Thursday April 9, 2026
10.00 for 10.30
Sturton by Stow Village Hall
BENEDICT MORRISON
Benedict Morrison is a lecturer in Literature and Film at the University of Exeter. He has recently published a book entitled Complicating Articulation in Art Cinema with Oxford University Press and is now producing works on post-war British comedy films, the response by the arts and humanities to Covid-19, and cultural narratives of extinction. He spent seven years studying at the University of Oxford, but finally traded the dreaming spires for the cultural bustle of London, where he lives with his partner. He loves nothing more than settling down in the darkness of a cinema to enjoy a great film.
Benedict is an active university lecturer. As a result, he is often more available outside of term time. He is especially flexible in April, May, June, July, and September, although he will be happy to visit at other times in the year subject to availability.
The Art and Influence of Notable Film and TV
1. Cinema from the Rubble - Post war Comedies produced at Ealing Studios
These much-loved comedies were produced in a post-war cinematic new wave across Europe. Viewed as comedies of rubble, they take opn more seriious meanings than their reputation for cosiness and whimsy would suggest.
2. Eccentric adaptation. Agatha Christie on film and on TV.
Agatha Christie is one of the most adapted authors of all time. These adaptatiions, often criticised as mere exercises in periiod nostalgia, beg the question of why they have attracted some of the most brilliant actors and directors of all time. This talk considers eccentricity in Christie's work and how it might explain the particular appeal of her mysteries on screen.
3. Television. Pop Art TV in the 1960s and how it might explain one of the great periods of British television.
From popular TV classics (The Avengers,Doctor Who) through to cutting egde drama (including pivotal screeningshe of The Wednesday Play such as 'Cathy Come Home', and 'Up the Junction').
This was the decade that saw television become a major art form. Considering these series' democratic appeal, aesthetic ambitiln and pop-art influences, this talk argues that televisiion has never been better.
LUNCH INCLUDED.
Still at the great price of only £44 for members and £46 for guests.
Please see Lel Whiting or the newsletter for booking details.
September 13, 2026 for FIVE DAYS
Holiday in North Wales
Hotel in Caernafon
Outings to places of interest in the area.
Further details to follow.
Speak to Jill Horberry for the latest information