iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

Wishing my wonderful, clever, stylish and very funny husband, John, a very happy sixitieth birthday! May you have very many happy returns, and many more of years of love and sparkling laughter together! With all my love, as ever, Jx 🥂

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 17/08/2025

Finally viewed the 178m CALIGULA: THE ULTIMATE CUT (It, 1976). It’s notably short on elegantly biting dialogue but heavy on anachronistic spectacle: a dry run for Danilo Donati’s designs on FLASH GORDON (1980)…? I was surprised to note the recurrence of outré #Roman #Egyptomania throughout the film.

Poster for the 2023 total recut of Tinto Brass’ CALIGULA.

A colossal statue of a hawk-headed Egyptian deity in a temple pool, in which a very unhappy Claudius (Giancarlo Badessi) splashes disconsolately.

The two main stars rehearse a play relating to the murder of Osiris, standing either side of images representing Osiris (sic) and Isis. The backdrop is painted with sparse papyrus thicket on either side of a closeup of Tutankhamun’s funerary mask. The front of the stage is adorned with a winged solar disk in gold, while the performers are flanked by appropriately garbed ‘blind’ harpists.

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 17/08/2025

Saddened to learn of the passing of Terence Stamp (1938-2025). Always a consummate and engaging performer, with a distinctly mercurial streak, he could be dashing, witty, touching, and deeply, deeply unsettling. His career was littered with memorable, and often iconic, cinematic highlights. Vale!

Terence Stamp as the title character in BILLY BUDD. (UK, Peter Ustinov, 1962).

Terence Stamp as Willie Garvin in MODESTY BLAISE (UK, Joseph Losey, 1966).

Terence Stamp as Bernadette in THE ADVENTURES OF PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT (Aus, Stephan Elliott, 1994).

Terence Stamp as The Silver-haired Gentleman in LAST NIGHT IN SOHO, (UK, Edgar Wright, 2021) his final feature film appearance.

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 15/08/2025

Wishing my many Italian and Romanist friends, a very happy Ferragosto, and remembering the ancient Feriae Augusti through the exquisite 12.8 cm Blacas Cameo, carved in multilayered sardonynx. The gold diadem is a Renaissance addition. Displayed in the British Museum. #Classics #Rome #Reception

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 14/08/2025

Fifty years ago today Richard O’Brien’s transgressive horror/SF musical comedy, THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (Jim Sharman) was unleashed upon a largely unsuspecting British public at the Rialto Theatre in London’s West End. It wasn’t a hit…but went on to become a major and much-beloved cult film. 🫦

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 13/08/2025

Offering solidarity and all best wishes to friends and colleagues working across the US museums sector at this parlous time.

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 12/08/2025

On 12 August 30 BC, Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator, rather than submit to Rome, in the person of Octavian, ended her life through the bite of an Egyptian cobra. This act, immortalised in the later writings of Plutarch and Shakespeare, continues to resonate in popular culture. #Egyptology #Reception

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 10/08/2025

Seventy-five years ago, today, Billy Wilder’s mordantly witty slice of Hollywood Gothic, SUNSET BOULEVARD, premiered at the world’s largest indoor theatre: New York’s famed Radio City Music Hall. It remains a luminous, elegant, captivating, and completely extraordinary masterpiece of cinema.

Crowds queuing along the street, outside the Radio City Music Hall, screening SUNSET BOULEVARD.

Publicity shot of Gloria Swanson between William Holden and Erich von Stroheim, all in evening dress.

Billy Wilder - centre - directs Gloria Swanson during her scene with director Cecil B DeMille: Hollywood royalty!

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

On the anniversary of her birth, remembering my funny, clever, sparkling, and beautiful mother, Jean (1937-1988). Much loved and dearly missed, Jx

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 05/08/2025

Wishing the magnificent Wanda Ventham a very happy ninetieth birthday: one of the most elegantly glamorous stars of British film and television during the 1960s and 1970s, with a career encompassing Hammer, Carry On, THE PRISONER, THE AVENGERS, THE LOTUS EATERS, and DOCTOR WHO, across three decades.

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 03/08/2025

Shocked and saddened to learn of the devastating fire, yesterday evening, at the pyramidal, B-listed , St Mungo’s Church in Cumbernauld. Designed by Alan Reiach in 1963, the iconic structure would appear to be beyond repair. #Egyptomania

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

On 1 August 30 BC, Octavian entered the great Ptolemaic metropolis of Alexandria for his final reckoning with #Cleopatra and Marc Antony, but, having fallen upon his own sword, Antony left the final Queen of Egypt to face her fate alone. It was the beginning of the end…! #Egypt #Rome

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 29/07/2025

On the one hundred and fortieth anniversary of her birth, remembering the iconic Theda Bara (1885-1955). Said to have been born within the shadow of the Sphinx, she was cinema’s original vamp and Hollywood’s first Cleopatra, starring in J Gordon Edwards,’ sadly lost, epic from 1917. #Egyptomania

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 26/07/2025

Wishing the magnificent Helen Mirren a very happy birthday! Always an extraordinary performer, she has been an elegant, intelligent, and wonderfully dangerous Cleopatra across the decades. #Shakespeare #Egyptomania #Classics #Reception

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

I had a thoroughly delightful evening at @bankofengland.bsky.social Museum, lecturing on Imperial cultural influences in Roman Britain: a packed lecture theatre with aircon, interesting questions, and lovely comments from my audience! Many thanks to the ever-fabulous Dr Monica Walker and her team!

The Aldborough She-Wolf with Romulus and Remus, now on display in the Leeds County Museum.

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

In the ancient Egyptian calendar, today - the third epagomenal day - is the birthday of the powerful but complex deity Setẖ. Whilst dangerously unpredictable, he is also the defender of Rē during the darkest hours of his nightly journey. Setẖ’s unique iconography dates from at least 4000 BC.

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 14/07/2025

Happy Bastille Day! Wishing my many French - and Francophile - friends and colleagues throughout the world, Bonne Fête Nationale! Liberté, égalité, fraternité!

The writer, in black tie, on rue Vieille du Temple.

The writer in front of the Eiffel Tower.

The writer in front of the Opera Garnier.

Ramesses II Luxor obelisk in the centre of place de la Concorde.

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 10/07/2025

Before I depart the great metropolis for rather cooler climes, there’s time, next Thursday, for one last public lecture, and it’s a wonderfully appropriate one to go out on, at a new venue for me: the Bank of England Museum! Details and abstract appear below… www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum/whats...

Text of advertisement for the writer’s forthcoming lecture:

About the talk - NOT the Edge of Empire: Imperial Culture in Britain The British Isles are traditionally considered the final, north-westerly gasp of the Roman Empire but culturally, they were no less distant from the city of Rome than any other province. This talk considers the cosmopolitan nature of life in Roman Britain, from the people who travelled such vast distances to colonise the province, through to the worship of Egyptian deities on the banks of the Thames, and onto the Roman progress into Scotland, far beyond the traditional barrier created by the Antonine Wall. Britain may have been cold, wet, and unforgiving but it was, nevertheless, a vital addition to the imperial cultural milieu.

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

On the anniversary of his birth, remembering with love, affection, and tremendous joy, my wonderful father, John (1937-2012), much missed. Jx Nunquam non paratus!

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 06/07/2025

For what it’s worth, I watched JT Mollner’s 2023 psychological horror film, STRANGE DARLING, this evening, and amongst the blood and violence, one of the most disturbing scenes ever committed to 35mm film stock is almost certainly Ed Begley Jnr’s detailed breakfast preparation! 😳

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

On the anniversary of his birth, remembering the uncompromising creative genius of Ken Russell (1927-2011). An incredible director and visionary writer, his spheres of interest were vast and his eye for dazzling performers, unmatched. #Boyfriend #Devils #MusicLovers #WhiteWorm

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

Delighted to see that DOCTOR WHO Season Thirteen is being released on Blu-Ray, just in time for the fiftieth anniversary of its original broadcast, with an extraordinary run of stories from one of my favourite seasons and, of course, Gabriel Woolf’s elegantly monstrous Sutekh. #Egyptology #Reception

Lee Binding’s beautiful cover for the forthcoming BD release of DOCTOR WHO Season Thirteen.

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 01/07/2025

The ever-fabulous Debbie Harry turns eighty today, and remains as iconic as ever! ‬

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 01/07/2025

As always on the anniversary of her birth, remembering the phenomenal artistry and talented endeavour of director, producer, novelist, Equity President, and sparkling actress, Beatrix Lehmann (1903-1979). One of the greats! 🎭🌈

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 29/06/2025

On the 105th anniversary of his birth, remembering the cinematic genius of Ray Harryhausen (1920-1913) who brought such elegant, nuanced, life to his monstrous creations. Also, a link to a little LGBTQ+ interview with me, produced by Dan Vo: m.youtube.com/watch?v=sbN-... #Classics #Reception

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 29/06/2025

On 28 June 2005, I delivered my first public lecture for the Egypt Society of Bristol and I’ve been delighted to deliver lectures all across the country and on television, radio, BluRay, and Zoom, ever since. I’ve been very lucky and would like to thank you for your continuing interest and support!

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

From my first viewing of Hammer’s SHE to Julian Glover’s demise in THE LAST CRUSADE, I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of fictional, ancient, immortality-bestowing elements, so, tonight FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH! I didn’t detest it, but I wanted the film to find its own impetus and joie de vivre…

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 21/06/2025

Wishing all a very happy Summer Solstice. It’s been far too hot in London today, and then there was rain, briefly, which, unhelpfully, just turned into steam. A real dog day…! 🌞

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 19/06/2025

Succeeded in booking tickets for our new local theatre, the King’s, Glasgow, May 2026! Very much looking forward to it after more than three decades…! #Cumming #Masson #Redmond #Ryecart

Promotional material for THE HIGH LIFE: THE MUSICAL, starring the four original cast members of the 1994 BBC series.

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 19/06/2025

A delightful visit to Swansea; many thanks to my perfect hosts, and to those who joined for post-lecture convivialities! I was pleased with the lecture, and with the feedback. On arrival for my return journey, I was serenaded by a brass band, celebrating 175 years of Swansea Railway Station.

A small but tuneful brass band playing ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ and ‘MacArthur Park,’ outside the entrance to Swansea Railway Station under some slight shade on a scorching hot day!

Cupcakes and flags on the concourse of Swansea Railway Station.

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

Delighted to be heading off, in the sunshine, to Swansea, where I’ll be delivering ‘From Tiber to Nile: Richard Burton’s Decade in the Ancient World’ at the Taliesin Centre, this evening for @theegyptcentre.bsky.social as part of the actor’s centenary celebrations. #Egyptology #Classics #Reception

Richard Burton as a young actor in c.1950.

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

By chance, I watched my second recent Hugh Grant film of the week, and they really couldn’t have been more different but both were highly entertaining. After his glory days as a ‘matinee idol’ of great beauty and panache HG has become a versatile and elegantly nuanced performer. #Heretic #Wonka

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

Delighted to see that the Piazza Augusto Imperatore, surrounding the Mausoleum of Augustus, was inaugurated on 6 June, marking the commencement of the final phase of the €35 million development, creating an appropriate setting for this important early imperial monument. #Rome #Classics #Reception

Marble street sign for Piazza Augusto Imperatore in Rome.

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

Today I’m writing about Alexander the Great, specifically, Robert Rossen’s 1956 epic. So, it’s particularly poignant that on this day in 323 BC, the great warrior-philosopher lost his only battle, dying at thirty-two, after creating a vast empire from Macedon, through Egypt, and on to the Himalayas.

Marble portrait head of Alexander the Great, allegedly excavated at Alexandria and now on display at the British Museum.

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 08/06/2025

On the anniversary of his birth, remembering with much love and respect, my dear friend and Egyptological mentor Professor Kenneth A Kitchen (1932-2025).

Professor Kitchen, smiling into the camera, in his Liverpool garden in 2008, standing next to the writer.

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 03/06/2025

Astonished to note that no less a luminary than Sir Alan Gardiner was namechecked on POINTLESS just now, as contestants were asked to identify hieroglyphs from his Sign List. After discussions about Primary School, they didn’t do terribly well…! #Egyptology #Reception

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 03/06/2025

Delighted that my dear friend Angela Stienne’s wonderful, thoughtful, and erudite publication MUMMIFIED: THE STORIES BEHIND EGYPTIAN MUMMIES IN MUSEUMS (Manchester University Press, 2022) is released, today, in paperback. I was honoured to be invited to provide the Foreword. #Egyptology #Reception

Red and gold cover of the paperback edition of Angela Stienne’s MUMMIFIED.

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

Just found online a BBC1 play, ‘Firing Point,’ (Mike Vardy) broadcast, once only, on Monday 29 July 1974, from the long forgotten thriller series, DIAL M FOR MURDER, featuring a wonderfully understated performance of determined malevolence from the ever-magnificent Charles Gray. Always a delight!

Charles Gray as marksman Hugo Vardon, in black tie, from Roger Longrigg’s television play, ‘Firing Point.’

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 01/06/2025

The first of June marks the beginning of #PrideMonth2025, and the importance of fighting the intolerance of the new right has never felt so pressing. We must strive for full visibility, acceptance, and equality for the entire LGBTQ+ community, preserving our histories and protecting our futures. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 31/05/2025

Excited, and hopeful, for surprise revelations and cameos in this evening’s season finale, particularly after last week’s thrilling cliffhanger! #DoctorWho #TheRani #Omega

Archie Panjabi and Anita Dobson as the Rani in DOCTOR WHO.

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

Genuinely delighted to learn that the four original cast members of THE HIGH LIFE, Alan Cumming, Forbes Masson, Siobhan Redmond, and Patrick Ryecart will tour Scottish theatres in a stage musical version of the much-loved, surreally camp comedy. www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/events/the-h...

nationaltheatrescotland.com

The High Life | National Theatre of Scotland

After a 30-year delay in the departure lounge, The High Life returns in a new musical spectacular featuring all four original cast members - Alan Cumming,

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

On the sixtieth anniversary of his birth, remembering the beautiful and talented Dursley McLinden (1965-1995). Gone far too soon. #DoctorWho

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

On the anniversary of their births in 1911 and 1922, respectively, remembering the lives and work of Vincent Price and Christopher Lee, both internationally famed for their skilful depictions of cinematic villainy. Masters of their dark art!

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 26/05/2025

Now that the sun has set, a reminder that one hundred and twenty-eight years ago today, Bram Stoker’s magnum opus was first published in London. The appeal of this Victorian Gothic novel wasn’t instant but its influence has irresistibly pervaded popular culture ever since. #WorldDraculaDay

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 26/05/2025

On the anniversary of his birth, remembering the phenomenal Peter Cushing (1913-1994). An actor of style, intelligence, and meticulous preparation. Best remembered, today, for his work for Hammer, he was a truly versatile performer and a fine comic foil for both Laurel & Hardy and Morecambe & Wise.

Monochrome publicity shot of Peter Cushing as Sherlock Holmes for Hammer’s THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES (UK, Terence Fisher, 1959).

Peter Cushing as Van Helsing on Bernard Robinson’s beautiful, exterior, Castle Dracula set in Hammer’s DRACULA, (UK, Terence Fisher, 1958).

Peter Cushing as Egyptologist John Banning seals the tomb of the Princess Ananka in Hammer’s THE MUMMY (UK, Terence Fisher, 1959).

Peter Cushing as the hawkish Governor Tarkin, aboard his Death Star at the conclusion of STAR WARS (US, George Lucas, 1977).

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 24/05/2025

On the anniversary of her birth, remembering my wonderful blue Abyssinian, Pr-n-Kmt Julia Livia Augusta, (2006-2021) known as ‘Livia.’ A beautiful, intelligent, loyal, and loving companion. From the day of her birth, we were devoted to one another, and she remains greatly missed.

Livia, a beautiful, blue Abyssinian cat standing on the arm of a purple chair and peering up at the writer/photographer.

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 24/05/2025

All the joy and ‘absolute terror’ of a deeply unsettling fairy tale! #DoctorWho #NoSpoilers

Archie Panjabi as the Rani, on set for ‘Wish World’ (BBC, Alex Sanjiv Pillai, 2025).

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

2/2 #WorldGothDay 2025 also marks fifty-four years since Episode One of the first truly Gothic #DoctorWho serial was broadcast, with a Satanic cult reviving an ancient, horned, evil from a Prehistoric barrow in the quaint Wiltshire village of Devil’s End. A true classic!

Title card for THE DÆMONS (BBC, Christopher Barry, 1971).

Roger Delgado as the Master, masquerading as the vicar of Devil’s End, leads a coven to summon the power of Azal.

Damaris Hayman as local white witch, Miss Olive Hawthorne.

The Doctor (Jon Pertwee) and Jo (Katy Manning) encounter Bok in the churchyard of Aldbourne in a publicity shot for THE DÆMONS.

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John J Johnston @johnjjohnston.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

1/2 On #WorldGothDay, celebrating sixty-seven years since Hammer’s gorgeous adaptation of DRACULA (UK, Terence Fisher, 1958), starring Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, received its UK premiere at the Gaumont Haymarket: a thrilling riot of glorious Technicolor in a largely monochrome world!

Beautifully designed and executed title card for Hammer’s DRACULA, which would go on to provide inspiration for the title card of Emerald Fennell’s SALTBURN (UK, 2023).

The posters and awning outside the Gaumont Cinema, Haymarket from 22 May 1958.

Crowds queuing around the block for DRACULA.

Cover of ‘What’s On in London’ dated 23 May 1958.

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