Sir Sydney Samuelson on a previous visit to the David Lean Cinema. Photo by Wally Conquy
One of the most renowned figures associated with British film-making – Sir Sydney Samuelson – is coming to the David Lean Cinema next Tuesday, to introduce a screening of a recently restored film that his father produced in 1923.
A Couple of Down And Outs is the charming story of a decorated corporal who rescues one of his wartime horses from slaughter. It’s a rare opportunity to see a film with a World War I theme that was made so soon after the war ended.
Sir Sydney’s father George was one of the pioneers of British cinema and ran GB Samuelson Productions from 1914 to 1933.
Sir Sydney enjoyed a successful career as a cinematographer and producer, and also created Samuelson’s Film Service in the mid-1950s, providing equipment hire services to the film and TV industry. He became a Trustee and the first chairman of BAFTA from 1973-1976.
In 1986, Sir Sydney received BAFTA’s Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award followed by Fellowship, Academy’s highest accolade, in 1993. His other honours include a British Film Institute Fellowship in 1997.
The David Lean Cinema is an intimate, 68-seat venue within Croydon Clocktower, which since March 2014 a group of local residents has used to present an expanding programme of films.
Ahead of the Samuelson visit, David Lean Cinema Campaign chairman Philip Howard said: “We’re honoured to welcome Sir Sydney, who has made an immense contribution to the British film industry, including working with David Lean himself.
“His commentary on Tuesday’s film will offer a rare link to Britain’s silent cinema history, and we’re looking forward to discussing both his own career and his father’s studio.”
Sir Sydney will also participate in a Question & Answer session after the February 26 screening of his father’s film.
Bookings can be made via: www.davidleancinema.org.uk
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