FILM fans are turning back the clock to the Golden Age of Hollywood in a bid to escape the pressures of everyday life.

Bolton's audio visual library has reported a renewed interest in older movies like The Searchers, the cowboy classic starring John Wayne, as opposed to the extreme violence and swearing in modern films such as Reservoir Dogs.

Now librarian Val Cloynes has put in an order for two "oldies" every month after requests from customers.

She said: "I don't know the exact reason why people seem to increasingly want these types of films, but I feel that people probably often want to go home and relax with entertainment that makes them feel comfortable."

As well as older films like Hobson's Choice, which was partly filmed in Bolton, starring Charles Laughton and John Mills, and The Maltese Falcon, with Humphrey Bogart, renters have requested recent movies with well-established veteran stars.

They include Grumpier Old Men (1995, Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau), Sabrina (1995, a remake with Harrison Ford), Camilla (1993, Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronyn) and Only the Lonely (1991, Maureen O'Hara and Anthony Quinn).

Val said: "It could be a need to escape from the fast pace of everyday life to one of easy familiarity, or the desire to enjoy a 'good film', without violence or bad language.

"A large proportion of our renters are over 50 and they seem to like classic films that appear on telly every now and then.

"John Wayne has a particularly large following."

To use the audio visual library, in Le Mans Crescent, Bolton, a valid Bolton Libraries ticket is required.

Loan charges for videos are £1.50 per night, or 50p for an older film.

The library also loans CDs and audio cassettes. For enquiries contact (01204) 522311, ext 2177.

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