Inspired by the Oscar winning film The King’s Speech, this year’s film night at the Manx Museum will feature the royal visit of July 1945 when King George VI presided at the Tynwald ceremony at St John’s and toured the Island accompanied by Queen Elizabeth. ‘The Isle of Man on Film’ to be held on Friday 11th March, will showcase some of the rare and unique footage cared for within the Manx National Heritage Archives and Library Service. The film records the first visit away from United Kingdom waters for the royal couple since the onset of war. Victory in Europe had been declared in May but the war in the Pacific was ongoing – it would be August before victory over Japan was declared. The visit was well documented in photographs and film, allowing us to view the royal progression around the Island and the armed forces based here as well as see the crowds who massed to witness events including over 3,500 school children in the Villa Marina gardens. Archivist Wendy Thirkettle commented, ‘While the black and white film is silent with no original soundtrack we do know the text of the speeches given by His Royal Highness. Their powerful content and the boost to morale they offered is all the more striking in light of the difficulties overcome in their delivery by His Majesty’. The varied programme will include extracts from several other films whose content includes the mines and railways of the Island, the arrival of Odin’s Raven in 1979 and scenes taken onboard Steam Packet Company ferries. Striking among these is film of the Lady of Mann I leaving Douglas on her farewell voyage in summer 1971, prior to being broken up. She gave the Steam Packet Company many years of service as well as being a World War II veteran, requisitioned by the Admiralty. Under the command of Captain Tom Woods she made multiple trips to evacuate soldiers from Dunkirk and later embarked more allied troops at Cherbourg and Brest in 1940; in 1944 she acted as a troop carrier on D Day and afterwards transported American forces to Utah and Omaha beaches. The programme begins at 7.30pm with doors opening at 7.00pm. Admission is free but places are limited. Tickets are available in advance from the Manx Museum Reception. ENDS