Seniors’ Free Matinee

Cry, the Beloved Country

+ intro and Q&A with Marcus Powell, speaker, film historian

One of Sidney Poitier’s greatest roles sees him play a young clergyman accompany an ageing preacher as he searches for his adult children in Apartheid-era South Africa.

  • Director

    Zoltán Korda

  • With

    Sidney Poitier, Canada Lee, Joyce Carey

  • South Africa-UK 1951. 107min

  • Digital 4K (restoration)

  • Certificate

    PG

Shot on location in South Africa and the UK, this absorbing story follows an elderly preacher, accompanied by a younger clergyman, as he travels from the country to the city to track down his grown-up children. Adapted from the novel by Alan Paton, Poitier and veteran US actor and civil rights campaigner Lee – who at the time was a refugee from the torments of the McCarthy Communist witch hunts – convince as two individuals who learn to trust and respect each other.

Restored by StudioCanal at VDM France laboratory, using the BFI’s original nitrate negative.

Free for the over-60s (booking by phone or in person only), otherwise normal matinee price.

See the Seniors’ paid matinee of Rocco and His Brothers on Monday 13 January 13:30 NFT3.

See our Sidney Poitier season.