Film Festival 2019
Friday September 27, 2019: 7:30 - 8:50pm
Steamboat Bill, Jr. (1929, Buster Keaton / Charles Reisner)
Due to the popularity of last year's Buster Keaton screening, we bring you another of the the comic genius's masterpieces, in a beautiful new restoration, and once more featuring the live accompaniment of one of the country’s leading modern jazz pianists and Herts Jazz Club favourite, Gareth Williams.
STEAMBOAT BILL, JR. was Buster Keaton's last independent silent comedy and also one of his best. The captain of a paddle steamer, William "Steamboat Bill" Canfield, eagerly awaits the arrival of his college student son, whom he has not seen since the lad was a baby. Expecting a big, husky man like himself he is sorely disappointed with his slight, awkward offspring (Buster Keaton). This hilarious film features some of Buster's most daring and famous stunts. As one critic says: "Boasts the most astonishing and indelible images in Keaton's body of work, and some of the best moments in movie history… wildly...
Friday September 27, 2019: 9:10 -10:10pm
SPIKE WELLS - A LOVE SUPREME [premiere of re-edited and updated version] (2019, Gary Barber & Paul Dutnall)
Introduction by Spike Wells and the directors.
We are proud to present the premiere of a newly re-edited and updated version of an insightful documentary about legendary British drummer Spike Wells. The film charts the musical life of this unique player who has worked with a host of jazz superstars - such as Tubby Hayes, Stan Getz, Roland Kirk, Johnny Griffin - and who had a long term close collaboration with Bobby Wellins. The film also looks at other aspects of Spike's life - his work as a solicitor and his later conversion to Christianity and calling to the priesthood.
This is a fitting celebration for one of the greats of British jazz.
Presented in collaboration with the Cambridge Film Festival and Screen St Ives.
(Photo courtesy Melody McLaren)