Analysis of five decades of festive TV schedules shows that only one in eight films were Christmas-related
Think of Christmas films and the chances are your mind is drawn towards snowmen, mistletoe and Jimmy Stewart.
But analysis of five decades of Christmas TV schedules in the UK reveal that the most-aired films feature a magic car, a straw man and Kenneth Williams.
Think of Christmas films and the chances are your mind is drawn towards snowmen, mistletoe and Jimmy Stewart.
But analysis of five decades of Christmas TV schedules in the UK reveal that the most-aired films feature a magic car, a straw man and Kenneth Williams.
- 12/24/2023
- by Carmen Aguilar García, Viktor Sunnemark, Michael Goodier and Lucy Swan
- The Guardian - Film News
The writer, broadcaster and satirist Victor Lewis-Smith has died, aged 65.
The former Independent columnist and documentary-maker died in Bruges, Belgium, on Saturday (10 December) after a short illness.
Born in Essex, Lewis-Smith began his career at BBC Radio Medway. After working at Radio York, he moved to Radio 4 where he was a staff producer for Midweek and Start the Week during the mid-1980s.
Lewis-Smith went on to work as a film, TV and radio producer, predominantly through his production company Associated Rediffusion Productions Limited.
He worked on Spitting Image and the short-lived Channel 4 comedy show TV Offal.
He was also a restaurant critic and columnist. He wrote a regular column for Private Eye, and was the chief TV critic at the Evening Standard for 15 years.
In 1993, Lewis-Smith co-wrote and presented the BBC sketch show Inside Victor Lewis-Smith, which starred Roger Lloyd Pack, Annette Badland, Moya Brady, Tim Barlow, Nickolas Grace and George Raistrick.
The former Independent columnist and documentary-maker died in Bruges, Belgium, on Saturday (10 December) after a short illness.
Born in Essex, Lewis-Smith began his career at BBC Radio Medway. After working at Radio York, he moved to Radio 4 where he was a staff producer for Midweek and Start the Week during the mid-1980s.
Lewis-Smith went on to work as a film, TV and radio producer, predominantly through his production company Associated Rediffusion Productions Limited.
He worked on Spitting Image and the short-lived Channel 4 comedy show TV Offal.
He was also a restaurant critic and columnist. He wrote a regular column for Private Eye, and was the chief TV critic at the Evening Standard for 15 years.
In 1993, Lewis-Smith co-wrote and presented the BBC sketch show Inside Victor Lewis-Smith, which starred Roger Lloyd Pack, Annette Badland, Moya Brady, Tim Barlow, Nickolas Grace and George Raistrick.
- 12/12/2022
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
A long-lost episode of Tony Hancock’s 1950s radio show, Hancock’s Half Hour, has been found and restored and will be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 next month.
The penultimate episode from the show’s first radio series features the actor and comedian Peter Sellers – who was standing in for Hancock’s regular collaborator Kenneth Williams.
The episode, named “The Marriage Bureau” aired just once, on 8 February 1955, attracting an audience of 6.22 million listeners, according to the British Comedy Guide.
The news was announced by the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society on Twitter, who wrote: “We’re absolutely thrilled that a lost episode of Hancock’s Half Hour has been found, restored, and will be broadcast on Radio 4 on 18 October.
“‘The Marriage Bureau’ was never repeated and has not been heard since 1955. Only episode to feature Peter Sellers,” they continued.
“Sellers plays the parts given in the scripts to Kenneth Williams...
The penultimate episode from the show’s first radio series features the actor and comedian Peter Sellers – who was standing in for Hancock’s regular collaborator Kenneth Williams.
The episode, named “The Marriage Bureau” aired just once, on 8 February 1955, attracting an audience of 6.22 million listeners, according to the British Comedy Guide.
The news was announced by the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society on Twitter, who wrote: “We’re absolutely thrilled that a lost episode of Hancock’s Half Hour has been found, restored, and will be broadcast on Radio 4 on 18 October.
“‘The Marriage Bureau’ was never repeated and has not been heard since 1955. Only episode to feature Peter Sellers,” they continued.
“Sellers plays the parts given in the scripts to Kenneth Williams...
- 9/29/2022
- by Tom Murray
- The Independent - TV
British veteran comedy actress Josephine Tewson, who found her biggest success in her sixties starring in one of the 1990s’ biggest TV sitcoms, has died aged 91.
Tewson was best known for playing Elizabeth, the living-on-her-nerves neighbour of Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances, from 1990 to 1995.
But she appeared in a string of other shows too, such as Shelley with Hywel Bennet and No Appointment Necessary with Roy Kinnear. Following the success of Keeping Up Appearances, the show’s writer Roy Clarke gave Tewson the role of Miss Davenport in Last of the Summer Wine, which she played from 2003 to 2010.
In a statement, her agent Jean Diamond said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Josephine Tewson.”
The actress died on Thursday at Denville Hall, a care home for actors and other members of the entertainment industry in north London.
Several decades before she enjoyed sitcom stardom,...
Tewson was best known for playing Elizabeth, the living-on-her-nerves neighbour of Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances, from 1990 to 1995.
But she appeared in a string of other shows too, such as Shelley with Hywel Bennet and No Appointment Necessary with Roy Kinnear. Following the success of Keeping Up Appearances, the show’s writer Roy Clarke gave Tewson the role of Miss Davenport in Last of the Summer Wine, which she played from 2003 to 2010.
In a statement, her agent Jean Diamond said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Josephine Tewson.”
The actress died on Thursday at Denville Hall, a care home for actors and other members of the entertainment industry in north London.
Several decades before she enjoyed sitcom stardom,...
- 8/20/2022
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Seven decades after independence, Indian cinema is still struggling to depict the Raj, leaving its screen depictions – from Gandhi to colonial racism – to be viewed almost solely through British eyes
In 1968, 20 years after Indian independence and partition, producer-director duo Peter Rogers and Gerald Thomas released Carry On Up the Khyber in British cinemas. It was a raunchy, imperialistic romp, set against the backdrop of the Raj – the British colonial rule in India that lasted till 1947.
Looking back, the Carry On humour hasn’t dated well. Not only is the sexist slap-and-tickle at odds with modern sensibilities but the film is awash with casual racism. Bernard Bresslaw and Kenneth Williams “brown-up” to play the not-so-hilariously named Bungdit Din and the Khasi of Khalabar, while Sidney James yak-yak-yaks away with his lustful eyes fixed on buxom Brits dressed in saris.
Continue reading...
In 1968, 20 years after Indian independence and partition, producer-director duo Peter Rogers and Gerald Thomas released Carry On Up the Khyber in British cinemas. It was a raunchy, imperialistic romp, set against the backdrop of the Raj – the British colonial rule in India that lasted till 1947.
Looking back, the Carry On humour hasn’t dated well. Not only is the sexist slap-and-tickle at odds with modern sensibilities but the film is awash with casual racism. Bernard Bresslaw and Kenneth Williams “brown-up” to play the not-so-hilariously named Bungdit Din and the Khasi of Khalabar, while Sidney James yak-yak-yaks away with his lustful eyes fixed on buxom Brits dressed in saris.
Continue reading...
- 2/22/2017
- by Joseph Walsh
- The Guardian - Film News
In a bid to be, like, 50 percent more objective than I was last week, and as fresh as The News still feels… this Monday’s Castle was quite entertaining, helped by some perfect guest casting.
RelatedCastle’s Nathan Fillion Breaks Silence on Stana Katic’s Exit
As Alan Masters, sitcom vet Jonathan Silverman was the perfect hapless Everyman, a mild-mannered safety inspector whose mundane job exposed him to some highly illegal goings-on.
At first, Alan was poisoned, but that didn’t take. Then he was electrocuted and presumed dead a second time.. only to wake up shortly after that attack.
RelatedCastle’s Nathan Fillion Breaks Silence on Stana Katic’s Exit
As Alan Masters, sitcom vet Jonathan Silverman was the perfect hapless Everyman, a mild-mannered safety inspector whose mundane job exposed him to some highly illegal goings-on.
At first, Alan was poisoned, but that didn’t take. Then he was electrocuted and presumed dead a second time.. only to wake up shortly after that attack.
- 4/26/2016
- TVLine.com
Gold has ordered a new biography series about comedians - with a difference.
The Interviews - a six part series - will focus on a different star in each episode by using their appearances on British chat shows.
Kenneth Williams, The Two Ronnies, Les Dawson, Oliver Reed, Spike Milligan, Peter Cook and Dudley Moore will each feature in an instalment of The Interviews, with Dawn French providing a voiceover for the series.
As well as using footage with interviewers such as Michael Parkinson, Terry Wogan, Melvyn Bragg, Jonathan Ross, Graham Norton, Michael Aspel, Des O'Connor and Mavis Nicholson, the series will use clips from personal documentary interviews and radio specials.
Gold's commissioning editor Iain Coyle described the series as a "compelling show that perfectly captures the personalities of our comedy legends".
"The Interviews is a unique way of doing biography through chat show appearances, as the guests' stories are told straight from the horse's mouth,...
The Interviews - a six part series - will focus on a different star in each episode by using their appearances on British chat shows.
Kenneth Williams, The Two Ronnies, Les Dawson, Oliver Reed, Spike Milligan, Peter Cook and Dudley Moore will each feature in an instalment of The Interviews, with Dawn French providing a voiceover for the series.
As well as using footage with interviewers such as Michael Parkinson, Terry Wogan, Melvyn Bragg, Jonathan Ross, Graham Norton, Michael Aspel, Des O'Connor and Mavis Nicholson, the series will use clips from personal documentary interviews and radio specials.
Gold's commissioning editor Iain Coyle described the series as a "compelling show that perfectly captures the personalities of our comedy legends".
"The Interviews is a unique way of doing biography through chat show appearances, as the guests' stories are told straight from the horse's mouth,...
- 4/1/2015
- Digital Spy
Carry On Cruising - 11.35am, ITV3
This Easter Saturday, be treated to a marathon of Carry On... films from 9.40am to 5.05pm. This charming offering sees the same cast of Sid James, Kenneth Williams and the rest, aboard the SS Happy Wanderer, staffed by a bunch of willing but inept newcomers.
Shrek Forever After - 5.15pm, BBC One
Surely the final instalment in the Shrek franchise, which began with such promise and is now gradually eked out to an adequate conclusion. Shrek (Mike Myers) makes an ill-fated deal with Rumpelstiltskin and is transported to an alternate universe where ogres are enslaved.
Iron Man - 6.40pm, Film 4
Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) makes witty jokes and uses his billions to create the superhero Iron Man, then faces off against a hostile colleague in a smash-bang Transformers-esque finale.
Taken - 9pm, Channel 4
Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson), an ex-cia operative, has exactly...
This Easter Saturday, be treated to a marathon of Carry On... films from 9.40am to 5.05pm. This charming offering sees the same cast of Sid James, Kenneth Williams and the rest, aboard the SS Happy Wanderer, staffed by a bunch of willing but inept newcomers.
Shrek Forever After - 5.15pm, BBC One
Surely the final instalment in the Shrek franchise, which began with such promise and is now gradually eked out to an adequate conclusion. Shrek (Mike Myers) makes an ill-fated deal with Rumpelstiltskin and is transported to an alternate universe where ogres are enslaved.
Iron Man - 6.40pm, Film 4
Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) makes witty jokes and uses his billions to create the superhero Iron Man, then faces off against a hostile colleague in a smash-bang Transformers-esque finale.
Taken - 9pm, Channel 4
Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson), an ex-cia operative, has exactly...
- 4/19/2014
- Digital Spy
Carry On Cruising - 11.35am, ITV3
This Easter Saturday, be treated to a marathon of Carry On... films from 9.40am to 5.05pm. This charming offering sees the same cast of Sid James, Kenneth Williams and the rest, aboard the SS Happy Wanderer, staffed by a bunch of willing but inept newcomers.
Shrek Forever After - 5.15pm, BBC One
Surely the final instalment in the Shrek franchise, which began with such promise and is now gradually eked out to an adequate conclusion. Shrek (Mike Myers) makes an ill-fated deal with Rumpelstiltskin and is transported to an alternate universe where ogres are enslaved.
Iron Man - 6.40pm, Film 4
Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) makes witty jokes and uses his billions to create the superhero Iron Man, then faces off against a hostile colleague in a smash-bang Transformers-esque finale.
Taken - 9pm, Channel 4
Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson), an ex-cia operative, has exactly...
This Easter Saturday, be treated to a marathon of Carry On... films from 9.40am to 5.05pm. This charming offering sees the same cast of Sid James, Kenneth Williams and the rest, aboard the SS Happy Wanderer, staffed by a bunch of willing but inept newcomers.
Shrek Forever After - 5.15pm, BBC One
Surely the final instalment in the Shrek franchise, which began with such promise and is now gradually eked out to an adequate conclusion. Shrek (Mike Myers) makes an ill-fated deal with Rumpelstiltskin and is transported to an alternate universe where ogres are enslaved.
Iron Man - 6.40pm, Film 4
Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) makes witty jokes and uses his billions to create the superhero Iron Man, then faces off against a hostile colleague in a smash-bang Transformers-esque finale.
Taken - 9pm, Channel 4
Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson), an ex-cia operative, has exactly...
- 4/19/2014
- Digital Spy
Feature Alex Westthorp 28 Mar 2014 - 07:00
In a new series, Alex talks us through the film roles of the actors who've played the Doctor. First up, William Hartnell and Jon Pertwee...
We know them best as the twelve very different incarnations of the Doctor. But all the actors who've been the star of Doctor Who, being such good all-rounders in the first place, have also had film careers. Admittedly, some CVs are more impressive than others, but this retrospective attempts to pick out some of the many worthwhile films which have starred, featured or seen a fleeting cameo by the actors who would become (or had been) the Doctor.
William Hartnell was, above all else, a film star. He is by far the most prolific film actor of the main twelve to play the Time Lord. With over 70 films to his name, summarising Hartnell's film career is difficult at best.
In a new series, Alex talks us through the film roles of the actors who've played the Doctor. First up, William Hartnell and Jon Pertwee...
We know them best as the twelve very different incarnations of the Doctor. But all the actors who've been the star of Doctor Who, being such good all-rounders in the first place, have also had film careers. Admittedly, some CVs are more impressive than others, but this retrospective attempts to pick out some of the many worthwhile films which have starred, featured or seen a fleeting cameo by the actors who would become (or had been) the Doctor.
William Hartnell was, above all else, a film star. He is by far the most prolific film actor of the main twelve to play the Time Lord. With over 70 films to his name, summarising Hartnell's film career is difficult at best.
- 3/26/2014
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
That cultural symbol of medics – from Kenneth Williams in Carry On Doctor to Edie Falcon's Nurse Jackie – is being replaced by cheaper and more accurate ultrasound devices
If you Google "Hugh Laurie" and "stethoscope", you will come up with a clutch of stories from February 2012 about how everybody's favourite pill-popping misanthropic physician is "hanging up his stethoscope" after eight seasons on the hit show House.
This underlines a more general truth: doctors don't retire, they hang up their stethoscopes. Is there any profession so proverbially connected to one tool of their trade? Will people believe you are a doctor if you don't wear one?
These questions become topical because the stethoscope is reportedly becoming obsolete, nearly 200 years after it was invented. Is it anything to do with the finding that a third of Us stethoscopes used in emergencies were contaminated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (Mrsa) bacteria? No, but it probably didn't help.
If you Google "Hugh Laurie" and "stethoscope", you will come up with a clutch of stories from February 2012 about how everybody's favourite pill-popping misanthropic physician is "hanging up his stethoscope" after eight seasons on the hit show House.
This underlines a more general truth: doctors don't retire, they hang up their stethoscopes. Is there any profession so proverbially connected to one tool of their trade? Will people believe you are a doctor if you don't wear one?
These questions become topical because the stethoscope is reportedly becoming obsolete, nearly 200 years after it was invented. Is it anything to do with the finding that a third of Us stethoscopes used in emergencies were contaminated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (Mrsa) bacteria? No, but it probably didn't help.
- 1/24/2014
- by Stuart Jeffries
- The Guardian - Film News
‘The Thief and the Cobbler’: Original version of Richard Williams’ animated film has first public screening at the Academy The first public screening of the original version of Richard Williams’ The Thief and the Cobbler will be held at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences’ Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10, 2013. Williams will be in attendance to introduce the recently reconstructed original workprint from 1992. The Thief and the Cobbler will be accompanied by Richard Williams’s 1972 Oscar-winning animated short A Christmas Carol, adapted from Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella. Featuring animation by Ken Harris and Abe Levitow, among others, A Christmas Carol has, according to the Academy’s website, "a distinctive and dark tone" inspired by John Leech’s engraved illustrations of the Dickens’ tale. In conjunction with the screenings, the Academy’s public exhibition “Richard Williams: Master of Animation,” featuring film clips,...
- 11/27/2013
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Actor best known for playing the officious Arp warden William Hodges in Dad's Army
In his early days as a cabaret artist, the actor Bill Pertwee, who has died aged 86, did a manic cricket revue sketch at a fashionable club in central London. A haughty and inebriated diner kicked over his stumps and shouted: "How's that?" Pertwee punched him in the stomach and was escorted out by the head waiter, who informed him that the customer was always right. "As far as I'm concerned, he isn't!" retorted Pertwee.
This bubbling belligerence was successfully incorporated into the bossy character that made Pertwee famous: Arp Warden William Hodges in the celebrated BBC television series Dad's Army (1968-77), written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft. As Hodges, he perpetually clashed with Captain George Mainwaring (Arthur Lowe) of the Home Guard.
The inspiration for the way Pertwee played the warden came from his boyhood during the second world war,...
In his early days as a cabaret artist, the actor Bill Pertwee, who has died aged 86, did a manic cricket revue sketch at a fashionable club in central London. A haughty and inebriated diner kicked over his stumps and shouted: "How's that?" Pertwee punched him in the stomach and was escorted out by the head waiter, who informed him that the customer was always right. "As far as I'm concerned, he isn't!" retorted Pertwee.
This bubbling belligerence was successfully incorporated into the bossy character that made Pertwee famous: Arp Warden William Hodges in the celebrated BBC television series Dad's Army (1968-77), written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft. As Hodges, he perpetually clashed with Captain George Mainwaring (Arthur Lowe) of the Home Guard.
The inspiration for the way Pertwee played the warden came from his boyhood during the second world war,...
- 5/27/2013
- by Dennis Barker
- The Guardian - Film News
Pier, which appears in films including Brighton Rock and Quadrophenia, is taken off market by Noble Organisation
One of the most famous landmarks on the south coast, Brighton's Palace Pier, known to millions across the world from its many guest appearances in films, has been taken off the market by its owners.
The Noble Organisation, which has owned the pier since 1984, put it up for sale last year for an undisclosed guide price, but now says it forms part of the group's long-term plans.
A statement from the company denied that lack of offers in the throes of the recession and diabolical summer weather were to blame. "Last year's marketing exercise generated a great deal of interest in the pier and a number of substantial offers. However, a change in strategy led us to conclude that the pier will now form part of our longer-term group plans."
The Grade II...
One of the most famous landmarks on the south coast, Brighton's Palace Pier, known to millions across the world from its many guest appearances in films, has been taken off the market by its owners.
The Noble Organisation, which has owned the pier since 1984, put it up for sale last year for an undisclosed guide price, but now says it forms part of the group's long-term plans.
A statement from the company denied that lack of offers in the throes of the recession and diabolical summer weather were to blame. "Last year's marketing exercise generated a great deal of interest in the pier and a number of substantial offers. However, a change in strategy led us to conclude that the pier will now form part of our longer-term group plans."
The Grade II...
- 10/26/2012
- by Maev Kennedy
- The Guardian - Film News
Rupert Everett returns to dish the dirt in his second fearless and witty account of life with the A-list crowd
As sexist old Samuel Johnson said of a woman preaching, when an actor writes a book "it is not well done, but you are surprised to find it done at all". These are adults who spend their whole lives raiding dressing up boxes and speaking the words of others for a living, after all. Rupert Everett, like Richard E Grant and Kathy Burke, is the exception that proves the rule; he really can write, as his 2006 bestseller Red Carpets and Other Banana Skins – which took a bejewelled hatpin to the blow-up egos of co-stars Madonna and Sharon Stone, among others – proved. But despite reviews that, above the sound of easily impressed critics noisily wetting themselves, could be heard comparing him to Evelyn Waugh, Noël Coward and Lord Byron, the question...
As sexist old Samuel Johnson said of a woman preaching, when an actor writes a book "it is not well done, but you are surprised to find it done at all". These are adults who spend their whole lives raiding dressing up boxes and speaking the words of others for a living, after all. Rupert Everett, like Richard E Grant and Kathy Burke, is the exception that proves the rule; he really can write, as his 2006 bestseller Red Carpets and Other Banana Skins – which took a bejewelled hatpin to the blow-up egos of co-stars Madonna and Sharon Stone, among others – proved. But despite reviews that, above the sound of easily impressed critics noisily wetting themselves, could be heard comparing him to Evelyn Waugh, Noël Coward and Lord Byron, the question...
- 9/20/2012
- by Julie Burchill
- The Guardian - Film News
★★★★☆ Gerald Thomas' Twice Round the Daffodils (1962) is a classic example of what British cinema became known for during the 1960s (outside of kitchen sink dramas and Gothic horror) - old-fashioned, feel-good humour. Widely considered an unofficial entry to the Carry On canon, this comedy set within a TB sanatorium featured several of the iconic film series' production staff including director Gerald Thomas, producer Peter Rogers, writer Norman Hudis and cult actors Kenneth Williams and Joan Sims.
Read more »...
Read more »...
- 5/1/2012
- by CineVue
- CineVue
To mark the release of Twice Round the Daffidils on DVD, we’ve been given three copies to give away. It’s directed by Gerald Thomas and stars Kenneth Williams, Joan Sims, Sheila Hancock, Juliet Mills, Sir Donald Sinden, Nanette Newman and Jill Ireland.
A classic British comedy starring ‘Carry On’ legends Joan Sims and Kenneth Williams, Twice Round The Daffodils sees a group of four male patients arrive at a sanatorium to be treated for TB. As they adjust to their new home, each one of them starts to take a shine to the nurses that are there to care for them.
From the Carry On series team (producer Peter Rogers, director Gerald Thomas and writer Norman Hudis) and starring many of our well-loved British comedic stars, Twice Round The Daffodils is often considered an unofficial Carry On film.
To be in with a chance of winning this great prize,...
A classic British comedy starring ‘Carry On’ legends Joan Sims and Kenneth Williams, Twice Round The Daffodils sees a group of four male patients arrive at a sanatorium to be treated for TB. As they adjust to their new home, each one of them starts to take a shine to the nurses that are there to care for them.
From the Carry On series team (producer Peter Rogers, director Gerald Thomas and writer Norman Hudis) and starring many of our well-loved British comedic stars, Twice Round The Daffodils is often considered an unofficial Carry On film.
To be in with a chance of winning this great prize,...
- 4/19/2012
- by Competitons
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Ruby Heartstealer – Karima El Mahroug who denies underage sex with Italy's ex-pm – and 32 young women listed to appear
It could be the cast for a remake of one of those 60s classical epics: George Clooney as one of the stars, together with a former belly dancer and 32 assorted starlets, dancers and showgirls.
In fact, it is just part of the witness list agreed on Wednesday for the trial in which Italy's former prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, is accused of paying an underage prostitute. Others with walk-on parts in the courtroom drama include the Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, the former Formula One team boss Flavio Briatore, and three ministers in Berlusconi's last cabinet – including the former topless model who was his equal opportunities minister, Mara Carfagna.
The judges in Milan agreed that 214 witnesses be called. They will start giving evidence on 2 December.
The prosecution wants to hear from Karima El...
It could be the cast for a remake of one of those 60s classical epics: George Clooney as one of the stars, together with a former belly dancer and 32 assorted starlets, dancers and showgirls.
In fact, it is just part of the witness list agreed on Wednesday for the trial in which Italy's former prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, is accused of paying an underage prostitute. Others with walk-on parts in the courtroom drama include the Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, the former Formula One team boss Flavio Briatore, and three ministers in Berlusconi's last cabinet – including the former topless model who was his equal opportunities minister, Mara Carfagna.
The judges in Milan agreed that 214 witnesses be called. They will start giving evidence on 2 December.
The prosecution wants to hear from Karima El...
- 11/24/2011
- by John Hooper
- The Guardian - Film News
With the much anticipated release of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy in theatres today, WhatCulture! were challenged with coming up with our 10 best British ensemble casts. With Tinker’s all star British cast – including the likes of Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, John Hurt, Tom Hardy, Mark Strong and Benedict Cumberbatch – it was a bloody hard challenge to come up with ten that could even come close to rivalling such a solid cast!
Read on to discover what we came up with!
10. Gosford Park (2001)
The murder mystery genre is always one that employs a vast and impressive ensemble cast and Gosford Park is a prime example of how effective a film can be when this is done proficiently. A range of talented British stars fill the screen, disclosing the everyday workings of a 1930s mansion house from the privileged inhabitants and their wealthy guests, right down to the most invisible of servants.
Read on to discover what we came up with!
10. Gosford Park (2001)
The murder mystery genre is always one that employs a vast and impressive ensemble cast and Gosford Park is a prime example of how effective a film can be when this is done proficiently. A range of talented British stars fill the screen, disclosing the everyday workings of a 1930s mansion house from the privileged inhabitants and their wealthy guests, right down to the most invisible of servants.
- 9/16/2011
- by Stuart Cummins
- Obsessed with Film
Actor turned teacher, he quit the screen at the height of his fame
There are some actors who, having disappeared from the public gaze early in their careers, always prompt the question, "Whatever happened to ... ?" The answer, in the case of Paul Massie, who has died of lung cancer aged 78, is that, at the height of his fame on films and television, he gave it up at the age of 40 to teach drama at the University of South Florida in Tampa.
The son of a Baptist minister, Massie was born Arthur Massé in the city of St Catharines, in the Niagara region of Ontario. Although he was brought up in Canada, almost his entire 16-year acting career was in Britain. In fact, the only film he made in Canada was his first, Philip Leacock's High Tide at Noon (1957), a Rank Organisation melodrama shot in Nova Scotia. Although it was a bit part,...
There are some actors who, having disappeared from the public gaze early in their careers, always prompt the question, "Whatever happened to ... ?" The answer, in the case of Paul Massie, who has died of lung cancer aged 78, is that, at the height of his fame on films and television, he gave it up at the age of 40 to teach drama at the University of South Florida in Tampa.
The son of a Baptist minister, Massie was born Arthur Massé in the city of St Catharines, in the Niagara region of Ontario. Although he was brought up in Canada, almost his entire 16-year acting career was in Britain. In fact, the only film he made in Canada was his first, Philip Leacock's High Tide at Noon (1957), a Rank Organisation melodrama shot in Nova Scotia. Although it was a bit part,...
- 7/31/2011
- by Ronald Bergan
- The Guardian - Film News
Sherlock
Russell Tovey (UK's "Being Human," "Doctor Who") has confirmed via his Twitter account that he's scored a major guest starring role in the second season of "Sherlock".
Tovey is set to play the key role of Sir Henry Baskerville in the second episode which is based on the most famous Holmes story of all - "The Hound of the Baskervilles".
In the book, Sir Charles Baskerville is killed from fear of a ghostly hound haunting his estate. His nephew Henry inherits the estate, and Watson travels there in order protect Sir Henry from a plot to take his life.
The role has previously been played by such actors as Martin Shaw, Christopher Lee, Matt Day and Kenneth Williams.
Camelot
Starz have confirmed they're not moving forward with a second season of their adult take on the Arthurian legend "Camelot".
Joseph Fiennes, Jamie Campbell Bower and Eva Green starred in...
Russell Tovey (UK's "Being Human," "Doctor Who") has confirmed via his Twitter account that he's scored a major guest starring role in the second season of "Sherlock".
Tovey is set to play the key role of Sir Henry Baskerville in the second episode which is based on the most famous Holmes story of all - "The Hound of the Baskervilles".
In the book, Sir Charles Baskerville is killed from fear of a ghostly hound haunting his estate. His nephew Henry inherits the estate, and Watson travels there in order protect Sir Henry from a plot to take his life.
The role has previously been played by such actors as Martin Shaw, Christopher Lee, Matt Day and Kenneth Williams.
Camelot
Starz have confirmed they're not moving forward with a second season of their adult take on the Arthurian legend "Camelot".
Joseph Fiennes, Jamie Campbell Bower and Eva Green starred in...
- 6/30/2011
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
The standup comedian and silent film aficionado talks about the relationship between class and comedy, his love of improvisation and why he still believes the old jokes are the best
In my experience there are two types of comedian who, no matter how funny they may be on stage, you wouldn't really want to meet in real life. There's the cliche of the curmudgeonly comic – grouchy, aloof, a bit passive aggressive – and there's the one who can't switch off, and craves laughter like you or I need oxygen. When I told people I was going to meet Paul Merton, everyone had him down as a classic case of the former – and to be honest, that was my fear too.
Merton's comic persona can be pretty devastating towards others' stupidity, which is terrifically funny to watch, but presumably not quite as fun to find oneself on the receiving end of. And...
In my experience there are two types of comedian who, no matter how funny they may be on stage, you wouldn't really want to meet in real life. There's the cliche of the curmudgeonly comic – grouchy, aloof, a bit passive aggressive – and there's the one who can't switch off, and craves laughter like you or I need oxygen. When I told people I was going to meet Paul Merton, everyone had him down as a classic case of the former – and to be honest, that was my fear too.
Merton's comic persona can be pretty devastating towards others' stupidity, which is terrifically funny to watch, but presumably not quite as fun to find oneself on the receiving end of. And...
- 5/17/2011
- by Decca Aitkenhead
- The Guardian - Film News
With Robert Downey Junior's inspired reinventing of the role in Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Homes (2010) and the BBC effectively bringing Holmes to the 21st Century in the popular TV series Sherlock (2010) starring Benedict Cumberbatch, the crime-solving antics of the Great Detective and his loyal colleague Dr Watson seem in good hands, and remain as popular as ever. Among the screen actors who have effectively brought Holmes to life include Arthur Wontner, Basil Rathbone, Peter Cushing, Douglas Wilmer, Ian Richardson and Jeremy Brett. As an amazing and complex role to play, the right actor can add great depth to it.
But then there are others who turned out to be Not-So-Great-Detectives, either through miscasting or just being plain bad. One does not need the power of deductive reasoning to see why the following ten actors fell way off the mark...
Roger Moore - Sherlock Homes in New York (1976)
"My name is Holmes,...
But then there are others who turned out to be Not-So-Great-Detectives, either through miscasting or just being plain bad. One does not need the power of deductive reasoning to see why the following ten actors fell way off the mark...
Roger Moore - Sherlock Homes in New York (1976)
"My name is Holmes,...
- 2/14/2011
- Shadowlocked
Cinematographer known for his work on the Carry On films
Despite, or because of, the ancient, dirty jokes, schoolboy humour, double entendres, and a string of hammy actors tele- graphing each jest with pursed lips, rolling eyes or a snigger, the Carry On films have an army of devotees. Among the most regular actors were Kenneth Williams, Charles Hawtrey, Sid James, Joan Sims and Kenneth Connor, and behind the camera, on almost all of the 30 Carry On movies, was the cinematographer Alan Hume, who has died aged 85.
Hume started as camera operator on the very first, Carry On Sergeant (1958), soon becoming director of photography (Dp) on Carry On Regardless (1961), and continuing as Dp until Carry On Columbus (1992) ended the franchise. Though few would make any artistic claims for the films, they were competently shot, rapidly, on a shoestring. Because of the rapport Hume built up over a long period with...
Despite, or because of, the ancient, dirty jokes, schoolboy humour, double entendres, and a string of hammy actors tele- graphing each jest with pursed lips, rolling eyes or a snigger, the Carry On films have an army of devotees. Among the most regular actors were Kenneth Williams, Charles Hawtrey, Sid James, Joan Sims and Kenneth Connor, and behind the camera, on almost all of the 30 Carry On movies, was the cinematographer Alan Hume, who has died aged 85.
Hume started as camera operator on the very first, Carry On Sergeant (1958), soon becoming director of photography (Dp) on Carry On Regardless (1961), and continuing as Dp until Carry On Columbus (1992) ended the franchise. Though few would make any artistic claims for the films, they were competently shot, rapidly, on a shoestring. Because of the rapport Hume built up over a long period with...
- 8/17/2010
- by Ronald Bergan
- The Guardian - Film News
Peter Rogers, the producer and creator of the much-loved Carry On… series of films, has died. He was 95.Rogers, who died at his home in Buckinghamshire on Tuesday, following a short illness, was the brains behind all 31 instalments of the hugely popular British comedy franchise, from Carry On Sergeant in 1958, right through to the final Carry On, 1992’s Carry On Columbus, which he executive produced.Rogers, who was born on February 20, 1914, started his career as a journalist, before becoming a screenwriter for J. Arthur Rank. From there, he quickly moved into producing, turning a serious script called The Bull Boys into a jolly comedy called Carry On Sergeant, which starred a young Bob Monkhouse and Carry On regulars Kenneth Williams, Kenneth Connor and Charles Hawtrey.Critically derided, the film was nonetheless a success, and so Rogers started work on Carry On Nurse almost immediately. From there, an increasingly risqué and ribald formula was created,...
- 4/16/2009
- EmpireOnline
LONDON -- Helen Mirren added another gong to her already overstuffed awards cabinet Tuesday night, winning the best actress award for her performance in ITV's Prime Suspect at the Royal Television Society television awards.
Mirren was recognized for performance as embattled female cop Jane Tennison in the final season of the show, which sees her character battling alcoholism and struggling to protect her collapsing career.
Michael Sheen's performance as comic legend Kenneth Williams in BBC4's Fantabulosa earned him the best actor award while writer-comedian Stephen Merchant won best comedy performance for Extras. West End audition show "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria" was named best entertainment show for BBC1 while More 4's Death of a President was voted best digital program.
ITV's wartime biopic Housewife 49 was named best single drama and ITV2's HBO-produced Entourage was voted best acquisition. The Queen screenwriter Peter Morgan was named best writer for Channel 4 drama Longford.
Mirren was recognized for performance as embattled female cop Jane Tennison in the final season of the show, which sees her character battling alcoholism and struggling to protect her collapsing career.
Michael Sheen's performance as comic legend Kenneth Williams in BBC4's Fantabulosa earned him the best actor award while writer-comedian Stephen Merchant won best comedy performance for Extras. West End audition show "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria" was named best entertainment show for BBC1 while More 4's Death of a President was voted best digital program.
ITV's wartime biopic Housewife 49 was named best single drama and ITV2's HBO-produced Entourage was voted best acquisition. The Queen screenwriter Peter Morgan was named best writer for Channel 4 drama Longford.
- 3/15/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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