Friday 19th September 2025 – Mr Burton (12A: 2024: 124 mins)
We opened our 11th season of films on Friday 19th September with the ‘beautifully crafted’ biographical drama MR. BURTON (12A: 2024: 124 mins) starring Toby Jones, Harry Lawtey, Steffan Rhodri and Lesley Manville.
Opening in 1942, MR. BURTON tells the story of the relationship between a Port Talbot schoolmaster (Philip Burton) and a wild young schoolboy called Richard Jenkins – the son of a hard-drinking coal miner.
Richard dreamed of becoming an actor, but his ambitions were in danger of being derailed by a combination of family troubles, the pressure of war and his own lack of discipline. Mr Burton recognised the raw talent in his pupil, becoming his tutor and strict taskmaster.
And as the acting world becomes within young Richard’s reach, the burden of his past risks holding him back forever…..
“..heartfelt, vigorously acted, enjoyable” Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian
“Marc Evans’s film is a lovely thing…(Toby) Jones and (Lesley) Manville are predictably excellent .” Tara Brady, Irish Times
“Lawtey is the true star of the piece.” Terry Staunton, Radio Times
Friday 17th October 2025 – SALT PATH (12A 2024, 116mins)
Adapted from Raynor Winn’s now controversial best-selling memoir, directed by Marianne Elliott, the film stars Gillian Anderson, Jeremy Isaacs, James Lance and Hermione Norris.
After their home is repossessed, Raynor and her husband (who has been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness) embark on a 630 mile trek along the beautiful but rugged Cornish, Devon and Dorset coastline, in the hope of finding solace and a sense of acceptance in nature.
With meagre resources – only a tent and some essentials between them – every step along the path is a testament to their growing strength and determination. Their journey turns out to be exhilarating, challenging, and liberating in equal measure. A portrayal of home, how it can be lost and rediscovered in the most unexpected ways.
“ ..Impressive, intelligent drama…” Cath Clarke, The Guardian
“The coastal scenery is spectacular on the eye, while Isaacs and especially Anderson are both superb.” Brian Viner, Daily Mail
The SALT PATH is being shown at Chorleywood’s War Memorial Hall on Friday 17th October 2025. Doors open 7.30 pm and the programme begins at 8.00 pm.
Friday 21st November 2025 – The Penguin Lessons (12A: 2024: 109 mins)
This warm and witty drama was directed by Peter Cattaneo, and stars Steve Coogan and Jonathan Pryce.
Based on the true story of a grumpy and disillusioned Englishman (Tom Michell) who went to work in a school in Argentina in 1976. Expecting an easy ride, Tom discovers instead a divided nation on the edge of a military coup – and a class of unteachable students. However, after he rescues a penguin from an oil-slicked beach, his life is turned upside-down…
“The Penguin Lessons is a charmer: a warmer of cockles, a tugger of heartstrings, even a jerker of tears if you’re not careful.” Chris Knight, Original Cin
“…an engaging delight from start to finish…” Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter
“Coogan imbues the character with attractively dry humour, and there’s solid support from Jonathan Pryce as his stuffy headmaster.” Terry Staunton, Radio Times
We are showing The Penguin Lessons at Chorleywood’s War Memorial Hall. Doors open 7.30 pm and the programme begins at 8.00 pm.
BBFC content advice: infrequent strong language, moderate sex references
Friday 16th January 2026 – The Marching Band (En Fanfare, 2024: 15: 103 mns)
2024 smash hit French comedy drama directed by Emmanuel Courcol, starring St Benjamin Lavernhe, Pierre Lottin and Sarah Suco. A joint screening with Chorleywood’s Twinning Association on 16th January 2026.
Thibaut is an internationally renowned conductor who travels the world. When he learns he was adopted, he discovers the existence of a younger brother, Jimmy, who works in a school cafeteria and plays the trombone in a small marching band. Everything seems to set them apart, except their love of music. Sensing his brother’s exceptional talent, Thibaut decides to remedy the injustice of fate. Jimmy begins to dream of a different life….
Language: French with English subtitles
The screening takes place at the Chorleywood Memorial Hall. Doors open at 7.30pm and the film starts at 8pm. Tickets (adults £7; U18s: £5) are now available online, in person from the Chorleywood bookshop and on the door, subject to availability.
Adult tickets (£7)
Under 18s tickets (£5)
Friday 20th February 2026 – Santosh (2025: 15: 128mns)
Our February screening will take place on Friday 20th February when we will show SANTOSH (2025: 15: 128 mns). The film stars Shahana Goswami, Sunita Rajwar, Nawal Shukla.
A policeman’s widow inherits his job in this riveting Indian thriller with echoes of Serpico. Santosh (Shahana Goswami) is eager to accept her so-called ‘compassionate appointment’, giving independence from family. But the reality of the role, the corruption and violence which swirl around it, begins to erode her soul.
BBCFC content advice: Very strong language, strong violence, sexual violence references.
Language: Hindi with English subtitles
The screening takes place at the Chorleywood Memorial Hall. Doors open at 7.30pm and the film starts at 8pm. Tickets (adults £7; U18s: £5) are now available online, in person from the Chorleywood bookshop and on the door, subject to availability.
Adult tickets (£7)
U18s tickets (£5)
Please note the dates of the rest of this season’s screenings (All are the third Friday of the month):
March 20th, April 17th, May 15th, June 19th.
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The Chorleywood Film Club 