ELLAND'S Rex Cinema is to host the world premiere of new British film The Jealous God.
Next Wednesday the Rex will welcome the film's Rochdale-based director, Steven Woodcock, and three cast members, Cutting It star Jason Merrells, former Coronation Street actress Denise Welch and Mairead Carty.
It will be the official premiere of the gritty drama, which is set in 1960s Yorkshire.
Some scenes from the film were shot in the Rex.
The cinema's owner, Charles Morris, said he had been negotiating for the premiere with Mr Woodcock and his producer wife Julie for a year.
He said: "This is the official premiere. Then the film opens across the country on Friday.
"The Woodcocks approached by me about showing the film because they were looking for places to distribute it.
"After filming some shots at the Rex, they decided it was exactly the kind of place they wanted to launch it."
The film follows 30-year-old schoolmaster Vincent - played by Merrells - who has an eye for the ladies, but is being pushed into the priesthood by his staunchly Catholic mother.
Vincent finally falls for librarian Laura - but her Protestant religion threatens their happiness.
Vincent also has to struggle with pressures from his family, including sister-in-law Maureen - aka Denise Welch - who turns to him for help with her drunk and abusive husband.
Mr Morris said: "I've seen the film and I think it's just the kind of thing for the Rex and our area.
"It's a very atmospheric period piece.
"It has an interesting story which those viewers who remember Yorkshire in the 1960s will identify with."
