musical from the 1950s, this glamorous romantic comedy stars actress and dancer Vera-Ellen, whose Hollywood pedigree included films with Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby. Co-starring singer and actor Tony Martin and then-rising British starlet Zena Marshall, Let's Be Happy is featured here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements, in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio. On receiving an inheritance from her grandfather, Canadian Jeannie MacLean decides to visit the family's Scottish roots. On the plane she meets businessman Stanley Smith, and romance blossoms in Edinburgh. The complications begin when Stanley breaks a date with Jeannie to woo voluptuous redhead Helene, and Jeannie is flattered by the attentions of the impoverished Lord McNairn; he's heard about her good fortune, and gallantly offers to show her the city... much to the annoyance of Stanley!

You Made Me Love You

Monkey business abounds in this spirited musical comedy updating Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew to 1930s London, with Stanley Lupino as the young man attempting to tame his formidably feisty bride – leading Hollywood comedienne Thelma Todd. You Made Me Love You is featured in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements, in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.Encountering a captivatingly beautiful young woman in a traffic jam, besotted songwriter Tom Daly is inspired to pen a successful new song, 'What's Her Name?' When Tom tracks down his mystery blonde he finds she's none other Pamela Berne, a horribly spoilt, fear-inspiring heiress who remains violently opposed to the idea of marriage!

British Comedies of the 1930s - Vol. 4

The ebullient comedy films of the 1930s brought escape and laughter to millions of British cinemagoers, enabling veteran stars of the music-hall and theatre to reach out to a wider audience - making household names of performers like Leslie Fuller, Hal Gordon, Bobby Howes, Ernest Lotinga and Gene Gerrard.Although comedy would prove to be the decade's most successful film genre, many of these classic early talkies have remained unseen since their original release. From boisterous knockabout humour to polished adaptations of popular stage farces, this ongoing collection showcases a wealth of rare features, each presented uncut, in a brand-new transfer from the best available elements in their as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.THEIR NIGHT OUT (1933)An evening of cocktails and frolicking lands a chap in hot water when he's suspected of masterminding a criminal gang!DOCTOR'S ORDERS (1934)Leslie Fuller stars as a quack whose son qualifies as a doctor in total ignorance of his father's occupation!

The Jessie Matthews Revue - Volume 4 (The Good Companions / Sailing Along)

Throughout the 1930s Jessie Matthews was Britain's best-loved musical film star, her dynamism and gamine charm beguiling audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. With a string of box-office hits spotlighting her unique talent, it's easy to see how she became so popular – and why she remains so to this day.Showcasing some the era’s finest cinema talent – including actor-director (and Matthews’ husband) Sonnie Hale, director Victor Saville and art director Alfred Junge – the two films on this volume are presented as transfers from the original film elements, in their as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratios.THE GOOD COMPANIONS (1933)Jessie shares the bill with John Gielgud and Edmund Gwenn in JB Priestley’s famous tale of a failing concert party and the three 'angels' who come together by chance to rescue it.Black and White / 108 mins / 1.33:1 / Mono / EnglishSAILING ALONG (1938)Kay is a star-struck young woman working on a Thames barge. When she’s spotted by a producer her dream of fame comes true – but will she still have time for her boyfriend?Black and White / 91 mins / 1.33:1 / Mono / English

Old Bill and Son

Some of British cinema's best-loved stars were enlisted for this endearing wartime comedy featuring 'Old Bill' – the memorably cantankerous, grittily determined Great War soldier created by cartoonist Captain Bruce Bairnsfather. Starring Morland Graham and John Mills as Bills senior and junior, Old Bill and Son is featured here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements, in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.Old Bill has grumbled his way through the trenches of the First World War. Now it is the Second and, envious of his son, Young Bill, he decides to enlist. He finally enters the Pioneer Corps, which is based near his son. When Young Bill goes missing during a raid, Old Bill shows that there's still life in the old dog yet!SPECIAL FEATURE:Image Gallery

The Galton and Simpson Comedy

Leslie Phillips, Bob Monkhouse, Patricia Hayes, Harry H. Corbett, David Jason, Jimmy Edwards en Richard O'Sullivan zijn maar een paar van de sterren die voorkomen in deze verzameling komediespelen van Ray Galton en Alan Simpson - het legendarische schrijversteam dat onder meer Hancock's Half Hour en Steptoe and Son op zijn naam heeft staan.Volgens hetzelfde format dat zo effectief was gebleken bij hun eerdere reeks toneelstukken voor Comedy Playhouse, bestaat deze serie uit zes shows:The Suit: met in de hoofdrollen Leslie Phillips en Jennie Linden Een getrouwde man wordt het slachtoffer van een nogal gênante inbraak.Friends in High Places: met in de hoofdrollen Bob Monkhouse en Patricia Hayes Een 55-jarige wenst weer jong te zijn - en zijn wens wordt vervuld!Never Talk to Strangers: met in de hoofdrollen Harry H. Corbett en Rosemary Leach Twee eenzame mensen hebben een kans om samen het geluk te vinden.Don't Dilly Dally on the Way: met in de hoofdrollen Jimmy Edwards en David Jason Na 23 jaar in dezelfde bungalow te hebben gewoond, bereidt een echtpaar zich voor op een verhuizing. Jammer voor arme Edie...Married to Him: starring Milo O'Shea and Gwendolyn Watts Wat gebeurt er met een huwelijk als de kostwinner ontdekt dat ze in verwachting is?An Extra Bunch of Daffodils: starring Stratford Johns and Patsy Rowlands Een man die vijf zwaar verzekerde echtgenotes heeft begraven begint een zoektocht naar zijn zesde...

Smash and Grab

Forming a hugely popular screen partnership during the inter-war years, dapper comic player Jack Buchanan and musical star Elsie Randolph bring a characteristic elan to this stylish and entertaining crime caper from the late 1930s. Directed by Q Planes' Tim Whelan, Smash and Grab (released in the US as Larceny Street) is presented here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements and in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.John Forrest, an insurance investigator with a weakness for model railways, is on the trail of a gang of smash-and-grab thieves targeting Europe's most prestigious jewellers. As the chase leads him to Ireland, Forrest finds he needs help – and who better to call upon than his impossibly elegant, highly capable wife, Alice?SPECIAL FEATURE:Image GalleryOriginal Pressbook PDF

Living Dangerously

Matinee idol Otto Kruger stars in the dramatic story of a normal, intelligent man of good principles driven to contemplate thoughts of murder. This powerful suspense drama is featured in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements, in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.Doctor Stanley Norton is struck off the medical register following an unfounded accusation of misconduct by his corrupt former partner, Henry Pryor. Emigrating to America under a new name, Norton begins life afresh with Helen, the woman he loves, and he eventually achieves great renown as a heart specialist. Then Pryor, ruined and fixated on revenge, tracks Norton down – determined to benefit from his former partner's wealth... or destroy him utterly!SPECIAL FEATURES:Image galleryMemorabilia PDF

Aldywch Farces - Vol. 3 (Fighting Stock / Foreign Affaires)

A series of now-legendary stage comedies from the 1920s and '30s, the Aldwych Farces broke theatre box-office records and made the transition to celluloid with a run of hit films – making stars of Tom Walls, Ralph Lynn and Robertson Hare. Most were penned by leading comic playwright Ben Travers and peopled by a regular cast of silly-ass aristocrats, battleaxe wives and put-upon husbands; nimble wordplay and finely crafted buffoonery were their hallmarks and the public loved them.Though only ten adaptations were made on film, the influence of these enduringly popular films was great and can be seen in some of the key British comedies from the first half of the 20th century. This ongoing range will include not only the Aldwych Farces themselves but those films that they influenced. They are presented here as brand-new transfers from original film elements in their original aspect ratio.FIGHTING STOCK (1935)Feuding, intrigue and blackmail put a brigadier-general's fishing holiday on hold.Black and White / 70 mins / 1.33:1 / Mono / EnglishFOREIGN AFFAIRES (1935)An ageing aristocrat schemes to secure his dwindling finances by any means – fair or foul!Black and White / 69 mins / 1.33:1 / Mono / English

Romeo & Juliet

A BAFTA and Golden Globe-nominated Royal Ballet adaptation directed by Paul Czinner, this celebrated 1966 production features mesmerisingly vulnerable performances from both Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn as Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers. Four years into their joint tenure at the Royal Ballet (Nureyev as Principal Dancer and Fonteyn as Prima Ballerina), this production unequivocally captures on film one of the greatest artistic partnerships of the twentieth century.A ballet masterpiece on many levels – from Prokofiev's stunning score to Kenneth MacMillan's exquisite choreography – Romeo & Juliet is presented here as a brand-new transfer from original film elements in its original theatrical aspect ratio.SPECIAL FEATURES:Original theatrical trailerImage galleryOriginal promotional material PDFs

Rome Express

A key 1930s thriller from director Walter Forde, Rome Express stars Conrad Veidt – in his first British film role – alongside Cedric Hardwicke and Gordon Harker as intrigue unfolds on the legendary express train that once linked Paris to Rome. Whimsically scripted by Sidney Gilliat, this seminal adventure would ultimately inspire a genre of thrillers and is presented here in a brand-new transfer from original film elements in its as-exhibited aspect ratio.A sinister character boards the Rome Express on the trail of a valuable van Dyck painting, recently stolen from a Paris gallery. Much to his annoyance he finds the train populated with a motley assortment of passengers, including adulterous lovers, a parsimonious philanthropist, a golfing bore, a holidaying French police chief and an American movie star – all of whom are between him and the painting he desperately seeks...SPECIAL FEATURES:Image galleryOriginal Promotional PDFsBooklet by Professor Neil Sinyard

To Paris With Love

British screen legend Alec Guinness gives a sparkling performance in Robert Hamer's romantic comedy set amongst the boulevards of La Ville Lumiere. Co-starring Parisian ingenue Odile Versois and featuring a suitably Gallic score by Edwin Astley, To Paris with Love is featured here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements, in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.Sir Edgar Fraser, a widowed Scottish baronet, decides that it's about time his 20-year-old son became acquainted with the opposite sex. Not one to do things by halves, he determines that this must be done in Paris, the most romantic city in the world. So off they go, with Sir Edgar determined to find a beautiful, spirited girl for his son. This he certainly does – but complications soon arise when he finds that he's falling for her himself!SPECIAL FEATURES:Original Theatrical TrailerImage galleryPromotional material PDFs