Dance Hall

A story by ALEXANDER MACKENDRICK (The Ladykillers, The Man in the White Suit, Whisky Galore!) and from the director of The Lavender Hill Mob and The Titfield Thunderbolt, this lost gem from Ealing Studios pitches social realism and romantic melodrama against the glamorous and exciting backdrop of the dance hall jazz scene, perfectly encapsulating the lives of young, post-war, independent women. Eve (Natasha Parry), Carole (Diana Dors), Georgie (Petula Clarke) and Mary (Jane Hylton) all work in the same local factory. Their only means of escape from the daily grind are the Saturday nights they spend at the Chiswick Palais, dancing to big band jazz. Eve is just looking for a good time, enjoying the attention from her many male admirers, Carole is searching for a future husband, Georgie dreams of one day dancing professionally, and Mary has seen it all before. Together they share their hopes and aspirations leading up to the biggest event on their calendar, the Chiswick Palais dance contest. (StudioCanal)