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Sleepin_Dragon
On the radar:
TV Shows,
-The Avengers Series 2,
-Van Der Valk,
-Grandma's House,
-The Saint,
-The Army Game,
-Inspector Alleyn Mysteries,
-Last of The Summer wine.
Movies,
-Frenzy,
-Aviator,
-Ray,
-The Man who knew too much,
-12 Years a Slave.
I am truly looking forward to the follow ups to Dune and The Meg, as well as the return of Dr Who.
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It's Dark Outside: Wake the Dead (1964)
More holes than a colander.
Lucian Claud runs a very lucrative business, scamming people who want to contact the dearly departed. After his latest scam, Claud ropes in the help of recently released criminal Swallow, whoa also being interviewed by Alice for an interview.
When I think of Detective shows from the 60's, I have preconceived ideas in my head, so far it's dark outside hasn't gone anywhere near those initial thoughts, until this one that is.
It makes absolutely no sense at all, the plot has some really nice aspects, but ultimately it just doesn't work, so many questions, so many whys and buts.
I did enjoy the seance sequences, they definitely had an early horror vibe to them, worth remembering the choices audiences had at that time.
Patrick Newell is entertaining as always, and again June Tobin delivers another solid performance.
Entertaining fluff, but not a patch on the previous episodes.
6/10.
It's Dark Outside: More Ways of Killing a Cat (1964)
A quality thriller.
It's Swift's birthday, but birthday cheer is in short supply, Rose has bought him a box of liqueur chocolates, and someone has sent him a box containing a detonator, further mishaps occur, it seems someone has a grudge.
What an absolute belter of a story, well ahead of its time, a story that could easily be reinterpreted for today's audiences, but let's be honest, its probably inspired one or two.
Well paced and creative, once again it plays on the antagonism and loathing that exists between Rose and Swift, the pair clearly needle one another, but after this, will things improve?
The ending displays a level of originality, definitely not the fisticuffs finish that I was banking on, it's altogether more subtle.
Kenneth Colley is excellent as Hammond, he's definitely unhinged, June Tobin equally good.
It took something like this for Rose to learn that Swift's first name is John.
Classy.
8/10.
Le lac des morts vivants (1981)
A painful watch.
I definitely have something of a penchant for zombie films of late, so with the good, comes through bad, and they don't come more bad than this one.
The story, residents of a small French town are terrorised by a group of Nazi soldiers, zombie Naxi soldiers.
It's the 1980's, so expect lots of female nudity, some cheesy dialogue and some dubious production values.
The acting, I won't even comment on it, but some of the dubbing and added on voices will have you chuckling away, often during moments of supposed 'horror.'
Not one to be taken too seriously, but I would only advise watching this after a few glasses of rioja, it will at least help with some of of the pain that you will ultimately endure.
3/10.
May December (2023)
A potential aid for insomnia.
A talented actress goes to stay in the family home of a woman she's about to play in an upcoming film. Her presence has a huge impact on all concerned.
On paper, this sounds like a classic, I'm reality, it sucked.
Two hours of my life wasted to this absolute snooze fest, let's make this poing right at the outset, nothing happens, you constantly feel in a state of nausea, desperate for something to wake you up, some shock, some twist, forget it, it's like listening to a dialing tone for two hours.
On the plus side, it's very well acted, Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore are two of my absolute favourites, but the pair are totally wasted here, there's simply nothing either can do to inject life into this dreary yawnathon.
Drab beyond belief.
4/10.
Columbo: By Dawn's Early Light (1974)
A high quality episode.
Colonel Rumford kills Chairman of the board William Haynes after a bitter disagreement, Columbo sets himself up on the base to crack the case. Rumford sets up a young cadet for the murder.
The sheer scale of this episode, it looks and feels wonderful, so authentic, the volume of people, the visuals, it genuinely looks the part.
It's definitely a classic episode, one of my favourites, it is such an original storyline, I've seen nothing else even remotely like it.
Patrick McGoohan delivers a first class performance, he is terrific as Rumford, Peter Falk as always is wonderful, the pair share some great scenes.
The only gripe, there's no way in a military environment, that a Policeman would be given the runaround on a base, and such direct access to a Colonel, not even back in the 70's.
Great story.
9/10.
Benidorm: Episode #6.3 (2014)
Saved by Tacky Jacky.
Martin makes a very raucous return to The Solana, accompanying his best mate Jonty on his stag do. The group make a lot of noise, but Jonty is minted, so pays off Joyce and Mateo, much to the annoyance of the other guests. Tiger once again leads Michael astray.
I can't explain why, but it just doesn't really feel as good as episodes from years gone by. It really is saved by Donald and Jacqueline, their 'act' was an incredibly funny moment, classic Benidorm.
I loved Kenneth's comparison of The Solana to Tenko, that was a funny line. It was good to see Clive and Mick making up, although Tiger really is a menace.
I've missed some of the regulars this series, and it was nice to see Martin back, although Jonty and his mates.....imagine ending up on holiday with them. Martin is definitely more sassy.
Bruce Mackinnon plays the part of Jonty pretty well.
7/10.
Benidorm: Episode #6.2 (2014)
Funny in parts.
Jason arrives at The Solana looking for a bar job, he offers to work free of charge, to prove just how good he is. Tiger ropes Michael into a money making exercise. Mick is released from custody, and keen to get on with his holiday.
The show definitely went up a few notches in terms of campness, as with the previous episode, I don't think you could say it's as funny as previous years, but it has a few good moments, and a couple of laughs. The fight scene between Mateo and Jason is getting on homoerotic, but Joyce's reaction is funny.
Kenneth is definitely starting to overtake, he's becoming the central character.
Really sad to learn that the role of Beverley was meant for Roger Lloyd Pack, Trigger himself.
Philip Oliver put in a good showing, but I am really missing the regular lineup, it needs the likes of Noreen and Gavin, hopefully we'll see them soon.
Maybe not quite so sharp, but still amusing.
7/10.
Benidorm: Episode #6.1 (2014)
Check out those teeth!!
Mateo is delighted to hear about the arrival of Dykes, only it's a family, Clive, Tonya and son Tiger, they're expecting four star luxury. Mick is stopped at customs, suspected of bringing in drugs.
There are quite a few missing faces, but the focus is pretty much on Kenneth, The Garveys and the new arrivals, The Dykes. No Gavin or Troy, no Sam or Trudy,
Maybe not as sharp or funny as it has been, but still has its moments, Donald and Jacqueline provide several laughs, and the whole Herbert story is very amusing, Ken Morley is almost unrecognised as Donald Trump.
The Dykes were a great addition, Perry Benson is always good value, Hannah Waddingham is gloriously talented, Danny Walters certainly added some eye candy.
7/10.
Benidorm: Episode #5.7 (2012)
One of the best cat fights ever.
Joyce is desperate for the hotel to gain a four star rating, she is convinced that glamorous guest Barbara Simmonds is the hotel assessor, every effort is made to make her stay first class. Liam looks for a change in career.
I keep waiting for the quality to drop off, it never has, this is a brilliant end to series five. Some of the scenes in this one were just side splitting.
Best of all, the cat fight between Joyce and Kenneth, I bet the pair had a riot filming it, it's an incredibly funny and ambitious scene. I'm sure Maudsley was actually having dental work done at the time.
Poor Noreen is a little lost without one of her children, she's continually moved on. What next for The Garveys? Young Michael was terrific here.
I'm quite sad that this is the end for Trudie, she's been a fun character, I wish she'd returned.
The sheer brilliance of Kate O'Mara, brilliant as crime writer Barbara Simmonds.
9/10.
The Red King: Episode #1.6 (2024)
A gripping finale.
Grace bas been desperate for answers, eager to learn what exactly is The True Way. The killer is captured, and faces Island justice.
Wow, this was quite something, I hoped for big and bold, and was not disappointed, this was an all guns blazing finale. That conclusion, boy, that was something.
The masks an costumes look terrific, adding a suitably gothic and macabre vibe. Imagine justice being stolen away, it's a thought provoking concept.
Adjoa Andoh has always been a hugely talented actress, but this performance takes some beating, she was absolutely phenomenal here, she held those scenes incredibly well.
For a series outside of the usual mainstream channels, this has been exceptional viewing.
9/10.
The Red King (2024)
A very enjoyable murder mystery series.
After exposing two corrupt colleagues, Detective Grace Narayan is banished to a remote Welsh Islands. No sooner tbab she arrives, she hears of the disappearance of young Cai Pridaux, a year ago, Grace is keen to learn why the case was ignored.
Writer Toby Whithouse certainly has a degree of pedigree, and this series is another shining example of his talent.
Think Midsomer Murders meets The Wicker Man, it's very much a murder mystery, with a group of very strange locals. It held my attention from start to finish.
There are some excellent performances, Anjli Mohindra puts in a first class performance, she does a first rate job. Credit also to Mark Lewis Jones and Adjoa Andoh, the pair are excellent.
Part of me wishes it had actually been filmed in Wales, just to add that little bit of authenticity, although the location filming is tremendous.
Why was this not on one of the 'main' channels, makes no sense.
8/10.
The Red King: Episode #1.5 (2024)
Brilliant penultimate episode.
Grace is enraged when she discovers that Owen and Winter have conducted an illegal search or Gruffudd's house. Grace confronts Gruffudd once again, this time she makes something of a breakthrough.
I'd go so far as to say this was perhaps the best episode to date, talk about a shock ending.
It's become one of those shows, something I simply don't want to come to an end. The intrigue has grown and grown, by the end of this episode we get a very clear new suspect, and perhaps a badge of innocence for a prime suspect.
The acting was tremendous here, Anjli Mohindra once again delivers, but Mark Lewis Jones really does show his class here, what a talented actor he is, a terrific, emotional performance, the standout so far.
I don't want it to end.
9/10.
Old Mother Riley M.P. (1939)
A humorous trip down yesteryear.
Old Mother Riley loses her job as a washer woman, after a disagreement with the management, she finds herself contesting a seat at Westminster, fighting her campaign on a mandate of workers rights.
One of those films that you need to be in the mood for, and if you are, you'll chuckle the whole way through. It's quintessential British humour, with Mother Riley as the underdog, and her former employer playing the villain.
A couple of amusing scenes, and a few interesting moments. Almost a hundred years on, and we're still talking about social injustices, especially at the work place.
Arthur Lucanas always is wonderfully enthusiastic as Mother Riley, the performance is so over the top, it makes Mrs Brown look subtle.
That baby did not look happy during the rally, and you can understand why.
6/10.
Crime Story: Wallpaper Warrior (1992)
Such a bleak story.
The first episode of Crime Story was highly dramatised. Wallpaper Warrior very much keeps towards the trEddie Horner joined a number of colleagues who went on strike, when their employer decided to reduce their wages, the men were all sacked. Eddie teamed up with Paul Standen, the pair decide to commit a series of robberies.
Talking Pictures doesn't half transmit some interesting content, I'd never heard of this show before, from what I can gather, they're dramatisations of real life crimes, almost like an updated in suspicious circumstances.
It's very dry, feels quite factual, it feels like a story from a much earlier time, interesting, an snapshot of how horrendous life was for many people under Thatcher's Tory Government, a time where many had nothing.
Very much Eddie Horner's story, with full focus on him, the entire process, the decline, details of the strike that caused him to lose his job, the bad company he fell in, in the shape of Paul Standen, and the tragedy that followed.
6/10.
Last of the Summer Wine: Getting Sam Home (1983)
Great episode from the show's golden age.
Compo, Clegg and Foggy agree to help their convalescing friend Sam escape the clutches of his domineering wife, to spend a night with his buxom girlfriend Lily Bless her. Sam goes out in style.
I'm sure it's the way Arkwright always dreamed of going out, in the arms of Nurse Gladys Emanuel, Sam does get that wish. I love that she's actually called Lily Bless her.
It's a hilarious episode, one of the show's most memorable and funniest, it's wonderful, a fine example from the show's golden era. It's as cosy as pyjamas, a fire and a hot chocolate on a frosty night.
It has a film like feel to it, it's very nicely filmed and looks great. Lots of the best cast members are here.
There are some hilarious moments, made all the better by the lack of canned laughter. I like that despite it being a a a Christmas special, it isn't festive. The best moment of all, Foggy and the shed, it's laugh out loud funny.
I'm watching the 2023 HD release, and fair play, as with One foot in The Algarve, or looks tremendous, it could have been made yesterday. I don't imagine it looked this sharp in 1983.
10/10.
Inside No. 9: Ctrl Alt Esc (2024)
Ctrl Alt DARK!
Jason and Lynne take their daughter's Millie and Amy to an escape room for some family bonding. Jason is an enthusiast, his family humour him. Time is very short, the family must unite to solve the puzzle.
Boy oh boy this got dark very quickly, surely one of the darker episodes, and that's saying something.
So good, so original, so different, this final series continues to thrill and surprise.
You know there's going to be a twist, only you don't know when or what, when it comes it's a surprise, definitely not what I was expecting, but it really worked.
Very well acted, great to see Katherine Kelly here, someone I make a point of looking out for.
I know I shouldn't be, but I can't help but look ahead and wonder what they've got in store for the finale, will it look back at this show, or another, or will it nod to one their favourites, Dr Who possibly?
I am so excited about the next two episodes.
8/10.
Columbo: Negative Reaction (1974)
Classic episode, the brilliance of Dick Van Dyke helps.
Photographer Paul Galesko plots a fiendishly clever way of killing his domineering wife Frances, and framing a recently released criminal for the crime. Columbo is on the case.
It's a classic episode, and not just because of the presence of the legendary Dick Van Dyke. It's a wonderfully clever storyline, I love the plot, the very cleverness of the killer's plan, the sheer audacity of it.
Intriguing and clever, but also pretty funny too, that scene where the nun assumes Columbo is in need of help, wonderful.
Falk and Van Dyke are tremendous together, loved their scenes, especially that moment where they discuss being in The Ukraine, the troubles, history repeats itself. Finally someone tells Columbo of the irritation he's causing.
Let's be honest, Dick Van Dyke is a joy to watch, what a wonderful actor.
9/10.
George & Mildred: The Dorothy Letters (1977)
George is in trouble.
Mildred insists on having a clear out, she throws out his Teddy boy suit, and rifles through a case of his things, in there she finds letters, personal letters addressed to Dorothy. Geoffrey is worried that Anne may be pregnant.
I've enjoyed this second series, and it's an amusing conclusion. Mildred is totally in love with George, the thought of his straying, the thought of him being passionately in love with another woman, impossible.
I love the moment where the pair go to marriage guidance counselling, we've known it since the off, but this is the first time it's brought to their attention, they have nothing in common. The pair can't wait to twist the knife into one another.
George interrupting Geoffrey's private conversation, so funny, he's as coarse as cow cakes.
I was keen to learn who Dorothy was.
8/10.
Benidorm: Episode #5.6 (2012)
Watching The Detectives.
Madge prepares for a wedding to Mohammed, but young Michael discovers that he's not quite all he claims to be. Joyce is keen to discover who's leaking information to the press about recent mishaps, she enlists Donald and Jacqueline.
A quality penultimate episode from this wonderful fifth series, it really has been the show at its peak, and although it's Madge's wedding, there plenty going on, there's Trudy's prank on poor Sam, there's the surprising discovery of the mole, it's like a Poirot, with all the suspects gathered. We never did get an explanation.
Madge does of course steal the show, that final showdown is very funny.
Janice once again looks amazing, she looks fabulous in that blue dress. I'm not sure I could say the same about Madge's wedding dress, she looks.... indescribable. I dream of Genie indeed.
It's just a shame that we won't be seeing the wonderful face of Dhafer L'Abidine anymore.
Terrific fun.
9/10.
One Step Beyond: The Return of Mitchell Campion (1959)
A thought provoking mystery.
Mitchell Campion arrives on a small Mediterranean Island, he gets annoyed when the locals recognise him, nothing seems or feels familiar to him, until he encounters a beautiful young woman.
Another thoroughly enjoyable episode, there's a degree of mystery about this one, you'll keep watching to learn if it's a case of amnesia or a blow to the back of the head, could it be that the locals are colluding in an outlandish deception. It's definitely a curios tale, you'll sympathise with Mitchell.
That twist at the end worked perfectly, once again it's evidence that this show was way ahead of its time.
Patrick O'Neal absolutely smashes it as the bemused and muddled Mitchell, he plays the part with true integrity, he's perfectly believable.
Knockout episode, one of the best so far.
8/10.
The Rag Trade (1961)
A classic comedy.
Fenner fashions strives to compete in a busy market, the world of fashions. At the head is Fenner, an ambitious business owner, aided by his right hand man Reg, Fenner's work force is led by Paddy, head of the Union.
A high quality comedy from The BBC, one that seems to be fondly remembered. This original series is superior to The LWT remake that followed some years later.
It's bawdy, original and very funny, it holds up incredibly well, there are some genuine belly laugh moments throughout.
I'd like to pick out a standout performer, but they're all wonderful, Miriam Karlin is tremendous as the whistleblowing Paddy, it serves to show the power of The Unions at the time.
If I had to say who I look out for, it's Lily, the diminutive Esma Canon is magical, she's incredibly funny, such a scatty character.
Series one is the best of it, and French Fashions is perhaps the best of them, although there are many highlights.
It's a crying shame that so many episodes are lost, all of series three, bar one, is currently missing, hopefully that will change.
I'll be checking out the LWT series during my summer holidays.
A gem.
8/10.
The Lonely House (1957)
Very much a short stay in Switzerland.
Workmen make a particularly grim discovery, a body found in a barrel of tar, unfortunately further bodies are discovered, Inspector Duggan is once again on the case.
Great twist at the end, and a somewhat unexpected scene for the 1950's.
A little slow to start, despite the wonderfully macabre discovery, but the ending more than makes up for it. I loved the basic idea, and the way it played out.
Inspector Duggan is like Judith Chalmers, a shame he didn't film a travel show, he doesn't half get about, imagine his air miles.
If you get a chance, check out Murder most English, there's an episode called Lonely Hearts, it's a very similar storyline, a very good one, only Brenda Bruce is the target.
One of my favourite episodes so far.
8/10.
The Tyburn Case (1957)
An enjoyable mystery.
Superintendent Reynolds investigates the discovery of a woman's body, found in the tunnels of the underground, he first has to discover her identity, a stitched skirt provides the only decent clue.
A nicely written episode, which sees the story go in an unusual direction, and to a very different destination. It's more like a plot to a 1950's film, with the small budget they'd have had, they did a good job.
Quite a dark story this, the idea of the poor victim being discarded like a piece of rubbish, really quite chilling.
The stock footage was acceptable, and the illusion of The Caribbean bar wasn't too bad.
Not many faces I recognised, apart from Rita Webb and Marianne Stone, but competently acted.
7/10.
Destination Death (1956)
Another interesting mystery.
Inspector Duggan investigates a suspicious death, the body of a man found in a waiting area at an airport.
I thought this was quite an entertaining mystery, I really liked the opening sequence, the idea of a man being found dead at an airport was a really good one, and the concluding sequence on the boat was pretty nice, quite exciting.
The solution was interesting, it explained several how and why questions, it helped piece the mastery together.
The production team did a decent job with this one, I don't for a moment imagine any location filming, but some decent stock footage and the odd sign and left hand drive Citröen help.
Russell Napier is always good value in these, it's always wonderful to see the excellent Roger Delgado.
7/10.
Bullet from the Past (1957)
Highly entertaining.
Inspector Berkeley investigates a present day murder, a crime that is somehow linked to another murder over twenty years ago.
This one has a real classic, old fashioned whodunnit feel to it, more a mystery than a Police procedural, this is perhaps one of the best of these that I've watched so far, I loved the feel of it.
The story is great, and so is the cast, plenty of names here, plenty of comedy actors, Ballard Berkeley is excellent as the Detective, and it's good to see Rita Webb in a more serious role.
Plenty of humour, Gretchen Franklin's opening sequence is amusing, but that moment with Rita Webb's assistant, I was howling.
Small object coming into contact with the brain.....proceeds to wiggle the corpse's toe, that's a scene that needs to be seen to be believed, the amount of forms he'd need to fill in nowadays for doing that.
Plenty of fun.
8/10.