Rentals
Powell Before Pressburger
Powell cut his teeth making low-budget films under the British ‘quota’ system from 1931-36.
All of the surviving titles from this period of Powell's career have been remastered by the BFI National Archive; we present a selection of them below.
The Phantom LightThe Phantom Light
Comedy193572 minsDirector: Michael Powell
Michael Powell’s gothic mystery of a haunted lighthouse where insanity thrives.
Red EnsignRed Ensign
Drama193469 minsDirector: Michael Powell
Passionate shipbuilding tale from an on-the-up Michael Powell.
Crown v. StevensCrown v. Stevens
Crime193667 minsDirector: Michael Powell
Patric Knowles stars as a naïve young man who becomes embroiled in the murderous, money-hungry scheming of his boss’s wife, in Michael Powell’s stylish proto-film noir.
RynoxRynox
Crime193246 minsDirector: Michael Powell
Michael Powell’s earliest existing film is a twisty thriller crafted with a bold visual style that is unmistakeably influenced by Fritz Lang.
Hotel SplendideHotel Splendide
Comedy193253 minsDirector: Michael Powell
Music hall veteran Jerry Verno stars as a lowly clerk who gets more than he bargained for when he inherits a hotel, in Michael Powell's charming comedy.
The Night of the PartyThe Night of the Party
Crime193461 minsDirector: Michael Powell
Michael Powell’s fun stage adaptation about a murder at a society party, with characterful performances from its fine ensemble cast.
Something Always HappensSomething Always Happens
Comedy193470 minsDirector: Michael Powell
Michael Powell’s sprightly comedy about a freeloading charmer who romances the daughter of a wealthy petrol station owner.
Her Last AffaireHer Last Affaire
Drama193668 minsDirector: Michael Powell
Michael Powell's 'society drama’ involving suspicion, clandestine romance and presumed murder, and glorious comic double-act from Googie Withers and John Lurie.
Discover more of Powell's early films in our Subscription collection.