The Films of Jack Clayton

presented by Neil Sinyard

One of the NW Group's favourite lecturers returned to Edenfield Country House Hotel in Lytham on the weekend of 15-17th February 2002 to introduce a weekend of films by a British moviemaker who has often been underestimated.

The cover of Neil Sinyard's book on Jack Clayton. During research for his book on Jack Clayton, Neil had extensive interviews with his widow and many who had worked with this distinguished British director. These insights enlivened his introductions and illuminated the discussions afterwards. Picture of discussion group at Lytham.

The hotel was packed and, between very good meals, delegates enjoyed screenings of Clayton's remarkable films. Not that they are easy material ...
Room At The Top (1958, 120 mins) - the powerful adaptation of John Braine's novel won two Oscars and introduced the "kitchen sink" era of British cinema.
The Innocents (1961, 100 mins) - terrifying thriller based on Henry James's Turn of the Screw.
A still from 'The Innocents'.

The Pumpkin Eater (1964, 110 mins) - mother of eight discovers her third husband has been unfaithful! Very much of the Swinging Sixties this gave Anne Bancroft a mesmerising role. Based on Penelope Mortimer's semi-autobiographical novel about a woman who lived to produce babies it is a stylish British "Art House" movie. A still from 'The Pumpkin Eater'.

Naples Is A Battlefield (1944, 13mins) - Clayton's film for the war effort showed how Allied Troops helped restore services to the destroyed city and hope to its citizens.
Our Mother's House (1967, 105mins) - mother dies and children exist until arrival of worthless father. A still from 'Our Mothers House'.

Something Wicked This Way Comes (1988, 94mins) - carnival arrives in town to fulfill the dreams of its citizens. Unbeloved by critics and a fraught production this had fascinating moments.
The Great Gatsby (1974, 144 mins) - mysterious young millionaire crashes1920's Long Island society.
A still from 'The Great Gatsby'.

Memento Mori (1992, 100mins) - tale of an eccentric circle of friends playing wicked games! It was made for BBC and featured most of the distinguished older actors including Maggie Smith, Michael Hordern, Renee Asherson, Stephanie Cole, Thora Hird, Maurice Denham, Cyril Cusack, Robert Flemyng - and a guest from a younger generation, Zoe Wanamaker.

Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne (1987, 116mins) - Maggie Smith excels in this adaptation of Brian Moore's novel.
Finally Neil showed The Bespoke Overcoat and a recording of the special memorial evening which BAFTA (The British Academy of Film & Television Arts) held to celebrate Jack Clayton's life. Colleagues, technicians, actors and friends all contributed.
A still from 'The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne'.

The hotel was packed and, between very good meals, delegates enjoyed screenings of Clayton's remarkable films. Not that they are easy material ... *Room At The Top* (1958, 120 mins) - the powerful adaptation of John Braine's novel won two Oscars and introduced the "kitchen sink" era of British cinema. *The Innocents* (1961, 100 mins) - terrifying thriller based on Henry James's Turn of the Screw.
*The Pumpkin Eater* (1964, 110 mins) - mother of eight discovers her third husband has been unfaithful! Very much of the Swinging Sixties this gave Anne Bancroft a mesmerising role. Based on Penelope Mortimer's semi-autobiographical novel about a woman who lived to produce babies it is a stylish British "Art House" movie.
*Naples Is A Battlefield* (1944, 13mins) - Clayton's film for the war effort showed how Allied Troops helped restore services to the destroyed city and hope to its citizens. *Our Mother's House* (1967, 105mins) - mother dies and children exist until arrival of worthless father.
*Something Wicked This Way Comes* (1988, 94mins) - carnival arrives in town to fulfill the dreams of its citizens. Unbeloved by critics and a fraught production this had fascinating moments. *The Great Gatsby* (1974, 144 mins) - mysterious young millionaire crashes1920's Long Island society.
*Memento Mori* (1992, 100mins) - tale of an eccentric circle of friends playing wicked games! It was made for BBC and featured most of the distinguished older actors including Maggie Smith, Michael Hordern, Renee Asherson, Stephanie Cole, Thora Hird, Maurice Denham, Cyril Cusack, Robert Flemyng - and a guest from a younger generation, Zoe Wanamaker.
*Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne* (1987, 116mins) - Maggie Smith excels in this adaptation of Brian Moore's novel. Finally Neil showed *The Bespoke Overcoat* and a recording of the special memorial evening which BAFTA (The British Academy of Film & Television Arts) held to celebrate Jack Clayton's life. Colleagues, technicians, actors and friends all contributed.