Great Expectations: British Postwar Cinema, 1945-1960

I was recently invited to contribute an essay to the book Great Expectations: British Postwar Cinema, 1945-1960, which was produced in conjunction with an extraordinary retrospective at the Locarno Film Festival. I jumped at the opportunity, particularly because I was asked to write about Basil Dearden, whose socially conscious films provide a vivid snapshot of the changing face of Britain as it emerged from the war, and whose work in general is severely underrated. I received my copy of the book this week and it is wonderful to be included in such a beautifully produced edition alongside so many writers I admire. The book contains essays on over thirty filmmakers plus overviews of the British film industry in this era, and it should provide an invaluable watchlist for anyone looking to explore this fascinating era of cinema.

The book is available to purchase here.