Masterpiece on PBS will launch seven new episodes of All Creatures Great and Small in early 2024.
Based on the collection of stories by best-selling author James Herriot, the adaptation will return to Yorkshire Dales for the fourth season. It picks up in 1940 as Winston Churchill takes office and Europe is under serious threat.
Season 4 sees Nicholas Ralph reprise his role as young country vet James Herriot, now married to Helen, played by Rachel Shenton (White Gold). Samuel West (Slow Horses) returns as James’ mentor Siegfried Farnon while Anna Madeley (Time) continues as Mrs. Hall, matriarch of Skeldale House. Patricia Hodge (A Very English Scandal) also reprises her role as the eccentric Mrs. Pumphrey, and Derek as her pampered Pekingese Tricki.
All Creatures is currently filming in Yorkshire.
Neve McIntosh (Shetland) joins the cast as the highly efficient bookkeeper Miss Harbottle, alongside James Anthony-Rose (Slow Horses) as the studious undergraduate vet student Richard Carmody.
Based on the collection of stories by best-selling author James Herriot, the adaptation will return to Yorkshire Dales for the fourth season. It picks up in 1940 as Winston Churchill takes office and Europe is under serious threat.
Season 4 sees Nicholas Ralph reprise his role as young country vet James Herriot, now married to Helen, played by Rachel Shenton (White Gold). Samuel West (Slow Horses) returns as James’ mentor Siegfried Farnon while Anna Madeley (Time) continues as Mrs. Hall, matriarch of Skeldale House. Patricia Hodge (A Very English Scandal) also reprises her role as the eccentric Mrs. Pumphrey, and Derek as her pampered Pekingese Tricki.
All Creatures is currently filming in Yorkshire.
Neve McIntosh (Shetland) joins the cast as the highly efficient bookkeeper Miss Harbottle, alongside James Anthony-Rose (Slow Horses) as the studious undergraduate vet student Richard Carmody.
- 6/27/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Masterpiece has released a trailer for the upcoming final season of Sanditon, the drama inspired by Jane Austen’s final, unfinished novel, that was adapted and created by Andrew Davies and produced by Red Planet Pictures.
The series took on its own direction (Austen only finished 11 chapters before her death) and writer Justin Young took the helm as lead writer and executive producer for seasons 2 and 3. The drama will premiere on 9 p.m. Sunday, March 19, on PBS. The series also will be available to stream the same day.
Returning characters for Season 3 include Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams), Georgiana Lambe (Crystal Clarke), Alexander Colbourne (Ben Lloyd-Hughes), Tom Parker (Kris Marshall), Mary Parker (Kate Ashfield), Lady Denham (Anne Reid), Edward Denham (Jack Fox), Arthur Parker (Turlough Convery), Lady Susan (Sophie Winkleman), and Ralph Starling (Cai Brigden).
More new faces are joining the series, like Lady Montrose, who is the quintessential Austen mother. She arrives in Sanditon with one objective: matches for her children, Lydia and Henry. Lydia is an independent young woman who is not as eager for a match as her mother, while Lord Henry Montrose is charismatic and confident, but he holds a secret.
There’s also Rowleigh Pryce, a wealthy, curmudgeonly investor who is interested in teaming up with Tom Parker on the seaside resort’s expansion. Their plans become complicated when Rowleigh runs into Lady Denham. Also new to Sanditon is Alexander’s brother, Samuel Colbourne – a lawyer, and a charming bachelor.
The series took on its own direction (Austen only finished 11 chapters before her death) and writer Justin Young took the helm as lead writer and executive producer for seasons 2 and 3. The drama will premiere on 9 p.m. Sunday, March 19, on PBS. The series also will be available to stream the same day.
Returning characters for Season 3 include Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams), Georgiana Lambe (Crystal Clarke), Alexander Colbourne (Ben Lloyd-Hughes), Tom Parker (Kris Marshall), Mary Parker (Kate Ashfield), Lady Denham (Anne Reid), Edward Denham (Jack Fox), Arthur Parker (Turlough Convery), Lady Susan (Sophie Winkleman), and Ralph Starling (Cai Brigden).
More new faces are joining the series, like Lady Montrose, who is the quintessential Austen mother. She arrives in Sanditon with one objective: matches for her children, Lydia and Henry. Lydia is an independent young woman who is not as eager for a match as her mother, while Lord Henry Montrose is charismatic and confident, but he holds a secret.
There’s also Rowleigh Pryce, a wealthy, curmudgeonly investor who is interested in teaming up with Tom Parker on the seaside resort’s expansion. Their plans become complicated when Rowleigh runs into Lady Denham. Also new to Sanditon is Alexander’s brother, Samuel Colbourne – a lawyer, and a charming bachelor.
- 3/1/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
PBS is making one final trip to the seaside. Sanditon Season 3 premieres this March and will wrap up the story of Charlotte, Georgiana, and the rest of the show’s characters. Here’s everything fans need to know about the new season, including how many episodes there will be and how to watch.
‘Sanditon’ Season 3 premieres March 19
Sanditon Season 3 premieres Sunday, March 19 at 9 p.m. Et on PBS. (Check local listings.) The third season will be the last for the romantic period drama, which is based on Jane Austen’s final, unfinished novel.
Sanditon final season will have six, hour-long episodes, with new installments airing weekly through April 23. In addition to airing on PBS, episodes will be available to stream online, via PBS Passport, and on the PBS Masterpiece Prime Video Channel.
How to stream ‘Sanditon’ Seasons 1 and 2
Want to revisit the world of Sanditon heading into the final season?...
‘Sanditon’ Season 3 premieres March 19
Sanditon Season 3 premieres Sunday, March 19 at 9 p.m. Et on PBS. (Check local listings.) The third season will be the last for the romantic period drama, which is based on Jane Austen’s final, unfinished novel.
Sanditon final season will have six, hour-long episodes, with new installments airing weekly through April 23. In addition to airing on PBS, episodes will be available to stream online, via PBS Passport, and on the PBS Masterpiece Prime Video Channel.
How to stream ‘Sanditon’ Seasons 1 and 2
Want to revisit the world of Sanditon heading into the final season?...
- 2/25/2023
- by Megan Elliott
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Sanditon has an end date. PBS has announced that the Masterpiece series will end with its upcoming third season. The network released the first photos and a teaser for the final episodes, which will begin airing on March 19th.
Starring Rose Williams, Crystal Clarke, Ben Lloyd-Hughes, Kris Marshall, Kate Ashfield, Anne Reid, Jack Fox, Turlough Convery, Sophie Winkleman, and Cai Brigden, the period drama series is based on the final and incomplete novel of Jane Austen. Emma Fielding, Alice Orr, Edward Davis, James Bolam, and Liam Garrigan are joining the cast for the final episodes.
Read More…...
Starring Rose Williams, Crystal Clarke, Ben Lloyd-Hughes, Kris Marshall, Kate Ashfield, Anne Reid, Jack Fox, Turlough Convery, Sophie Winkleman, and Cai Brigden, the period drama series is based on the final and incomplete novel of Jane Austen. Emma Fielding, Alice Orr, Edward Davis, James Bolam, and Liam Garrigan are joining the cast for the final episodes.
Read More…...
- 12/14/2022
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
The upcoming third season of Sanditon will be its last, Masterpiece has announced.
The drama will premiere on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 9/8c on PBS. The series will also be available to stream the same day.
“Sanditon has been an incredibly special series for Masterpiece, and we know it has found its way into the hearts of countless fans,” said Susanne Simpson, Masterpiece Executive Producer. “While we are sad to say goodbye to the series, we know our audience has a lot to look forward to in this new season.”
Sanditon premiered in 2020. Inspired by Jane Austen’s final, unfinished novel, the show was adapted and created by Andrew Davies and produced by Red Planet Pictures. The series took on its own direction (Austen only finished 11 chapters before her death) and writer Justin Young took the helm as lead writer and executive producer for seasons 2 and 3.
Returning characters for season 3 include...
The drama will premiere on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 9/8c on PBS. The series will also be available to stream the same day.
“Sanditon has been an incredibly special series for Masterpiece, and we know it has found its way into the hearts of countless fans,” said Susanne Simpson, Masterpiece Executive Producer. “While we are sad to say goodbye to the series, we know our audience has a lot to look forward to in this new season.”
Sanditon premiered in 2020. Inspired by Jane Austen’s final, unfinished novel, the show was adapted and created by Andrew Davies and produced by Red Planet Pictures. The series took on its own direction (Austen only finished 11 chapters before her death) and writer Justin Young took the helm as lead writer and executive producer for seasons 2 and 3.
Returning characters for season 3 include...
- 12/13/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC has revealed the first trailer for four-part drama series “Marriage,” starring Sean Bean (“Time”) and Nicola Walker (“The Split”). The series will bow on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Aug. 14.
Written and directed by Stefan Golaszewski, the drama follows Ian (Bean) and Emma (Walker) as they negotiate the ups and downs of their 30-year marriage. They deal with the insecurities, the ambiguities, the hopes and the fears that are part of all marriages, as the drama explores the risks and the gifts of a long-term intimate relationship.
The cast also includes James Bolam as Gerry, Emma’s father, Henry Lloyd-Hughes as Jamie, Emma’s boss and Chantelle Alle as Jessica, Ian and Emma’s daughter.
The series is produced by The Forge and The Money Men. Executive producers are Tommy Bulfin for the BBC, Beth Willis and George Faber for The Forge and Richard Laxton and Stefan Golaszewski for The Money Men.
Written and directed by Stefan Golaszewski, the drama follows Ian (Bean) and Emma (Walker) as they negotiate the ups and downs of their 30-year marriage. They deal with the insecurities, the ambiguities, the hopes and the fears that are part of all marriages, as the drama explores the risks and the gifts of a long-term intimate relationship.
The cast also includes James Bolam as Gerry, Emma’s father, Henry Lloyd-Hughes as Jamie, Emma’s boss and Chantelle Alle as Jessica, Ian and Emma’s daughter.
The series is produced by The Forge and The Money Men. Executive producers are Tommy Bulfin for the BBC, Beth Willis and George Faber for The Forge and Richard Laxton and Stefan Golaszewski for The Money Men.
- 7/29/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Few latecomer ’60s spy movies were big successes. This amusing Brit effort sank without a trace, perhaps taking with it the career of the talented Tom Courtenay as a leading man. The comic tale pits an underachieving, cheeky London lad against an intelligence conspiracy that wouldn’t be doing anybody much harm — if they didn’t insist on murdering people.
Otley
Blu-ray
Powerhouse Indicator (UK)
1969 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 92 min. / Available at The Ph page / Street Date March 19, 2018 / £15.99
Starring: Tom Courtenay, Romy Schneider, Alan Badel, James Villiers, Leonard Rossiter, James Bolam, Fiona Lewis, Freddie Jones, James Cossins, James Maxwell, Edward Hardwicke, Ronald Lacey, Phyllida Law, Geoffrey Bayldon, Frank Middlemass.
Cinematography: Austin Dempster
Film Editor: Richard Best
Art Direction: Carmen Dillon
Original Music: Stanley Myers
Written by Dick Clement, Ian la Frenais from a book by Martin Waddell
Produced by Bruce Cohn Curtis, Carl Foreman
Directed by Dick Clement
The British film...
Otley
Blu-ray
Powerhouse Indicator (UK)
1969 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 92 min. / Available at The Ph page / Street Date March 19, 2018 / £15.99
Starring: Tom Courtenay, Romy Schneider, Alan Badel, James Villiers, Leonard Rossiter, James Bolam, Fiona Lewis, Freddie Jones, James Cossins, James Maxwell, Edward Hardwicke, Ronald Lacey, Phyllida Law, Geoffrey Bayldon, Frank Middlemass.
Cinematography: Austin Dempster
Film Editor: Richard Best
Art Direction: Carmen Dillon
Original Music: Stanley Myers
Written by Dick Clement, Ian la Frenais from a book by Martin Waddell
Produced by Bruce Cohn Curtis, Carl Foreman
Directed by Dick Clement
The British film...
- 3/24/2018
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
From the soggy bottom-filled finale of The Great British Bake Off to the end of New Tricks after its 1,435th series, hunker down for Digital Spy's top TV picks over the next seven days.
1. New Tricks - Tuesday, 9pm on BBC One
After 12 years and over 100 cold cases, the old detective dogs will finally retire after a hugely successful run. With the high likelihood that we may see a cameo or two from the original lineup of James Bolam, Alun Armstong, Dennis Waterman and Amanda Redman, it's bound to an emotional night for crime-lovers everywhere.
Don't despair too much if you're concerned about your laid-back cop drama fix, as ITV's Lewis returns for a ninth series the very same night. Crime never sleeps.
2. Empire - Tuesday, 9pm on E4
It's utterly ludicrous on Dallas levels, but it's so damn addictive. The hip-hopera was one of the most-watched shows during its first season,...
1. New Tricks - Tuesday, 9pm on BBC One
After 12 years and over 100 cold cases, the old detective dogs will finally retire after a hugely successful run. With the high likelihood that we may see a cameo or two from the original lineup of James Bolam, Alun Armstong, Dennis Waterman and Amanda Redman, it's bound to an emotional night for crime-lovers everywhere.
Don't despair too much if you're concerned about your laid-back cop drama fix, as ITV's Lewis returns for a ninth series the very same night. Crime never sleeps.
2. Empire - Tuesday, 9pm on E4
It's utterly ludicrous on Dallas levels, but it's so damn addictive. The hip-hopera was one of the most-watched shows during its first season,...
- 10/4/2015
- Digital Spy
Surprised by Peter Kay's 'Gor blimey!' Cockney accent in BBC Two's Cradle to Grave? Series creator Danny Baker says you'll get used to it.
Speaking at a press screening, Baker said that "authenticity" isn't all that important in terms of how a TV character speaks.
"It's a shock when Peter Kay don't talk like Peter Kay - and it takes a bit to get over that," he acknowledged.
"But after a while, hopefully, he's that character - that's who he is, that's how he walks, that how he talks."
Cradle to Grave is based on Baker's youth, with Kay playing the young Danny's hot-tempered father Fred.
"I grew up with Harry Corbett in Steptoe and Son, what part of London was that?" Baker asked. "James Bolam in The Likely Lads - that ain't Geordie! But that's how that character speaks."
Baker added that Bolton-born Kay worked closely...
Speaking at a press screening, Baker said that "authenticity" isn't all that important in terms of how a TV character speaks.
"It's a shock when Peter Kay don't talk like Peter Kay - and it takes a bit to get over that," he acknowledged.
"But after a while, hopefully, he's that character - that's who he is, that's how he walks, that how he talks."
Cradle to Grave is based on Baker's youth, with Kay playing the young Danny's hot-tempered father Fred.
"I grew up with Harry Corbett in Steptoe and Son, what part of London was that?" Baker asked. "James Bolam in The Likely Lads - that ain't Geordie! But that's how that character speaks."
Baker added that Bolton-born Kay worked closely...
- 9/3/2015
- Digital Spy
New Tricks is to end after its upcoming 12th series.
The BBC is bringing the long-running crime drama to an end "to make room for new series", Broadcast reports.
In a joint statement, BBC One controller Charlotte Moore and BBC drama controller Ben Stephenson said: "We are incredibly proud of New Tricks and would like to thank Roy Mitchell the brilliant creator, Wall to Wall and Headstrong, and all the cast and teams involved across the 12 series.
"However, on BBC One, it's important to make room for new series and continue to increase the range of drama on the channel, so it won't be returning after the next series airs this summer."
Headstrong Pictures - who are producing the final series - added: "For eleven series, New Tricks has been one of the most enduringly popular dramas on television, and Wall to Wall and Headstrong Pictures are hugely proud of the success of the show.
The BBC is bringing the long-running crime drama to an end "to make room for new series", Broadcast reports.
In a joint statement, BBC One controller Charlotte Moore and BBC drama controller Ben Stephenson said: "We are incredibly proud of New Tricks and would like to thank Roy Mitchell the brilliant creator, Wall to Wall and Headstrong, and all the cast and teams involved across the 12 series.
"However, on BBC One, it's important to make room for new series and continue to increase the range of drama on the channel, so it won't be returning after the next series airs this summer."
Headstrong Pictures - who are producing the final series - added: "For eleven series, New Tricks has been one of the most enduringly popular dramas on television, and Wall to Wall and Headstrong Pictures are hugely proud of the success of the show.
- 2/23/2015
- Digital Spy
2014 is almost over - we've had Christmas and everything - but what kind of year has it been? Well, if you're talking about reality TV, it's been pretty bloody spectacular. From scandals involving paper skeletons and baked Alaskas to shock winners and surprise losers, 2014 had a bit of everything. It's time for a little trip down memory lane, so strap in and join us as we revisit the best reality TV moments from the past 12 months...
January
Jim Davidson wins Celebrity Big Brother - and Lee Ryan loses it
This year's Celebrity Big Brother prompted a lot of soul searching as Jim Davidson ended up taking the crown - after striking up a bromance with Dappy. But it wasn't actually this winning moment that made January's CBB so captivating - instead, it was Lee Ryan's inability to keep it in his pants (and Casey Batchelor's mum shrieking: "He's mugging you off,...
January
Jim Davidson wins Celebrity Big Brother - and Lee Ryan loses it
This year's Celebrity Big Brother prompted a lot of soul searching as Jim Davidson ended up taking the crown - after striking up a bromance with Dappy. But it wasn't actually this winning moment that made January's CBB so captivating - instead, it was Lee Ryan's inability to keep it in his pants (and Casey Batchelor's mum shrieking: "He's mugging you off,...
- 12/26/2014
- Digital Spy
Get Your Act Together is starting to sound like it will be the best thing on our screens in the new year.
ITV's new series sees various celebrities trying to learn new skills before performing them with experts in their field, and we've already been told about lot of the stars who will be taking part.
But now we've found out what some of them will be doing - and the thought of 79-year-old New Tricks actor James Bolam duetting with Michael Bublé on 'Me And My Shadow' is just too much for us to deal with.
According to the Daily Star, that's what we can expect - as well as Amy Willerton dancing on roller skates, Phil Tufnell showing off his basketball skills, the cast of Emmerdale doing a "magic" quick change stage act and Jedward performing some illusions.
And Chelsee Healey has reportedly joined the lineup and will...
ITV's new series sees various celebrities trying to learn new skills before performing them with experts in their field, and we've already been told about lot of the stars who will be taking part.
But now we've found out what some of them will be doing - and the thought of 79-year-old New Tricks actor James Bolam duetting with Michael Bublé on 'Me And My Shadow' is just too much for us to deal with.
According to the Daily Star, that's what we can expect - as well as Amy Willerton dancing on roller skates, Phil Tufnell showing off his basketball skills, the cast of Emmerdale doing a "magic" quick change stage act and Jedward performing some illusions.
And Chelsee Healey has reportedly joined the lineup and will...
- 12/12/2014
- Digital Spy
Sinitta, Brian McFadden, Jedward and Ann Widdecombe are among the stars who have signed up to learn circus skills for ITV's new series Get Your Act Together.
The show, hosted by Stephen Mulhern, will see celebrities teaming up with some of the world's best variety acts in an attempt to learn different talents.
Five celebrities will appear in each show and will try to learn skills such as contortion, fire dancing, ventriloquism, acrobatics, juggling and plate spinning.
Some of the other stars who have signed up are Danielle Lloyd, James Bolam, Oliver Mellor and Sherrie Hewson, while Roxy Shahidi, Ruth Madoc, Phil Tufnell, Natalie Anderson and Matthew Wolfenden are also on the bill.
Rounding out the cast so far are Nigel Havers, Chip, Claire Richards, Gaby Roslin, Gareth Thomas and Nina Wadia.
Their mentors - who will perform with the celebrities in front of a studio audience - include famous magicians Penn and Teller,...
The show, hosted by Stephen Mulhern, will see celebrities teaming up with some of the world's best variety acts in an attempt to learn different talents.
Five celebrities will appear in each show and will try to learn skills such as contortion, fire dancing, ventriloquism, acrobatics, juggling and plate spinning.
Some of the other stars who have signed up are Danielle Lloyd, James Bolam, Oliver Mellor and Sherrie Hewson, while Roxy Shahidi, Ruth Madoc, Phil Tufnell, Natalie Anderson and Matthew Wolfenden are also on the bill.
Rounding out the cast so far are Nigel Havers, Chip, Claire Richards, Gaby Roslin, Gareth Thomas and Nina Wadia.
Their mentors - who will perform with the celebrities in front of a studio audience - include famous magicians Penn and Teller,...
- 11/6/2014
- Digital Spy
BBC New Tricks
The popular BBC crime drama New Tricks is set to return for an eleventh season this Fall. At the end of the last season, Tamzin Outhwaite (Eastenders) and Nicholas Lyndhurst (Only Fools and Horses) joined the ensemble cast and they’ll be back for the new season alongside regulars such as Dennis Waterman (Minder) and Denis Lawson. Outhwaite and Lyndhurst will attempt to fill the void left by the departures of Amanda Redman and James Bolam.
With regard to the new arrivals Producer, Tom Mullens, said: “There’s definitely a new dynamic within the team, the format is still the same with three unruly boys running rings around their boss. Tamzin’s character brings something slightly different to the dynamic and so do the guys and there are different relationships to explore between them all.”
N Conrad
Click here to friend Best British TV on Facebook or...
The popular BBC crime drama New Tricks is set to return for an eleventh season this Fall. At the end of the last season, Tamzin Outhwaite (Eastenders) and Nicholas Lyndhurst (Only Fools and Horses) joined the ensemble cast and they’ll be back for the new season alongside regulars such as Dennis Waterman (Minder) and Denis Lawson. Outhwaite and Lyndhurst will attempt to fill the void left by the departures of Amanda Redman and James Bolam.
With regard to the new arrivals Producer, Tom Mullens, said: “There’s definitely a new dynamic within the team, the format is still the same with three unruly boys running rings around their boss. Tamzin’s character brings something slightly different to the dynamic and so do the guys and there are different relationships to explore between them all.”
N Conrad
Click here to friend Best British TV on Facebook or...
- 8/3/2014
- by Edited by K Kinsella
BBC Two is 50 - the British Broadcasting Corporation's second eldest child hits the half-century mark this Sunday (April 20).
But which shows from those five decades on air were given short shrift? Did your favourite drama or comedy not get a fair shake?
BBC Two is 50: Share your memories and thoughts
Other channels have plundered BBC Two's back catalogue with results ranging from the sublime - Sky's Alan Partridge revival - to the disastrous - Gold's Yes, Prime Minister rehash.
But with just two days to go until Two hits 5-0, here's five more shows - from the '60s to the '00s - that deserve another shot.
The Likely Lads (1964-66)
"Oh, what happened to you? Whatever happened to me?" - Yes, its more distinguished follow-up Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? might have graduated to BBC One, but its 1960s predecessor was a BBC Two staple.
But which shows from those five decades on air were given short shrift? Did your favourite drama or comedy not get a fair shake?
BBC Two is 50: Share your memories and thoughts
Other channels have plundered BBC Two's back catalogue with results ranging from the sublime - Sky's Alan Partridge revival - to the disastrous - Gold's Yes, Prime Minister rehash.
But with just two days to go until Two hits 5-0, here's five more shows - from the '60s to the '00s - that deserve another shot.
The Likely Lads (1964-66)
"Oh, what happened to you? Whatever happened to me?" - Yes, its more distinguished follow-up Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? might have graduated to BBC One, but its 1960s predecessor was a BBC Two staple.
- 4/18/2014
- Digital Spy
Feature Glen Chapman James Stansfield 26 Feb 2014 - 07:00
From Adventure Time to Old Jack's Boat, James and Glen talk us through ten modern kids' TV shows that geek parents can enjoy too...
“Urgh, I’m so hungover. I’m going to sit in my pants and watch movies all day”
So invariably goes at least one entry on my Twitter feed every Saturday or Sunday morning. Yes, lying about all day watching TV is great but nine times out of ten when someone writes something like this, I can guarantee that they don’t have kids. For those of us with small children, the television we regularly watch throughout the day comes from a vastly different landscape. To the childless, names such as Makka Pakka, Tree Fu Tom and Yo Jo Jo may mean very little. To some us though they’ve become household names, as our lives are filled...
From Adventure Time to Old Jack's Boat, James and Glen talk us through ten modern kids' TV shows that geek parents can enjoy too...
“Urgh, I’m so hungover. I’m going to sit in my pants and watch movies all day”
So invariably goes at least one entry on my Twitter feed every Saturday or Sunday morning. Yes, lying about all day watching TV is great but nine times out of ten when someone writes something like this, I can guarantee that they don’t have kids. For those of us with small children, the television we regularly watch throughout the day comes from a vastly different landscape. To the childless, names such as Makka Pakka, Tree Fu Tom and Yo Jo Jo may mean very little. To some us though they’ve become household names, as our lives are filled...
- 2/25/2014
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
CBeebies' BAFTA-nominated series Grandpa in my Pocket returns for a fourth series with two new young stars.
Sezen Djouma plays Elsie and Harvey Thorn is Josh, who come to stay for the summer and the now teenage Jason (played by Jay Ruckley) lets them in on my secret life.
James Bolam, one of the country’s favourite actors, returns as Grandpa but in this series he has new grandchildren in tow. He said of the young cast members:
"I think Harvey is brilliant as Josh and Sezen is absolutely delightful as Elsie. They were both a little nervous at the start, but they soon settled in and licked all us adults into shape. They’re both so natural, and keen, so a real pleasure to work with. They really "live" the stories. It's been a fantastic experience for them both working with such an experienced cast and they've learned a lot.
Sezen Djouma plays Elsie and Harvey Thorn is Josh, who come to stay for the summer and the now teenage Jason (played by Jay Ruckley) lets them in on my secret life.
James Bolam, one of the country’s favourite actors, returns as Grandpa but in this series he has new grandchildren in tow. He said of the young cast members:
"I think Harvey is brilliant as Josh and Sezen is absolutely delightful as Elsie. They were both a little nervous at the start, but they soon settled in and licked all us adults into shape. They’re both so natural, and keen, so a real pleasure to work with. They really "live" the stories. It's been a fantastic experience for them both working with such an experienced cast and they've learned a lot.
- 1/6/2014
- by noreply@blogger.com (ScreenTerrier)
- ScreenTerrier
New Tricks
Kieran Kinsella
Costume drama lovers are in for a treat as Acorn Media are set to release the 2007 multi-national production of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace on DVD on 24 September. Originally broadcast in France and Belguim, the production has never aired in the U.S. although it was available on Acorn’s streaming service earlier this summer. While there have been many adaptations of this Russian classic, few if any can boast a cast that includes such luminaries as Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange), Clemence Poesy (Birdsong) and Brenda Blethyn (Vera). The director, Austrian film-maker Robert Dornhelm is no slouch either, having been been behind the lens for hits including the Oscar nominated The Children of Theatre Street.
War and Peace is so long and so impressive that it makes “epics” such as Dr Zhivago look like short children’s stories. It features a colorful cast of...
Kieran Kinsella
Costume drama lovers are in for a treat as Acorn Media are set to release the 2007 multi-national production of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace on DVD on 24 September. Originally broadcast in France and Belguim, the production has never aired in the U.S. although it was available on Acorn’s streaming service earlier this summer. While there have been many adaptations of this Russian classic, few if any can boast a cast that includes such luminaries as Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange), Clemence Poesy (Birdsong) and Brenda Blethyn (Vera). The director, Austrian film-maker Robert Dornhelm is no slouch either, having been been behind the lens for hits including the Oscar nominated The Children of Theatre Street.
War and Peace is so long and so impressive that it makes “epics” such as Dr Zhivago look like short children’s stories. It features a colorful cast of...
- 9/24/2013
- by Edited by K Kinsella
Amanda Redman has claimed that she quit New Tricks because of the show's punishing schedule.
The actress - who will bow out as Sandra Pullman in the BBC drama's new series - told The Sun that a ten-episode shoot was "too long".
"You can't fit in other work as there just isn't enough time," she said. "It's good to challenge yourself because otherwise you stagnate and I want to do so much more."
Redman added that her exit from the series had been "a very tearful goodbye".
"I do feel how Sandra leaves is spot on," she added. "She is faced with some very difficult decisions.
"What the writers did was take my own reasons for leaving New Tricks and use the same arguments with Sandra, which I thought was clever."
Redman's character will be replaced by a new female lead played by Tamzin Outhwaite, while Nicholas Lyndhurst will also...
The actress - who will bow out as Sandra Pullman in the BBC drama's new series - told The Sun that a ten-episode shoot was "too long".
"You can't fit in other work as there just isn't enough time," she said. "It's good to challenge yourself because otherwise you stagnate and I want to do so much more."
Redman added that her exit from the series had been "a very tearful goodbye".
"I do feel how Sandra leaves is spot on," she added. "She is faced with some very difficult decisions.
"What the writers did was take my own reasons for leaving New Tricks and use the same arguments with Sandra, which I thought was clever."
Redman's character will be replaced by a new female lead played by Tamzin Outhwaite, while Nicholas Lyndhurst will also...
- 7/29/2013
- Digital Spy
Born from a conversation between Austin Film Society programmer Lars Nilsen and local actor/filmmaker Jonny Mars, a new Afs recurring series starts in July: "That's Genius." In the words of Nilsen, the film series will serve as "a way for film professionals to share works that they [think represent] 'genius' in the world of some film discipline."
Austin filmmakers David and Nathan Zellner -- who directed the features Kid-Thing and Goliath -- have selected the inaugural movie in this series: the 1982 animated movie The Plague Dogs [tickets], which screens on Thursday, July 25 at the Marchesa. The Zellners will host the event, and filmmaker Martin Rosen will attend for a post-screening Q&A.
The Plague Dogs, which Rosen adapted from the novel by Richard Adams, follows two dogs who escape from a lab that has been performing tests on them. As a result of the experiments the lab has been running on animals,...
Austin filmmakers David and Nathan Zellner -- who directed the features Kid-Thing and Goliath -- have selected the inaugural movie in this series: the 1982 animated movie The Plague Dogs [tickets], which screens on Thursday, July 25 at the Marchesa. The Zellners will host the event, and filmmaker Martin Rosen will attend for a post-screening Q&A.
The Plague Dogs, which Rosen adapted from the novel by Richard Adams, follows two dogs who escape from a lab that has been performing tests on them. As a result of the experiments the lab has been running on animals,...
- 6/27/2013
- by Elizabeth Stoddard
- Slackerwood
New Tricks Acorn DVD
Kieran Kinsella
New Tricks Season Nine
New Tricks has become one of the staples of British TV over the last decade and its success is hardly surprising given the quality of the cast. Regulars include Dennis Waterman (Minder), James Bolam (The Beiderbecke Affair) and of course Amanda Redman (Honest). The show is a humorous drama about a group of haggard old cops who are tasked with solving cold cases. The evidence is typically scarce, the witnesses are dead, senile or unwilling to talk and aside from the other obstacles they face, the squad members have to try and get along with each other. When they’re in the mood, the team are quite effective but all too often DS Sandra Pullman (Redman) is forced to bang heads together to get things done.
New Tricks Season Nine starts with the kind of jaw dropping moment that fans of long-running shows dread.
Kieran Kinsella
New Tricks Season Nine
New Tricks has become one of the staples of British TV over the last decade and its success is hardly surprising given the quality of the cast. Regulars include Dennis Waterman (Minder), James Bolam (The Beiderbecke Affair) and of course Amanda Redman (Honest). The show is a humorous drama about a group of haggard old cops who are tasked with solving cold cases. The evidence is typically scarce, the witnesses are dead, senile or unwilling to talk and aside from the other obstacles they face, the squad members have to try and get along with each other. When they’re in the mood, the team are quite effective but all too often DS Sandra Pullman (Redman) is forced to bang heads together to get things done.
New Tricks Season Nine starts with the kind of jaw dropping moment that fans of long-running shows dread.
- 6/27/2013
- by Edited by K Kinsella
Tamzin Outhwaite is to join BBC One drama New Tricks.
The former EastEnders stars will play Dci Sacha Millard on the long-running crime series.
Outhwaite replaces Amanda Redman as the show's female lead, with the latter's character Sandra Pullman set to depart in the eighth episode of the tenth series.
"I'm delighted to be joining the cast at such an exciting time," said the 42-year-old actress. "I've been a huge fan of the show for years - and can't wait to be working with the amazing cast and crew."
Alun Armstrong will also exit New Tricks in the next run's fourth episode and will be replaced by new cast addition Nicholas Lyndhurst.
Dennis Waterman (Gerry Standing) will remain as the show's sole original cast member.
James Bolam - who played Jack Halford between 2003 and 2012 - was replaced by Denis Lawson in the previous ninth series.
New episodes of New Tricks...
The former EastEnders stars will play Dci Sacha Millard on the long-running crime series.
Outhwaite replaces Amanda Redman as the show's female lead, with the latter's character Sandra Pullman set to depart in the eighth episode of the tenth series.
"I'm delighted to be joining the cast at such an exciting time," said the 42-year-old actress. "I've been a huge fan of the show for years - and can't wait to be working with the amazing cast and crew."
Alun Armstrong will also exit New Tricks in the next run's fourth episode and will be replaced by new cast addition Nicholas Lyndhurst.
Dennis Waterman (Gerry Standing) will remain as the show's sole original cast member.
James Bolam - who played Jack Halford between 2003 and 2012 - was replaced by Denis Lawson in the previous ninth series.
New episodes of New Tricks...
- 5/8/2013
- Digital Spy
Shakespeare The King’s Man. co. Athena
Kieran Kinsella
Shakespeare: The King’s Man is one of the most engaging scholarly documentaries that you are likely to watch. The three part series is written and presented by Columbia University Professor James Shapiro whose award winning book 1599 now serves as a prelude to this critically acclaimed expose of the story behind the Jacobean era Shakespeare plays. The hit movie Shakespeare in Love proved that the Bard could appeal to a mainstream audience that is more used to special effects and CGI than sonnets and soliloquies. However, that movie took huge liberties with the truth whereas Shakespeare: The King’s Man sticks to the facts whilst shedding new light on the previously unknown or ignored events and motivations that shaped Shakespeare’s plays.
James Shapiro was new to TV when BBC4 first broadcast this show in 2012. However, Shapiro has been teaching the...
Kieran Kinsella
Shakespeare: The King’s Man is one of the most engaging scholarly documentaries that you are likely to watch. The three part series is written and presented by Columbia University Professor James Shapiro whose award winning book 1599 now serves as a prelude to this critically acclaimed expose of the story behind the Jacobean era Shakespeare plays. The hit movie Shakespeare in Love proved that the Bard could appeal to a mainstream audience that is more used to special effects and CGI than sonnets and soliloquies. However, that movie took huge liberties with the truth whereas Shakespeare: The King’s Man sticks to the facts whilst shedding new light on the previously unknown or ignored events and motivations that shaped Shakespeare’s plays.
James Shapiro was new to TV when BBC4 first broadcast this show in 2012. However, Shapiro has been teaching the...
- 3/31/2013
- by Edited by K Kinsella
Ant & Dec, the current Kings of Saturday Night TV, return for a 10th series of Saturday Night Takeaway this weekend. The Geordie duo have come a long way from Byker Grove and Pj and Duncan.
To celebrate the return of Takeaway to Saturday nights, we've looked back at their careers and pulled out 10 classic clips from the Ant & Dec TV archives:
Byker Grove: "He can't see, can he? He can't see, man!"
Where it all began. The Geordie duo were united on this classic Cbbc drama in 1990 and never looked back. Not only did they form an inseparable friendship on the show, it also educated a generation of kids in basic safety procedures for paintballing. Never take your goggles off!
The Pj and Duncan years: 'Let's Get Ready To Rhumble'
After departing Byker Grove, the pair had hoped they'd land a spinoff series for their characters Pj and Duncan,...
To celebrate the return of Takeaway to Saturday nights, we've looked back at their careers and pulled out 10 classic clips from the Ant & Dec TV archives:
Byker Grove: "He can't see, can he? He can't see, man!"
Where it all began. The Geordie duo were united on this classic Cbbc drama in 1990 and never looked back. Not only did they form an inseparable friendship on the show, it also educated a generation of kids in basic safety procedures for paintballing. Never take your goggles off!
The Pj and Duncan years: 'Let's Get Ready To Rhumble'
After departing Byker Grove, the pair had hoped they'd land a spinoff series for their characters Pj and Duncan,...
- 2/19/2013
- Digital Spy
Tube Talk Gold is all about nostalgia, but rarely are the shows we cover in this feature actually *about* nostalgia - that feeling of looking at the past through rose-tinted specs. This week's entry is an exception - the only thing to look forward to was the past in BBC One's classic '70s sitcom Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?
Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? - Originally broadcast from January 9, 1973 – December 24 1974
© Rex Features / Moviestore Collection
Acclaimed writing duo Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais are responsible for a number of shows that could easily be granted Tube Talk Gold status - Porridge, Lovejoy and Auf Wiedersehen, Pet are among their most fondly-remembered works - but their first major UK TV offering was the warm and witty working-class sitcom The Likely Lads.
The sitcom, which ran for three series between December 1964 and July 1966, followed two young men from Newcastle upon Tyne - smart-mouthed,...
Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? - Originally broadcast from January 9, 1973 – December 24 1974
© Rex Features / Moviestore Collection
Acclaimed writing duo Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais are responsible for a number of shows that could easily be granted Tube Talk Gold status - Porridge, Lovejoy and Auf Wiedersehen, Pet are among their most fondly-remembered works - but their first major UK TV offering was the warm and witty working-class sitcom The Likely Lads.
The sitcom, which ran for three series between December 1964 and July 1966, followed two young men from Newcastle upon Tyne - smart-mouthed,...
- 2/2/2013
- Digital Spy
Nicholas Lyndhurst
TV funny man Nicholas Lyndhurst is the latest British TV veteran to join the cast of the star studded cop drama New Tricks. The man best known for his role as plonker Rodney on Only Fools and Horses is set to take on the role of a detective in Sandra Pullman’s (Amanda Redman) crack unit of retired bobby’s. Lyndhurst’s co-stars include Dennis Waterman (Minder), Peter Davison (Doctor Who) and James Bolam (Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads).
Filming for the tenth season of the show will begin in Gibraltar later this month. The two-part opener takes place in the disputed British colony but the remainder of the series will take place in London. Fans of Lyndhurst stateside can prepare for his arrival by catching up on the eight seasons of New Tricks currently available on Acorn DVD.
Click here to friend Best British TV on...
TV funny man Nicholas Lyndhurst is the latest British TV veteran to join the cast of the star studded cop drama New Tricks. The man best known for his role as plonker Rodney on Only Fools and Horses is set to take on the role of a detective in Sandra Pullman’s (Amanda Redman) crack unit of retired bobby’s. Lyndhurst’s co-stars include Dennis Waterman (Minder), Peter Davison (Doctor Who) and James Bolam (Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads).
Filming for the tenth season of the show will begin in Gibraltar later this month. The two-part opener takes place in the disputed British colony but the remainder of the series will take place in London. Fans of Lyndhurst stateside can prepare for his arrival by catching up on the eight seasons of New Tricks currently available on Acorn DVD.
Click here to friend Best British TV on...
- 11/15/2012
- by Edited by K Kinsella
Nicholas Lyndhurst is to join the cast of popular BBC drama New Tricks. The Only Fools and Horses star will debut in the crime drama's tenth series, according to the Radio Times. Original stars Amanda Redman and Alun Armstrong are both set to exit the programme, following the departure earlier this year of James Bolam (Jack Halford). "I am thrilled to have been asked to join New Tricks," Lyndhurst said in a statement. "I have always admired the clever mixture of charm, wit and intelligence the show brings to its audience, and feel very flattered to be part of the BBC's top drama series." Exec producer Richard Burrell added: "I think that the (more)...
- 11/14/2012
- by By Morgan Jeffery
- Digital Spy
The Crimson Petal and the White. Acorn Media
Kieran Kinsella
The Crimson Petal and the White is a controversial Dickensian style novel about the struggles of a working girl named Sugar. Last year, the BBC took the brave decision to bring the story to TV. Lucinda Coxon’s adaptation of Michael Faber’s tale proved to be one of the biggest hits of the year helped in part by an all-star cast and a hard hitting storyline. The Crimson Petal and the White recently aired on the Encore channel in the U.S. and it’s now available on Acorn media DVD.
X-Files actress Gillian Anderson puts in a powerful performance as the malevolent brothel owner who helps to guide Sugar down the path to misery and despair. The heroine of the piece is played by Romola Garai who is probably best known to American viewers for her role in...
Kieran Kinsella
The Crimson Petal and the White is a controversial Dickensian style novel about the struggles of a working girl named Sugar. Last year, the BBC took the brave decision to bring the story to TV. Lucinda Coxon’s adaptation of Michael Faber’s tale proved to be one of the biggest hits of the year helped in part by an all-star cast and a hard hitting storyline. The Crimson Petal and the White recently aired on the Encore channel in the U.S. and it’s now available on Acorn media DVD.
X-Files actress Gillian Anderson puts in a powerful performance as the malevolent brothel owner who helps to guide Sugar down the path to misery and despair. The heroine of the piece is played by Romola Garai who is probably best known to American viewers for her role in...
- 10/1/2012
- by Edited by K Kinsella
Amanda Redman is to quit New Tricks, she has announced. The actress, who plays Detective Superintendent Sandra Pullman in the police drama, will film one more series before bowing out next summer. > Denis Lawson replaces James Bolam on New Tricks The show was renewed for two more series last year after regularly attracting over 8m viewers. "I love New Tricks and I have loved playing Sandra - I've got some gritty plotlines - but I feel I have to try something new," Redman told The Mirror. "And that is why I've decided I am going to film a further eight episodes and then I'll leave. The time's come. After a while, there is a danger of things getting stale." Of her decision not to quit immediately, (more)...
- 8/18/2012
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
Denis Lawson has joined the cast of BBC One crime drama New Tricks. The hit series follows Detective Superintendent Sandra Pullman (Amanda Redman) and her team of retired ex-cops as they solve the Met's unsolved crimes. Lawson will replace James Bolam, who announced his departure from the show in September. His character Steve McAllister is described as "a bundle of energetic optimism" and "the antithesis" of Alun Armstrong's Brian Lane. "I'm delighted to be joining Amanda, Alun and Dennis [Waterman] on New Tricks," said Lawson. "I've long admired the show and love its ability to be warm, humorous and gritty simultaneously. I'm really looking forward to being part of it." Executive (more)...
- 1/11/2012
- by By Morgan Jeffery
- Digital Spy
Singer, comic actor and stalwart of Coronation Street
Betty Driver, who has died aged 91, was a gutsy and durable comic actor who meant one thing to young audiences and quite another to those who could remember the second world war and the years immediately after it. To the youthful, she will be remembered as Betty Turpin (later Betty Williams), the barmaid, shoulder to cry on and wife of the policeman Cyril Turpin in Granada television's Coronation Street, whose cast she joined in 1969.
To a much older audience, she will also be remembered for her appearances in repertory theatres and in stage revues; as the child star who took over from the popular singer Gracie Fields on a stage tour, doing some of her best-known numbers; and as the principal singer for a year with the leading dance orchestra leader of the time, Henry Hall, on his BBC radio programme,...
Betty Driver, who has died aged 91, was a gutsy and durable comic actor who meant one thing to young audiences and quite another to those who could remember the second world war and the years immediately after it. To the youthful, she will be remembered as Betty Turpin (later Betty Williams), the barmaid, shoulder to cry on and wife of the policeman Cyril Turpin in Granada television's Coronation Street, whose cast she joined in 1969.
To a much older audience, she will also be remembered for her appearances in repertory theatres and in stage revues; as the child star who took over from the popular singer Gracie Fields on a stage tour, doing some of her best-known numbers; and as the principal singer for a year with the leading dance orchestra leader of the time, Henry Hall, on his BBC radio programme,...
- 10/16/2011
- by Dennis Barker
- The Guardian - Film News
New Tricks is nearing the end of its eighth season over in the U.K., where it airs on the BBC. Americans, unfortunately, are still catching up with this gem of a British series, though; season five hits DVD from Acorn Media on September 27.
The interesting thing about New Tricks becomes clearer after you watch multiple seasons of the show; it doesn't have a wandering attention span when it comes to story arcs. For instance, the main subject of tension in the first episode of the season stems from an incident that occurred in the first episode of the fourth season. And even that incident carries over from events of the third season, and even to events that transpired before the series started. Season 5 doesn't even resolve this storyline; it lets it linger. And while by all accounts it should be stretched thin, it's dealt with in such an economical way that it just works.
The interesting thing about New Tricks becomes clearer after you watch multiple seasons of the show; it doesn't have a wandering attention span when it comes to story arcs. For instance, the main subject of tension in the first episode of the season stems from an incident that occurred in the first episode of the fourth season. And even that incident carries over from events of the third season, and even to events that transpired before the series started. Season 5 doesn't even resolve this storyline; it lets it linger. And while by all accounts it should be stretched thin, it's dealt with in such an economical way that it just works.
- 9/23/2011
- by Sam McPherson
- TVovermind.com
James Bolam has decided not to film any more episodes of New Tricks. The popular BBC One drama was recently renewed for two more series but Bolam will no longer be a part of the show, The Daily Telegraph reports. "James Bolam is not doing another series of New Tricks," his agent said. Bolam, who complained about the BBC's "censorship" before the start of the latest series, is said to have left the show because he thought it was "stale". (more)...
- 9/20/2011
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
New Tricks has been renewed for two more series, BBC One has announced. The popular police drama, which picked up a peak audience of 9.7m during its latest run, will return in both 2012 and 2013. The series stars Alun Armstrong, Dennis Waterman, Amanda Redman and James Bolam as a group of former police officers who are brought out of retirement to help out with cases. "New Tricks continues to grow and is a huge favourite with the audience, making it the highest-rating drama on TV so far this year," said the BBC's controller of drama commissioning Ben Stephenson. "Amanda, Dennis, Alun and James are a dream team that BBC One viewers have taken (more)...
- 9/6/2011
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
BBC Three documentary Small Teen, Bigger World captivated over 700k on Monday evening, while New Tricks continued to prove popular, overnight data has revealed. Small Teen, Bigger World, a miniseries following teenager Jazz Burkitt who has restricted growth, averaged 714k (3%) for BBC Three in the 9pm hour, down on the 1.1m that tuned in for Small Teen, Big World last year. Series eight of crime drama New Tricks, which stars Amanda Redman and James Bolam, continued with 7.63m (31.7%) on BBC One in the 9pm hour, down 620k on last week's debut episode. However, the show easily outperformed Strictly Kosher, a documentary on the Jewish community in Britain, which pulled in 3.26m (13.5%) on ITV1 and 266k (1.5%) on +1. Earlier, Fake Britain fetched 3.12m (15.6%) on BBC One from 7.30pm, while Countrywise Kitchen served (more)...
- 7/12/2011
- by By Andrew Laughlin
- Digital Spy
New Tricks returned to BBC One with more than 8 million on Monday evening, while Channel 4's new comedy drama Sirens lost viewers, overnight data has revealed. Series eight of crime drama New Tricks, which stars Amanda Redman and James Bolam, premiered with 8.25m (35%) on BBC One in the 9pm hour for the episode 'Old Fossils'. The show easily outperformed Babies Behind Bars, a documentary following the stories of pregnant inmates at a Us women's prison, which pulled in 2.97m (12.6%) on ITV1 and 151k (0.8%) on +1. On Channel 4, Sirens continued with 1.09m (6.1%) from 10pm, down 530k on last week's debut episode. A further with 136k (1.4%) watched the show on +1. Earlier, Fake Britain fetched 3.14m (15.9%) on BBC One from 7.30pm, while The Unforgettable Frankie Howard entertained 2.71m (12.7%) on ITV1 (more)...
- 7/5/2011
- by By Andrew Laughlin
- Digital Spy
The stars of New Tricks have criticised the BBC's "censorship". Alun Armstrong, who plays Brian, told the Radio Times that he does not like the way the BBC can change the scripts. "We tend to come up against the BBC mainly when there are edicts and memos and script changes, which we never get to discuss," he said. Meanwhile, his co-star James Bolam suggested that the cast can always tell which changes have been made by the BBC. "I object to the censorship," he continued. "In the '60s, in the theatre, we fought very hard to get rid of censorship from the Lord Chamberlain's office. And nowadays, in television, one is more heavily censored than ever." Amanda Redman suggested that the corporation is "terrified of offending anyone", while Dennis Waterman added: "They have a phrase that is used (more)...
- 6/28/2011
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
DVD Playhouse June 2011
By
Allen Gardner
Kiss Me Deadly (Criterion) Robert Aldrich’s 1955 reinvention of the film noir detective story is one of cinema’s great genre mash-ups: part hardboiled noir; part cold war paranoid thriller; and part science- fiction. Ralph Meeker plays Mickey Spillane’s fascist detective Mike Hammer as a narcissistic simian thug, a sadist who would rather smash a suspect’s fingers than make love to the bevvy of beautiful dames that cross his path. In fact, the only time you see a smile cross Meeker’s sneering mug is when he’s doling out pain, with a vengeance. When a terrified young woman (Cloris Leachman, film debut) literally crossed Hammer’s path one night, and later turns up dead, he vows to get to the bottom of her brutal demise. One of the most influential films ever made, and perhaps the most-cited film by the architects...
By
Allen Gardner
Kiss Me Deadly (Criterion) Robert Aldrich’s 1955 reinvention of the film noir detective story is one of cinema’s great genre mash-ups: part hardboiled noir; part cold war paranoid thriller; and part science- fiction. Ralph Meeker plays Mickey Spillane’s fascist detective Mike Hammer as a narcissistic simian thug, a sadist who would rather smash a suspect’s fingers than make love to the bevvy of beautiful dames that cross his path. In fact, the only time you see a smile cross Meeker’s sneering mug is when he’s doling out pain, with a vengeance. When a terrified young woman (Cloris Leachman, film debut) literally crossed Hammer’s path one night, and later turns up dead, he vows to get to the bottom of her brutal demise. One of the most influential films ever made, and perhaps the most-cited film by the architects...
- 6/11/2011
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
DVD Playhouse: May 2011
By
Allen Gardner
Blow Out (Criterion) Brian De Palma’s greatest Hitchcock homage, with a dash of Antonioni thrown in for good measure. John Travolta gives one of his best turns as a sound-effects engineer who unwittingly records a political assassination, then finds himself hunted by a ruthless hitman (John Lithgow, a memorably creepy psycho) after saving the life of the kindly, albeit dim-witted call girl (Nancy Allen, excellent) who was with the deceased. Terrific blend of suspense and very black humor, perhaps De Palma’s finest hour as an auteur. Beautifully shot by Vilmos Zsigmond. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Interviews with De Palma, Allen, cameraman Garrett Brown; Photo gallery; De Palma’s 1967 feature Murder a la Mod; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-hd 2.0 surround.
Kes (Criterion) Ken Loach’s landmark 1970 film is both a heart-rending portrait of adolescence, and a pointed socio-political commentary on life in the North of England.
By
Allen Gardner
Blow Out (Criterion) Brian De Palma’s greatest Hitchcock homage, with a dash of Antonioni thrown in for good measure. John Travolta gives one of his best turns as a sound-effects engineer who unwittingly records a political assassination, then finds himself hunted by a ruthless hitman (John Lithgow, a memorably creepy psycho) after saving the life of the kindly, albeit dim-witted call girl (Nancy Allen, excellent) who was with the deceased. Terrific blend of suspense and very black humor, perhaps De Palma’s finest hour as an auteur. Beautifully shot by Vilmos Zsigmond. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Interviews with De Palma, Allen, cameraman Garrett Brown; Photo gallery; De Palma’s 1967 feature Murder a la Mod; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-hd 2.0 surround.
Kes (Criterion) Ken Loach’s landmark 1970 film is both a heart-rending portrait of adolescence, and a pointed socio-political commentary on life in the North of England.
- 5/9/2011
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
British actress Amanda Redman has walked down the aisle again. Amanda, who is known for her Sandra Pullman portrayal in "New Tricks", swapped vows with partner of 12 years Damian Schnabel on Saturday, September 4, Associated Press reported.
Amanda and Damied held their special day in the grounds of 13th Century Maunsel House in Somerset, England, in front of 200 family and friends. The 53-year-old actress donned a wedding gown by British designer Ritva Westenius, while her groom opted a blue suit.
Amanda had her friends from her BBC1 series, including Dennis Waterman, Alun Amstrong and James Bolam, coming to her nuptials. Other stars who were also present at the big day were Lynda Bellingham, Sheila Hancock and "Celebrity MasterChef" winner Lisa Faulkner.
Associated Press additionally reported that Ray Winstone gave a reading at the ceremony, while Amanda's daughter Emily Glenister, who was among the bridesmaids, performed a song for the happy couple...
Amanda and Damied held their special day in the grounds of 13th Century Maunsel House in Somerset, England, in front of 200 family and friends. The 53-year-old actress donned a wedding gown by British designer Ritva Westenius, while her groom opted a blue suit.
Amanda had her friends from her BBC1 series, including Dennis Waterman, Alun Amstrong and James Bolam, coming to her nuptials. Other stars who were also present at the big day were Lynda Bellingham, Sheila Hancock and "Celebrity MasterChef" winner Lisa Faulkner.
Associated Press additionally reported that Ray Winstone gave a reading at the ceremony, while Amanda's daughter Emily Glenister, who was among the bridesmaids, performed a song for the happy couple...
- 9/6/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Remakes. Who needs ‘em? Seems not a day goes by that some classic film or TV programme is being lined up for a remake. Psycho. Cape Fear. Even the classic Likely Lads episode “No Hiding Place” got a 21st century makeover with…Ant and Dec replacing Rodney Bewes and James Bolam. Underwhelming’s a slight understatement here.
Even in Doctor Who, remakes are produced, albeit with a different name. Take The Christmas Invasion, a thinly-veiled retread of the Slitheen two-parter in the previous season. Both plots concern the apparent first contact with an alien race. Both plots include a sideshow alien (The augmented pig and the Robot Santas). And both boast enough political allegory to make Jeremy Paxman launch into one of his monotonous diatribes. For all that, though, The Christmas Invasion is one of those rare occasions when the remake surpasses the original. It’s tightly plotted. It’s exciting.
Even in Doctor Who, remakes are produced, albeit with a different name. Take The Christmas Invasion, a thinly-veiled retread of the Slitheen two-parter in the previous season. Both plots concern the apparent first contact with an alien race. Both plots include a sideshow alien (The augmented pig and the Robot Santas). And both boast enough political allegory to make Jeremy Paxman launch into one of his monotonous diatribes. For all that, though, The Christmas Invasion is one of those rare occasions when the remake surpasses the original. It’s tightly plotted. It’s exciting.
- 5/10/2010
- by admin@shadowlocked.com (John Bensalhia)
- Shadowlocked
There are just some adventures that are so much fun, it doesn.t matter how long ago we first discovered them, there is always something to enjoy with every repeat. This is the case with the Beiderbecke Tapes. The second adventure of Trevor (James Bolam) and Jill (Barbara Flynn) is every bit as captivating as the original Beiderbecke Affair. Now on DVD, a whole new generation can enjoy the music, madness and mystery involving a charming couple who just can.t seem to avoid trouble. Trevor Chaplin and Jill Swinburne are teachers at San Quentin High, in Yorkshire, England. After an exciting adventure two years previously, the two have been enjoying peaceful times and their developing relationship. As this adventure opens,...
- 10/22/2009
- by June L.
- Monsters and Critics
BBC Two has announced plans to screen a drama based on the collapse of Lehman Brothers. The hour-long programme, titled The Last Days Of Lehman Brothers, is inspired by the weekend that the firm declared itself bankrupt. It will star James Cromwell, James Bolam, Ben Daniels, Michael Landes and Corey Johnson. "In the year following the collapse of Lehman Brothers, writer Craig Warner (more)...
- 8/19/2009
- by By Dan French
- Digital Spy
DVD Playhouse—August 2009
By
Allen Gardner
Watchmen—Director’S Cut (Warner Bros.) Director Zack Snyder’s film of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ landmark graphic novel is as worthy an adaptation of a great book that has ever been filmed. In an alternative version of the year 1985, Richard Nixon is serving his third term as President and super heroes have been outlawed by a congressional act, in spite of the fact that two of the most high-profile “masks,” Dr. Manhattan (Billy Cruddup) and The Comedian (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) helped the U.S. win the Vietnam War. When The Comedian is found murdered, many former heroes become concerned that a conspiracy is afoot to assassinate retired costumed crime fighters. Former masks Nite Owl (Patrick Wilson), Silk Spectre (Malin Akerman) and still-operating Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley, in an Oscar-worthy turn) launch an investigation of their own, all while the Pentagon’s “Doomsday...
By
Allen Gardner
Watchmen—Director’S Cut (Warner Bros.) Director Zack Snyder’s film of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ landmark graphic novel is as worthy an adaptation of a great book that has ever been filmed. In an alternative version of the year 1985, Richard Nixon is serving his third term as President and super heroes have been outlawed by a congressional act, in spite of the fact that two of the most high-profile “masks,” Dr. Manhattan (Billy Cruddup) and The Comedian (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) helped the U.S. win the Vietnam War. When The Comedian is found murdered, many former heroes become concerned that a conspiracy is afoot to assassinate retired costumed crime fighters. Former masks Nite Owl (Patrick Wilson), Silk Spectre (Malin Akerman) and still-operating Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley, in an Oscar-worthy turn) launch an investigation of their own, all while the Pentagon’s “Doomsday...
- 8/10/2009
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
Coky Giedroyc's debut feature about a homeless teenage hooker working the streets of London doesn't exactly tread unfamiliar ground. Among the revelations of "Stella Does Tricks" are: Prostitution is demeaning and dehumanizing; pimps can be cruel and abusive; childhood sexual abuse can leave damage; and men in general aren't much to write home about.
As the title character, Kelly MacDonald ("Trainspotting") offers a well-modulated, compelling performance, but the film, despite a few imaginative flourishes, is mainly a solemn compendium of cliches. Previously showcased at the Toronto and Sundance festivals, it is playing an exclusive theatrical engagement at the Screening Room.
Stella, originally from Glasgow, works the streets for the repulsive Mr. Peters (James Bolam), a heavy-set, middle-aged pimp who likes to receive manual manipulation from his charges in public places, a habit that ultimately leads to his undoing. The film charts Stella's precarious existence, interspersing flashbacks to her troubled childhood and surreal fantasy revenge sequences, some of which she turns into reality. At one point, she manages to evade Mr. Peters' clutches, finds a job at a flower stall and takes up with a cute junkie, Eddie (Hans Matheson), but his drug habit eventually leads him to betray her.
Although the film effectively conveys the seediness of Stella's lifestyle and the constant humiliations she's forced to endure, it is less effective as a psychological portrait, and its frequent shifts between reality and fantasy feel forced. Like many other recent British films ("The War Zone", etc.), it mistakes unrelenting grimness for profundity.
STELLA DOES TRICKS
Strand Releasing
Credits: Director: Coky Giedroyc; Screenwriter: Alison Kennedy; Producer: Adam Barker; Co-producer: Angus Lamont; Executive producer: Ben Gibson; Director of photography: Barry Ackroyd; Editor: Budge Tremlett; Production designer: Lynne Whiteread; Composer: Nick Bicat. Cast: Stella: Kelly MacDonald; Mr. Peters: James Bolam; Eddie: Hans Matheson; McGuire: Ewan Stewart; Fitz: Andy Serkis. No MPAA rating. Color/stereo Running time -- 97 minutes.
As the title character, Kelly MacDonald ("Trainspotting") offers a well-modulated, compelling performance, but the film, despite a few imaginative flourishes, is mainly a solemn compendium of cliches. Previously showcased at the Toronto and Sundance festivals, it is playing an exclusive theatrical engagement at the Screening Room.
Stella, originally from Glasgow, works the streets for the repulsive Mr. Peters (James Bolam), a heavy-set, middle-aged pimp who likes to receive manual manipulation from his charges in public places, a habit that ultimately leads to his undoing. The film charts Stella's precarious existence, interspersing flashbacks to her troubled childhood and surreal fantasy revenge sequences, some of which she turns into reality. At one point, she manages to evade Mr. Peters' clutches, finds a job at a flower stall and takes up with a cute junkie, Eddie (Hans Matheson), but his drug habit eventually leads him to betray her.
Although the film effectively conveys the seediness of Stella's lifestyle and the constant humiliations she's forced to endure, it is less effective as a psychological portrait, and its frequent shifts between reality and fantasy feel forced. Like many other recent British films ("The War Zone", etc.), it mistakes unrelenting grimness for profundity.
STELLA DOES TRICKS
Strand Releasing
Credits: Director: Coky Giedroyc; Screenwriter: Alison Kennedy; Producer: Adam Barker; Co-producer: Angus Lamont; Executive producer: Ben Gibson; Director of photography: Barry Ackroyd; Editor: Budge Tremlett; Production designer: Lynne Whiteread; Composer: Nick Bicat. Cast: Stella: Kelly MacDonald; Mr. Peters: James Bolam; Eddie: Hans Matheson; McGuire: Ewan Stewart; Fitz: Andy Serkis. No MPAA rating. Color/stereo Running time -- 97 minutes.
- 2/22/2000
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.