A trailer for an upcoming film based on the life of Alan Turing, the World War II code breaker who lived in Wilmslow, has been unveiled.
The Imitation Game stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Alan Turing, the brilliant mathematician, logician, cryptanalyst and computer scientist.
He was a key figure in cracking Germany's Enigma code that helped the Allies win World War II and was later criminally prosecuted for his homosexuality. As a result of the conviction Turing lost his security clearance and had to stop his work. He killed himself two years later in 1954.
In December 2013, Turing was granted a pardon by the Queen under the Royal Prerogative of Mercy, following a request from justice secretary, Chris Grayling.
Written by Studio Canal and based on the biography Alan Turing: The Enigma by Andrew Hodges, The Imitation Game also stars Keira Knightley and Mark Strong. It will be premiered at this year's London Film Festival in October and in cinemas from November 14th.
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
Conspiracy theory fits very well indeed.
Never the less, let's hope that a memorial is erected that will remember him. A huge morse key, cw transmissions being the source of decodes.
Plus, the A34 thro' Wilmslow - Turing Way?
But there’s already an ‘Alan Turing Way’ in Mcr, and other Turing derivative roads named locally, Perhaps an appropriate sensitive permanent statue of some sort , ( with next of kin and Turing trust permission ) at the paved area of ‘Bank Square’......or renamed ‘Turing Square’, ( or similar ) perhaps incorporate the ‘Band Stand’ Steve Kennedy has suggested previously to encourage live music / events. At least encourage youth / diversity in a meaningful and appropriate manner.
It’s just a little bit of a paradox to celebrate a brilliant mans achievements, when even with the benefit of hind-sight, he wasn’t exactly treated with the due respect he deserved in 1952 leading to his passing in 54. The posthumous pardon some 60 years later may make some politicians feel better, but the family and the trust , I think hold the key to what they consider to be appropriate... which is why I think this needs a bit of careful thought by those holding the purse strings. I’m sure Wilmslow can come up with a meaningful display of remembrance to celebrate the life of perhaps its most world famous resident !