Save the Cinema (2022)

“Another great film!”  “Nice to see a feelgood film where the underdog wins!”  “I loved it!”  Our audience’s glowing comments said it all.  This 2022 film, directed by Sara Sugarman, was a real crowd-pleaser and the perfect way to end our season. 

A fascinating introduction to Save The Cinema was given by our speaker with close Carmarthen connections. He gave us the background to Liz Evans’ brave fight to keep the Lyric theatre open. We heard about her determined character and unstinting commitment to her musically talented sons. Her decision to show Jurassic Park, but earlier than the time agreed with director Steven Spielberg, was very much her punchy style.

We also had an insight into some of the filming locations, with Llandeilo used for some attractive scenes. It was interesting to hear that while the Lyric was saved, a shopping centre was still built, but on the historical cattle market.  This later faced problems when the key store – Debenhams – moved out. Meanwhile, the Lyric has remained.

Some feel the film is over-sentimental and many critics felt it was a cheese-fest. The scene which shows the audience watching How Green Was My Valley (1941) and standing to sing ‘Bread Of Heaven/Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer’ tweaked the tears for a few of us.  It conveyed a certain “nostalgic patriotism” and some may call it emotional manipulation.   

We valued Samantha Morton and Jonathan Pryce’s performances. Carmarthen comedian and presenter Rhod Gilbert was in the film. We would have loved to see more of him.

The late Liz Evans’ vision for her sons’ musical future and for the community, certainly came to pass.  “If you fight for something and ask, you will get.” The film celebrated her legacy and commitment to youth opera and the arts. Yes, it was a “slightly fanciful depiction of events.”  However, it sent us away smiling, possibly to make cheese on toast when we got home.

Anne