MEMBERS of Oxford’s Clockwork Morris dancing troupe helped launch the fourth Oxford Mail Film Festival, which started yesterday at the Phoenix Picturehouse in Walton Street, Jericho.

The dancers were on hand to “persuade” cinemagoers to attend the week-long celebration of Stanley Kubrick films, which includes the screening on Thursday of his controversial masterpiece, Clockwork Orange.

Tim Hughes, Oxford Mail journalist and squire of the morris group, said: “Obviously, Clockwork Orange was our inspiration, so we were delighted to lend our support.

“Who knows, next year we might try dancing as Jack Nicholson in The Shining, with axes instead of bats.”

Suzy Sheriff, manager of the Phoenix said: “The atmosphere last night was electric and there was a real buzz just before the first film.”

Oxford Mail entertainments editor Jeremy Smith agreed: “It’s what going to the movies should be like.”

Today’s film is Dr Strangelove, showing at 1pm and 8.30pm.

Call 01865 316570 or visit oxfordmail.co.uk/leisure/theguide