This years Mostly British Film Festival opens with ‘The White Crowe’, starring and directed by Ralph Fiennes. His ambitious directing effort centers on Russian ballet legend Rudolf Nureyev from his humble beginnings in Siberia to his life-changing visit to France as part of the Kirov Ballet, culminating in his dramatic defection to the West in 1961.

Remember double features? Sinking into a movie chair and being carried away to other worlds.

The Mostly British Film Festival, from February 14-21 at the Vogue Theater in San Francisco, offers an opportunity to see two terrific British films in a row. While you are there you may as well stick around.

Recommended duos start Saturday, February 16 with a champagne reception at 5:30 p.m. at the Laureate Bar 444 Presidio Avenue followed by a 25^th anniversary screening of “Four Weddings and a Funeral.” If we are led to believe Hugh Grant and Andie MacDowell live happily ever after be sure to catch “The Escape” at 8:30 that night for the flip side of marriage. Gemma Atherton and Dominic Cooper (“Mamma Mia!”) play a deeply unhappy couple, especially Atherton as a wife suffocating in her quiet life.

Or maybe you would prefer two matinees on that Saturday, the 16^th? We’ve got two fascinating documentaries starting with “Looking for Lennon” at 1:45 p.m., which goes deeper than other films to try to understand the doomed Beatle, returning to his roots in Liverpool. That is followed by “My Generation” at 3:45 p.m., in which Michael Caine takes you on a journey through the 1960s—the Decade that Changed the World. Caine lived through it and is not surprisingly an erudite guide to understanding those wild and fascinating times. Paul McCartney, Twiggy and Mary Quant are the ‘60s icons interviewed. Both docs are introduced by author and Beatles expert Tony Broadbent.

Fans of the British royal family won’t want to miss a trio of films called “Taking a Bow” on February 18. Mostly British will screen biopics on Elizabeth I (3 p.m.), Richard III (5:30 p.m.) and King George VI (8:45 p.m.), all discussed by Peter Robinson, movie reviewer for KALW 91 FM.

Begin your Tuesday February 19 with the daftly hilarious “Swimming with Men.” Think of “The Full Monty” in Speedos to imagine the motley crew of middle-aged men who become close friends while competing in a world championship synchronized swim meet. Rob Brydon and Rupert Graves star. Follow it at 9 p.m. with “Anchor and Hope,” a romantic comedy with a difference set in a cramped London canal boat. The lesbian couple who live there are at an impasse. One desires a child; the other doesn’t. Cast includes Geraldine and Oona Chaplin—Charlie Chaplin’s daughter and granddaughter.

Tickets are available at mostlybritish.org or at the Vogue box office, 3290 Sacramento Street.

For any inquiries publicity@larsenassc.com

See you at the movies