FILM-lovers will be treated to an exclusive introduction of the classic movie Carmen Jones this Valentine’s Day.
Bracknell Film Society will be taking part in the British Film Institute’s Black Star season, with a special screening of the classic 1954 film at South Hill Park on Tuesday (14).
The musical, starring Dorothy Dandridge, will be introduced by singer and actress Julia Titus in her guise as Ma Bessie.
Blues and jazz singer Julia will talk about the influence on her work of black screen and singing icons Dandridge and Bessie Smith, and treat the audience to a rendition of jazz standard “That Old Feeling”, a song that Dandridge recorded.
Julia says: “I got really excited when asked to perform before Carmen Jones because my Mum is a direct descendant of George Washington’s wife Martha (nee Dandridge) and it is rumoured that there may be a family tie to Dorothy Dandridge.”
Directed by Otto Preminger at a time when all-black casts were unusual, not to say controversial, Carmen Jones also stars Harry Belafonte in a version of Bizet’s Carmen set during the Second World War.
Tickets for Film Society screenings are available from the South Hill Park Box Office by calling 01344 484123 or visiting www.southhillpark.org.uk.
