Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe… It is through the eye of the stills camera that we experience and recall some of the cinema’s most memorable events and faces.

Joel W. Finler traces the origin of stills photography during the silent era and the early development of the star system, through to the rise of the giant studios in the 1930s and their eventual decline, focusing on the photographers, the stars they photographed, and key films and filmmakers. The evening will include rare and unusual stills from Finler’s own collection, not only portraits and scene stills but also production shots, behind-the-scenes photos, poster art, calendar art, photo collages and trick shots, together with images showing the stars’ private lives and special events in Hollywood. In addition there will be some fascinating insights into unfinished projects and changed film endings.

This event coincides with the publication of a lavishly illustrated new edition of Joel’s book Hollywood Movie Stills: Art and Technique in the Golden Age of the Studios, published by Titan Books; signed copies will be available.

• ”A delightful book filled with little-known facts about the evolution of movie stills and enough rare photos to keep one smiling” (American Cinematographer)
• “More than just another selection of gorgeous films stills, this offers a comprehensive survey of the studio photographer’s craft” (Premiere)
• “Unlike most photo books, Hollywood Movie Stills actually has a text worth reading, filled as it is with acute observations” (New York Magazine)

Doors open at 18.30 for a 19.30 start, and the event is expected to end at 22.30. Refreshments will be available.

Tickets & Pricing

Spring Season 2012 ticketing applies.