Beer Film Society was founded in September 2006.  With a great deal of help from the British Federation of Film Societies and donations from Beer Parish Council, Devon County Council, Mike Green and several others, the Society was able to obtain basic projection and audio equipment.  Our aim is to bring a combination of popular as well as less-mainstream films to the village.  Over the years the Society has used any surplus funds from the screening of films to improve the quality of its equipment.

Our screenings are held in Mariners' Hall in Beer, which has a high-definition video projection system as well as improved acoustics, and which together mean that our audiences get a first-class viewing experience.  A licensed bar is provided.

When it came to discussing a film to mark the death of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and also one that would make full use of our new sound system, there was one outstanding candidate: "The Conversation" (1974, 12A, 1hr 54mins).

So, we are delighted to confirm that this is the choice for Beer Film Society’s next show on Thursday 19 June in Mariners’ Hall.

In the many articles praising Hackman’s work after he was found dead in his home in Sante Fe, New Mexico on 26th February, the usual candidates came to the fore.

"The French Connection", which introduced us to Popeye Doyle, the disaster movie "The Poseidon Adventure", a classic western in "Unforgiven" or maybe "Mississippi Burning" about racism in the American South. 

Intriguingly "The Conversation" was also prominent despite being less well-known.

Written and directed by the great Francis Ford Coppola during his golden period in the 1970s, this film was nominated for three Oscars and five BAFTAS, with the quality of its soundtrack recognised by both bodies.

Hackman plays Harry Caul, a paranoid, secretive surveillance expert who, despite being regarded as the best in the business, has a crisis of conscience when he suspects that the couple he is spying on will be murdered.

It is widely recognised as one of Hackman’s best screen performances, and, in an article reflecting upon his long career, The Times said "It was a scandal that Hackman didn’t win the Oscar for best actor that year".

Well, come and see for yourself on Thursday 19 June and enjoy our superb new sound system.

A reminder that the Mariners’ Hall doors will open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start.  
Tickets cost £5 for members and £7 for guests and are available on the door.
Card payment preferred please.
The bar will be open and Baboo Gelato ice creams will be available.
Any members wishing to reserve a seat should email us at beerfilmsociety@gmail.com before Monday 16 June.

HOT NEWS!

We have had a lot of people asking if we are going to show "The Salt Path", the adaptation of the best-selling book by Raynor Winn about her journey with husband Moth along the South West Coast Path.  So, we can now confirm we will be showing it in the autumn, probably as our September 18th film.  

Finally, for your diary a reminder of our next film as well.

• Saturday August 9th: Our Regatta week film: “Paddington in Peru”.

18th September; 30th October (Eve of Halloween Special); 13th November; 4th December (which will be a free screening for BFS members).

Don’t forget our new start time.  7PM

Don’t be late! 

Membership of Beer Film Society costs £15 for a full 12 months, and members pay a £5 entrance fee at each screening that they attend.  The entrance fee for non-members is £7.  Priority is given to reservations by members, but non-members may also reserve tickets.  To book tickets or to find out more about Beer Film Society, just email beerfilmsociety@gmail.com.

 

Last edited: Monday 2 June 2025