Moviola in March

IT will come as no surprise to anyone who understands Moviola’s rural audiences that Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson’s acclaimed film, The Great Escaper, is the most popular choice for March.

Not to be confused with the exciting Steve McQueen wartime POW drama (who could forget the daring motorbike leap over the fence), this is also a Second World War drama, and like the earlier movie, it is based on a true story. This time it is a post-war event, the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

Royal Navy veteran Bernard Jordan was determined to go to the ceremonies marking the anniversary in June 2014, so the 89-year-old “broke out” of his nursing home to get there. Michael Caine gives a moving performance as the dignified and determined veteran and Glenda Jackson, in what turned out to be her final screen role, plays his wife. Jackson sadly died on 15th June 2023, shortly before the UK release of the film. Michael Caine, who will be 90 this March, has said The Great Escaper will be his last film.

The Great Escaper is being shown in March at Highcliffe (Community Centre), Kingsbury Episcopi, Codford St Peter (Woolstore Theatre), Chard (Guildhall), Beaminster (Public Rooms), Shrewton, Chilthorne Domer, Charlton Marshall, Nether Wallop, Trent, Frogham, Bishopstone (Salisbury), Calne, Motcombe, Ringwood (Greyfriars), Martock (Parish Hall), Marnhull, East Knoyle and Castle Cary (Caryford Hall).

For full details, timings, etc, visit www.moviola.org

Other March films include:
Kenneth Branagh’s latest Poirot outing, A Haunting in Venice, at Winsford, Rode, Hythe (Parish Hall) and Warminster (Civic Centre);
Maggie Smith and Laura Linney heading a powerhouse quartet of women travelling to Lourdes in The Miracle Club at Yetminster (Jubilee Hall), Bourton, Churchinford, Hanging Langford, Wookey Hole (Wookey Hole Club), Odcombe, Bransgore, Bradford on Avon (St Margaret’s Hall), Donhead St Mary, Sixpenny Handley, Crowcombe, Edington (Somerset) and West Camel.
Joaquin Phoenix is in the title role of Napoleon at Kilmington (Devon), Halstock, Leigh (Dorset), East Stour, Netherbury and Martock (Parish Hall);
Treat yourselves to a colourful and sweet entertainment with Thimotee Chalamet in the enchanting musical prequel, Wonka, at South Petherton (David Hall), Fawley (Jubilee Hall), Somerton (Parish Rooms), Cheddon & West Monkton, Ditcheat (Jubilee Hall), Winterslow, Charlton Marshall and Norton Fitzwarren;
And finally, One Life, the true story of London broker Nicholas “Nicky” Winton (Johnny Flynn) who helped to rescue hundreds of predominantly Jewish children from Czechoslovakia before the Nazi occupation, and 50 years later, how Winton (|Anthony Hopkins) is still haunted by the fate of those he wasn’t able to bring to safety; it is at Watchet (Cinema), South Petherton (David Hall), Royal Wootton Bassett (RWB Academy) and Great Bedwyn.

Pictured: The Great Escaper, Wonka and One Life.