Newport Film Club will host a rare opportunity to hear a personal insight from Alfred Hitchcock's only authorised biographer next week.

A talk by John Russell Taylor will be followed by a screening of Vertigo (1958), rated as the best film of all time by the BFI's film critics' poll of 2012, on November 7 at 7pm at Newport Memorial Hall.

Taylor knew Hitchcock for almost 20 years, and his book, Hitch, was published in 1978, just two years before the director's death.

John Russell Taylor is an internationally acclaimed critic and biographer. His film biographies include books on Vivian Leigh, Orson Welles, Alec Guinness, Ingrid Bergman and Elizabeth Taylor. He was for several years both film and art critic for the London Times.

"The evening will provide a great opportunity to hear first-hand from a perceptive writer who knew Hitchcock well", said Mark Jowitt of the Newport Film Club. "We are delighted that John has agreed to speak".

Much has been written on Alfred Hitchcock since, some of it controversial. An enigmatic and highly private man, he has been the subject of two recent biopics, The Girl (BBC) starring Toby Jones, and the feature film Hitchcock, with Anthony Hopkins and Helen Mirren (2012).

Following the talk, the club will screen Vertigo, (PG), starring James Stewart and Kim Novak. A truly spellbinding tale of mystery and love which leads its central character helplessly into a downward spiral of obsession.

Doors and bar open at 6.30pm, the talk will begin at 7pm sharp and the film screening of Vertigo will be at 8.15pm.

Admission is £6, and advance booking is recommended.

For bookings and further info contact Siobhan on 07772 004218 or buy online at http://smallworld.org.uk/