One of cinema’s first historical dramatisations, Potemkin is regarded as a cinematic and technical masterpiece. It tells the true story of the Battleship Potemkin's crew who, in 1905, against a historical background of civil unrest in tsarist Russia, and in protest at their own appalling treatment, attempt to lead a mutiny.

The ship heads for Odessa, a city which has already taken up arms against the tsar’s forces. A huge crowd greets the Potemkin and sailors receive a massive heroes’ welcome. Government soldiers though have been dispatched to quell the demonstration. They march inexorably down the Odessa Steps, shooting, bayoneting, and trampling those not quick enough to get out of the way.

Banned or censored in several countries on its release, as a work of propaganda, the film is now recognised as one of the most influential cinematic works in history.