TWO remarkable teachers are at the heart of the most in-demand films for September, as Moviola begins its autumn season of taking the best contemporary and classic cinema to village halls and community centres across the region. Leading the field are Mr Burton, the acclaimed portrait of the teacher who supported and inspired the great actor Richard Burton, and The Penguin Lessons, about an English teacher whose life was revolutionised by a penguin.

Starring Harry Lawley as the young Richard (Jenkins), Toby Jones as the teacher Philip Burton and Lesley Manville as Ma Smith, Mr Burton’s Landlady. Mr Burton had such an impact on Richard that he took his name, and went on to be one of the greatest stage and screen actors of his day. He also, famously, played the role of First Voice in a BBC broadcast of Dylan Thomas’ radio play, Under Milk Wood.

Mr Burton is being shown at Kingsbury Episcopi (Community Centre), South Petherton (David Hall), Shrewton, Norton-sub-Hamdon, Yetminster, Charlton Marshall, Nether Wallop, Shepton Montague, West Lydford, Winterslow, Chard (Guildhall), Harnham (Salisbury, sports and social club), Beer, Edington (Somerset), Royal Wootton Bassett (RWB Academy),Calne (Town Hall), East Stour and Westbury-sub-Mendip.

For dates and venues see the Arts Diary; for more information on the films and timings see moviola.org

Like Mr Burton, The Penguin Lessons is also based on a true story. A disillusioned Englishma, played by Steve Coogan, goes to work in a school in a divided Argentina in 1976. He finds his life transformed when he rescues an orphaned penguin from the beach.

The Penguin Lessons is at Hawkchurch, Codford St Peter (Woolstore Theatre), Hanging Langford, Fawley (Jubilee Hall), Beaminster (Public Hall), Winsford, Bransgore, Donned St Mary, Hardington Mandeville, Bishopstone (Salisbury), Castle Cary (Caryford community hall), Chidden & West Monkton, Watchet (cinema) and Martock (Parish Hall).

The other films at local venues in September are:
Black Bag at Bourton, South Petherton (David Hall), West Camel and Norton St Philip.
Flow at Membury (Devon)
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy at Churchinford, Netherbury, Chilthorne Domer, Frogham and East Knoyle.
and Battle of Britain (1969) at Hawkchurch.