Nov 18th - double bill!
The Great White Hope*

(US 1970)                                    

In early 20th century America a black man becomes world boxing champion, and the largely all-white establishment looks to discredit him through his relationship with a white woman and to find the white man who will win "back" the title.
Vivid if deeply troubling portrait of the era, based on the controversial Jack Johnson, here renamed Jefferson to give the story an Othello-style tint of tragedy. Uncomfortable viewing at times (with the sort of negro denigration that would not be allowed on screen nowadays), but also compelling with a central performance of undeniable power.

Written by: Howard Sackler, from his play.
Producer: Lawrence Turman.
Director: Martin Ritt.
Starring: James Earl Jones, Jane Alexander, Lou Gilbert, Chester Morris, R.G. Armstrong, Robert Webber, Hal Holbrook, Beah Richards.
Photography: Burnett Guffey.
Music Supervision: Lionel Newman.

The Ring**

(GB 1927)

A fairground boxer rises to the top, but his wife has fallen for the rival who gave him his big break.
Concluding the boxing double bill in more palatably entertaining fashion with this visually innovative boxing melodrama, with Hitchcock's enthusiasm for the occasion and some characteristic touches compensating for the uneven plot structure.

Written and Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock.
Producer: John Maxwell.
Starring: Ian Hunter, Lillian Hall-Davis, Carl Brisson, Gordon Harker, Forrester Harvey.
Photography: Jack Cox.