A screening of Hitchcock horror 'The Birds' (1963), part of our 'Cult Classics' series at the Beecroft Cinema Club.

A screening of Hitchcock horror 'The Birds' (1963), part of our 'Cult Classics' series at the Beecroft Cinema Club.

"Have you ever seen so many seagulls? What do you suppose it is?"Beecroft Cinema Club presents 'Cult Classics' series, screening the iconic films that fans are frenzied for on the last Thursday of each month on the big screen at the Beecroft Art Gallery.

In October, we're facing a fear close to the heart of any seagull besieged Southender with 'The Birds' (1963), directed by Alfred Hitchcock, starring Rod Taylor, Jessica Tandy, Suzanna Pleshette and introducing Tippi Hedren in her film debut. In late 1961, Hitchcock was living in Beverley Hills and working on post production for 'The Birds' . One lunch-break, he recorded a short spoken message which was then dispatched to England, specifically to the members of Westcliff Film Society. Born in Leytonstone, then part of Essex, Hitchcock had grown up visiting Southend-on-Sea with his family and had always been fond of it.

“I suppose some of you are wondering why I should be addressing such a particular society as that of Westcliff-on-Sea. I was inspired by a touch of nostalgia.”In the message he recalled happy childhood memories, and then a different perspective on the area as an adult, which he would revisit to -

"get a kick out of the dreary waste of the Thames Estuary in winter and get some fresh ideas and inspiration”.In tribute to master of horror Hitchcock's connection with Southend-on-Sea, and the doubtless local inspiration to frame a horror film around the threat of chip stealing seagulls that he would have experienced here, we have chosen 'The Birds' as our Halloween screening this year.

'The Birds' follows socialite Melanie Daniels, after she meets lawyer Mitch Brenner in a pet shop in San Francisco, where he plays a practical joke on her. She decides to return the favor and drives north to Bodega Bay, where Mitch spends the weekends, to deliver some lovebirds. Soon after her arrival, however, the birds in the area begin to act strangely. Soon, thousands of birds of all species are attacking anyone they find out of doors. There is no explanation as to why this might be happening, and as the bird attacks escalate, survival becomes the priority.

Doors open and refreshments will be available from 6pm and the film will start promptly at 6:30pm (there are no adverts). There is no allocated seating.

The film's run time is 1hr 59 minutes.

The film is rated '15' and this event is 15+ only.

Description supplied by the event organiser.