24th Graham Greene Festival

Graham Greene is Berkhamsted’s most famous former resident. An annual festival, now in its twenty-fourth year, celebrates his life and legacy with a compelling mixture of accessible talks, readings, and film-screenings.

This year, prominent speakers from the UK and abroad will take us into the world of intelligence, in which Greene served as an MI6 officer and about which he wrote many novels and film scripts. Charlotte Philby, the granddaughter of the notorious double agent and close friend of Graham Greene, will speak to the festival about a new novel she has written concerning her grandfather’s early career. Other speakers will look at Greene’s film projects, including the controversial 1958 production of The Quiet American, which will actually be screened at the festival, as will the superb 1999 film of The End of the Affair.

Other highlights will include a presentation on the mysterious alcoholic priest in Mexico who inspired Greene to write The Power and the Glory, and an unravelling of the very public row that ended the friendship of Graham Greene and Anthony Burgess. We will hear about a new memoir by one of Greene’s close friends, and a soon-to-appear novel with Greene not as the author but as the main character.

The Festival is held over four days from 28 September to 1 October, mainly in Berkhamsted School where Greene grew up under his Father, the Headmaster. It is directed by Professor Richard Greene.

Giles Clark, Chairman of the Graham Greene Trust says: ‘I am really excited about this year’s event as there is an excellent eclectic blend of sessions attractive for all who have any interest in one of England’s greatest and influential authors.’

The Festival is supported by Berkhamsted School.

For further information including ticket pricing for individual events and the purchase of tickets visit www.grahamgreenebt.org.