ARGONAUT BOOKS

Join us in the bookshop for a programme of evening film screenings celebrating underappreciated films with literary connections, with our friends at Leith Kino.

Tickets to this event are available from the link here (not via our website!) - https://ticketlab.app/event/39239-Book-Fringe-The-Swimmer-1968-tickets#

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Leith Kino Presents - The Swimmer (1968)

Adapting John Cheever’s 13-page short story into feature length, filmmaker Frank Perry brought The Swimmer’s vision of mid-century American suburban life with help from a screenplay written by his wife Eleanor. A hazy, sun-drenched odyssey through an affluent neighbourhood in Connecticut, The Swimmer opens with a strange introduction to its main character. Half-naked and bursting out of the woods, Burt Lancaster’s Ned Merrill gleefully exclaims that he plans on finding his way home not through walking but through swimming a path through his neighbours' pools. Along his journey, Merrill’s encounters with fellow members of the upper-middle class progressively reveals what truly lies beneath the swimmer’s cheery demeanor and a dark undercurrent at the heart of this seemingly idyllic lifestyle.

Now a cult classic, Perry’s film long went underappreciated and is now considered a landmark work that features a career best performance by Burt Lancaster and a laser sharp critique of the American Dream. 

Directed by Frank Perry

Runtime: 1h 35

Book Fringe FAQ

How do I get to the bookshop?

We are situated on all major bus routes which run down Leith Walk, with the 7,14,16,25 and 49 stopping directly outside our front door. If you’re driving, we have a big Tesco car park right behind the shop whihch allows for up to three hours parking. Please do be aware that the Tram is currently culminating service at Edinburgh West End due to ongoing issues, and so will not be serving the Foot of the Walk Tram stop.

Will your café remain open?

Our café will stay open to provide both hot and cold drinks throughout the evening. 

What are your accessibility arrangements in the shop? 

Our shop is a fully accessible venue, set over one level and designed to acccomodate both wheelchairs and prams. Do let us know should you have any further accessibility concerns and a member of staff will be happy to help.