The Square

This short, currently available as a free treat on BFI Player, was the first film made by 22- year-old Michael Winner. According to the BFI, it was financed by Winner's father but never released. It's competent but gives no sign of the Winner whose work we know. But perhaps no other 22-year-old would have had the chutzpah to engage 87-year-old A.E. Matthews as his star. The sentimental story has Matthews facing eviction because his house is due to be demolished. However, the neighbours rally round. The film was shot entirely on location in London's King's Cross, which had recently been used for "The Ladykillers". As was common at the time for low budget films all the dialogue was post- synchronised. Winner was no writer. A scene in which youngsters dance to skiffle goes on for far too long. But the girl who gets Matthews to dance (yes!) is Geraldine Lynton. When they were both in their old age she and Winner married. The film is what we would now describe as a calling card. Probably it did the trick. Within three years Winner was directing features.

A. E. Matthews has lived in the house on the square since he was married. He had a wife and children, but they're gone now. The house was damaged during the Battle of Britain, and now he lives with his dog and makes his way in a neighborhood which has grown tired and commercial. Now he's being told he has to leave so the building and the others around it can be torn down and replaced with flats. And all the friends in the neighborhood, whom he never realized he had throw him a party.

Michael Winner wrote, produced and directed this two-reeler, his first directorial effort. QUite clearly intended to show he could get the job done, it does that.