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“GONE TO EARTH” Saturday 28 August 7.30 pm at Clun Memorial Hall To commence our Autumn season of films Sebunctious Promotions are delighted to bring you “GONE TO EARTH”, a film rooted in South Shropshire. “Gone to Earth” (1950) is a film by the British-based director-writer team of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. It stars Jennifer Jones, David Farrar and Cyril Cusack and features Esmond Knight. “Gone to Earth” is based on the 1917 novel of the same name by author Mary Webb. The novel was all but ignored when it first appeared, but became widely known in the 1930s as the neo-romantic revival gathered pace, even inspiring a more famous and wickedly funny parody, Gibbons “Cold Comfort Farm”. There will be a short introductory talk by Richard Beaumond who was Co-ordinator for the Lordshill Project and is a Flicks promoter in Lydbury North. The Lordshill Project and Gone To Earth. “Gone to Earth” was first published in the dark days of 1917 and was Mary Webb’s cry against cruelty. It was set in the beautiful Shropshire Hills and valleys of the Welsh borderlands. When Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger filmed “Gone to Earth” in 1949 food rationing following World War II was still in force and the location filming in parts of Shropshire brought money and great excitement into an economically depressed rural area. Over 300 local people – including three generations of one family - took part as extras on location in and around Much Wenlock, the Stipperstones, Lordshill, Apedale and Chapel Lawn. The experience remains firmly embedded in local history and folklore. More than half a century later Mary Web's story and Michael Powell's film continues to work its magic; the book is still in print and at screenings of the film in Shropshire halls you will hear people say - with justifiable pride - "There's Gran," "That's my Dad," and, once in a while - "That's me!" In 2006 the Lordshill Project recorded a double CD of the memories of some of the extras who took part. In a 15 minute introduction to the film Lordshill Co-ordinator Richard Beaumond will identify locations and reveal some of the secrets and off-screen stories that contribute to the enduring appeal of the film.
The film is certificate PG (110 minutes), in colour but of course mono
sound (no such thing as stereos in 1949). Tickets will be available on
the door, Adult £4, Under 16 £2.50. Interval refreshments plus choc
ices. Disabled and access, toilets and parking.
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