During the prime of ocean liner travel a large number of films were released that used the exotic background of the open sea for smart comedy, high drama and some of Fred Astaire’s most famous dance numbers.

The Film Society of Lincoln Centre (FSCL) will provide audiences with the rare treat of seeing these classic movies again and reliving the golden era of ocean cruising.

The series will showcase a number of classic films from the grand era of cruising spanning more than 50 years. The programme will be called Cinematic Passages: Ocean Liners on Screen, and it will be sponsored by Cunard Line. Tickets will be on sale from the 9th August.

The president of Cunard Line, Peter Shanks, commented as follows: "Cunard voyages offer guests the ongoing fascination, glamour and sophistication of the Golden Age of Ocean Travel. As portrayed in the iconic films of Cinematic Passages, Cunard vividly brings to life this storied travel experience for today's ocean liner enthusiasts to discover and enjoy."

The series will include several highlights, among them Preston Struges’ screwball comedy The Lady Eve, the Jane Russell/Marilyn Monroe romp Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, a rare presentation of James Cameron’s box office hit Titanic and the Fred Astaire musicals Royal Wedding and Shall We Dance.

Another highlight will be an appearance by Bill Miller, better known as ‘Mr Ocean Liner’, and a frequent speaker in the award-winning Cunard onboard enrichment programme. He will present Ocean Liners in Fact, Fiction and on Screen.