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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.

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The Phantom LightThe Phantom Light

Comedy193572 minsDirector: Michael Powell

Michael Powell’s gothic mystery of a haunted lighthouse where insanity thrives.

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Red EnsignRed Ensign

Drama193469 minsDirector: Michael Powell

Passionate shipbuilding tale from an on-the-up Michael Powell.

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Crown v. StevensCrown v. Stevens

Crime193667 minsDirector: 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.

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Something Always HappensSomething Always Happens

Comedy193470 minsDirector: Michael Powell

Michael Powell’s sprightly comedy about a freeloading charmer who romances the daughter of a wealthy petrol station owner.

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His LordshipHis Lordship

Comedy193273 minsDirector: Michael Powell

A plumber discovers to his horror that he is, in fact, a hereditary Lord in Michael Powell's riotous satirical musical.

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The Fire RaisersThe Fire Raisers

Crime193478 minsDirector: Michael Powell

Michael Powell’s atmospheric thriller about an insurance man in over his head with a gang of arsonists.

Discover more of Powell's early films in our Subscription collection.