Some Nelson Bay film buffs were treated to an old black and white classic, Alfred Hitchcock’s film “The Vanishing Lady”, on Saturday afternoon.

The Vanishing Lady was Hitchcock’s last British film before he moved to Hollywood and starred Margaret Lockwood.

Sue Winter, a Nelson Bay resident, organised the afternoon which concluded with an old fashioned afternoon tea with crockery teapots, bone china cups, saucers and plates.

“My friend Doreen and I both love the old classic movies and Doreen has been a professional actress performing around the world for most of her life.”

“After a bit of coaxing she agreed to display her memorabilia when we showed the old movie which delighted me greatly,” Ms Winter said.

Doreen Oakshott has a huge display of memorabilia, including photo and newspaper articles, which cover the 35 years that she performed on stage in New Zealand, Canada, Cyprus, Scotland and all over Britain.

“After commencing my career with the well-known Royal Glasgow College and Repertory Company, I went on to appear in many successful plays such as Pygmalion, Worm’s Eye, Peg O’ My Heart, Small Hotel and various other theatre productions,” Ms Oakshott told Bay News Of The Area.

“I was also in the cast of an ABC radio serial which ran for two years. I have been blessed to have performed with many big names in the theatre and they are included in my photo collection,” said Ms Oakshott.

Doreen left New Zealand nine years ago and settled in Nelson Bay. She is involved socially in community life as well as in activities at her local church.

“It was a great turn out on the day and it was wonderful way of remembering these old movies by allowing yourself to be re-acquainted with one of the greatest artists of cinema’s golden age whilst creating new classic memories,” Maggie Dominey, who attended the nostalgic afternoon, said.

For details of upcoming screenings of more old classic movies call Sue on 0499600438

By Jewell DRURY