The Small Back Room (1949): Film Noir UK

Part of the BFI's Cinema Unbound: The Creative Worlds of Powell + Pressburger season, the Electric Picture House and Film Noir UK are proud to present a special double bill looking at the darker side of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's output.

The Small Back Room (1949)

Starring: David Farrar, Kathleen Byron, Jack Hawkins, Leslie Banks, Cyril Cusack and Sid James UK / PG / 107mins Director: Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger

After the lavish Technicolor spectacle of The Red Shoes (1948), Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger retreated into the inward, shadowy recesses of this moody, crackling character study. Based on the acclaimed novel by Nigel Balchin, The Small Back Room (1949) details the professional and personal travails of troubled, alcoholic research scientist and military bomb-disposal expert Sammy Rice (David Farrar), who, while struggling with a complex relationship with secretary girlfriend Susan (Kathleen Byron), is hired by the government to advise on a dangerous new German weapon.

Deftly mixing suspense and romance, this rare screening of The Small Back Room is an atmospheric, noirish, post-World War II gem.

Special introduction by Powell and Pressburger specialist Mark Fuller (Film Noir UK). This event is produced by Film Noir UK and is part of Cinema Unbound: The Creative Worlds of Powell + Pressburger, a UK-wide film season supported by National Lottery and BFI Film Audience Network. Special thanks to Studio Canal.