This noir title was a hit when shown at the BFI Flare LGBT Film Festival in 2014. The Flare programme described it as “arguably the best of the women in prison films and well known to the queer cinephile”.

Caged (1950) features a tour-de-force performance from Eleanor Parker as naïve 19-year-old inmate Marie whom we watch growing from a scared innocent girl into a hardened, criminally savvy woman as she spends more time inside the prison walls. The catalyst for Marie’s change is sadistic Matron Harper (brilliantly played by Hope Emerson), who uses her corrupt autonomy to terrorise inmates whilst selling protection and favours to others who can pay. Both Parker and Emerson were Oscar nominated for their performances in this film.

Caged was written by Virginia Kellogg, who also wrote the original stories for White Heat (1949) and T-Men (1947), and it remains a groundbreaking picture, melding social commentary with high drama. It might not be a conventionally violent picture, but it vividly depicts the downward spiral of its ill-fated noir characters, whilst indicting the established prison system as the responsible party.

Plus supporting programme.

Doors open at 19.00, for a 19.30 start.

Refreshments will be available in our licensed cafe/bar.