23, May

Directors: Kevin Brownlow and Andrew Mollo (UK 1975. 96 mins)

In 1649 on St George’s Hill in Surrey dissident religious Diggers are squatting and planting crops. Their leader Gerrard Winstanley preaches equality and land rights for all while Parson Platt – who owns the land – disagrees. Winstanley’s persuasive arguments convince Mrs Platt but as his followers struggle against armed men and harsh weather, splinter group the Ranters take his ideas into dangerous territory.

This meticulously accurate and luminously filmed monochrome account of England’s first commune showed how relevant 17th century debate about a world turned upside down was to the 70s.
The film’s leading Ranter was played by Sid Rawle, a spokesman for the New Diggers, who went on to found Tipi Valley and the Peace Convoy. Restoration courtesy of the BFI National Archive brings it to the screen for a new generation. ‘The most mysteriously beautiful English film since the best of Michael Powell … and the best pre-twentieth-century historical film I can recall.’ Jonathan Rosenbaum, Film Comment

Contact Details: To book tickets either call 01452 396385 or go to the website to book online

07.45PM - 09:30PM |