Casablanca opens Silver Screen Week at Fairfax House (From York Press)

Casablanca opens Silver Screen Week at Fairfax House

2:29pm Tuesday 3rd August 2010 in

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THE second Silver Screen Week at Fairfax House will focus on films from the Second World War era from Sunday, September, 26.

Cary Grant, Humphrey Bogart, Judy Garland, Greer Garson and Ingrid Bergman will represent cinema’s golden age in the York festival from September 26 to October 3, reviving memories of when the Georgian town house in Castlegate was home to St George’s Cinema from 1921 to 1965.

To mark the 70th anniversary of Dunkirk, six cinematic masterpieces of the early 1940s will be screened, each year of the war being represented by a film either made or released that year.

Casablanca, the Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman classic from 1943, is the choice for the glitzy opening gala on September 26 at 7.30pm: a red-carpet evening with a chance to dress up as your favourite film character from the 1940s, complemented by nostalgic wartime music played by York musicians.

Other screenings include Goodbye Mr Chips, from 1939, on September 30 at 4.30pm and October 2 at 7.30pm; Citizen Kane, from 1941, on September 28 at 4.30pm and October 1 at 7.30pm; Mrs Miniver, from 1942, on September 27 at 4.30pm and September 30 at 7.30pm; Arsenic And Old Lace, from 1944, on September 28 at 7.30pm and October 2 at 4.30pm; and Meet Me In St Louis, from 1945, on September 27 at 7.30pm and October 3 at 4.30pm.

In response to public demand, Buster Keaton’s 1927 silent movie The General will be shown again, this time at City Screen, York, on October 3 at 11am. As with last year’s screening, York pianist Kieran White will provide the live score to this American Civil War caper.

Cinema buffs will have the chance to test their knowledge in a quiz night on September 29 at 7.30pm that will include a cryptic clue section for crossword experts, plus Guess The Film and Guess The Actor categories. The winner will receive a DVD film package of a selection of the films shown at the Silver Screen Week.

Hannah Phillip, director of Fairfax House, says: “Last year’s event was an overwhelming success. Visitors really enjoyed the experience of watching old films in the house and reliving and remembering the past.

“We went out of our way to create an authentic atmosphere, providing usherettes in old-fashioned costumes and assigning a commissionaire to collect tickets at the door.”

This year’s film week will be equally special, Hannah promises.

“We’ve carefully chosen some of the greatest classic war-era films. The line-up features some of the most evocative storyline, star-studded casts and all the romance, drama, humour and suspense that film-makers of Hollywood and Britain could bring.

“We urge you to book your tickets early because last year many of the screenings sold out well in advance.”

To book tickets, phone on 01904 655543 or call in at Fairfax House during opening hours.

More details on the Silver Screen Week can be found at fairfaxhouse.co.uk

CH 23/9/10: Please note the September 26 screening of Fantasia at 11am has been cancelled.