Following its screening at the 2008 Toronto Film Festival as Is There Anybody There, it was actually released under the title of Is Anybody There? and was relatively well received, particularly the set designs. Directed by John Crowley with screenplay by Peter Harness, the story is set in the 1980’s and tells the tale of Clarence (Michael Caine) who checks himself into a retirement home run by a Mum (Anne-Marie Duff) and Dad (David Morrisey) partnership who have a ten year old son, Edward (Bill Milner). Edward, who is keen to understand what happens to the elderly residents when they die, has become obsessed with the afterlife. He and Clarence meet at the opposite ends of life and find they have an immediate rapport as Edward learns to live in the movement and Clarence comes to terms with his past. Oscar nominated Rosemary Harris plays Elsie, Leslie Phillips (the voice of the Sorting Hat in the Harry Potter series) plays Reg and BAFTA nominated Sylvia Sims plays Lilian. This is Bill Milner’s second feature film, the first being Son of Rambow which also filmed on location in the region. The classroom, corridor and staff room scenes were all filmed at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood.

Release / Airing: 01/05/2009