I Served the King of England

Menzel has adapted one of the late Bohumil Hrabal's novels before: Closely Observed Trains, a seminal film of the 60's. Amazingly, he's still directing, and still on form, with this picaresque story of a Czech everyman Jan Dítě (literally John Child). Jan resolves to reach the top of the hotel trade, despite minor problems like the onset of World War II, and his chronic tendency towards bad luck and black humour. The film manages to remain funny, sexy and sensual – with more than a nod towards silent comedy – even as the story deepens and darkens.

NW England première – thanks to Arrow Film Distributors