Events

GREAT EXPECTATIONS (1946, d. David Lean; starring John Mills, Valarie Hobson, Jean Simmons, Martita Hunt and Alec Guinness)

In 1939, David Lean was impressed and inspired by shortened stage adaptation of the dense Charles Dickens classic, “Great Expectations” and tackled bringing the tale to the screen in 1946. By this time, Lean had become a confident writer (collaborating with regulars Ronald Neame and Anthony Havelock-Allen, among others) and acquired a solid footing as a director.

Dickens’ tale of an orphan boy, Pip, raised to manhood through varying arrangements and offered a chance to be molded into a gentleman with “great expectations” is remarkably surveyed in under 2 hours by Lean. From familial sheltering to wealthy benefactors, from a brief encounter with an escaped prisoner to a slow-burning childhood love, Pip bobs with the currents of mid-19th century Dickensian life. Beautifully captured by Guy Green’s black and white photography (which would win the Academy Award the following year).

Considered among the greatest of British films, Great Expectations remains an enduring classic.

The Film Salon meets at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema located at 250 East Montecillo Drive. All screenings are $7 and tickets can be purchased in advance (recommended) through the Alamo Drafthouse website or at the door (seating may be limited). Come out early and enjoy some of the Alamo’s extensive drink and food options.

Please visit our website at www.filmsalon.org for direction and a link to purchase tickets.