|
On September the 18th a screening was held at the National Film Theatre of PRIMITIVE LONDON, one of Stanley Long's early movies (1965) which he produced and photographed, under his Searchlight banner. This special event was organised and hosted by Vic Pratt (Curator of Fiction Film) and Will Fowler (Curator of Artists' Moving Image), both of the BFI National Film and Television Archive. A new high quality digibeta copy of the film had been specially made for the screening from the 35mm interpositive, which was preserved at the Archive. It was originally scheduled for screen two, but was moved to screen one after the smaller theatre was sold out within a week, Primitive London was enthusiastically received by a packed audience on the night. Present at the screening were friends of Stanley Long ,including Jack Cardiff OBE, Barry Cryer OBE (who appeared in the film) and Anita Harris. Stanley introduced the movie, and below is a transcript of part of what he said. |
"When I was photographing Primitive London forty two years ago, not in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that one day in the distant future my idol…, the greatest cinematographer in the business would become a good friend of mine and be with me tonight at this screening. What an honour for me …Ladies and Gentlemen two times Oscar winner & Technicolor wizard… Mr Jack Cardiff OBE, It's hard to believe Jack is 92 and today is his birthday. Jack is the only cinematographer in the world to be awarded a lifetime achievement, honorary Oscar by the American Academy ! A huge boost for the British film industry, and this country should be justly proud. But when I look at some of the people who have been Knighted in recent years, I cant help thinking his Knighthood is long overdue.
|
Will Fowler and Vic Pratt of the BFI
Stanley Long and Jack Cardiff |
Simon Sheridon (Stanley's Biographer) and Anita Harris
|
“You won't believe this but”…Another treasure of the entertainment world is here. He's written more gags and comedy scripts than anyone in the business, his CV reads like a who's who of comedy, “Sorry, I haven't got a clue” who he is, yes I have , we all know who he is, ladies and gentlemen, the one and only Mr Barry Cryer OBE.
|
Primitive London , was a modest film, but luckily it's survived due to the diligence of the BFI. They're doing a wonderful job preserving our film Heritage. I have only one regret… Mary Whitehouse and Lord Longford never lived long enough to be here this evening." After the screening, Vic Pratt and Will Fowler of the BFI conducted a thirty minute question and answer session with Stanley Long and Barry Cryer.
|
Barry Cryer and Stanley field the questions |
