Alan Bates: The Affable Angry Young Man

While remembered as part of the British New Wave of Angry Young Men who made their mark on stage and screen in the late 1950s and early 1960s, Alan Bates forged his own path into movie immortality. He consistently sought out the most intriguing scripts from the most progressive writers and directors, and his stage stints would inform his screen performances, and vice versa. As a result, he was integral to works that defined their eras. Having started in the theatre, Bates prized partnering with his fellow actors; many of his best films showcase other leads, or the ensemble. Yet he made each role his own, and moviegoers came to feel that they knew the man they saw onscreen. For this series we’re reprising four films we’ve shown in recent months, alongside other titles featuring classic Bates performances and several rarely-shown gems, all anchored by a long-in-the-works run of the 4K restoration of one of the actor’s most beloved movies, King of Hearts.

Past Screenings