The Fruit Machine, shot on location in Liverpool, directed by Philip Saville & written by Frank Clarke is the story of Eddie and Michael who are best friends on the brink of adulthood.
Eddie likes watching old movies on video with his mum. Michael likes video games and the street. They are total opposites that argue like an old married couple.
Leaving behind the grim, oppressive reality of Liverpool, they stumble into the bizarre fantasy world of a transvestite nightclub called The Fruit Machine, run by "Annabelle".
There, they witness a brutal gangland murder by Echo that transforms their quest for adventure into a run for their lives.
Alone and afraid, yet hopeful, they wind up in Brighton with Vincent and Eve at Wonderland, where their path is strewn with manipulation, deceit and murder.
Liverpool born Frank Clarke, brother of Margi and Angela, had his first success working on Liverpool’s award winning soap Brookside. He then went on to write acclaimed low budget feature film, Letter to Brezhnev and Blonde Fist.
Frank Clarke said:
“I wrote Fruit Machine in 1985 and it was meant to be an allegory of what was happening to our young gay brothers, men who were brutally stolen from life by virtue of their sexuality.
"It was a time to stand up and be counted and this film is a tribute to all of our beautiful mates who didn’t make it.”
Clapperboard’s director, Maureen Sinclair said:
“The issues that Frank tackled in The Fruit Machine, are still prevalent today.
"Clapperboard’s young people, supported by our Active Citizens Panel, are committed to challenging all types of prejudice and informing all sections of our communities.
"The 'hate crime' theme for next year’s film-making project will enable us to continue to work towards a safer and more just society.”
Frank Clarke will take part in a Q & A session after the screening.
Income raised from Clapperboard Presents... will go toward the Clapperboard Youth Project.
Tickets are £10 each. Concessions £7 from direct from FACT box office and include a complimentary drink and entertainment at 3345 Parr Street afterwards.
Listing Information
THE FRUIT MACHINE (By Frank Clarke)
picturehouse@fact
Wood Street
Liverpool
L1 4DQ
Performance time: 7.00pm
Tickets: £5 and £10 - from FACT box office.
The screening of Fruit Machine forms part of Liverpool Pride’s Chill Out Sunday.
More information can be found at www.clapperboarduk.com
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