THE UNDERTAKER

UK : 1h 30mins : 2024 

Directed by Michael Wright

THURSDAY 5 JUNE : 8.15PM (DOORS AT 8:00PM)

ODEON CINEMA

TICKETS: £30 (inc. Black Tie pre-film reception,

from 7pm, and after show party) OVER 18s ONLY

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In a 'shadowy’ town in 1960s northern England, funeral director Arthur Morel is at a moral crossroads. He’s
being partly pressured – and partly tempted, by large amounts of retirement-fulfilling cash – into burying, strictly off the record, victims of local gang lord Finlay Unsworth. But then Unsworth’s killing spree threatens to spiral out of control, and Morel wonders whether he will be next.

The powerful cast is led by Paul McGann (Withnail & I, Doctor Who) as the hapless undertaker, and Tara Fitzgerald (Brassed Off, Sirens) as a nightclub singer working at Unsworth’s bar, while producer Roger Barclay (Johnny English, The Bay) plays the crime lord.

This richly textured period crime thriller, a stark character study detailing the moral journey of a man who profits from the deaths of others, but ultimately has to face the consequences of his actions, also includes the final on-screen performance by much-missed Murray Melvin (A Taste of Honey, Barry Lyndon) who plays Morel’s assistant.
 

We are delighted that producer Roger Barclay, writer/director Michael Wright and members of the cast and crew will be joining us. (Please check the festival website for guest updates.)

Southend City Council, Park Inn by Radisson Palace Hotel and Pier View Self Catering Luxury Apartments have kindly sponsored our Opening Gala

 

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