London chandlers Arthur Beale’s monthly talk on the 2nd of July is a screening the film Riddle of the Sands – the film of the first real spy novel, set in the seas off Germany and the lowlands, and written by Erskine Childers.
The story of the novel and film centres around two plucky British yachtsmen sailing around the Frisian Islands in an attempt to first discover and then to thwart a German plot to invade the UK.
The talk event is not just to be a screening – for the film is to be introduced by Lloyd Shepherd and Tim Wright of the only slightly bhonkers Riddle of the Sands Adventure Club.
These chaps plan a journey by foot, cycle and sail re-enacting the events of the book by Erskine Childers from which the film takes its story, and using the book as a guide. What could possibly go wrong?
Shepherd and Wright are to discuss their plans as part of their introduction, which I gather is likely to be highly entertaining – but more than that, the aim is also to explore some of the themes of the book and film, and their historical context.
Start time is 18:45 sharp – please arrive early, at Arthur Beale’s premises at, 194 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8JP. Booking is essential, by email at talks@arthurbeale.co.uk or telephone 02078369034. Entry is 5.00 fee on the door, but this is waived if you buy anything on the day amounting to more than £15.00.
