A few weeks ago I was contacted by Hemingway Vintage Design who asked me if I would bring my 1934 Bedford lorry to a very special screening of a restored version of the original 1958 film “Dunkirk”. This starred John Mills and Richard Attenborough and much of it was filmed on Camber and around Rye.
The film has been restored by Studio Canal and is part of their Vintage Classics collection. It was presented by Luna Cinema in association with Vintage by Hemingway.There were several wartime vehicles there wtith a good showing of military examples. Many people entered into the spirit of the occasion and were attired in period costume ; spivs and soldiers abounded and we were treated to a lovely selection of wartime hits of the day.
We were given the chance of buying some rather dodgy merchandise being offered by Viv the Spiv and we were coached in the intricacies of the Lambeth Waltz . Good food and drink abounded .
A siren sounded and this was the signal to make our way to the beach to see the film. Before the film the delightful Hayley Mills, daughter of John, spoke to us about her memories of the making of the film 60 years ago. She then introduced a short film made by her father in and around Rye that he took during his time here. One of these clips was of Rye station with a steam engine arriving there.
The film started and we were all bundled up in blankets , duvets and all manner of warm clothing. The quality of the restoration was amazing and quite arresting and well worth the visit.
If you didn’t see it at Camber or the original then go to www.facebook.com/vintageclassicsfilm. and you will be able to buy the DVD which is out on Monday September 25.
Photos: David Hance