Glimpse the radiant exteriors of 1950s Venice in Summertime, an overlooked masterpiece from celebrated director David Lean.
Shot in glorious Technicolour and starring the legendary Hollywood actress Katharine Hepburn in one of her finest performances, the film follows a fleeting romance between American tourist Jane Hudson (Hepburn) and Venetian florist Renato de Rossi (played by a seductive Rossano Brazzi).
Far from depicting another short-lived tryst, as he did in his most iconic film, Brief Encounter, here Lean focusses on the character of Jane as she wanders the streets of Venice alone. Hoping to compensate for a lifetime of indecision and missed opportunities in 1950s America, Jane uses the holiday as a fresh opportunity.
The film’s depiction of the romanticism of Hepburn’s character is at times both tragic and poignant, as it marries her idealism and at times naivety, with a world weariness indicated by subtle knowing looks and throwaway gestures.
UK/US 1955 Dir David Lean 96 min
Booking fees
£1.50 booking fee per online/phone transaction.
No fee when tickets are booked in person.
Booking fees are per transaction and not per ticket. If your booking contains several events the highest booking fee will apply. The booking fee may be reduced on certain events. Members do not pay booking fees.
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Outdoor Cinema
Event info
Information might change closer to the events taking place, so it’s worth double checking nearer the time, and we’ll be in touch with the most important information before your screening.
Coming to the screening
It’s first come, first served with seating – you can claim your seats up to an hour before the screening. Seat pads are available, although you're welcome to bring your own if you prefer to, or to be extra comfy.
You’ll be given a pair of headphones to listen to the film through; there won’t be any speakers outside. You’ll collect these on arrival and hand them in on the way back.
We can’t provide blankets, but we advise you to bring one along, as well as a jacket or coat and anything else you’d like to have with you after sundown, as it’ll get chilly.
Please don’t bring large bags or lots of stuff with you, as there’s no cloakroom available.
Come in up to 15 minutes after the advertised start time. Staff members are there to help you find an available seat. If you arrive late, you’ll be missing the film – we’re punctual!
You’re free to take pictures of the screening area until the film begins, but after that, please don’t take photo or video once the film has started - the same piracy rules apply as they would for an indoor cinema. Also, please respect the privacy of our residents and your fellow audience members.
Food and drink
In the Conservatory a Bonfire pop up will serve burgers, fries and nachos to enjoy before the screening as well as a bar serving drinks. Only food and drink bought on site can be eaten and drunk on site. Glass bottles aren’t allowed for the safety of you and fellow audience members.
Access
Outdoor Cinema is wheelchair accessible: there is a ramp leading to the screening area. Please let us know in advance if you need assistance by emailing us at [email protected].
Assistance dogs are welcomed (but no pets, sorry!)
If there’s rain
We’re at the mercy of the British summer. If the forecast looks like rain, we recommend you bring waterproof clothing. We’d ask you not to bring umbrellas though, so the person behind can still enjoy the film.
We’ll cancel and refund if the weather is deemed to be extreme or unsafe. If that happens, you’ll receive an email from us.
Social distancing
This open-air event isn’t socially distanced. Take a look at our Covid safety information.
Finding the Sculpture Court
Just arrive through our main entrance and the Sculpture Court is up on level 3, just outside the Art Gallery. If you’re unfamiliar with our venue, don’t worry – we’ll provide directions on how to get here nearer the time.
Finally, we’d ask you to remember that the Outdoor Cinema is in a residential area, so we’d kindly ask you to be as quiet as possible when you’re leaving.
