Jack Lemmon (8 February 1925 – 27 June 2001), born 100 years ago this year, was the kind of actor who could make you laugh out loud one moment and break your heart the next - all without missing a beat. Effortlessly shifting between comedy and drama, he brought a rare mix of charm, vulnerability and razor-sharp timing to every role. Whether playing the lovable everyman, the down-on-his-luck dreamer or the tightly wound oddball, Lemmon never felt less than completely real.
We will attempt to celebrate the breadth of his career, from iconic comic pairings (think Shirley MacLaine in ‘The Apartment’ and Walter Matthau in ‘The Odd Couple’) to searing solo turns (his role in ‘Short Cuts’ is heart-breaking), offering a masterclass in screen acting that still feels fresh today.
We are very much looking forward to welcoming film writer and lifelong Lemmon fan, Hannah Gatward, who will give a talk on Jack Lemmon illustrated with many of his film clips. This will be not only educational, but a true delight.
If you have only seen one side of Lemmon, prepare to be surprised. And if you already know what he can do, you will not want to miss the chance to see him shine on the big screen once again.