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kenpitcher
Reviews
Vera Drake (2004)
Britain in the 1950's
I must admit I am not a fan of modern films, the occasional gem shines through but not very often. It took me sometime before I saw this film, knowing it was based around the time that I have a soft spot for English films, 1940's/50's/60's. Imelda Staunton acting should of deserved an Oscar, it was truly brilliant and so full of emotion. I take my hat off to Mike Leigh as the film was on a very tight budget, he created what I thought was a very dark, Grey fifties feel (not the rose tinted view that I had).On a social matter, I have heard stories of women who fell pregnant in the 50's and the social stigma it caused, even to the point of being institutionalised. It must of been a very difficult time to fall foul of the law not knowing what you were doing was wrong, or helping out those who needed help, for in them days I take it no counselling was thought of. In Vera Drakes situation I felt so sorry for her, for by her own experience that led her to do the things she did, it was not taken in consideration. Although it was a sad film to watch, it was a joy to watch and hear the emotional vibe that ran through the film without special effects, big Hollywood stars, fancy sets, or anything else visual that may help sell the film, it was the acting and the scripts that made this film an international hit.
This Happy Breed (1944)
British family life
I have been a big fan of David Leans films, but this little gem passed me by for many years until I watched the film recently on DVD. Like the Huggett series of films depicting the family life of the British in the 1940's this film shows the serious side of life, The daughter wanting a better class of life, the death of the only son, love, the sarcastic remarks from grandma all adds up to a funny but a serious side of British life in the dark days before the 2nd world war. Truly a very emotional film, after being told about the death of their son, the visual shock on Ceila Johnson and Robert Newtons face said it all. A very simple film, but 62 years on after its release, it documents how the British saw their life's in what at times were difficult times.
The Zoo Gang (1974)
of its time
Like others I have seen the re-runs of the "The Zoo Gang" on ITV4. I remember the series the first time round, but I am lead to believe that it has never been repeated until now because of who owns the rights to the series. To date, the sad thing is, only one member of the zoo gang is alive today (Barry Morse). I truly loved the series, the warmth that emulates while watching it, yes, it has that 70's kitch feel, but that what gives it it's charm, it's innocent safe detective fun, the smell of money, the glamour, the wide flares and neck-o-chiffs. It was a sad situation that only six were ever produced, maybe it was a good thing?, as unlike other TV programs made around this time of 72/73 this one remains a bit exclusive, more so as to the stars that played the leading roles.
UFO (1970)
negative reviews of UFO
I have watched The DVD's of UFO many times.Yes it rates as one of my favourite programs. When it was released I was about 10 years old, bearing in mind we are talking 1970, to those who write negative review on bad acting/sets/scripts, that this program now (2005) is well over 30 years old. It might be a bit short sighted of the future (1980) but you got to give a hand to the sfx. No computer graphics here! It was all very much 'hands on' The selection of actors required for the show could of not been chosen better. ED Bishop as the level headed hard man, head of Shado. George sewell, laid back ladies man, Cool collective Gabrelle Drake....I can go on.
Tear away from some of its possible downsides, and look more deeply into the program itself. Its a work of art for it's time.
I remember in the early 70's around 11.00 at night, that my television station showed the more adult episodes,how I went to bed in the depths of night thinking I was Cmdr. Straker, in my sleep fighting Aliens and chilling out in a moonbase module.
Dated it may well be today (2005) but given the resources they had in 1969/1970 this series is a true masterpiece
dinnerladies (1998)
The wit and charm of Dinner Ladies
I have watched on DVD hundreds of times All the episodes of Dinner Ladies. Those who did not like or maybe not quite understood some of the humour, check it out again, there are a great many hidden gems as to the brilliant mind of Victoria woods writing. "He played my body like a pinball machine. I lit up, paid out, and no tilting" was the brilliant line of Bren (victoria wood) mother (Julie Walters) describing her relationship with her young man. It was everyday folk, talking about everyday issues. Hidden behind the charm and the humour the show showed its emotional side, with Bren giving up her holiday to help her mother financially, single mothers, and redundancy. The show lasted two series. I look with great hesitation Victoria Woods next project.
Holiday Camp (1947)
Like is post war Britain
I had a copy of his film in the early 90's and still watch it now. Liking nostalgia, this film gives a good insight to British life just after the 2nd world war. Primitive it may look as to how the English enjoyed themselves on holiday, but charming in its naivety. Kathleen Harrison plays her part as only she could, dizzy, funny, as well as showing us how Strong her part is in keeping the Hugget family together in chaos along with her hubby Jack Warner, a strong father figure who wanting to teach his children a lesson in the ways of life, shows his softer side in coming to their aid.
With my love and interest in old English films, I do look at who make such films as well as who stars in them. Muriel and Sidney Box name appear in many films made in England in the 40s/50s. Holiday Camp Being a Huggets film. I am on the look out for the other Huggets films. Just hope someone releases them on DVD