The Small Back Room Film Still

The Small Back Room

Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger

 
The Small Back Room Criterion DVD

DVD

1 Disc

SRP: $39.95

Out of Print
  • United Kingdom
  • 1949
  • 107 minutes
  • Black and White
  • 1.33:1
  • English

SYNOPSIS: After the lavish Technicolor spectacle of The Red Shoes, British filmmakers Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger retreated into the inward, shadowy recesses of this moody, crackling character study. Based on the acclaimed novel by Nigel Balchin, The Small Back Room details the professional and personal travails of troubled, alcoholic research scientist and military bomb-disposal expert Sammy Rice (David Farrar), who, while struggling with a complex relationship with secretary girlfriend Susan (Kathleen Byron), is hired by the government to advise on a dangerous new German weapon. Deftly mixing suspense and romance, The Small Back Room is an atmospheric, post–World War II gem.

Cast & CreditsOpen

Cast

SammyDavid Farrar
SusanKathleen Byron
WaringJack Hawkins
StuartMichael Gough
TaylorCyril Cusack
The ministerRobert Morley

Credits

DirectorMichael Powell and Emeric Pressburger
Written, produced, and directed byMichael Powell and Emeric Pressburger
Based on the novel byNigel Balchin
Supervising film editorReginald Mills
Production designHein Heckroth
Art directorJohn Hoesli
SoundAlan Allen
CameraFreddie Francis
EditingClifford Turner
MusicBrian Easdale
CinematographyChristopher Challis

Disc Features

  • New, restored high-definition digital transfer
  • Audio commentary featuring film scholar Charles Barr
  • New video interview with cinematographer Christopher Challis
  • Excerpts from Michael Powell’s audio dictations for his autobiography
  • PLUS: A new essay by film critic Nick James

From the CurrentView the Current »

Film Essays

The Small Back Room: Whisky Galore!

By Nick JamesAugust 18, 2008

The fantasy-enriched, near operatic Technicolor dramas for which director-writer-producer collaborators Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger are perhaps Read more »