Art & Hue2026 Classic Film Anniversaries
This year is bumper-packed full of classic film anniversaries, from Brit noirs to enduring comedies. Art & Hue rounds-up the milestones of beloved & cult films to celebrate in 2026.
From the 105th anniversary of Chaplin’s “The Kid” to the 90th anniversary of Pinewood Studios, 2026 is a banner year for classic film milestones. We’re celebrating 75 years of beloved Ealing comedies like “The Lavender Hill Mob“, 70 years of Diana Dors’ iconic “Yield to the Night“, and 60 years of cult classics from “Morgan!” to “Carry On Screaming“. Join Art & Hue in raising a glass to the enduring magic of cinema and browse the pop art prints to bring a piece of cinematic style and film fun to your walls.
The Lavender Hill Mob 75
75 years ago, on the 28th of June 1951, the classic Ealing comedy “The Lavender Hill Mob” premiered in London at the Odeon Marble Arch, starring Stanley Holloway, Alec Guinness, John Gregson, Sid James & Audrey Hepburn. The film won the BAFTA Award for Best British Film, the Academy Award for Best Story & Screenplay, and Alec Guinness was nominated for the Best Actor Oscar.
The Man in the White Suit 75
75 years ago, on the 10th of August 1951, the classic Ealing comedy “The Man in the White Suit” premiered in London at the Odeon Marble Arch cinema, starring Alec Guinness, Joan Greenwood, Cecil Parker, & Roddy Hughes.
The film won the BAFTA Award for Best British Screenplay, and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Story & Screenplay.
The Kid 105
105 years ago, on the 21st of January 1921, Charlie Chaplin‘s first full-length film as a director, “The Kid”, had its New York premiere. The semi-autobiographical masterpiece, starring Jackie Coogan, blended slapstick with profound pathos and became a huge commercial and critical success.
The Lucky Dog 105
Released 105 years ago, on the 10th of October 1921, the silent short “The Lucky Dog” features the first time Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy appeared in the same film. Although not yet the official double-act, the movie is a fascinating piece of cinema history, capturing the duo on screen together for the first time.
A Sailor-Made Man 105
105 years ago, on the 25th of December 1921, Harold Lloyd‘s first feature-length film, “A Sailor-Made Man”, premiered. The successful comedy, in which Lloyd’s “Glasses” character joins the navy, helped cement his status as a top-tier silent film star.
The Galloping Major 75
75 years ago, on May 5th 1951, “The Galloping Major”, an Ealing comedy in all but name, premiered at London’s Plaza cinema, with Janette Scott, Basil Radford, Hugh Griffith, Joyce Grenfell, Sid James, & Charles Hawtrey.
The Tales of Hoffman 75
75 years ago, on the 18th of April 1951, the operatic fantasy “The Tales of Hoffman” held its Royal Premiere at London’s Carlton Cinema. Directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, the film features Moira Shearer, Robert Rounseville, and Robert Helpmann.
Pool of London 75
75 years ago, on the 22nd February 1951, the classic British film noir “Pool of London” premiered in London at the Leicester Square Odeon. With Earl Cameron in his first film role, the Ealing film’s cast included Moira Lister, James Robertson Justice, Alfie Bass, Ian Bannen & Sam Kydd.
Turned Out Nice Again 85
Starring George Formby, the Ealing comedy “Turned Out Nice Again” opened at London’s Paviilion cinema on the 30th of June 1941. Along with Gracie Fields, Formby was one of the biggest box office stars of the era that bankrolled Ealing Studios.
Matter of Life & Death 80
80 years ago, on the 1st of November 1946, “A Matter of Life & Death”, starring David Niven, held its world premiere, the first ever Royal Command Film performance of a film, at Leicester Square’s Empire cinema in the presence of the King and Queen and the Princesses.
Where No Vultures Fly 75
75 years ago, on the 5th of November 1951, the British adventure film “Where No Vultures Fly” (released in the US as “Ivory Hunter”) had its Royal Premiere at the Odeon Leicester Square in London, attended by The Queen. Starring Anthony Steel and Dinah Sheridan, the Ealing Technicolor film about a game warden in Kenya was a major box-office hit in the UK.
Young Wives’ Tale 75
75 years ago, on the 4th of November 1951, the comedy “Young Wives’ Tale” premiered at London’s Tivoli Cinema. Starring Joan Greenwood, Nigel Patrick, Derek Farr, and Athene Seyler, plus Audrey Hepburn in one of her earliest film roles, the film humourously explored the post-war housing shortage.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s 65
65 years ago, on the 5th of October 1961, the iconic romantic comedy “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” premiered at New York’s Radio City Music Hall. With George Peppard, Mickey Rooney & Patricia Neal, Audrey Hepburn‘s portrayal of Holly Golightly became a cinematic legend, with her Givenchy wardrobe defining a generation’s sense of style.
70 Years Who Done It?
70 years ago, on the 18th of March 1956, the Ealing comedy “Who Done It?”, starring Benny Hill, opened at the Dominion & New Victoria cinemas in London. The film’s cast includes Belinda Lee, Charles Hawtrey, Irene Handl, & Glyn Houston.
Yield to the Night 70
70 years ago, on the 14th of June 1956, “Yield to the Night” had its world premiere at London’s Carlton cinema. Regarded by Diana Dors to be her best film, it was released as “Blonde Sinner” in America.
65 years The Rebel
65 years ago, on the 2nd of March 1961, the Tony Hancock film “The Rebel”, with Liz Fraser & Irene Handl, premiered at the Plaza cinema in London.
Carry On Regardless 65
65 years ago, on the 18th of March 1961, the London premiere of “Carry On Regardless” was held at the Odeon Marble Arch cinema.
The Frightened City 65
65 years ago, on the 9th of August 1961, the world premiere of British film noir “The Frightened City” was held at Odeon Marble Arch, starring a pre-Bond Connery with Herbert Lom.
The Young Ones 65 years
65 years ago, on the 13th of December 1961, Cliff‘s film musical “The Young Ones” premiered at the Warner Cinema in London.
The Long & the Short & the Tall 65
65 years ago, on the 16th of February 1961, the Malayan Jungle WWII drama “The Long and the Short and the Tall” premiered in London at the Plaza Cinema. The film’s stellar cast includes Richard Todd, Laurence Harvey, Richard Harris, and David McCallum.
Carry On Cowboy 60
60 years ago, on the 24th of March 1966, the Western film comedy “Carry On Cowboy” premiered in London at the Carlton Cinema.
Carry On Screaming 60
60 years ago, on the 18th of August 1966, Carry On‘s pastiche of Hammer horror films, “Carry On Screaming” premiered at the New Victoria Cinema in London, the final Carry on film produced by Anglo-Amalgamated.
Invasion 60 years
60 years ago, on the 15th of May 1966, British sci-fi film “Invasion“, starring Edward Judd, Yoko Tani, Tsai Chin, & Ric Young, opened at the ABC Lime Street cinema in Liverpool.
The Great St. Trinian’s Train Robbery 60 years
60 years ago, on the 11th of March 1966, “The Great St. Trinian’s Train Robbery” premiered at London’s Studio One cinema on Oxford Street, starring Dora Bryan, Frankie Howerd, Margaret Nolan, Meredith Edwards, & Reg Varney.
60 years Modesty Blaise
60 years ago, on the 5th of May 1966, the camp spy-fi classic “Modesty Blaise” starring Monica Vitti, Terence Stamp, & Dirk Bogarde, had its World Premiere at the Odeon Leicester Square in London.
Morgan! 60
60 years ago, on the 4th of April 1966, the cult British comedy-drama “Morgan!” had its New York premiere ahead of opening in London on the 14th at the Carlton Cinema. Starring David Warner and Vanessa Redgrave, the film won the Cannes Best Actress award for Redgrave and became a quirky symbol of 1960s counter-culture.
60 Years Alfie
60 years ago, on the 24th of March 1966, the Michael Caine film “Alfie”, with the song by Cilla Black, premiered at the Plaza cinema in London.
55 years Get Carter
55 years ago, on the 11th of March 1971, classic British crime film “Get Carter”, starring Michael Caine, Britt Ekland, & Ian Hendry, plus the iconic Trinity Square car park, premiered at the ABC2 Shaftesbury Avenue cinema in London.
Percy 55 years
55 years ago, on the 11th of February 1971, the saucy comedy “Percy” premiered in London at the ABC2 Cinema on Shaftesbury Avenue, starring Britt Ekland, Antonia Ellis, Georgie Best, & Patrick Mower.
55 years Up Pompeii
55 years ago, on the 18th of March 1971, the film version of “Up Pompeii“, starring Frankie Howerd, Madeline Smith, & Julie Ege, premiered in London at the ABC cinema on Shaftesbury Avenue.
55 years Mummy’s Tomb
55 years ago, on the 14th of October 1971, cult Hammer horror film “Blood from the Mummy’s Tomb“, starring the gorgeous Valerie Leon, premiered in London at the New Victoria cinema.
Diamonds are Forever 55
55 years ago, on the 14th of December 1971, the world’s first screening of “Diamonds Are Forever”, with Connery‘s return as Bond, Jill St. John, Trina Parks, and Dame Shirl singing the theme, took place in Berlin.
55 years On the Buses
55 years ago, on the 1st of August 1971, the “On The Buses” film opened in British cinemas, including Manchester’s ABC & Studio 2.
Fright 55
55 years ago, on the 14th of October 1971, the London premiere of “Fright” took place at London’s Studio One, starring Susan George & Honor Blackman with Ian Bannen, Dennis Waterman & John Gregson.
50 years The Likely Lads
50 years ago, on the 8th of April 1976, “The Likely Lads” film, starring James Bolam & Rodney Bewes, held its World Premiere at the ABC 1 cinema in Newcastle.
At the Earth’s Core 50
50 years ago, on the 15th of July 1976, “At the Earth’s Core”, starring Hammer-icon & Bond-girl Caroline Munro, premiered in London at the Odeon Marble Arch.
40 years Clockwise
40 years ago, on the 14th of March 1986, John Cleese‘s “Clockwise” premiered when it opened in seven central London cinemas.
On the Fiddle 65th
Released on the 10th of October 1961, Sean Connery & Alfred Lynch starred in “On the Fiddle”, the army comedy with Cecil Parker, Stanley Holloway, Barbara Windsor & Liz Fraser (plus the voice of Gracie Fields).
Blow-Up 60th
Seminal Sixties film “Blow-Up” premiered on the 18th of December 1966 in New York. Starring David Hemmings & Vanessa Redgrave, with supermodels Veruschka & Peggy Moffitt, the classic film still helps to define the 60s.
40 years Caravaggio
Previewing at the National Theatre on the 23rd of April 1986, Derek Jarman’s film “Caravaggio” about the influential painter held its charity premiere at the Lumiere Cinema on the 24th.
Elstree 100
The first film started production at the newly-opened Elstree Studios on the 28th of December 1926. Called “Madame Pompadour”, Elstree was officially opened a day later on the 29th and went on to produce many cult TV shows over the years, including “The Avengers“.
Pinewood 90
Primarily known for film, Pinewood has also produced many TV productions over the years, including “The New Avengers“. On the 30th of September 1936, Pinewood Studios officially opened. Originally planned to be opened in October 1936 by Prince George, the official opening was brought forward to September when the studios were opened by Leslie Burgin, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade.
For Your Eyes Only 45
On the 24th of June 1981, the Royal World Premiere of the Bond film “For Your Eyes Only”, starring Roger Moore, took place at the Odeon Leicester Square in London.
Casino Royale 20
20 years ago, on the 14th of November 2006, the Bond film “Casino Royale” had its Royal World Premiere at London’s Odeon Leicester Square, attended by The Queen. With 60s supermodel Veruschka at the poker table, Daniel Craig‘s debut as 007 re-invigorated the franchise.
23rd Oscars 75
75 years ago, the 23rd Academy Awards were held on the 29th of March 29 1951 at which Robert Krasker won the Oscar for “Best Cinematography, Black-and-White” for his work on the classic Brit noir “The Third Man“.
Norman Wisdom 80
80 years ago on the 17th of December 1946, Norman Wisdom made his professional stage debut at the Collins Music Hall.
Joan’s 75 year career
On the 17th of January, Dame Joan Collins celebrated 75 years of her career in show business.
Diana Dors 95th
2021 marks 95 years since the birth of British film icon Diana Dors on the 23rd of October 1931.
These are just some of the anniversaries taking place in 2026 – there are more milestones, including TV events, to celebrate this year.
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