Brian James Smith reviews The Royal Film Performance: A Celebration (2025)

By: Brian James Smith

Published:
2026-03-30

The Royal Film Performance, Robert Sellers, book, review

The Royal Film Performance: A Celebration is a new collaboration between Robert Sellers and Gareth Owen which begins with a foreword by David Putnam, who reminds us that ‘each year offers a new film and another special evening at which the industry gathers with members of the royal family to celebrate and support the wonderful world of cinema.’

Celebration and support are plentiful in this history of The Royal Film Performance which commenced in 1946 as The Royal Film Command Performance. The inaugural film selected was Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s A Matter Of Life And Death, screened at the Empire Cinema, Leicester Square, with attendance from King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret.

This book is presented in two sections. Robert Sellers and Gareth Owen chronicle the historical connections between cinema and the monarchy, dating back to 1896 when a silent film was screened at Marlborough House on the eve of the wedding of King Edward VII’s daughter. The authors also examine the significance of the mutually beneficial relationship, initially to disseminate footage throughout the British Empire, and subsequently purely for entertainment.

The Royal Film Performance, Odeon Leicester Square, London, 1960

The Royal Film Performance, Odeon Leicester Square, London, 1960

The Royal Film Performance, at Odeon Leicester Square in London 1960. Copyright © The History Press. All rights reserved.

The history of The Royal Film Performance is also the history of The Film and Television Charity, formerly known as the Cinematograph Trade Benevolent Fund, CTBF (and later the Cinema & Television Benevolent Fund) which supports those working in film, TV or cinema - providing practical support, whether that be mental and physical health or financial stability. The book not only enjoys the endorsement of The Film and Television Charity, but the organisation also granted the authors permission to access its archives.

Part two of the book serves as a tribute to the films, offering a summary of each movie, along with behind-the-scenes stories and specifics regarding each event. If evidence were needed to demonstrate the esteem in which the James Bond films are regarded in the British film industry, it is significant that four 007 films lead the list of Royal Film Performances. You Only Live Twice was the first in 1967. More recently Die Another Day (2002), Casino Royale (2006) and Spectre (2015) have all received this honour. Naturally, many Bonds, along with numerous other films, have been granted royal premieres. However, as the authors emphasise, ‘there is – and can only ever be – one Royal Film of the year.’

Fortunately, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (the former Prince Andrew/Duke of York) did not participate in a Royal Film Performance. In an era where the role of the royal family is being closely examined, it is a breath of fresh air to read a book that highlights the positive impact of the monarchy on the prosperity of the British film industry, along with the individuals who have benefitted from the substantial funds raised for The Film and Television Charity.

This is an excellent volume, featuring an astonishing collection of photographs, researched and written by two of our leading film historians.

Review by Brian James Smith. Copyright © 2026 From Sweden with Love. All rights reserved.

Editor's Note:
Order The Royal Film Performance: A Celebration from Amazon UK or Amazon.com.

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Brian James Smith reviews The Royal Film Performance: A Celebration (2025)

This is an excellent volume, featuring an astonishing collection of photographs, researched and written by two of our leading film historians.

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