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TREASURE HOUSE OF THE SOUTH BANK
In a city spoilt for choice when it comes to entertainment, the British Film Institute on the South Bank of London offers a range of  attractions that are quite simply stunning.
With the world’s greatest archive of film, it offers the opportunity to turn up and view any film from their huge collection; its stages programmes devoted to such diverse stars as Johnny Depp and Akira Kurosawa, W.C. Fields and Alfred Hitchcock; its library and educational facilities may be used by cinema students and the general public alike; and its gallery, exhibitions, restaurants and bars all help to give this place a buzz that is attracting increasing numbers of visitors,
Catch the end of the Yasujiru Ozu season of films in February, plus a Katherine Hepburn/ Spencer Tracey series. In March, the work of Georgian/Armenian film director and artist, Sergei Paradjanov, is celebrated with the first-ever retrospective to cover all of his work. There’s a season of Alice in Wonderland films and the run of the Marilyn Monroe/Jane Russell classic ‘Gentleman Prefer Blondes’ has been extended to March 17 – the two sirens seen above.
In April, the BFI celebrates Paul Newman and Alfred Hitchcock, Alan Bennett appears on stage, and there’s a look at the South African cinema.
Two more films in IMAX 3D launch in March, the latest ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and ‘How to Train Your Dragon’. And later in the year, there is the bi-annual ‘Fashion in Film Festival’.
The BFI is an absolute treasure house and you can become a member for just £40, qualifying for discounts on all tickets. Alternatively, most tickets are £9, concessions £6.65, and free viewings must be booked in advance. Go to www.bfi.org.uk to see the full range of activities.
SMALL CARS WITH BIG ENGINES
Devotees of muscle cars will drool over two new books devoted to these special autos. Such cars may be a mystery to the average motoring punter, but to enthusiasts they represent a golden age of small cars with Big engines.
'Art of the Muscle Car' is a lavish volume with detailed photographs and information on each car by David Newhardt. ISBN: 978-0-7603-3591-8 , price £24.00 hardback
''The Complete Book of Shelby Autombiles' features the Cobras, Mustangs and Super Snakes linked with American racing legend Carroll Shelby. They are shown in all their  glory and with full specifications, from the 1960s through to today's Shelby Mustang.
It is by Colin Comer, recognised authority on the muscle car, actively involved in the collectors car market, and, as owner of Colin's Classic Automobiles, one of its top dealers. And he has his own impressive collection of rare muscle cars. ISBN: 978-0-7603-3578-9 price £27.99 hardback.
Both are available from good bookshops and Grantham Book Services: 01476
541080.
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