Creepily atmospheric, this is a stylishly crafted, chilling British ghost tale with Deborah Kerr at her finest. Remastered in stunning 4K.

Based on the Henry James story ‘The Turn of the Screw,’ this a psychological thriller about Miss Giddens (the glorious Kerr) who takes a governess job in a Victorian home for two rich orphans, ten-year-old Miles (Martin Stephens) and his younger sister Flora (Pamela Franklin). She begins to see what she believes are ghosts and suspects the children's bizarre behaviour is the result of supernatural powers. The children’s previous nanny and her manservant lover both met with mysterious deaths. This is a film that creeps slowly up on the viewer: a drip-feed of fear fed by creaks, eerie children and shadowy demonic figures on the periphery of this world and the next. Psychological horrors have imitated its ambiguous ending ever since. Few have pulled it off half as creepily, and Martin Scorsese put this in his top ten list of nerve-jangling films.

USA 1961 Jack Clayton 100m

We will also be presenting an illustrated talk on Henry James – writer of ‘The Innocents’ – see above.

Four Ways to Say Farewell

Director tony Palmer joins us at New Park to present his film and host a Q&A directly afterwards. Join Maestro Leonard Bernstein for his 1971 rehearsal film  of Mahler's Ninth Symphony with the Vienna Philharmonic.

In a way only he can, Bernstein takes us through the entire symphony sharing insight, listening guides, and a peek into the rehearsal process for such a monumental piece. Filmed in 1971, just five years before his landmark performance with the London Symphony Orchestra in Ely Cathedral, this concert documentary is a rare glimpse of Bernstein in his prime.

UK/Austria 1971 Humphrey Burton & Tony Palmer 54m

We are delighted to welcome director Tony Palmer to Chichester to host a Q&A following the screening.

We also present a screening of ‘Maestro’ directly after the Q&A and Bernstein’s ‘On the Town’

This love story chronicles the lifelong relationship of conductor-composer Leonard Bernstein and Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein. A symphonic love story with sparkling, awards-worthy performances.

Bradley Cooper takes on the triple role of lead actor, director and writer. He wisely eschews the conventional biopic logic of ticking off Bernstein’s career highlights. Instead, ‘Maestro’ zeroes in on his vivid, life-long love affair with Chilean émigré Felicia Montealegre, beautifully played by Carey Mulligan who is the beating heart of the film. ‘Maestro’ digs deep into Bernstein’s music to unleash some of the greatest hits (‘West Side Story,’ ‘On the Waterfront’) and a few lesser-known pieces. A recreation of his legendary performance of Mahler in 1968 just about blows the roof off New York’s St Patrick’s Cathedral. This is a film for cinephiles as well as musos and romantics, with its discrete ‘movements’ mirroring the movie making style of its time frame. Early scenes are filmed in 35mm black-and-white, while Lenny and Felicia’s stormy late 1960s patch is captured in Technicolor. This elegant, ambitious biopic is a love letter to life and art, and at its core is an emotionally epic portrayal of family and love. "An absolute marvel." Rolling Stone

USA 2023 Bradley Cooper 129m

Special Price for Bernstein Doc with Tony Palmer Q&A plus ‘Maestro’: £19

This Cannes 2023 opener follows the life of Jeanne Bécu, Comtesse du Barry, who was born as the illegitimate daughter of an impoverished seamstress in 1743 and went on to rise through the Court of Louis XV to become his last official mistress.

When Jeanne’s (Maïwenn) lover, the Comte du Barry (Melvil Poupaud), wishes to present her to King Louis XV (Johnny Depp) he orchestrates a meeting through the influential Duke of Richelieu (a brilliant Pierre Richard). The encounter goes far beyond his expectations, for it was love at first sight for the King and Jeanne. Through this ravishing courtesan, the king rediscovers his appetite for life, and makes Jeanne his last official mistress. Scandal erupts of course, as no one at Court will accept a girl from the streets into their rarified world. The attention afforded to costume and production design is superb, creating a visual feast that will have you swooning over the lavish gowns, gravity-defying hairstyles and ornate décor. Director (also lead actress and co-writer) Maïwenn caused quite a stir by casting Johnny Depp as Louis XV. (Subtitles)

France 2023 Maïwenn 117m