`Dr No` and `From Russia With Love` outdoor screenings in Edinburgh this weekend

12-Aug-2005 • Event

EIFF and Famous Grouse have teamed up to bring you "Film Festival Under the Stars" two nights of free outdoor screenings, packed full of classic films in Edinburgh.

If you've never experienced the delights of watching films out of doors, then here's your chance. In the run-up to the opening of the Edinburgh International Film Festival, movies take over the Mound this Friday and Saturday. A giant screen will be set up at the Mound Precinct- next to the Royal Scottish Academy and the National Gallery on Princes Street- with thousands expected to attend this free event.

The cinema extravaganza will include five feature films, interspersed with a short programme of animation and music video, shown over the course of two days and evenings. The feature-length films, all well loved classics, include Dr. No, The 39 Steps, Whisky Galore, and From Russia with Love.

And for your added viewing pleasure, The Famous Grouse, Scotland's favourite whisky, will be operating a bar, serving whisky, soft drinks and wine.

"We are delighted that our partnership with The Famous Grouse has enabled us to stage these outdoor screenings this year, says EIFF managing director Ginnie Atkinson. "The location is fabulous and very accessible to everyone, both visitors and residents alike.

"The films have been chosen either to celebrate the work of the production designer Ken Adam (Dr. Strangelove and Dr. No) who is the subject of a Reel Life interview on Monday 22nd August at the Film Festival, or to celebrate a Scottish element. The link is of course Sean Connery, the Edinburgh-born Film Festival patron, who celebrates his 75th birthday this month (August).

"The 39 Steps features many Scottish locations while From Russia With Love was shot partly in Scotland, which doubled for Turkey. Apart from that they are all great classic films which people love to watch again and again. The outdoor cinema offers a great experience of watching films on a giant screen under the stars."

The Film Festival Under the Stars Programme:

Friday, 12th August
Programme begins: 5.30pm
Dr Strangelove 6.45pm
Dr No 8.30pm
Programme Ends: 10.30pm

Saturday, 13th August
Programme begins: 2.30pm
Dr No 2.45pm
The 39 Steps 5.00pm
Whisky Galore 7.30pm
From Russia With Love 10.00pm
Programme Ends: 11.55pm

Thanks to `JP` for the alert.