Scottish film historian Brian Hannan is rewriting film history – literally.

His book The Magnificent 60s, which looks at the making of The Guns of Navarone, has its launch at Bradford Widescreen Weekend on Sunday.

Brian is introducing the restored version of the film, and signing copies of his book.

“I discovered that Hollywood history was not what it seemed so I’ve had to rewrite it,” he says. “I found out that Gregory Peck, between being signed up for the lead role and the film’s release, had gone from being a guarantee of box office success to a liability after Beloved Infidel, in which he played F Scott Fitzgerald, was a commercial disaster.

“I also found out the movie was beset with calamity.

“Hollywood had a habit of writing its own history. To my surprise, I discovered much of what turned out not to be true.”

The ‘Making Of’ books are part of his ‘Magnificent 60s’ series looking at classic films of the era, and successes and failures.

  • The Making Of The Guns Of Navarone by Brian Hannan is published by Baroliant Press.

For more about Bradford Widescreen Weekend ring 0844 856 3797.