News / Odeon cinema
Bristol’s oldest unsolved murder to be explored in new film
A UWE Bristol film student is appealing for local support to make a film about Bristol’s oldest unsolved murder.
Alfie Skinner is directing the eight minute film aptly entitled Shot in The Dark as part of his film studies.
The Bedminster-born filmmaker and his team of students will uncover the mysterious case of Robert Parrington-Jackson, the manager of the Bristol Odeon, who was shot in his office during an evening showing of ‘The Light That Failed’ at the cinema in 1946.
The shots on screen masked the sound of the real gunshots and no-one was ever charged for the notorious crime.
The story goes that Robert was a fairly eccentric character, shifting professions from actor to racer to radio presenter.
Why was he killed that night? Was he a lady killer, did he make enemies during the war?
“Rumour has it that his ghost haunts the Odeon cinema to this day,” said Alfie.
The events of the evening will unfold through a series of Agatha Christie-style witness accounts, transforming the peculiar case into a thrilling who-dunnit picture.
The award-winning filmmaker and one of Rife’s ’30 under 30′ is now looking for funding and filming support to produce the film which is due to begin in April.
“We’re determined to make this film a success and explore this local story which not many people seem to know about,” said Alfie.
If anyone is interested in playing one of the parts in the film, acting as an extra or can help with locations, costumes, funding in exchange for a film credit, props, styling and more, the team would love to hear from them. Email: [email protected] or visit @shotinthedark.film on Instagram.
Main photo: Mia Vines Booth
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