The Gothique Film Society presents Malpertuis (1973) and The Tell-Tale Heart (1941)

Founded in 1966, the Gothique Film Society specialises in double bills ‘for the connoisseur of the macabre’.

We are delighted to be joined by acclaimed actress Susan Hampshire for this screening of Malpertuis, the rarely-seen follow-up, by Belgian director Harry Kumel, to the artistic and commercial success of his iconic vampire tale Daughters of Darkness.

Set in a deliberately vague period (Victorian, the 1920s?) it’s the story of a young sailor, on shore leave, who is drawn towards Malpertuis, a dilapidated, rambling mansion where a diverse, anxious group are waiting for the dying, bed-ridden – but still domineering – patriarch to end his days. There, the sailor encounters three very different daughters, all played by Susan Hampshire, whose distinctive features are cleverly disguised by wigs, very subtle make-up – and painful contact lenses!

The legendary actor/writer/director/producer Orson Welles plays the patriarch, and it will be fun finding out from Susan what he was like to work with.

Malpertuis will be supported by a short film, The Tell-Tale Heart. The directorial debut of Jules Dassin, who would go on to helm noir crime classics such as Night and the City and Rififi, this links nicely (albeit slightly tenuously!) with the main feature by being regarded as the first film to be directly influenced by Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane, with its angled camera and moody lighting.

Doors open at 18.00 for a 19.00 start.

Refreshments will be available in the licensed cafe/bar.