The Notebook Primer introduces readers to some of the most important figures, films, genres, and movements in film history.Women in Love.“British erotica” has long been considered an oxymoron, and this distinction is not entirely unfounded. While European auteurs like Jean-Luc Godard, Tinto Brass, Walerian Borowczyk, and Luis Buñuel were treating copulation as a springboard to philosophical ruminations, the British were paying to see Barbara Windsor’s bra popping off during an outdoor aerobics session in Carry On Camping (1969). Is this assessment fair? Well…yes and no. While many films point to a nation of buttoned-up prudes and furtive voyeurs, a deeper inspection reveals a colorful mosaic of sexual mores and shifting social values as film became an established part of life.Part of the challenge of defining British erotica lies with the difficulty of defining erotica itself. There’s enormous variability in the human response, and where some prefer explicit material,...
- 2/21/2023
- MUBI
EastEnders actor Anna Karen is said to have leftt the majority of her fortune to one of her co-stars.
The actor, who also appeared in sitcom On the Buses, died in a house fire in February 2022, aged 85.
It’s now been reported by the Mail that Karen left 65 per cent of her estate to Sophie Lawrence, who played Diane Butcher in the BBC soap.
Lawrence first appeared in the soap from 1988 to 1991, but has returned numerous times over the years. Her most recent appearance was in 2012. Karen played Aunt Sal in the series.
Karen and Lawrence remained friends, with the pair also starring together in comedy show Bazaar & Rummage, which is based on the Sue Townsend book.
Elsewhere, the documents reveal Karen split the remainder of her fortune to her stepdaufghter, Gloria Gill, two friends and the Actors’ Benevolent Fund.
As well as On the Buses and EastEnders, Karen’s...
The actor, who also appeared in sitcom On the Buses, died in a house fire in February 2022, aged 85.
It’s now been reported by the Mail that Karen left 65 per cent of her estate to Sophie Lawrence, who played Diane Butcher in the BBC soap.
Lawrence first appeared in the soap from 1988 to 1991, but has returned numerous times over the years. Her most recent appearance was in 2012. Karen played Aunt Sal in the series.
Karen and Lawrence remained friends, with the pair also starring together in comedy show Bazaar & Rummage, which is based on the Sue Townsend book.
Elsewhere, the documents reveal Karen split the remainder of her fortune to her stepdaufghter, Gloria Gill, two friends and the Actors’ Benevolent Fund.
As well as On the Buses and EastEnders, Karen’s...
- 8/21/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
A romantic surprise has unexpected consequences in a gentle comedy channelling Éric Rohmer crossed with Carry on Camping
Here is a terrifically fresh, funny and gentle film from director and co-writer Guillaume Brac, which takes quite seriously something that’s always getting dismissed or patronised in pop culture: the holiday romance. The French title is À L’Abordage!, more properly translated as “Attack!” and the film is about seizing the day, going on the offensive and fortune favouring the bold.
Newcomer Eric Nantchouang plays Félix, an easygoing young guy in Paris with a naturally smiley open face; he has a moment with Alma (Asma Messaoudene) and when she says she’s going on holiday with her parents and sister in the beautiful valley of Die in south-eastern France, Félix secretly resolves to go there himself and give her what he is confident will be a wonderful romantic surprise. But he...
Here is a terrifically fresh, funny and gentle film from director and co-writer Guillaume Brac, which takes quite seriously something that’s always getting dismissed or patronised in pop culture: the holiday romance. The French title is À L’Abordage!, more properly translated as “Attack!” and the film is about seizing the day, going on the offensive and fortune favouring the bold.
Newcomer Eric Nantchouang plays Félix, an easygoing young guy in Paris with a naturally smiley open face; he has a moment with Alma (Asma Messaoudene) and when she says she’s going on holiday with her parents and sister in the beautiful valley of Die in south-eastern France, Félix secretly resolves to go there himself and give her what he is confident will be a wonderful romantic surprise. But he...
- 8/4/2021
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
The ever-popular Crystal Maze finished its live run some 20 years ago today and is set to make a comeback soon in the form of a "live immersive experience".
Running for six series from 1990 to 1995, the Richard O'Brien (and Ed Tudor-Pole) fronted series is still an awesome watch on digital channel Challenge to this day.
So while we're all getting out our multi-coloured tracksuits in preparation for the live event, which is still having its set built, we cast our minds back to just why the Channel 4 game show was so brilliant.
1. Richard O'Brien was the perfect host
Whoever thought of picking Rocky Horror writer Richard O'Brien as host of this quirky game show is a TV genius. When picturing The Crystal Maze, O'Brien is most likely the first image that comes to mind; topped up to the nines with leopardskin fur coats and leather boots.
Constantly making quips to camera at the contestants' expense,...
Running for six series from 1990 to 1995, the Richard O'Brien (and Ed Tudor-Pole) fronted series is still an awesome watch on digital channel Challenge to this day.
So while we're all getting out our multi-coloured tracksuits in preparation for the live event, which is still having its set built, we cast our minds back to just why the Channel 4 game show was so brilliant.
1. Richard O'Brien was the perfect host
Whoever thought of picking Rocky Horror writer Richard O'Brien as host of this quirky game show is a TV genius. When picturing The Crystal Maze, O'Brien is most likely the first image that comes to mind; topped up to the nines with leopardskin fur coats and leather boots.
Constantly making quips to camera at the contestants' expense,...
- 8/10/2015
- Digital Spy
It was a case of reality TV eating itself, spitting itself out and then eating itself again. Alice Fredenham has appeared on both Britain's Got Talent and The Voice over the past two weeks, increasing tensions further in the ongoing Simon Cowell/BBC talent show battle.
On Britain's Got Talent, Fredenham was a star act. She brought Amanda Holden to tears. Standard. Simon Cowell described her voice as sounding like "liquid gold". I think that means he believes he can make money out of her. And David Walliams took a moment out of playing Carry On Camping with Cowell to get all serious and labelled Alice "a goddess".
All meek, nervous and teary, but with a sultry vocal performance of 'My Funny Valentine' up her sleeve, she was an obvious 'four yes' candidate from the first couple of notes (if the backstage sob story hadn't already given a few clanging...
On Britain's Got Talent, Fredenham was a star act. She brought Amanda Holden to tears. Standard. Simon Cowell described her voice as sounding like "liquid gold". I think that means he believes he can make money out of her. And David Walliams took a moment out of playing Carry On Camping with Cowell to get all serious and labelled Alice "a goddess".
All meek, nervous and teary, but with a sultry vocal performance of 'My Funny Valentine' up her sleeve, she was an obvious 'four yes' candidate from the first couple of notes (if the backstage sob story hadn't already given a few clanging...
- 4/22/2013
- Digital Spy
It's tempting to think that Barbara Windsor's well deserved status as one of Britain's best loved screen icon's was sealed the moment her bikini pinged across a scandalised campsite in what must surely be considered one of the defining Carry On moments. The scene, from Carry On Camping (1969), is a cheeky instance of the series' unmistakably British brand of naughty fun and, as with much of Windsor's career, it's hard not to smile to yourself when recalling it. Whilst something of the bikini busting little blonde who's playfully coquettish presence became so integral to the Carry On films will always be a part of the Babs brand her remarkable career came to be defined by far more than flying swimwear.
Read more »...
Read more »...
- 12/29/2012
- by CineVue UK
- CineVue
Sightseers
Stars: Alice Lowe, Steve Oram, Eileen Davies, Richard Glover, Monica Dolan, Jonathan Aris, Richard Lumsden | Written by Alice Lowe, Steve Oram | Directed by Ben Wheatley
Kill List director Ben Wheatley returns with his latest opus, Sightseers, a very British black comedy which is penned by its stars Alice Lowe and Steve Oram and tells the story of Chris (Oram) who wants to show Tina (Lowe) his world and he wants to do it his way – on a journey through the British Isles in his beloved Abbey Oxford Caravan. Tina’s led a sheltered life and there are things that Chris needs her to see – the Crich Tramway Museum, the Ribblehead Viaduct, the Keswick Pencil Museum and the rolling countryside that accompanies these wonders in his life. But it doesn’t take long for the dream to fade. Litterbugs, noisy teenagers and pre-booked caravan sites, not to mention Tina’s meddling mother,...
Stars: Alice Lowe, Steve Oram, Eileen Davies, Richard Glover, Monica Dolan, Jonathan Aris, Richard Lumsden | Written by Alice Lowe, Steve Oram | Directed by Ben Wheatley
Kill List director Ben Wheatley returns with his latest opus, Sightseers, a very British black comedy which is penned by its stars Alice Lowe and Steve Oram and tells the story of Chris (Oram) who wants to show Tina (Lowe) his world and he wants to do it his way – on a journey through the British Isles in his beloved Abbey Oxford Caravan. Tina’s led a sheltered life and there are things that Chris needs her to see – the Crich Tramway Museum, the Ribblehead Viaduct, the Keswick Pencil Museum and the rolling countryside that accompanies these wonders in his life. But it doesn’t take long for the dream to fade. Litterbugs, noisy teenagers and pre-booked caravan sites, not to mention Tina’s meddling mother,...
- 11/26/2012
- by Phil
- Nerdly
To celebrate the BFI National Film Theatre's 60th birthday I was invited to a diamond event with a very special guest. But were we just actors in Her Majesty's special film?
It was, in the words of the official invitation, a "double diamond" event. The BFI National Film Theatre on London's South Bank is 60 years old. So is the Queen's reign. BFI officials, film-makers and journalists were therefore requested by BFI chair Greg Dyke to come to the film theatre itself, where Her Majesty herself would be in attendance, and we would watch a newly restored 1953 3D film called Royal Review made at the time of the Coronation. This was going to be the last hurrah for the Jubilympic spirit of 2012.
We milled uncertainly around in the Benugo riverfront bar before the royal arrival. A pianist plinked a subdued sort of dinner jazz while we sipped tea, as if at a funeral.
It was, in the words of the official invitation, a "double diamond" event. The BFI National Film Theatre on London's South Bank is 60 years old. So is the Queen's reign. BFI officials, film-makers and journalists were therefore requested by BFI chair Greg Dyke to come to the film theatre itself, where Her Majesty herself would be in attendance, and we would watch a newly restored 1953 3D film called Royal Review made at the time of the Coronation. This was going to be the last hurrah for the Jubilympic spirit of 2012.
We milled uncertainly around in the Benugo riverfront bar before the royal arrival. A pianist plinked a subdued sort of dinner jazz while we sipped tea, as if at a funeral.
- 10/25/2012
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
The news of the BBC’s axing of Shooting Stars is incredibly sad for long-time fans of the surreal panel show fronted by Vic and Bob. While it’s probably fair to say that recent episodes were becoming a little stale, they were still punctuated by moments funnier than anything else on TV. If this is indeed the definitive end of the show, it’s a very sad day for fans of Vic and Bob’s unique style of comedy.
I’d also have to ask the BBC why Shooting Stars is the first show to go and not all the guff they shove out onto BBC Three….. But that’s another matter. We can only hope that with Shooting Stars being seen as redundant by the BBC, Vic and Bob will go onto bigger and better things and become inspired to do something a little different.
Join us as...
I’d also have to ask the BBC why Shooting Stars is the first show to go and not all the guff they shove out onto BBC Three….. But that’s another matter. We can only hope that with Shooting Stars being seen as redundant by the BBC, Vic and Bob will go onto bigger and better things and become inspired to do something a little different.
Join us as...
- 11/16/2011
- by Stephen Leigh
- Obsessed with Film
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
Ok, so we’ve had another – albeit much lower key – royal wedding this weekend, as the Queens granddaughter Zara Phillips wed her Rugby captain boyfriend Mike Tindall…so I’m feeling all patriotic again and want to let you know what I believe are the 10 Greatest British films of all time!
Us Brits produce a diverse range of films these days, covering anything from psychological horror to mushy romantic comedies via gripping wartime thrillers and tense emotional dramas. And by George, we do it blooming well at times! So in honour of celebrating all that is spiffing about this glorious nation of ours, here’s what I consider to be the 10 greatest British films of all time…
10. The Lavender Hill Mob (1951)
Combining hilarious madcap comedy with thrills and suspense aplenty, this Ealing film is exactly what comedy is about. One of the films that helped give the studio a name for itself,...
Us Brits produce a diverse range of films these days, covering anything from psychological horror to mushy romantic comedies via gripping wartime thrillers and tense emotional dramas. And by George, we do it blooming well at times! So in honour of celebrating all that is spiffing about this glorious nation of ours, here’s what I consider to be the 10 greatest British films of all time…
10. The Lavender Hill Mob (1951)
Combining hilarious madcap comedy with thrills and suspense aplenty, this Ealing film is exactly what comedy is about. One of the films that helped give the studio a name for itself,...
- 8/4/2011
- by Stuart Cummins
- Obsessed with Film
Updated through 5/17.
Let's note right off the top, first, that the title's derived from the director's misspelling of "Police" and that the final "e" has been dropped for the English-language version. And second, that critics are split. We'll start with pan but work our way up.
"Polisse, a self-important French police procedural that feigns complexity while relishing in cliché, could very well be the worst film I see at Cannes this year," predicts Glenn Heath Jr at the House Next Door. "Supposedly based on the true stories of the Parisian Child Protective Unit, director Maïwenn Le Besco's film abrasively documents the professional and personal lives of the special police force tasked with arresting those who prey on the young…. As a social mosaic, Polisse is an insulting simplification of truly horrific issues like child rape and sex trade."
More predictions, these from Jonathan Romney in Screen: "It should flourish in France,...
Let's note right off the top, first, that the title's derived from the director's misspelling of "Police" and that the final "e" has been dropped for the English-language version. And second, that critics are split. We'll start with pan but work our way up.
"Polisse, a self-important French police procedural that feigns complexity while relishing in cliché, could very well be the worst film I see at Cannes this year," predicts Glenn Heath Jr at the House Next Door. "Supposedly based on the true stories of the Parisian Child Protective Unit, director Maïwenn Le Besco's film abrasively documents the professional and personal lives of the special police force tasked with arresting those who prey on the young…. As a social mosaic, Polisse is an insulting simplification of truly horrific issues like child rape and sex trade."
More predictions, these from Jonathan Romney in Screen: "It should flourish in France,...
- 5/17/2011
- MUBI
We're seeing more and more comic books and graphic novels being adapted for the big screen and, even with varied results at the box office, the trend shows no sign of stopping.
This is largely because established titles come with a devoted fanbase while newer publications are akin to film storyboards that give studios a clear visual idea of the project.
Only recently I have twice reported on a number of comics that are being picked up by film bosses, and you can see those round-ups here and here.
I talked about the craze to comic book writer and artist Al Davison, who runs The Astral Gypsy graphic novels shop and art studio in the Canal Basin here in Coventry.
Al's been writing and drawing comics for 25 years. He is working on the Doctor Who comic (as seen in the image pictured right), which was launched in July, and recently...
This is largely because established titles come with a devoted fanbase while newer publications are akin to film storyboards that give studios a clear visual idea of the project.
Only recently I have twice reported on a number of comics that are being picked up by film bosses, and you can see those round-ups here and here.
I talked about the craze to comic book writer and artist Al Davison, who runs The Astral Gypsy graphic novels shop and art studio in the Canal Basin here in Coventry.
Al's been writing and drawing comics for 25 years. He is working on the Doctor Who comic (as seen in the image pictured right), which was launched in July, and recently...
- 11/13/2009
- by David Bentley
- The Geek Files
We're seeing more and more comic books and graphic novels being adapted for the big screen and, even with varied results at the box office, the trend shows no sign of stopping.
This is largely because established titles come with a devoted fanbase while newer publications are akin to film storyboards that give studios a clear visual idea of the project.
Only recently I have twice reported on a number of comics that are being picked up by film bosses, and you can see those round-ups here and here.
I talked about the craze to comic book writer and artist Al Davison, who runs The Astral Gypsy graphic novels shop and art studio in the Canal Basin here in Coventry.
Al's been writing and drawing comics for 25 years. He is working on the Doctor Who comic (as seen in the image pictured right), which was launched in July, and recently...
This is largely because established titles come with a devoted fanbase while newer publications are akin to film storyboards that give studios a clear visual idea of the project.
Only recently I have twice reported on a number of comics that are being picked up by film bosses, and you can see those round-ups here and here.
I talked about the craze to comic book writer and artist Al Davison, who runs The Astral Gypsy graphic novels shop and art studio in the Canal Basin here in Coventry.
Al's been writing and drawing comics for 25 years. He is working on the Doctor Who comic (as seen in the image pictured right), which was launched in July, and recently...
- 11/13/2009
- by David Bentley
- The Geek Files
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.