Women & Cocaine is back at The Cinema Museum after an 18 month break, and what better way to kick off the new season than with a screening of Joan Crawford’s gripping pre code romantic drama, Possessed (1931).

Before she was immortalised by Faye Dunaway’s portrayal of a camptastic, wire hanger hating lunatic, Joan Crawford was the Queen of Hollywood, and Possessed, with its potent blend of politics and sex, sealed that stardom.

Crawford plays Marian Martin, a determined woman who desires her own freedom and identity. Her struggle to escape a life of poverty and mediocrity in her small town leads her to New York City and to wealthy politician Mark Whitney, played by Clark Gable. Possessed is one of the most brazen of the “fallen woman films”, for Crawford’s lack of remorse or punishment for her sins, but bring your tissues for the ending!

“A brilliant film series at the Cinema Museum celebrating the fierce and liberated women of early cinema” Time Out London

From the period of 1930 to 1934, before the introduction of censorship (known as the “Hays Code”), women were depicted in roles with a frankness and sex-positivity that remains rare even today. These newly independent women pushed gender boundaries as they pursued their own economic freedom and excitement, defying the previous Victorian ideals of domesticity, sexual purity and religion. Hollywood soon caught on and began to represent these women on screen, and each month we celebrate a different woman from that era.

Come join us in this beautifully historic Grade II listed venue for a short discussion, then the screening of the film and our exclusive raffle!

“My father warned me about men & booze, but he never mentioned a word about women & cocaine” – Tallulah Bankhead.

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Doors open at 18.30, for a 19.30 start.

Refreshments will be available in our licensed cafe/bar. We will also be serving an exclusive Joan Crawford Cocktail!

TICKETS & PRICING

Reserved tickets £9.45 available from Eventbrite. Tickets will also be available on the door on the night. Concessions available on the door with valid ID. Phone bookings for this event cannot be made via the Cinema Museum.