THE DUKE screening

A daring art heist — an unlikely hero — and a battle for justice take center stage in this true-life retro British comedy drama.

🎬 “Heartwarming, beautifully shot, and more English than a basket of fish and chips.” — Mike Scott, The (New Orleans) Times-Picayune

🎬 “You could dine on nothing but lard for twenty years and still not develop the hardness of heart necessary to avoid being won over.” — Jessica Klang, The Playlist

🎬 “A hilarious social satire disguised as a comedy crime caper, with buckets of British humor.” — Ryan Leston, IGN

On Aug. 21, 1961, London’s National Gallery is left stunned — Francisco de Goya’s priceless Portrait of the Duke of Wellington vanished overnight. It was the gallery’s only theft (to this day) since it opened in 1824.

As police scramble to uncover a criminal mastermind, the public imagines a James Bond-style villain — especially after the stolen painting appears in the lair of Dr. No in the 1962 Bond film of that title.

But four years later, the truth takes everyone by surprise.

The thief? Not a secret agent or criminal genius — but Kempton Bunton (Jim Broadbent), a 61-year-old cab driver with an unusual motive.

Bunton claims he took the painting to protest the British government’s treatment of the working class — particularly its yearly TV license fee, which he says is especially unfair to elderly people on fixed incomes.

What follows is a whimsical, heartfelt and unforgettable tale of rebellion, justice and unexpected heroism.

The 2020 film runs 1 hour 35 minutes and is rated R. Watch the trailer on YouTube: .

The screening will be followed by a discussion.

Refreshments will be served.

Attendees over age 12 are asked to contribute $10 a person.

Movies With Spirit screenings comply with all federal, state and local health and safety protocols — including those of the screening venues.

Also check out other Entertainment events in Rhinebeck, Arts events in Rhinebeck, Comedy events in Rhinebeck.