War photographer Lee Miller’s legacy sparks emotional reaction from King’s Lynn cinema club audience

Here’s a review of ‘An Evening with Lee Miller and Antony Penrose’ by organiser Ivor Rowlands…

A sell-out audience filled the Majestic Cinema's screen 2 for the latest event from King's Lynn Community Cinema Club - ‘An Evening with Lee Miller and Antony Penrose’.

The evening started with an introduction to how the film came into being, by Lee Miller's son, Tony Penrose. This was followed by a full screening of the film, starring and produced by Kate Winslet.

The audience stayed on after the film for a question and answer session where Tony spoke movingly about his discovery of the traumatic events experienced by his mother during World War Two.

Tony's family have strong connections to the area, including his Great Aunt Alexandrina Peckover who gave Peckover House in Wisbech to the National Trust and his Uncle Alec Penrose who saved St George's Guildhall in King's Lynn from destruction in the 1940s and subsequently gave it to the National Trust.

Speaking afterwards Tony said: "I really enjoyed our event. It was such a pleasure to be back in East Anglia but also to have all your insights about local history and the social aspects of Lynn. As Q&As go this is the one I will remember for having the strongest personal connections.”

The audience of 150 was the biggest yet for the club’s series of "Evening with. . ." events.

The audience feedback has been universally positive and some of the comments include:

* "I’d seen Lee before, but this time it offered a profoundly different perspective and unfolded with fresh resonance thanks to Tony’s insights."

* "An excellent, well balanced film in production and acting. The linking between son and mother was a clever way to move the film along. With Tony's explanations beforehand it was clear to see how PTSD can affect a person and being too painful to discuss after being there. The best film I have seen recently."

* "Very thought provoking given the current state of the world."

* "Wonderful! What a woman! How fortunate we were to have someone present giving his very personal insight."

* "The film was good and the evening great."

The cinema club regularly shows films at the Majestic that are free for members to attend. Membership costs £20 for a six-month season of eight films, and anyone aged over 18 is welcome to join at any time, with discounts given for members joining part way through a season. See klccc.uk for more details.

Tate Britain will be showing a major exhibition of the trailblazing surrealist photographer Lee Miller from Thursday, October 2 to February 15.