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Sleepin_Dragon
On the radar:
TV series,
-Bugs
-Van Der Valk
-To The Manor Born
-The Rag Trade
-Inspector Alleyn Mysteries
-Last of The Summer wine.
Movies,
-Vivarium
-In Time.
-Casablanca
-Lawrence of Arabia
-The Godfather II
-Schindler's list
-Goodfellas
Reviews
Agatha Christie: Lucy Worsley on the Mystery Queen (2022)
A look at the life of Agatha Christie.
In this three part BBC documentary series, Lucy Worsley examines the life and work of The Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie.
It's a well balanced series, with enough focus on her personal life and works. The first two episodes spend most of its time looking at her marriage, family and disappearance, the third really does explore many of her greatest works.
Lucy gives lots of personal opinions, and does see things I'd say from her own point of view, but I appreciate that she's a fan of Christie, and you can see that she loves her work. I like Lucy's presentation, she's amiable, and there are some interesting interviews.
I'm sure it's not going to be for everyone, but as a lover of Christie, I found it a respectful, interesting look into her life, I can't say I learned anything new, bit it showed me how much her work was influenced by her private life.
8/10.
Agatha Christie: Lucy Worsley on the Mystery Queen: Unfinished Portrait (2022)
An interesting conclusion.
Lucy Worsley spends time looking into Agatha's live following her marriage to Max, The Second World War, and some of her best loved works.
I'm glad that Lucy spent so much of this episode focusing on some of my favourite books, interestingly she delves into thr history of And then there were none, for my money this is the best book of all time, she discusses the original name, and its impact, the setting etc, I can't believe it took until 1986 for it to change.
Lots of time spent discussing another favourite, Death on The Nile, amazing to realise how much her personal life impacted her writing, you can see that here.
The story of Curtain was fascinating, as was the insight into The Mousetrap.
It's a real reminder of why The Queen of Crime's work is still loved the whole world over.
8/10.
New Tricks: In Vino Veritas (2014)
An intriguing mystery.
The UCOS team investigate the death of a pub landlord, who's body was found after a fire at his pub, top suspect is illegal Turkish immigrant, barmaid Asye Ersoy.
A pretty good story, with an interesting plot, good set of suspects, and a couple of amusing moments. Full of intrigue, and it's one of those episodes where the killer could have been one of about five or six possibles, you are made to wait until the end.
I have to get the minor irritation off my chest, Danny, Lyndhurst was fantastic in the previous episode, he was actually given a good script, and performed, here though he was back to being Captain know it all, he was so irritating, is there anything he wasn't an expert as, it's too much, fruit machines, football, civil wars, the list goes on.
Two cracking performances, Niamh Cusack and Phil Davies, two truly brilliant actors, both really delivered.
A good episode, 7/10.
Bad Education: Trailblazer (2023)
The lowest point of Series 4.
It's Stephen's birthday, and class K have forgotten it, in a bid to remain relevant, he goes to extreme measures to prove he hasn't lost it, and is still a trailblazer.
Ouch, this was a truly torturous watch, as far from the original, edgy funny show as possible. It was a thirty minute comedy show, that had zero funny moments, all this is going to do is remind people of what it used to be.
The only thing that deserved a bonfire here, was the script, it was about as funny as..... setting fire to Pride and prejudice, and ....The Bible perhaps?
I'm not sure who on Earth this drivel would appeal to, but getting through this was hard work.
1/10.
Last of the Summer Wine: The Changing Face of Rural Blamire (1975)
Finally Blamire gets some funny lines.
Feeling that they have too much time on their hands, Compo, Cleggy and Blamire seek employment, as door to door salesmen with Shinyglow products.
I thought this was quite a funny watch, some nice one liners, and all of the characters put to good use. It was really nice to see Blamire being used in a conical way, Bates was an excellent actor, but was always overlooked when it came to the funny lines, Compo got the best deal at this stage.
Several laughs throughout this one, I thought the scene with the van was funny, then the face.
Gerald James who plays Oswald Green really does steal the show as the dodgy Welsh entrepreneur and businessman, you could just imagine him having a case packed ready, with tools and essentials, should a problem arise.
I love the idea that companies like ShinyGlow existed, selling door to door, it's hard to imagine now.
7/10.
Crown Court: Conspiracy: Regina v Luckhurst and Sawyer: Part 1 (1972)
Fulchester is certainly a crime hot spot.
The Honourable Mr. Justice Waddington hears the case against Trevor Luckhurst and Jill Sawyer, a Journalist and student respectively, who are accused of setting of an explosion at IWS.
It wasn't the episode I was expecting, maybe Talking Pictures are transmitting them in a different order?
Definitely an interesting case, is it possible that a young couple could have been guilty of such a dangerous act? It's well written, well acted, and it's actually quite an intriguing plot.
In spite of Mr Justice Waddington's plea for calm, I am half expecting the onlookers to get a little rowdy here.
I did enjoy the evidence of Arthur Bell, he was certainly an interesting character, clearly not a fan of students.
Pretty good, 6/10.
Rebus: The Black Book (2006)
A very strong start to series three.
Rebus investigates the death of a young woman, who's body is found buried in the same place as one from years before, he is made to work alongside DI Dalcastle, the pair don't hit it off.
A cracking start to series three, I thoroughly enjoyed this episode, there is so much going on. We have Rebus forced to work with an equal, he's angry because he's been dumped, and because he's made to go to therapy, some of Ken Stott's acting here was first rate.
It's a great mystery, it truly works as a whodunnit, in that you're given lots of clues and hints, but you are made to wait until the end to learn the identity of the killer.
I liked that we got to learn more about Siobhan, I thought Claire Price was terrific here.
Excuse the ignorance, but the filming locations used are breathtaking, truly incredible.
8/10.
Agatha Christie: Lucy Worsley on the Mystery Queen: Destination Unknown (2022)
Christie's biggest mystery.
Lucy Worsley takes a look into one of Agatha Christie's biggest mysteries of all, not a book, but the events surrounding her mysterious disappearance.
It's a more intriguing episode than the first, perhaps that's just my interest in her disappearance. I'm not sure we'll ever know exactly what happened to her, despite The Daily Mail article, but a few theories are spun here, Edgar Jones puts forward an interesting theory about Agatha being in a fugue state, personally I've always wondered if she wasn't playing the part as research for a book, I'm sure we will never know.
Plenty of interesting insights into mental health treatments at the time, fortunately methods have developed somewhat.
More fascinating footage and images, it really does transport you back in time. Some amazing, personal issues of Agatha with her family.
One interesting observation Lucy makes, about the change in Poirot, his move from physical clues to a more psychological approach, and that is definitely true in the timeline.
It makes me want to read The Mystery of The Blue Train.
8/10.
The Edgar Wallace Mystery Theatre: Game for Three Losers (1965)
Well acted, just lacking any sort of intrigue.
Successful businessman and Politician Robert Hilary thinks he has it made, a great career, which is about to take off, a happy marriage, and interest in his new secretary, Frances Challinor.
A decent episode, I can't say I was totally struck by the events of Game for Three Losers. Well acted and watchable, but lacking in intrigue and suspense, it plays out like a late night B Movie, it doesn't have the usual twists and turns, it needed a few twists and turns.
It's quite hard to have sympathy for any of the characters, all three are pretty awful, Hilary is two faced and entitled, Marchant and Challinor are greedy blackmailers, throw the book at all three of them.
Toby Robins, Mark Eden and Michael Gough are all good value, the script just seemed to lack a bit of bite, a bit of passion.
6/10.
Last of the Summer Wine: Who's That Dancing with Nora Batty Then? (1975)
Those stockings will live forever.
Two new Librarians, Miss Probert, and Miss Jones commit to cleaning up The Library, Compos young neighbour, Gloria, is about to emigrate to Australia.
It's another very fine, amusing episode, it this perhaps the moment where we learn if Compo's love and obsession with Nora Batty's legs and wrinkled stockings, that was such a funny scene.
Series two really has started off with two very fine episodes, the humour is so different to the brand that followed for many years, a little more rugged in tone, a little more cheeky. Not the only piano sequence on the show, Blamire wasn't my favourite character, but his turn was amusing.
I loved Jack Woolgar's performance as grumpy Lollipop man, Shep, you can't imagine he was the most effective of public servant.
Pretty funny, 7/10.
Last of the Summer Wine: Forked Lightning (1975)
If legs weren't joined in the middle, we couldn't ride a bicycle.
Norman is having a few problems with his bike, injuring himself more than once, he aims to take it back to the place he purchased it from, but that was back in 1946.
It's quite different to the episodes from the first series, it's still charming, funny and sweet, but there's a bit more in terms of physical humour, this is definitely something that would be further developed as time went on.
Forked Lightning is always going to be best known for that bicycle sequence, and it's a cracking, very funny moment. Fair play to the trio of actors for being on the bike together. Several funny moments throughout, Ivy posing in the mirror one of the highlights.
Look out for Gordon, Kenneth MacDonald of course better known for his roles in Only Fools and Horses and It ain't 'alf hot mum. Maybe John Comer steals the show as Sid? So good here.
Great start to the second series.
8/10.
New Tricks: Romans Ruined (2014)
Hunting for a posthumous killer?
Bodybuilder Mark Rix is believed to have died of steroid abuse, a sword is found in his lockup, which the UCOS team believe was used to kill someone, had Rix killed someone before he died.
I had a feeling this was going to veer off into a bizarre direction, but after ten minutes or so, it really gets on track, and becomes another very high quality episode from this improving penultimate series.
A very pleasing plot, with several twists and turns, the outcome was totally unexpected.
It's a great episode for Danny, Lyndhurst was definitely the standout here, I was perhaps a little slow to take to Danny, and he'd definitely a smarty pants once again, but Lunch is truly terrific here.
A strong supporting cast, Liz White and Tracy Anne Oberman were excellent, I hope we get to see that latter again.
8/10.
The Edgar Wallace Mystery Theatre: The Main Chance (1964)
Another great mystery, full of twists and turns.
Disgraced ex RAF pilot Michael Blake is employed by a wealthy businessman to smuggle goods to The Continent, forced into the situation by gambling debts, Blake tries to turn the situation to his advantage.
Another cracking episode from this fifth series, it really has felt as though it's hit its stride, there was a real sense of cleverness to this plot.
At times it felt a little more Avengers than Wallace, that wealthy businessman, all of that wild computer equipment, and the techy ending, definitely away from the usual format, but full of the usual twists and turns, there were perhaps more here than usual.
Very well acted, some excellent performances all around, the standout was of course lead actor Edward de Souza, he was terrific as Blake. Gregoire Aslan was equally good as Potter, it's interesting to see which of them has the last laugh.
Thoroughly enjoyable. 8/10.
Death in Paradise: Episode #12.4 (2023)
Finally Naomi gets a strong storyline.
Naomi travels to the island of St Barnaby's for her best friend Monique's wedding, the ceremony is interrupted when Monique's estranged mother Odette turns up.
Very good once again, both the writing and production teams have really delivered so far this series, this was well plotted, well paced, and managed to develop one of the team. I enjoyed the different setting, it had a different flavour.
Finally, a story for Naomi, and a chance to learn more about her, and see more from her, she's been good so far, but I don't think we've had much chance to fully connect with her, this episode goes a long way towards addressing that, I thought she came across very strongly, putting Neville into the backseat for a change.
Even with Naomi centre stage, it was Darlene once again who I loved watching, what another great performance from her, I am loving the dynamic between her and Marlon.
A few questions we didn't get answers to, Neville's former colleague is on the island, but we still don't know why, what impact will Selwyn's visitor have on him.
Very good.
8/10.
The Heart Surgeon (1997)
A fine watch, with a great performance from Nigel Havers.
Top Heart Surgeon Doctor Alex Marsden is placed in a bizarre situation, when he's called on to operate in his best friend Larry, it just so happens he's having an affair with Larry's wife Marcella.
I really did enjoy this BBC production, at just over two and a half hours it was quite a long TV drama, but I'm glad I stuck with it, because it was defined worthwhile. An intriguing enough story, with some fine characters, and a curious plot.
It's surprisingly well paced, it moves by very quickly, and is entertaining from start to finish. It's full of tension, it builds well, and if course there's the big moment.
I watched an Edgar Wallace film only yesterday, called Never mention murder, in which a Surgeon gets his wife's lover on the operating theatre, I applauded its originality, this almost feels like a similar storyline, one I really do like.
Nigel Havers is excellent as the hard to like Surgeon, very well supported by Orla Brady and Lorcan Cranitch.
7/10.
Father Brown: The Beast of Wedlock (2023)
....'they found white fur near the body.'
A woman claims to have been attacked by a giant, wild cat, similar to a snow leopard or white tiger.
First off, an opening scene thst took me back to The Crimson Feather, this time it's a semi naked hunky man, not the usual opening you see on the show.
It's been ages since Father Brown had any dealings with a Vicar, a theme seldom explored. This was definitely an interesting storyline, with lots of plus points, and a couple of detractors.
Lots of curiosity and intrigue, everyone is wondering if a wild cat is on that lose or not, and there's a murderer to pursue.
Not perhaps the best episode so far this series, but then the standard has been very high so far, still it was a pretty good watch overall.
On the debit side, I thought Brenda and Mrs Devine were a little too Scooby doo, just needing a magnifying glass to complete the setup.
Some nice characters, I really did like The Duchess, and Sam, both were interesting. Sam's link to Father Brown's past added a new layer.
Light hearted intrigue.
7/10.
SAS Rogue Heroes: Episode #1.4 (2022)
Who dares wins.
Stirling is keen to carry on with the mission, in spite of the knowledge that German and Italian forces are now waiting for their attack, he also rules up Paddy Mayne, brining out his competitive side.
Once again, I found myself absolutely captivated, and really surprised at just how good this show is, another truly excellent episode, which will of course be remembered for one big scene in particular.
That big moment, when it comes is quite shocking, it serves as a reminder of just how terrible this war was, the cost of human life was huge. Truly excellent storytelling, those fight sequences looked terrific.
Alfie Allen was awesome, I loved Jock's story, especially the romance.
The choice of music throughout, thru absolutely nailed it, such random choices.
9/10.
The Four Just Men: The Judge (1959)
A condemned woman.
Jean Lawson is arrested and charged for the murder of her husband, her Lawyer calls on the help of Jeff Ryder, but Doctor Chase's evidence against her is strong, as he's well respected.
Jeff Ryder receives a tip off, and springs into action, it's as much a mystery who made the phone call, as to who really killed Lawson.
It features a very good, very dramatic opening sequence, that introduces the story, and leads us straight into the thick of things, pacing is one again a real strength here, it takes almost no time to get going.
There is a definite streak of cleverness in this story, you can definitely see the input of Edgar Wallace.
Richard Conte is excellent once again as Ryder, I also liked Kay Callard's appearance as Jean Lawson.
It's another very good, fast paced episode.
8/10.
The Edgar Wallace Mystery Theatre: Never Mention Murder (1964)
A wonderfully dark and twisted thriller.
Surgeon Philip Teasdale has a Private Detective called Carstairs checking up on his wife, who's having an affair with a younger man, Teasdale gets a big chance to take revenge on his wife and her lover.
Another very fine, very good episode from this penultimate collection. It's a hugely atmospheric, twisted story, one that has several intriguing twists and complications, it's certainly multi layered, crime fans and mystery lovers will find so much to enjoy here.
What a deliciously dark and tempting scenario this is, A Surgeon ending up with his adulterous wife's lover on his operating table, it's an idea I'm surprised I've not seen used elsewhere, it's a great concept. As you watch, you wonder just how far Teasdale is prepared to go.
I'm so used to seeing Dudley Foster as a Detective, or a good guy, how refreshing to see him playing a villain, and he's excellent, you get a real sense of malice and loathing from him.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, 8/10.
Mononoke-hime (1997)
A very impressive watch, it packs a punch.
When I first saw this film in 1997, it was in its original Japanese version, I was blown away by the animation, but found the story a little hard to follow, my second viewing, featured the English voices, and allowed the pieces to come together.
The animation, still looks incredibly fresh, twenty six years old, and still wonderfully detailed, bright and packed with detail, better than anything at the time. The music was equally brilliant.
I am surprised still that it hasn't been adapted into a live action movie, the story is a truly brilliant one, it's entertaining, moving, exciting, but it doesn't at any point preach at the viewer, it isn't heavy handed, but it does deliver a pretty big message.
It's the perfect mix of art and entertainment, a few sequences make me think it's suitable more so for a mature adult, some scenes may be upsetting for younger children.
In terms of the voices, I really liked Claire Danes and Gillian Anderson, I was a bit mixed with Billy Bob Thornton's voice, I'm not too sure it worked with his character.
Overall, it was excellent.
9/10.
Sunset Blvd. (1950)
'Crumbling apart in slow motion.'
Down on his luck writer Joe Gillis is desperate for cash, one day he breaks down outside the home of reclusive silent actress Norma Desmonde, who quickly moves him in, and imagines returning to Hollw8.
My first time watching it, and I was engrossed from start to finish, it's a fascinating film, the storyline crosses several different genres, it's somehow a blend of psychological thriller and horror. You know the conclusion before the film even gets going, the rest of the film is focused on Joe Gillie's journey.
No wonder this film has such an illustrious reputation, it really is a captivating watch. It's haunting, it's a bleak reminder that not every Hollywood career was stars and Oscars, some careers ended up on the scrap heap.
Gloria Swanson delivers an outstanding performance, she should have won The Oscar for it, those eyes and facial expressions, she's fabulous, I loved that Charlie Chaplin sequence. William Holden is equally terrific, I'd say the same applies, Oscar worthy.
The acting is of course, wonderful, but it's also immaculately produced, it's very well presented, and moves along very quickly, it defies its age, made all the way back in 1950.
10/10.
Target: The Corruptors: The Invisible Government (1961)
A case of corruption and pressure.
Paul Marino investigates the death of Senator Finley, who's pushed out of a window after refusing to be pressurised into proposing a piece of legislation offered by corrupt lobbyist Ollie Crown.
A corrupt lobbyist, one who's working on a personal interest, the very idea.
One of the best episodes so far, I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and the acting was excellent. Well made once again, it looked great.
Edmond O'Brien steals the show as Ollie Crown, he is terrific, he commands the screen with his charisma and delivery, great actor. It's a real game of cat and mouse. Plenty of questions, the main one I thought, why on Earth is Ronnie Dale so keen to assist Marino?
This is definitely another very different type of storyline, I was convinced initially that the series was going to focus on Marino taking on all manner of gangsters and racketeers, and whilst there is an element on that, like the previous episode, it offers something different.
7/10.
The Pianist (2002)
It's a captivating film.
Polish musician Wladyslaw Szpillman tries to cope with life in Naxi occupied Warsaw.
I only recently watched Schindler's list, and was so moved, IMDb recommended The Pianist, and I was not disappointed, this was an incredibly powerful, moving, but upsetting movie.
It charts the sequence of events, first the Polish Jews are moved from their homes, robbed, and placed into ghettos, made to wear a star of David, then finally moved into Concentration Camps.
It just amazes me to think how and why these atrocities actually happened, still in living memory for some, surely one of the most shocking times in human history. You see the violence ramp up as the film progresses.
It's an incredibly well made film, it looks terrific, people look very much of that time, surely a consideration the casting director used.
Several things that always stayed with me, someone begging with a corpse laying on the ground that was one moment, another being the elderly man in the wheelchair, harrowing sequences.
I thought Adrien Brody was excellent as Szpillman, a very understated performance, totally sincere, incredibly believable. Ed Stoppard, Frank Findlay, Maureen Lipman and others all so good.
It's a long film, but incredibly rewarding.
10/10.
Dial 999: The Big Fish (1958)
Appointment with A Turf accountant.
Inspector Maguire is out on a case of suspected deception, in which an unknown, brand new horse has romped home to win a race, leaving many out of pocket.
It's one of those episodes that I thought was well made, well produced and well acted, but where I simply didn't care much for the actual story itself. Perhaps those with an interest in betting and race horses will perhaps enjoy a little more.
What I found hard, was that we didn't get to see any victims, so empathising was quite hard, it just didn't really register as much of a crime. I found it a little bit slow to watch, but it certainly looked good.
Daisy May, whoever heard of a Racing horse called Daisy May, I kept picturing some kind of seaside old nag.
Jane Hylton was pretty good as Ruth Harrison, a good actress I've seen several times before, but the real enjoyment came from seeing Irene Handl, if only she'd been the main focus, it may have been a whole lot more interesting.
5/10.
The Adventures of Sir Lancelot: The Ferocious Fathers (1956)
Behold the first arthritic sword fight ever televised.
King Arthur issues Sir Lancelot with his first mission, he is sent to assist Urgan the Strong, who's castle is under siege from the forces of Sir Melius the Mighty.
I'm trying to keep in mind that this was made back in 1956, and was clearly made for a young audience, but it is very clunky. Some of those action sequences are quite shocking, the final one had me hiding behind a cushion, for all thr wrong reasons. It almost feels like an amateur dramatics production.
The storyline is fairly decent, and it's good to see Sir Lancelot having his first mission, but the most interesting thing seems to have been what Brian was cooking up in that pot.
I am still enjoying William Russell's performance as Sir Lancelot, he has always been a forthright, good actor, one that delivers his lines with sincerity, and he is good here, sadly some of the accompany acting is a little questionable, and at times veers into hysterical.
4/10.