World Premiere of "Kipps"

Folkestone
1941
Sound
6m

Glamour comes to wartime Folkestone as the town hosts its first world film premiere.

The coastal town of Folkestone was on the front line during the war, with the fear of German invasion very real. So the arrival of stars from the film Kipps, attending the first 20th Century-Fox premiere to be held outside London, brought much-needed glamour and excitement to the beleaguered residents. Actors Phyllis Calvert, Michael Redgrave and Diana Wynyard address assembled dignitaries at a formal dinner before awarding prizes at a dance.

Folkestone was selected for the honour as author H.G. Wells lived in the area from the late 1890s to 1909, having moved there to recuperate from illness. His source novel Kipps: The Story of a Simple Soul was published in 1905. Carol Reed's 1941 film was the second screen adaptation following the 1921 silent version, which was set in Folkestone.

WWII at the Pictures

Once the cinemas were declared open for business, the film industry kept the reels turning, serving up a mixed diet of news, morale-boosting propaganda and uplifting entertainment.

In the early days of the war, cinemas were closed as a public safety measure, but authorities were soon persuaded of film's many virtues in wartime. Newsreels kept spirits up and relayed vital information, documentaries rigorously explored every aspect of life and work on the home front, and an array of animations and short films imparted practical tips and guidance.

Feature films, meanwhile, offered equal parts inspiring wartime stories and escapist fantasy to bring relief from everyday trials. And with gender roles evolving and so many men away from home, producers were forced to pay more attention (long overdue!) to the tastes and interests of women cinemagoers - with fascinating and enduring results.