THE next two films to be shown at Melksham Monday Movies Club are The Great Escaper and The Old Oak.
The Great Escaper will be shown on Monday 8th April and tells the true story of 89-year-old British World War II Royal Navy veteran Bernard Jordan who ‘broke out’ of his nursing home to attend the 70th anniversary D-Day commemorations in France in June 2014.
It stars Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson who were both making their final screen performances; Jackson died nine months after filming finished and Caine announced his retirement soon after the film was completed.
The Guardian, gave the film 4 stars out of 5, saying “Michael Caine and the late Glenda Jackson bring their A games to this true-life heartwarmer … their ineffable class give this film some real grit: it’s a wonderful last hurrah for Jackson and there is something moving and even awe-inspiring in seeing these two British icons together”
The Old Oak will be shown on Monday 22nd April and is a 2023 drama film that tells the story of pub landlord TJ Ballantyne, living in a previously thriving mining community in County Durham, who struggles to hold onto his pub and keep it as the one remaining public space where people can meet in the town.
Meanwhile, tensions rise when Syrian refugees are placed there, but Ballantyne strikes up a friendship with one of the refugees, Yara.It stars Dave Turner, Ebla Mari and Claire Rodgerson and is directed by Ken Loach. The film was nominated for Outstanding British Film at the British Academy Film Awards. In The Guardian, Peter Bradshaw named it as one of his films of the year.
Doors open at 1.30pm and the films start at 2pm. There is a break for tea or coffee and a chance to catch up with friends before finishing around 4pm. Admission is by donation, with a suggestion of £4.