NEWPORT Film Club will host a rare opportunity to hear a personal insight from Alfred Hitchcock's only authorised biographer, followed by a screening of Vertigo (1958) on Friday, November 7 at Newport Memorial Hall.

John Russell Taylor knew Hitchcock for almost twenty years, and his book, Hitch, was published in 1978, just two years before the director's death.

John Russell Taylor is an internationally acclaimed critic and biographer.

His film biographies include books on Vivian Leigh, Orson Welles, Alec Guinness, Ingrid Bergman and Elizabeth Taylor.

He was for several years both film and art critic for the London Times.

"The evening will provide a great opportunity to hear first-hand from a perceptive writer who knew Hitchcock well", said Mark Jowitt of the Newport

Film Club. "We are delighted that John has agreed to speak".

Much has been written on Alfred Hitchcock since, some of it controversial. An enigmatic and highly private man, he has been the subject of two recent

biopics, The Girl (BBC) starring Toby Jones, and the feature film Hitchcock, with Anthony Hopkins and Helen Mirren (2012).

Following the talk, the club will screen Vertigo, (PG), starring James Stewart and Kim Novak. A truly spellbinding tale of mystery and love which leads its

central character helplessly into a downward spiral of obsession.

Doors and bar open at 6.30pm, the talk will begin at 7pm and the film screening of Vertigo will be at 8.15pm.

Admission is £6. Advance booking is recommended.

For bookings and further info contact Siobhan on 07772 004218 or buy online at http://smallworld.org.uk/