hornej34

Hello, I am new to this Forum, I came across this forum when I was looking for this film, I have been looking in Amazon, Ebay and various other outlets on the INternet, but I'm afraid no joy, does anyone know where I can buy The Phantom Light 1935 film with Gordon Harker on or if it is available on DVD or Video, as I am keen to buy it or a recording, as I haven't seen the film for 10 years, if anyone can help, I would be most grateful, Thank you, can I say, Great forum by the way.

John Horne, Kent.

Steve Crook

Directed by that great "Man of Kent", Michael Powell.
It's available on video (NTSC, but they play OK in most UK video players) from Nostalgia Family Video.

One of the "Quota Quickies" he directed while he was learning his trade, but it has much to recommend it.

Steve

Steve Crook

PaPAS

phil_sheffield

Hi,
I think I have a copy of that Nostalgia video version. I am selling all my VHS so would be quite happy to sell this one cheaper than buying it from the US! Ive o nly watched it a couple of times so it is in good condition. Let me know if you are interested.

Moor Larkin

I've never got round to seeing this film but it has been of particular interest to me since I discovered it 'opened' a cinema I knew well:



More recently that interest has been compounded by the realisation the screenplay for the movie was written by an unfairly ignored talent: Ralph Smart

As discussed in another Thread this guy has been 'blanked' by memoirs. Michael Powell seems to have ignored him in his memoirs, Lew Grade did so too, Patrick McGoohan has never mentioned him in interviews either.

Anyhow, so far as Phantom Light is concerned: the presentation of that cinema hopefully does the movie more justice than the throwaway dismissal of the term: Quickie.

Steve Crook

The Phantom Light was a Quota Quickie. But that's no reason to dismiss it. They weren't all as bad as they're often painted. They are often so dismissed by people who haven't actually seen any but have heard that they aren't very good

Steve Chibnall of De Montfort University has written a very good book Quota Quickies: The Birth of the British 'B' Film which goes a long way toward reviving their reputation (where justified)

They were made comparatively quickly and to a limited budget. Michael Powell used them as a way to experiment with different styles and methods, as did some others.

Steve

Nick Dando

A good little film and features our old friend Herbert Lomas. Was he ever known to smile in a film?

Nick