From the legendary filmmaking duo of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger (check out Camus's extensive coverage of The Powell and Pressburger Collection for more of this extraordinary duo), The Small Back Room, adapted by Powell and Pressburger from Nigel Balchin's compelling novel (the opening line alone is one to savour), telling of the troubled love affair between a tormented back room scientist and a beautiful secretary, told against a background of ministerial intrigue and empire-building in World War 2 Britain. Starring Michael Gough, David Farrar, Cyril Cusack, Sid James and the late Kathleen Byron, star of many a Powell & Pressburger film including Black Narcissus in which she played the rebellious Sister Ruth. It;s a film that has occasionally been sidelined by Powell and Pressburger enthusiasts, but for our money this is one of their best films, and features a strikingly surreal representation of alcoholic withdrawal and the most nerve-wracking bomb disposal sequences this side of Danger UXB. The film was nominated for a BAFTA for Best British Film, but was beaten by something titled The Third Man...

The Small Back Room has been announced for a UK DVD release by Optimum Home Entertainment for 27th April 2009 at the RRP of £15.99. Extra features have yet to be confirmed.