Rentals
Powell Before Pressburger
Powell cut his teeth making low-budget films under the British ‘quota’ system from 1931-36.
All of the surviving titles from this period of Powell's career have been remastered by the BFI National Archive; we present a selection of them below.
The Phantom Light The Phantom Light
Comedy 1935 72 mins Director: Michael Powell
Michael Powell’s gothic mystery of a haunted lighthouse where insanity thrives.
Red Ensign Red Ensign
Drama 1934 69 mins Director: Michael Powell
Passionate shipbuilding tale from an on-the-up Michael Powell.
Crown v. Stevens Crown v. Stevens
Crime 1936 67 mins Director: Michael Powell
Patric Knowles stars as a naïve young man who becomes embroiled in the murderous, money-hungry scheming of his boss’s wife, in Michael Powell’s stylish proto-film noir.
Film: Rynox
Rynox Rynox
Crime 1932 46 mins Director: Michael Powell
Michael Powell’s earliest existing film is a twisty thriller crafted with a bold visual style that is unmistakeably influenced by Fritz Lang.
Film: Hotel Splendide
Hotel Splendide Hotel Splendide
Comedy 1932 53 mins Director: Michael Powell
Music hall veteran Jerry Verno stars as a lowly clerk who gets more than he bargained for, in Michael Powell's charming comedy.
Film: The Night of the Party
The Night of the Party The Night of the Party
Crime 1934 61 mins Director: Michael Powell
Michael Powell’s fun stage adaptation about a murder at a society party, with characterful performances from its fine ensemble cast.
Something Always Happens Something Always Happens
Comedy 1934 70 mins Director: Michael Powell
Michael Powell’s sprightly comedy about a freeloading charmer who romances the daughter of a wealthy petrol station owner.
Film: Her Last Affaire
Her Last Affaire Her Last Affaire
Drama 1936 68 mins Director: Michael Powell
Michael Powell's 'society drama’ involving clandestine romance and presumed murder, and glorious comic double-act from Googie Withers and John Lurie.
Discover more of Powell's early films in our Subscription collection.