The Small Back Room

Dark, compelling exploration of the psyche of the alcoholic.

  • Directors

    Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger

  • With

    David Farrar, Kathleen Byron, Jack Hawkins, Leslie Banks

  • UK 1948. 106min

  • Digital 4K

  • Certificate

    PG

Following a series of Technicolor extravaganzas, Powell and Pressburger turned to a suitably low-key presentation for this Nigel Balchin adaptation, chiming with the darker post-war mood. David Farrar gives perhaps his best performance as the embittered bomb disposal expert driven to drink, while Christopher Challis’ black and white cinematography looks especially stunning in this new restoration – the shadowy, surrealist sequences giving a compelling insight into the mental anguish of the alcoholic.

Jo Botting

The screening on Friday 1 December will be introduced.

At this time we are unable to present the screenings on Sunday 10 December and Friday 22 December, as previously advertised, with Descriptive Subtitles. We apologise for any disappointment caused.

Also available on BFI Player