CHICHESTER CINEMA HELPS COMMEMORATE CHICHESTER CATHEDRAL’S 950TH
22 Apr 2025
22 Apr 2025
Chichester Cinema, supported by Chichester City Council and Chichester BID, is delighted to announce a free outdoor cinema experience in celebration of Chichester Cathedral’s 950th anniversary. The Screen on the Green event also marks the 60th anniversary of acclaimed composer Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, which was commissioned by then Dean of Chichester, Walter Hussey in 1965.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Cathedral’s 950-year-old building, audiences are invited to enjoy two iconic films that explore themes of faith and music. Taking place on Sunday 25th May on the Cathedral Green in West Street, the evening will begin at 16:15pm with a screening of the original Oscar-winning adaptation of West Side Story (1961), featuring Leonard Bernstein’s unforgettable score. This will be followed by Alfred Hitchcock’s gripping thriller I Confess (1952) at 19:15pm. No need to book – just get yourself a picnic chair or blanket and turn up on the day.
Anne-Marie Flynn, Executive Director of Chichester Cinema said: “When we realised the significance of 2025 as a double celebration of our city’s iconic Cathedral and Bernstein’s contribution to its rich choral tradition, we knew we wanted to be involved in marking the occasion. This special Chichester950 Screen on the Green event is a wonderful blend of cultural celebration and community spirit. It is a privilege to present these two remarkable films under the gaze of the Cathedral. Not only are we celebrating Chichester’s history, but we are also honouring the legacy of one of the 20th century’s greatest composers, Leonard Bernstein.”
Helen Marshall, CEO and Chair of Chichester BID, added: “We are absolutely delighted to present Screen on the Green in partnership with Chichester Cinema and Chichester City Council. We are grateful to the Cathedral for hosting us, as this event truly showcases what can be achieved when the city unites to present something so memorable and special within our historic walls. The event is even more poignant as it takes place the week after the unveiling of a plaque in honour of Leonard Bernstein and a special concert, attended by his son, Alexander Bernstein.”
Bring a picnic chair or blanket, and join us for one, or both, of these wonderful films:
WEST SIDE STORY (PG)
This is the classic original version featuring Leonard Bernstein’s iconic score, in which two gangs battle for control of the turf while one gang member falls in love with a rival’s sister.
One of those happy collisions of breath-taking talent with Robert Wise’s classy direction, co-director Jerome Robbins’s sublime choreography all blending with Bernstein’s score and Sondheim’s lyrics. Two gangs, the white Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks, have a constant turf war in New York City’s Upper West Side. At a dance after which the gangs are scheduled to rumble, Tony, best friend of Jets leader Riff, meets and falls in love with Maria, the sister of Sharks leader Bernardo. Bernardo and his girlfriend Anita protest this new relationship. Tony and Maria reaffirm their love, but when tragedy strikes during the rumble, their conflicting loyalties to their respective gangs are challenged.
USA 1961 Robert Wise/Jerome Robbins 151m
Sun 25 May 16:15
I CONFESS (PG)
A priest, who comes under suspicion for murder, cannot clear his name without breaking the seal of the confessional.
Father Logan (Montgomery Clift at his matinee idol peak) is a Catholic priest who finds his faith put to the test when he is accused of the murder of a wealthy member of his parish. The real murderer Otto (O.E. Hasse) is a poor German immigrant desperate for money, and Father Logan knows this because Otto confessed it to him. However, Father Logan is bound by the secrecy of the confessional and cannot share this evidence with the police, even if it means his own life. This riveting drama – which includes superb powerful performances by Clift and Anne Baxter – offers what is probably the most compelling variation on Hitchcock’s favourite theme, the innocent man wrongly accused.
USA 1952 Alfred Hitchcock 95m
Sun 25 May 19:15
In addition to the Screen on the Green event, Chichester Cinema’s Head of Programming, Walter Francisco, is presenting a unique one-off screening of the Royal Ballet’s Bernstein Triple Bill on Sunday 11th May at their independent cinema at the New Park Centre. This extraordinary programme showcases three dance interpretations of Bernstein’s works, including a special performance of Chichester Psalms.
Leonard Bernstein’s legacy is celebrated worldwide for its fusion of classical music, jazz, Jewish influences, and Broadway flair. This screening, rarely seen on the big screen, offers audiences a chance to experience his music in a new and evocative way. Tickets for the Bernstein Triple Bill screening are £19.50 and available from Chichester Cinema.
Screen on the Green is a prelude to Chichester Cinema’s renowned Chichester International Film Festival which launches in August with a series of outdoor cinema experiences at Chichester’s Priory Park.
Sun 11 May 14:45