Martin-Smith-3 Reviews

The Girl on a Motorcycle (1968)

An under-lit psychedelic movie

[3/10 · 6 March 2008]

I agree that this movie is under-lit in places - especially the indoor scenes. But it is typical of the era and shows some wonderful scenery. Strongly recommended if you're into big bikes and pretty girls. Marianne Faithful is stunning (those cute freckles) and you always know that she is totally naked beneath her leather cat suit.

Meanwhile the reverie scenes are typical of what I understand people experience when under the influence of LSD - a popular recreational drug at the time. Imagine a PINK FLOYD album cover and you'll get the idea.

In summary I would say that GIRL ON A MOTORCYCLE is an icon of late sixties pop culture. Thus it is worth viewing, not only for those interested in the period, but also for those (like I) who lived through it. Indeed - I recall wanting to see this movie when it was first released. But I was too young (12). The original UK rating was X.

Strange Report (1969–1971)

I'd forgotten about this one...

[5 February 2006]

I couldn't agree more with John Hughes. What an excellent series, and such a shame they never continued it. The other night I caught an episode on ITV 4 and it brought back several happy memories of being 12 in swinging sixties Britain.

Those were the days all right, and Strange Report captures them perfectly.

In terms of raw atmosphere it has oodles in common with other well-known series from the same period like: The Baron, Man in a Suitcase, Gideon's Way and The Champions. Yet, Strange Report was 'different' in a way I can only attribute to the level-headed, avuncular personality of Adam Strange himself, played brilliantly by Anthony Quayle. I guess he was the vital essence that distinguished the series from the rest.

But hey! There was a raft of other stupendous acting talents in there too – people like: John Thaw, Robert Hardy, Martin Shaw, Ian Ogilvy, Richard O'Sullivan, Julian Glover, Bernard Lee, Kenneth Griffith, Peter Vaughan, Keith Barron and Sylvia Syms. In fact, a veritable potpourri of contemporary British stardom by any measure.

Also, Roger Webb's outstanding theme tune deserves special mention. It was up-front, very catchy and eminently arresting. A classic of the genre – and of the era.

So, all in all, if you're a die-hard sixties fan like me, I reckon Strange Report is a fab way to relive the wonder years for not a lot of dosh. You'll love this one to bits.

Honest!

All Gas and Gaiters (1966–1971)

British Farce at its very best!

[5 February 2006]

I, too, lament the fact that the current DVD release of this excellent series only has eleven episodes. But apparently, in the late sixties/early 1970s, the BBC had a policy of wiping archive material and reusing the tapes – to save money. Indeed, the late Peter Cook often told of how he offered to buy every single episode of 'Not Only, But Also' a comedy series he co-wrote and starred in with Dudley Moore, as well as giving the BBC a brand new tape for each episode bought.

However, the Corporation muttered some feeble excuse about 'copyright' issues and declined Pete's proposal. Thus, for a goodly while, a few blinkered Philistines at TV Centre were able, by dint of their elevated and self-righteous positions, to consign some of the most significant comedy of all time to the trashcan.

How I DO hope that this sort of cannibalism will never be brooked again.

As for 'All Gas & Gaiters'…the lost, and what we have of it… Absolutely brilliant in every respect.

All the characters are clearly defined, the detail most accurate and everything so typical of the ethos prevalent in that wondrous age. Consequently, my sincere thanks to: the writers, Pauline Devaney and Edwin Apps, the dearly departed Frank Muir, who had the insight to promote a one-off 'Comedy Playhouse' and bring us this marvellous series in the first place, and no less the fine British players – William Mervyn, Robertson Hare, Derek Nimmo, John Barron and Joan Sanderson - who were so quintessential in making 'AGAG' what it truly was.

I can strongly recommend this set and, while I'm on the subject, openly confess that I now make a habit of snapping up all the 'old stuff' as soon as it's released, before some short-sighted accountant decides I am not to have it – ever.

Given the above, a commendable strategy meseems.

Man in a Suitcase (1967–1968)

McGill's Car

[2 January 2006]

McGill mostly drove a Hillman Imp (green and red), but was so cool that he could do that and not appear bland. I think it's a huge credit to the producers that they chose an Imp for McGill. A flashier car would have detracted from his character a great deal.

My very first car was a 1966 Hillman Imp and I felt really cool in it too.

The other thing I liked about Lew Grade's 1960s TV series is that the main characters - except The Saint - usually drove British cars, which for me made them more real.

According to an interview I saw recently with Johnny Goodman (production manager on The Baron) no British manufacturer would donate a car for Simon Templar - not even Jaguar. Hence that VOLVO P1800, which started moving out of showrooms real fast shortly after its film debut.

Obviously British car manufacturers in the 1960s weren't as clued up about how this kind of product placement could do wonders for their sales figures.

I have recently seen all the episodes of Man in a Suitcase again and I must say that they look as hip today as when I first saw them in 1967 as a boy of ten on black and white TV. In fact - they look even fresher in colour.

There's no doubt that Man in a Suitcase was/is a true classic.