RISING Sun Film Society on September 21 presents The Duke, a true crime film based on the story of the 1961 theft of the portrait of the Duke of Wellington, allegedly perpetrated by Kempton Bunton.
The charming and heartwarming film – a heist comedy with a difference – stars Jim Broadbent as Bunton. Helen Mirren plays his fed-up wife, Dorothy.
The film received five-star reviews worldwide when released at the Venice Film Festival, and also stars Fionn Whitehead, Anna Maxwell Martin and Matthew Goode.
In 1961, Kempton Bunton was accused of stealing Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London – the first, and only, theft in the gallery’s history.
Kempton, who had long campaigned for pensioners to receive free television, sent ransom notes saying he would return the painting on condition the government invested more in care for the elderly.
What happened next became the stuff of legend.
The charmingly uplifting tale showcases the fight of the little man in early 1960s England, and how he tried to change the system for the elderly and infirm.
Rising Sun Film Society’s Jackie Appleby said The Duke was a film stranger than fiction.
“Our September movie is another based on true events, and fits the comedy-drama genre, as well as being a part of history,” Jackie said.
“The theft of the portrait of the Duke of Wellington takes place in 1961, only three weeks after it was installed in the National Gallery and the movie, The Duke, provides amusement and entertainment in events which are stranger than fiction,” she said.
Rising Sun Film Society presents The Duke
When: Sunday, September 21, 2025
Where: Moree RSL Regional Military Museum (old town library building)
Time: 6pm for a 6.30pm start
Cost: $15 with a light supper provided
Origin: Britian
Rating: M
Length: 96 minutes
Enquiries: 0408 651863
Official trailer: The Duke
