September 11th, 2026Spielberg movies

Spielberg Month gets into top gear the rest of this month, with 11 of his greatest films to be shown at Daylesford’s Phoenix Cinema.
Spielberg’s range is shown in Sugarland Express from 1974. Goldie Hawn stars as a former crook who must talk her husband into a prison break to help pluck their two-year-old son out of foster care. (Thursday, September 10, 4.30pm)
American pilot Gary Powers flew a high-altitude plane on a spying mission into the Soviet Union in 1960. He was shot down, captured and sentenced to 10 years but served only four months thanks to a prisoner swap. Spielberg’s Bridge of Spies tell this story through Tom Hanks, who puts in a fine performance as a lawyer sent to secure Powers’ release. (Friday, September 11, 7pm and Saturday, September 12, 11am).
Spielberg spent 12 years researching Lincoln. The result is a monumental result, especially with being sombre, familiar but without cliches. Daniel Day-Lewis is outstanding. (Monday, September 14, 7pm).
Based on Roald Dahl’s book, The BFG tells of a young girl who befriends a giant. Ten-year-old Sophie is in for an adventure of a lifetime, overshadowed by unattractive giants such as Bloodbottler and Fleshlumpeater so has to go to London to seek the help of Queen Victoria (Saturday, September 19, 4.30pm).
Over the following two days another three Spielberg films will be shown: A.I. Artificial Intelligence, E.T. The Extra Terrestrial and Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
His West Side Story updates the sweeping Romeo and Juliet story, with dazzling dance routines. The film showcases everything Spielberg does best. (Thursday, September 24 and Sunday, September 27, 7pm).
Saving Private Ryan is anchored by another fine role by Tom Hanks, based on the true story of an army sergeant recalled to the front-line after the D-Day landing. (Friday, September 25, 7pm). Spielberg takes a nostalgic look at his family in The Fabelmans. We get a critical insight into his work and the impact of childhood pain, the agonies of growing up and childhood film-making. (Monday, September 28, 1pm). War Horse is a powerful emotional journey through the First World War. Described as an instant classic on its release, it sweeps from the English countryside to the horror of France. (Monday, September 28, 7pm). More movies, bookings and session times head to Phoenix Cinema.