70 years of NESCAFÉ, 70 years of Great British movies. We thought we’d create our own mini-festival of British cinema – the perfect reason to turn those bean tokens into Blockbuster tokens, order in some popcorn and catch up on those you have missed or old favourites.
The 39 Steps (1935).
The original and still the best version of this classic thriller featuring the first helicopter in cinema history and a real cliff-hanger on the Forth Railway Bridge.
The Lady Vanishes (1938).
It was made in the year that NESCAFÉ was unveiled, so maybe she only popped out to make herself a cup of coffee. This witty Hitchcock thriller is still an absolute delight.
Goodbye Mr Chips (1939).
Who would have thought the life of a shy Latin master could be the stuff of a classic movie? Robert Donat won a well-deserved Oscar for his performance.
Brief Encounter (1945).
British Rail catering, Trevor Howard’s stiff upper lip, Celia Johnson doing the decent thing and not a dry eye in the house.
A Matter of Life and Death (1946).
In the end, it’s a matter of love in this story of a British airman, played by David Niven, who wins his right to live before a tribunal set in a black and white heaven.
Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949).
Alec Guinness delivers virtuoso performances as all eight members of the doomed d'Ascoyne family in one of the greatest of all British comedies.
The Belles of St. Trinian’s (1954).
Forget the disastrous remake and revel in the comic lunacy of the first film adaptation of Ronald Searle’s scandalous school stories.
The Ladykillers (1955).
There’s a roll call of British comic talent in this classic Ealing comedy about a criminal gang whose plans go awry, thanks to their sweet old landlady.
Bridge on the River Kwai (1957).
It’s the film that had the whole nation whistling and won seven Oscars. Alec Guinness is magnificent as the driven British commanding officer.
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
This WWI story won an Oscar for best picture and combines stunning cinematography with a dazzling central performance from Peter O’Toole.
A Hard Day’s Night (1964).
The film debut of the Fab Four brilliantly captures what all the excitement was about. A great soundtrack goes without saying.
Goldfinger (1964).
Our favourite of the Bond movies. After all, it’s got Connery, Oddjob’s bowler, Shirley Eaton covered in gold paint and Bassey belting out best Bond title song ever.
The Go-between (1970).
‘The past is a foreign country’ must be one of the most familiar opening lines of any film. A moody love story with suitably subtle performances from Alan Bates and Julie Christie
The Railway Children (1970).
A children’s classic that has lost none of its appeal. A charming story charmingly told and definitely not just for trainspotters.
The Day of the Jackal (1973)
‘Gripping’ is the only word for this story of an attempt to assassinate the French President. Edward Fox’s performance as the Jackal is chilling.
Gregory’s Girl (1980).
This story of first love, football and growing up in Glasgow is quirky, funny and still has the capacity to charm.
Chariots of Fire (1981).
‘The British are coming’ said writer Colin Welland when the film won an Oscar. In fact, they were running in this story of conscience and competitive athletics.
Gandhi (1982).
Another great British epic that literally had a cast of thousands (400,000 in the funeral scene alone). The inspiring story seems more relevant today than ever.
The Madness of King George III (1994).
For once a historical movie that’s not all bodice-ripping and battles. Nigel Hawthorne gives the performance of his career as the king
Sense and Sensibility (1995).
We had to choose one Jane Austen adaptation and this is the best. Kate Winslet and Emma Thompson play the two very different sisters to perfection.
The Full Monty (1997).
What do you do when your day job disappears? One solution is proposed in this warm and funny film about a group of out-of-work steel workers who decide to make the most of their natural assets.
Billy Elliot (2000).
Yes, boys can do ballet. Billy dances his way to Swan Lake, against all the odds and his father’s opposition, to the accompaniment of some great music.
Chicken Run (2000).
It’s the film that gave new meaning to ‘free range’. A cast of Plasticine chickens remake ‘The Great Escape’. Feathers fly and great fun is had by all.
Atonement (2007).
Finally a story that spans all seven of our decades. This film traces a relationship destroyed by lies, jealousy and war, with moving performances and stunning battle scenes.