FILMS/DVDs
ALFRED HITCHCOCK IN EAST LONDON
‘Alfred Hitchcock in East London’ retraces the legendary director’s footsteps around Leytonstone, Limehouse, Stratford and Hackney and reveals how his early London life profoundly influenced his later work. The documentary also examines Hitchcock’s associations with the long forgotten Walthamstow film industry and tells the previously untold story of his support for an East London cinema during the height of his Hollywood fame. The film identifies the key sites from the director’s youth which still exist today and features a wide range of rare archive footage plus contributions from Roy Ward Baker (assistant director ‘The Lady Vanishes’) Charles Barr (author of the seminal ‘English Hitchcock’), actor Murray Melvin and numerous others. Produced to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Britain’s first talking picture ‘Blackmail’, the film paints a picture of Hitchcock and his London roots which is radically different from previous studies.
“a fascinating insight” – Boris Johnson, former British Prime Minister
“a rarely-seen side of the master that is often conveniently ignored in favour of his later American success” – USA Today
“a must for fans of one of the few directors who managed to balance art and populism with any sustained success” – Herts and Essex Observer
SPECIAL FEATURES: 40-minute Alfred Hitchcock audio interview, ‘Working with Hitch – the Memories of Roy Ward Baker’ featurette, ‘The Lost Cinemas of Limehouse and Leytonstone’ featurette, ‘Zeppelins over London’ featurette, ‘Hitchcock’s Leytonstone Today’ stills featurette, ‘BBC Big Screen – The EMD Cinema’ featurette.
AVAILABLE FROM AMAZON UK HERE.
THE LAST DAYS OF THE EMD CINEMA
“an essential film” – SCREEN TRADE MAGAZINE
The historic EMD Cinema in Waltham Forest is widely regarded as one of London’s finest cinema buildings. Created by architect Cecil Masey and the world famous Russian stage designer Theodore Komisarjevsky, the venue was originally opened as the Granada Cinema in 1930. ‘The Last Days of The EMD Cinema’ traces the history of the venue from its early days as a ‘cine-variety’ theatre up to the highly controversial closure in 2003 and the lengthy public campaign to preserve it as a place of entertainment. Drawing extensively on footage shot during the closing night Gala Show in 2003 and previously unseen archive film, this DVD documentary provides a rare insight into the complex story of a unique cultural and architectural gem. The DVD also includes a bonus featurette examining the Christie Cinema Organ along with exclusive stills galleries and an audio track of the final Christie Organ concert. SOLD OUT
Copies can occasionally be found on Amazon here.
THE PRISONER: 35 YEARS OF A TELEVISION PHENOMENON
In May 2002 The McGuffins organised a special event at the EMD Cinema to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Patrick McGoohan’s classic TV series ‘The Prisoner’. Guests included leading British character actor Kenneth Griffith, world renowned stuntman Frank Maher and film librarian and director Tony Sloman. The film contains edited highlights of the evening along with bonus footage of additional backstage interviews with the guests. SOLD OUT
PUBLICATIONS
EMD CINEMA – THE COMMEMORATIVE BROCHURE
The McGuffins published this lavish limited edition brochure following the closure of the EMD Cinema. Professionally produced on glossy art paper with a laminated colour cover, the brochure is beautifully illustrated with rare photographs and original advertising dating from the 1930’s to the closing night in January 2003. The brochure contains a full history of the cinema from its early days as a ‘cine-variety’ theatre to the campaign to save it from closure. SOLD OUT
EMD CHARITY GALA SHOW – SOUVENIR BROCHURE
Glossy A4 brochure produced for sale on the closing night of the EMD Cinema in January 2003. Lavishly illustrated and containing a full history of the cinema, this item is now highly collectable. SOLD OUT
POSTCARDS
GRANADA CINEMA 80th ANNIVERSARY POSTCARD SET
A set of professionally produced postcards depicting classic images of the original Granada Cinema in 1930. SOLD OUT
T-SHIRTS
SAVE WALTHAMSTOW’S CINEMA
The classic McGuffin campaign T-shirt.
SOLD OUT
THE BEATLES IN WALTHAMSTOW
Limited edition T-shirt produced as part of the Granada Cinema 80th anniversary celebration. SOLD OUT
TABLEWARE
MUG McGUFFIN
For the discerning Waltham Forest kitchen, the ultimate in style and practicality. SOLD OUT
mcguffinfilmsociety.wordpress.com 