The Cinema Museum, London

The Gothique Film Society presents The Ghost Ship (1943) and Death Line (1972)

Fri 21 Feb 2025 @ 19:00 · Events

The Ghost ShipFounded in 1966, the Gothique Film Society specialises in double bills ‘for the connoisseur of the macabre’.

The Ghost Ship is one of the series of classic genre films produced by Val Lewton for RKO following the stunning success of the iconic Cat People. Produced as very much a ‘B’ movie, that modest but truly scary movie had saved the studio from bankruptcy.

In The Ghost Ship, a young merchant marine officer begins to suspect that the ship’s captain is mentally unbalanced and endangering the lives of his crew. But when several mysterious deaths occur, the crew is convinced the ship is haunted.

Death Line is not, perhaps, the best film to see if travelling home by Tube after the show! Mysterious disappearances are occurring late night at “Russell Square” underground station. When one of them turns out to be an important government official, the police finally take notice.

Donald Pleasence has great fun as the inspector, with the culture clash between him and a key witness, a young American student whose lifestyle is completely alien to the investigator, giving him a marvellous opportunity to really ham it up!

A degree of black comedy is essential, as this is otherwise a truly harrowing film, where the ‘villain’ is as much of a victim as those who have ‘disappeared’.

And, as we are in 1972, Christopher Lee pops up for a one-scene cameo!

Doors open at 18.00 for a 19.00 start.

Refreshments will be available in the licensed cafe/bar.

TICKETS & PRICING

Everyone welcome: Individual tickets at £8.00 can be purchased on the door or via TicketLab.

Alternatively, Gothique Film Society membership subscriptions are available. Each season comprises six shows, from October to March. The subscription for all six shows is £30.00, but discounted membership is available for in-season joiners. For further enquiries about membership, contact David Simpson david.simpson399@btinternet.com or come along and join up on the door.
Death Line