Film: Robin Redbreast

For today's film - second in a row - I had a ways to go down the list, there were so many only showing yesterday - but I came to an interesting one; Robin Redbreast was part of an old TV series called Play for Today, and the BFI was showing this episode! Out of several at the same rating, this caught my eye, with its sinister, folk-horror theme.. so I booked, as it was already over half booked out. 

I headed off early, made it in good time. In fact, I was the first into the screen, asking the usher whether they were open yet! Turns out - as in so many cases, here - it's part of a season they're showing - Roots, Rituals and Phantasmagoria:

Turns out the season was created by Daniel Kokotajlo, director of a new film along the same lines, Starve Acre - not that highly rated, mind. Stars Matt Smith - and has English folk horror as its theme. Just like this film - and indeed, the season was curated using films that "shaped facets" of Starve Acre. So, a collection of folk horror, then - never a bad thing.

Folk horror is indeed at the centre of Robin Redbreast, and the programme notes gushed about how it presaged so many others. Indeed - but it's subtle. I have to give kudos if, as indicated, it was the first of its kind - but so much has gone since that this does look rather tame. Still, if you try and remember how new the idea was..

Interestingly, apparently there was a surge of folk horror around the time this was made - and all of this started with the repeal of the Witchcraft Act in the 1950s! which coincided with a surge of interest in things pagan. And so to this film. Apparently, there was a colour version, but it was recorded over - still, as the notes point out, the black and white does make it atmospheric.

A young Londoner - a modern and sophisticated young lady - has just come out of the break-up of a longterm relationship, and takes herself off to her country cottage for some peace and quiet. There was much hilarity, at the start, at her London friends - their attitudes, and by the way, one remarking to her partner that she does hope this friend doesn't turn to drink when she's down there.. this while taking a drink herself!

Anyway, our protagonist finds herself in the village that time forgot - just about everyone is just plain weird. She has a lady come to clean for her twice a week - well, how handy! My mother, who lives in a rural area, can't get anyone to come at all, for love nor money.. There's also a peculiar chap with glasses, who seems to know everything about everything ("a great reader"), and a couple of other odd characters, one of whom has no teeth and mumbles everything. And everyone seems to know everything about everyone else - including the newcomer.

And that's before you get onto the naked karate expert! Well, not completely naked - he has a teeny pair of budgie-smugglers. And there he is, attacking sticks in the middle of the wood. Honestly, she should have turned tail and run.. but no, she admits to her London friends that he's quite dishy, and she does end up in bed with him. Strangely, someone nicks her contraception - just for that night. When she returns, briefly, to London to tell her mates about it, they're as flummoxed as she is! How.. why.. Naturally, all of this turns out to have a sinister purpose.

All the evil people are so deadpan in this, I found it hard to get riled up at all - more irritated with them, for being so apparently obtuse! She's the one who mainly looks scared - and she does do a great job of it. Why, if not for her, I'd hardly have known there was anything wrong at all.. Anyway, as I say, mainly of interest for how it came before more famous offerings along the same lines. Pity poor Robin of the title though - he has a hard fate ahead of him..

Ate at Black & Blue afterwards, because it's not a long film. Whoof, steak two days in a row.. theirs is better than the Angus, mind. I know straight away what I want, now - so it was handy that he took my wine order right away, and my food order as soon as he arrived with the wine. Yum, yum, yum.. one of those meals that reminds you that yes, life is good! They weren't closed by the time I left, but were starting to pack up - well, it was a Monday night..

And tomorrow, the last of three films, but the start of three Meetups in a row: I'm back with The Hideout! Well, I was hardly going to miss the last of the original Star Wars trilogy, Return of the Jedi - showing in the Prince Charles again. Of course, they're in conjunction with Movie Roadhouse London (MRL), as usual - the alternative choice is Blade. Meeting in the Clubhouse beforehand, as usual - and yay, my favourite restaurant had space! so I booked.

On Wednesday, London Literary Walks (LLW) is headed off on a walk entitled Cold War Russia. Meeting in The Champion beforehand, right across from the Russian Embassy - and they do food, but don't take bookings for just one person. So I'll have to wing it.

And on Thursday, The Hideout (and MRL) have their late summer social! Delighted the vote was for this day - it's the only one I can make. In the BFI Riverfront Bar (Balcony), as usual. I've booked Black & Blue again. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend.

Next Monday, TAC is offering free tickets to a Baroque/classical mandolin concert at Cadogan Hall! They do ask for a donation to a cancer hospital of at least what you would have paid - apparently the concert is in aid of that - mind you, they don't say which hospital! Seeing a GOSH appeal during the ads yesterday before the film, I assume it's them. I've booked for Cote Sloane Square beforehand - they, at least, fixed their service issues! Unlike the one at Hay's Galleria..

Then, three more Meetups in a row. On the 17th, I'm with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) at The Old Vic for The Real Thing, by Tom Stoppard. Eating beforehand in The Duke of Sussex - which does sell out, so it's better to book.

On the 18th, back with LLW for The Magic Toyshop. Meeting in The Alexandra, Clapham, which only does pizza - but I'll manage.

On the 19th, back with UITCS for a play called The Lightest Element, at Hampstead Theatre - and there's a terrific deal with Time Out!

On the 20th, I'm back with CT for the Backyard Comedy Club, first time in ages!

And on the 21st - yay, he's back! Laurence Summers is taking the 45+ Not Grumpies on a walk around Shoreditch & Spitalfields..