Dorset In Film

Available this May and published by Dorset Books (RRP £19.99), this handsome book charting the movie heritage of one of England’s loveliest counties has something to offer the casual reader and ardent film buff, both locals and visitors to the diverse Dorset countryside.

Along with extended essays drawn from over 50 original interviews with the talents behind such films as Far From The Madding Crowd, The French Lieutenant’s Woman, Tom Jones, Comrades and Emma there are chapters on literary great Thomas Hardy and film pioneer Cecil Hepworth. Both played their part in building Dorset’s distinctive cinematic legacy.

In addition the book takes the reader on an extended journey around the county, with areas of interest for film fans pointed out along the way, with stories of some of the productions shot here recounted by the filmmakers who made them.

We learn about the director who fell in love with a Dorset location after seeing it in on a classical music CD cover; of the French country house movie shot on the edge of the Purbecks; of the Oscar winning actor who petulantly fired a shotgun into his director’s sports car; of the public school headmaster who vetoed a steamy sex scene on school premises, and another who was sent on an extended publicity tour of the US to promote the film made there.

These stories and a great many more can be found within the covers of Dorset In Film.

For information about the publication of the book contact Halsgrove Publishing on 01823 653777, or e-mail sales@halsgrove.com. To contact author Anwar Brett directly call 07710 471401 or e-mail anwar@anwarbrett.com.