Film stars draw crowds to Essex cinema

  

TWO cinematic icons joined excited members of the public at an independent Essex picture house this weekend for a special double-screening of some classic British films.

Heart-throb actor Clive Owen and director Mike Hodges joined delighted film fans at the Electric Palace Cinema on a sunny Sunday afternoon in Harwich to enjoy a selection of their work and hold an exclusive question and answer session.

Mr Owen, star of Closer, Sin City and Children of Men, and Mr Hodges, whose films include Flash Gordon, Pulp and The Terminal Man, were more than happy to answer questions on a wide range of subjects from the captivated audience.

The event saw screenings of both Get Carter, Hodges' gritty 1971 drama starring Michael Caine as an avenging gangster, and Croupier, which stars Mr Owen as the casino employee of the title.

The pair fielded numerous questions about the film-making process as well as many enquiries concerning the cult following attached to Get Carter.

Mr Hodges said he had no idea what had made it so popular with its fans, but said he was proud of both that film and Croupier.

He said: “Get Carter was my first film. I accept it (the film's enduring popularity) as a form of flattery - I never thought that it was going to happen in my time.”

He was also delighted to be presented with a special Electric Palace cake after recently celebrating his 75th birthday.

Mr Owen talked at length about the filming of Croupier, which he described as a “hugely important” film in his career.

The actor has close family ties to the area and was named patron of the 95-year-old cinema earlier this year.

He continues to support its small team of volunteers in their bid to raise £65,000 for structural repair work.

The palace's Peter Hadley said interest had been strong in the double bill and reflected the level of support within the town.

He said: “They (Mr Hodges and Mr Owen) really enjoyed being here. Clive is so laid back - he's always happy to come down.

“We must thank Clive for having the idea - he and Mike are good friends. Get Carter has always had a cult following but Croupier is going that way too.”

The cinema has a varied programme that mixes contemporary Hollywood fare, such as The Simpsons Movie and the latest episode of Harry Potter, with classic and cult favourites, as well as hosting live Jazz events.

Mr Hadley said he was very pleased with how the appeal was going and that Sunday's event was expected to add more than £600 to the £15,000 local fundraising target.

He said: “The appeal is coming on really well. Our grant application to the Lottery Fund for £40,000 has gone in and we're waiting to hear the outcome.”