First Man Biopic

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 13 June 2019 >

A new film, First Man, released a few months before the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landings gives an opportunity to look back at a discreet man who marked 20th century history. You can use this resource with Shine Bright 1re File 1, Biopics in Hollywood. Pupils will be asked to make timelines … Continue reading “First Man Biopic”

A Canine Sergeant

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 23 May 2019 > What's On

Stubby, a stray dog, became the mascot of an American regiment in World War I and accompanied the soldiers so steadfastly that he was given the rank of Sergeant. A new animated feature brings this true story to life. Millions of animals were used by armies on all sides in WWI — it is estimated … Continue reading “A Canine Sergeant”

Take Your Students to “An American in Paris”

Posted by Speakeasy News > Wednesday 17 April 2019 > Pedagogy

The Châtelet Theatre in Paris is re-opening in September and returning to its tradition of putting on large-scale musicals, in their original language. The opening offering is George and Ira Gershwin’s An American in Paris. There are special matinée performances for schools on Thursdays 12 and 19 December at 3 p.m. An American in Paris … Continue reading “Take Your Students to “An American in Paris””

Two Queens

Posted by Speakeasy News > Wednesday 27 February 2019 > Ready to Use

This article explores the fates of two queens who reigned in neighbouring kingdoms in the 16th century. Both linked and opposed, they had to rule in a man’s world, in a conflict-ridden society, where religious and political unrest were rife and conspiracy and treason were the norm. Through the new biopic, Mary Queen of Scots, … Continue reading “Two Queens”

Queens on Screen

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 21 February 2019 > What's On

Films about Stuart queens are like buses — there are none for ages, then two together, just in time for the Oscars. Mary Queen of Scots and her descendant Queen Anne are both gracing our screens in radically different biopics, both diverging from history as it has traditionally been portrayed. The Favourite portrays the reign … Continue reading “Queens on Screen”

Love in Harlem

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 07 February 2019 > What's On

If Beale Street Could Talk,  one of this year’s Oscar-nominated films has impeccable credentials: the first English-language film adapted from one of James Baldwin’s novels, it was both adapted and directed by Barry Jenkins, who won the 2017 Best Picture Oscar for Moonlight. Like Moonlight, and Baldwin’s work, it is centered on a working-class African-American … Continue reading “Love in Harlem”