p-halley Reviews

Driving Ambition (1984– )

Very memorable series !

[10/10 · 18 March 2018]

I was only around 13 at the time this aired, but low and behold, i've just found all 8 ep's on YT !!!

White Cargo (1973)

In response to Egham 1

[31 March 2010]

Imogen Hassall died in 1980. The film is a typical account of early 70's British 'comedy' in the same genre or style as Rentadick (Richard Beckinsale) and Tiffany Jones (Ray Brooks). I enjoy these films foremost because of the era they were made in, i.e. not the plot/acting abilities or other normal qualities sought after in a film.The surrounding scenery and buildings/cars act as a filmed portrait of 'how Britain looked then'-quite a lot more uncluttered and somewhat simpler way of life. I also enjoy seeing well known household names in the beginnings of their careers.To me these odd movies are equally as watchable, if not more so than the popular hit movies/t.v series which will be repeated for ever more. Another odd film like these is The Strange Case of the End of Civilisation as we know it (John Cleese/Arthur Lowe). What these offbeat films do is show the viewer a somewhat different side to an actor that you may think you already know well, from their well-known creations.

Up Jumped a Swagman (1965)

A Must See for 'Classic' '60's films!!!!!!!!!

[10/10 · 3 September 2007]

If you like Richard Wattis or Bryan Mosley(Alf Roberts), not forgetting the lovely Annette Andre(Pre Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased), then this film is for you.Suzy Kendall is good but she doesn't really appear as much as Annette A. Some surreal moments are well interspersed-a rare thing these days. If you like 'Smashing Time' or 'The Sandwich Man' then this is in a similar vein but very different at the same time.You have to see the film to know what I mean as it's a tricky one to describe. Frank Ifield is pretty striking and it's pretty obvious that this was intended to be his 'Good career move'up the showbiz ladder. Again, like the films I've compared this to we're in the 'No Longer Politically Correct' genre so you'll be VERY hard pressed to spy it on the box!!!!!!!! If you can get a copy of this you'll be impressed.Generally though, any film with Richard Wattis in seems to be a good bet!

What's Good for the Goose (1969)

Released versions cut compared to T.V. version?

[8/10 · 27 August 2007]

Hopefully I can get the attention of another fan of the film, although looking at all the negative reviews of it I somehow doubt it possible. Anyway, here goes. Is it me or is the bedroom scene with Sally G cut when compared to the version Channel 5 shown, late at night, sadly over 20 years ago????? As a teenager I remember being shocked by her going topless in bed with old Norman but that segment isn't on the DVD or any of the vids. If someone can clarify this I'd be most grateful!(surprised nobody else has noticed this). I do like the film and I am a big fan of Norman (Seen him Live twice), but I think the reason it works for me is that I don't expect him to be Pitkin.I really do see him as a different character here, unlike most of his other more popular films. Reading between the lines, most of the 'reviewers'(Who slate the film) seem to want him to be like his stereo-typical clumsy little fool.Wasn't he allowed to break out of that millstone for just one film?????????? Where the film probably winds people up is when Norman slips in little bits of Pitkin into the Mr Bartlett character; this is confusing some disappointed fans who expect the rest of the usual package and get a Peter Stringfellow mix.

Swedish Wildcats (1972)

Can the Belly-dancers real identity be confirmed?

[5/10 · 25 July 2007]

I recently bought this film as it seemed an intriguing title when teamed up with Diana Dors-my mind was boggling! However, I was even more mind boggled when what seemed the spitting image of Arlene Philips from Dance X fame appeared as a topless Bellydancer an hour into the film.The credit at the end is Simara Wale but is this just a stage name for this film? If anyone can confirm or deny this I'd much appreciate it. The sound taken from the master is a little worn in places with very noticeable 'pops' and 'cracks' making this film seem a lot older than it actually is. I did enjoy the film though as this is from a bygone era when what you saw was what you got i.e. no falsies or plastic surgery etc.

Alice in Wonderland (1966 TV Movie)

This adaptation is very surreal and very dreamlike!

[10/10 · 14 July 2007]

I'm just writing to disagree with previous comment which complained about Alice's dialogue /expressions not matching upto accepted conversational practices. I think it's obvious that the whole mesmeric quality of this version was intended to portray how things disjointedly happen when you are actually dreaming. Sometimes, you are just observing the bizarre things going on around you (when dreaming)and your thoughts may contact other figures who are there even if your mouth isn't actually doing anything.

Basically, when dreaming anything can happen, so to knock this adaptation because it wasn't made like any other prog' following conventional methods is pretty crass.

If you want a pretty accurate portrayal of what a dream 'could' look like on the screen then this is a very good attempt. Also, to get all these seasoned players together in one film is a fine achievement-Peter Cook steels the show for me!

Educating Marmalade (1982–1983)

WHEN will the masters be put on DVD?

[10/10 · 20 January 2007]

I have to say I agree with the previous comment entirely. (I've got 'How Do You Want Me and think it's a masterpiece although Charlotte sadly doesn't look her normal self, which is understandable) The big problem is though; why can't we still see all these Thames gems. Hopefully one day Network could make these available as they're doing a brilliant job with other old Thames programmes. I just hope the originals still exist. At least all the Worwel Gummidges are available-my kids love 'em and they bring back great memories for me too. Did you know her sister is frequently in Tracy Beaker (Kam) and appeared in Bottom many years ago in one 'ep?

I Am a Groupie (1970)

A pretty moving film although the box wrongly labels it a 'funny'!

[8/10 · 3 January 2006]

Just saw this for the first time recently and was very impressed as this theme hasn't been tackled much really thus resulting in an interesting journey on the 'Groupie Girl's' rocky road ahead. If you like early Seventies films about music of that time this is pretty good and the music isn't the normal cack you come to expect from most of the other late 60's psychedelic films.There's no psychedelia here though apart from a small bit where the 'Groupie Girl' eats some hash in order to dispose of it quickly; this resulting in her REALLY dropping out man,but,luckily saving her bacon in the process-you'll have to see the film. I found the bit where one of the roadies' vans crashes straight into a stationary tipper lorry on the hard shoulder very well done and unexpected at this point in the film.You don't see the point of impact though! The only down side is the price you may well have to pay in order to view this rare gem-it really is rocking-horse s...!

What's Up Superdoc! (1978)

Very interesting if you're remotely into the British "70's" Sex genre

[8/10 · 12 December 2005]

If you'd like to see the leading lady play 4 different parts then this is the film for you! Also see Harry H Corbett play one of the weirdest roles of his career.

Mary Millington appears for about 5 seconds.

Hughie Green says the W----- word about 3 times-unmissable!!!

The film does dip a few times part the way through but definitely gathers pace from halfway onwards.The music is pretty good too.

I'd seen What's Up Nurse and it seemed a typical sexy-70's comedy but this has something extra-spontaneity. See it and you'll never forget it!!! This film is quite easily available on VHS at present but don't be put off by the poor print quality right at the beginning.Only the first 2 or 3 Min's of the Master have suffered the ravages of time as the remainder of the film on my brand new tape seemed as good as any other.

The Plank (1967)

This is a Landmark "Best of British" feel-good mini-film!

[10/10 · 12 November 2005]

I just happened to tape "The Plank" when it was last shown on British terrestrial television (BBC2 5/12/95) and I've held onto this treasure ever since! My family and I love it to bits.We are however die-hard British 50s/60s/and 70/s-silent film fans, e.g. Futtock's End/A Home of Your Own/Rhubarb Rhubarb etc.etc. One of the main appeals of it is that you don't have to listen to it-it's very easy to watch if you've got young kids doing their own thing in the room with you.(they'll look up every now and then and laugh at certain bits). There is now available a DVD of "The Plank" Uncut which comes out at 51 Min's allegedly; this must go some way to outlining it's obvious popularity. I definitely do not prefer the 70's T.V. remake of this as it is so obviously a dumbed down/going through the motions version.The original is the dog's ........! There is however an interesting angle about the re-make and that is several of the original locations have been re-visited so I habitually acknowledge them all each time I view the re-make(Is that sad or good?) Just had to write an uplifting review as the first review doesn't do this justice and is a tad unfair to me.