Historic Sussex film will be screened to mark its 100th anniversary

A Lowland Cinderella will be screened at Shoreham’s Ropetackle on Sunday, February 13 at 3pm (tickets £5).

Ropetackle spokeswoman Nicky Thornton said: “One hundred years since its production in the historic glasshouse studio on Shoreham Beach, 1921’s A Lowland Cinderella is being screened once more in its hometown at Shoreham’s Ropetackle Arts Centre.

“This silent movie tells the story of Hester Stirling (played by Joan Morgan) who is faced with misfortune, manipulation, love, and redemption in a tale mirroring that of Cinderella.

“Famed for its role in early British filmmaking, the studio on Shoreham Beach, owned by Progress Films, was the first and only film studio in West Sussex, with A Lowland Cinderella one of its most iconic releases. Scenes were filmed around Shoreham and in the Metropole Hotel in Brighton, as well as at the studio itself.

“Joan’s statue stands at the Southern end of the Adur Ferry Footbridge.

Joan’s became a leading British star of the 1920s, after appearing in a number of films directed by her father. Her acting career was effectively ended by the arrival of the talkies in 1929 and she switched to writing. She died aged 99 in 2004.

Nicky added: “In 1995 the film was restored and now it returns to the big screen to mark its milestone anniversary. In another local connection, the accompanying musical score was composed by Shoreham virtuoso guitarist Richard Durrant. Supported by British Film Institute and Screen Archive South East, this will be a great celebration of Shoreham’s cultural and cinematic heritage and a nod towards its continued creative richness.”

Tickets on 01273 464440 or online at ropetacklecentre.co.uk.

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