Gemma Jones stars as Louisa Trotter a cook for the upperclass at a fancy hotel. Very similar in style to 'Upstairs Downstairs' this classic British TV series first aired in 1976.
In this powerful adaptation of the Henry James classic, valued possessions become playing pieces in a terrible battle of wills that can only end badly for all concerned; and one woman’s decision to play by the rules may risk losing the game altogether. Adele Gereth has taken the young, attractive, sensitive and tasteful Fleda Vetch under her wing. Adele is intensely houseproud, particularly of the possessions she has gathered over the years, objects of beauty, paintings and furnishing all of which reside in Poynton, the family home. Adele’s son, Owen, is dangerously close to marrying Mona Brigstock, a woman lacking entirely in class or any respectable sensibility. In young Fleda, Adele sees a potentially more suitable future mistress of the house and inheritor of her life’s work. Mona however, while lacking in character, is far from lacking in backbone. Fleda soon finds herself buffeted by every wind that blows in Poynton, and subject to almost every kind of attention both good and bad. What the future holds is in the lap of the Gods – and they will play perilous games with The Spoils of Poynton. Special Features: Cast Filmographies Henry James Biography Picture Gallery Subtitles
1954 the Malabar Coast. British and Anglo-Indian identities blur when an English-woman with a neglectful husband births a sickly baby. Cotton Mary a hospital aide and moralizing Anglophile who claims her father was a British officer takes over the infant's care and without a word to the mother takes the baby daily to her sister to nurse. Mary moves into the English household taking over more and more duties as she plays on the mother's fatigue and lack of spousal counsel: in eff
Vanity Fair (Dir. Mira Nair 2004): Based on William Thackeray's 1828 novel Vanity Fair introduces Becky Sharp (Reese Witherspoon) a poor but well educated girl born into a 19th-century society offering little in the way of career advancement for women. She becomes a governess for Sir Pitt Crawley (Bob Hoskins) and aims to find a rich husband. True to the novel's tone everyone in Vanity Fair is deliciously devious throughout. Sense & Sensibility (Dir. Ang Lee 1995): Sense and Sensibility is the story of two sisters; pragmatic Elinor (Emma Thompson) and passionate wilful Marianne (Kate Winslet). When their father Henry Dashwood dies by law his estate must pass to the eldest son from his first marriage. Suddenly homeless and impoverished his current wife and daughters find themselves living in a simple country cottage. The two sisters are soon accepted into their new society. Marianne becomes swept up in a passionate love affair with the dashing Willoughby (Greg Wise) while Elinor struggles to keep a tight rein on the family purse strings and to keep her feelings for Edward Ferrars (Hugh Grant) whom she left behind hidden from her family. Despite their different personalities they both experience great sorrow in their affairs but they learn to mix sense with sensibility in a society that is obsessed with both financial and social status. Shakespeare In Love (Dir. John Madden 1998): Triumphant winner of 7 Academy Awards - including Best Picture - this witty sexy smash features Oscar-winning Best Actress Gwyneth Paltrow and an amazing cast that includes Academy Award winners Judi Dench Geoffrey Rush and Ben Affleck! When Will Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) needs passionate inspiration to break a bad case of writer's block a secret romance with the beautiful Lady Viola (Paltrow) starts the words flowing like never before! There are just two things he'll have to learn about his new love: not only is she promised to marry someone else she's successfully impersonating a man in order to play the lead in Will's latest production! A truly can't-miss motion picture event with outstanding critical acclaim to match its impressive collection of major awards - everyone will love this funny behind-the-scenes look at the writing of the greatest love story ever told!
Fall Of The Eagles is a stunning BBC dramatisation of the declining years and final collapse of three of the most powerful European dynasties - the Hapsburgs Romanovs and Hohanzollerns - between the mid 19th century and the end of the First World War. The series focuses on the tempestuous reigns of Emperor Franz Josef of Austria-Hungary Tsar Nicholas II of Russia and Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany...
Agent Jay travels back in time to 1969, where he teams up with a younger version of Agent Kay to stop an evil alien from destroying the future.
The moving tale of a woman trapped between life and death after a fatal car accident.
Based loosely on a true story, Captain Jack is an Ealing-style whimsical comedy-drama about the triumph of everyday eccentrics. Captain Jack (Bob Hoskins) is a Whitby boat captain sick of hearing how the he wants to celebrate his predecessor's "discovery" of the Arctic by recreating his voyage on its 200th anniversary. Jack breaks harbour regulations and finds himself on the run from the Coastguard and Navy, accompanied by a crew of landlubbers including sisters played by Anna Massey and Gemma Jones. Sadie Frost is a passionate young stowaway who has her eye on Aussie Peter McDonald, while making up the party is David Troughton. Back on shore there are entertaining supporting roles for Patrick Malahide, Michelle Dotrice and Maureen Lipman, wife of writer Jack Rosenthal. Rosenthal screenplay isn't especially amusing, but he does manage to pack in all the expected feel-good developments, as well as including appropriate Dracula (1979) and Mutiny on the Bounty (1935) jokes. There's a whale, a pair of polar bears, a storm, lots of bonding and a gruff but warm-hearted sensibility throughout. Another winning piece of entertainment from Yorkshire, the county that gave the world The Full Monty. On the DVD: the only extra is a terribly British trailer, presented non-anamorphically. The main feature however is presented in an excellent 1.77:1 anamorphically enhanced widescreen transfer. The picture is crisp and detailed, with not a blemish anywhere. The stereo sound is everything this kind of film needs without being in anyway spectacular. --Gary S Dalkin
The Remains of the Day is one of Merchant-Ivory's most thought-provoking films. Anthony Hopkins is a model of restraint and propriety as Stevens, the butler who "knows his place"; Emma Thompson is the animated and sympathetic Miss Kenton, the housekeeper whose attraction to Stevens is doomed to disappointment. As Nazi appeaser Lord Darlington, James Fox clings to the notion of a gentleman's agreement in the ruthless political climate before World War Two. Hugh Grant is his journalist nephew all too aware of reality, while Christopher Reeves gives a spirited portrayal of an American senator, whose purchase of Darlington Hall 20 years on sends Stevens on a journey to right the mistake he made out of loyalty. As a period drama with an ever-relevant message, this 1993 film is absorbing viewing all the way. On the DVD: the letterbox widescreen format reproduces the 2.35:1 aspect ratio with absolute clarity. Subtitles are in French and German, with audio subtitles also in English, Italian and Spanish, and with 28 separate chapter selections. The "making-of" featurette and retrospective documentary complement each other with their "during and after" perspectives, while "Blind Loyalty, Hollow Honour" is an interesting short on the question of appeasement and war. The running commentary from Thompson, Merchant and Ivory is more of a once-only diversion. --Richard Whitehouse
The bellringers of Midsomer Wellow are preparing for the local Striking Competition which is due to be hosted at their church. Not everybody sees this as a great honour for the community - some of the villagers find the noise made by the ringers is the bane of their lives. When the bellringer and womaniser Greg Tutt is shot dead Barnaby and Troy are called in to investigate. But what is the motive for the murder; a jealous husband a disgruntled villager or a rival team from the com
To define the 1988 fantasy flick Paperhouse as a mere horror film would be an injustice--although this intelligent and thought-provoking British film is certainly scary in parts. In exploring the world of dreams, director Bernard Rose (Candyman) offers a far more elegant exposition of the subject than the Nightmare on Elm Street school of horror. Based on the novel Marianne Dreams by Catherine Storr, Paperhouse offers a believable cause for its intensified dreamworld: Anna (Charlotte Burke) falls ill with glandular fever--a fever which will blur her understanding of reality and dreams. It is clear from the start that Anna has an overzealous imagination, holding onto her childhood games while her best friend becomes more interested in boys. Before her descent into illness Anna draws the Paperhouse of the title, and it is this house that dominates her dream world. Although the acting is rather hammy and the scenes set in reality are tedious, the true beauty of the film comes from Production Designer Gemma Jackson and Cinematographer Mike Southon, whose talents emerge in the dream sequences. Clearly taking inspiration from the Surrealist movement, Jackson recreates a chilling version of Anna's drawing of the house, full of dark shadows and terrifying noises, that perhaps has more in common with Jan Svankmajer's macabre adaptation of Lewis Carroll's Alice than the innocent childhood offerings of Disney. Ultimately Paperhouse is an exploration of the traumatic transition into adulthood of a young girl on the cusp of her teenage years: at the start of the film Anna "hates boys", but by the end she is sharing her first kiss with Mark, her playmate in the dream world.On the DVD With a 1.66:1 ratio format and Dolby Digital sound the stylistic brilliance of this movie is much easier to see and enjoy than in its previous incarnations on television and video. The special features leave a lot to be desired, though, offering only an unexciting original trailer and four filmographies for the director and the three main adult actresses. --Nikki Disney
Limited-edition blu-ray steelbook. Directed by Neil Jordan (Interview With The Vampire, The Company of Wolves) and starring Gemma Arterton (Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters) and Saoirse Ronan (The Host), Byzantium is a horror fantasy that takes vampire mythology to a new level of modern terror. Upon the wind swept shores of a desolate coastal town stands the Byzantium guesthouse. After years of being abandoned, its doors are about to be opened again by the predatory and seductive Clara (Arterton), who plans on turning the hotel into a brothel, and her young and introverted daughter Eleanor (Ronan). But these mysterious women have a dark secret that goes back 200 years and is about to reach its ungodly and deathly climax.
Bridget Jones' Diary: In the screen adaptation of 'Bridget Jones Diary' Helen Fielding's international best-selling phenomenon documentary filmmaker Sharon Maguire has managed a rare feat: a film as captivating as the novel! Bridget Jones (Renee Zellweger) is a pretty and neurotic thirtysomething ""singleton"" (in her vernacular) who vows to take control of her life after being humiliated by handsome standoffish barrister Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) at her parents' New Year's party. Determined to lose weight and cut back on vices like wine cigarettes and workaholic-alcoholic-misogynistic men Bridget begins a diary to chart her progress. Unfortunately the P.R. executive hits a snag when her boss gorgeous cad Daniel (Hugh Grant) instigates a sexy e-mail flirtation. Despite her tendency to bungle book launch parties and any situation involving the ever-disapproving Mark Darcy Bridget's winning combination of charm vulnerability and wit intrigues not only the seductively dangerous Daniel but also the arrogant barrister. Featuring a note-perfect performance by Zellweger a devilish one by Grant and the inspired casting of Firth (the object of Bridget's lusty fantasies in the book) 'Bridget Jones Diary' is a clever delightful romantic comedy guaranteed to please old fans and win new ones. (Dir. Sharon Maguire 2001) Bridget Jones's Diary 2 - The Edge Of Reason: She's back! The perfect boyfriend the perfect life what could possibly go wrong? Four weeks into her relationship with Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) Bridget Jones (Renee Zellweger) is already becoming uncomfortable. With the reappearance of old flame daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) things are about to get very complicated... (Dir. Beeban Kidron 2004) About A Boy: Growing up has nothing to do with age... Will (Grant) is a 38-year old Londoner living a bachelor lifestyle on the back of royalties earned from a Christmas song penned by his father some years previously. A serial womaniser Will comes up with the idea of attending a single parents group as a new way to pick up women. Inventing a two-year old son for himself he meets lonely bullied schoolboy Marcus (Nicholas Hoult) and his depressed music therapist mother (Toni Collette). The intelligent Marcus soon learns Will's secret and so blackmails him into letting him hang out at his place and watch afternoon telly. However what starts out as an uneasy quiz show watching alliance turns into an unlikely friendship... (Dir. Chris Weitz Paul Weitz 2002)
Titles Comprise: Bridget Jones' Diary (Dir. Sharon Maguire 2001): Bridget Jones (Renee Zellweger) is a pretty and neurotic thirtysomething singleton who vows to take control of her life after being humiliated by handsome standoffish barrister Mark Darcy at her parents' New Year's party. Determined to lose weight and cut back on vices like wine cigarettes and workaholic-alcoholic-misogynistic men Bridget begins a diary to chart her progress. Unfortunately the P.R. executive hits a snag when her boss gorgeous cad Daniel instigates a sexy e-mail flirtation. Despite her tendency to bungle book launch parties and any situation involving the ever-disapproving Mark Darcy Bridget's winning combination of charm vulnerability and wit intrigues not only the seductively dangerous Daniel but also the arrogant barrister. Notting Hill (Dir. Roger Michell 1999): William Thacker (Hugh Grant) is the owner of a bookshop in the heart of Notting Hill in London. One day by a one-in-a-million chance the worlds most famous actress Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) comes into his shop. He watches in amazement as she leaves and he thinks he'll never see her again. But fate intervenes - and minutes later William collides with Anna on Portobello Road. So begins a tale of romance and adventure in London W11. With a little help from his chaotic flatmate Spike (Rhys Ifans) and his friends Max and Bella (Tim McInnerny and Gina McKee) William seeks the face he can't forget.. The Break-Up (Dir. Peyton Reed 2006): After Brooke (Aniston) calls it quits with her boyfriend Gary (Vaughn) neither person is willing to move out of the condo they share. Taking the advice of their respective friends and confidants (and a few total strangers) they both engage in mental warfare designed to force the other person to flee the premises - until they both realize they might be fighting to keep their relationship alive. My Best Friend's Wedding (Dir. P.J Hogan 1997): Roberts' dazzles as commitment-shy Julianne Potter who suddenly realises she is in love with her best friend Michael (Mulroney). There's just one catch - he's about to marry someone else. Now she has to win him back and with just four days the help of her resourceful boss (Everett) and the benefits of an extremely devious mind Jules will do anything to steal him back - except tell him the honest truth! Sleepless In Seattle (Dir. Nora Ephron 1993): Christmas is a magical time when anything can happen. And for Annie Reed (Meg Ryan) a down-to-earth newspaper reporter it's just about to. Whilst driving to her fianc''e's house on Christmas Eve she hears a radio broadcast that will change her life. Eight-year-old Jonah is worried about his recently widowed father and calls a radio station agony aunt. Persuaded onto the phone Jonah's dad Sam (Tom Hanks) tells of his love for his dead wife and how their time together was pure magic. Annie is so touched by his heartfelt sentiment that she becomes determined to meet him. But there are a few problems: Sam's in Seattle Annie's in Baltimore and Sam doesn't even know that Annie exists!
A tribute to John Thaw which includes: 'Inspector Morse - The Dead Of Jericho' in which Morse investigates the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of Anne Stavely. Based on the novel by Colin Dexter. 'Kavanagh QC - Nothing But The Truth' which centres on James Kavanagh who has climbed to the top of his profession as one of the leading criminal advocates in London. He takes on the defence of a student accused of raping a middle-aged housewife. 'Goodnight Mister Tom' finds To
8mm: Nicholas Cage is Tom Welles a surveillance specialist with a modest home-based business. Respected but still waiting for the big break that will improve his professional status Welles spends most of his time on routine cases. Nothing too dangerous nor too threatening - until a case involving a small innocuous-looking plastic reel of film turns Welles' life upside down sending him down a sordid and terrifying path into society's deepest corners. Drifting away from his family life Welles is aided by streetwise Max California (Joaquin Phoenix) as he pursues a bizarre trail of graphic and disturbing evidence to determine the fate of a complete stranger. As his obsession with the case grows Welles enters the seedy world of pornography and sees things beyond his worst nightmares - coming to realise how far-reaching and deadly a small reel of 8mm film can be. Bitter Moon: Roman Polanksi explores the uttermost depths of sexual perversion and experimentation in this erotic drama with more than a hint of black comedy. Nigel (Hugh Grant) and Fiona (Kristin Scott-Thomas) a repressed English couple eager to rekindle their fading marriage by taking a luxury cruise get more than they bargained for. Enroute they meet Oscar (Peter Coyote) a crippled American and his beautiful wife Mimi (Emmanuelle Seigner) who both enthral and appal Nigel with rivetting accounts of their wildly sensuous exploits. Before they reach their journey's end Nigel and Fiona become the unwitting participants in a tragedy with the most extraordinary outcome... Eyes Of Laura Mars: Fashion Photographer Laura Mars (Faye Dunaway) world-renowned for her erotic portraits of transparently-gowned models in settings of urban violence becomes the focal point for a series of bizarre murders. The victims are witnessed by Laura in her mind's eye - as if through the lens of her camera. These terrifying experiences bring Laura together in an intimate relationship with homicide detective John Neville (Tommy Lee Jones) who while unraveling the mystery makes a shocking discovery.
In the screen adaptation of 'Bridget Jones Diary' Helen Fielding's international best-selling phenomenon documentary filmmaker Sharon Maguire has managed a rare feat: a film as captivating as the novel! Bridget Jones (Renee Zellweger) is a pretty and neurotic thirtysomething singleton (in her vernacular) who vows to take control of her life after being humiliated by handsome standoffish barrister Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) at her parents' New Year's party. Determined to lose weight and cut back on vices like wine cigarettes and workaholic-alcoholic-misogynistic men Bridget begins a diary to chart her progress. Unfortunately the P.R. executive hits a snag when her boss gorgeous cad Daniel (Hugh Grant) instigates a sexy e-mail flirtation. Despite her tendency to bungle book launch parties and any situation involving the ever-disapproving Mark Darcy Bridget's winning combination of charm vulnerability and wit intrigues not only the seductively dangerous Daniel but also the arrogant barrister. Featuring a note-perfect performance by Zellweger a devilish one by Grant and the inspired casting of Firth (the object of Bridget's lusty fantasies in the book) Bridget Jones Diary is a clever delightful romantic comedy guaranteed to please old fans and win new ones.
Experience Abba’s extraordinary journey, with this ultimate Limited Edition DVD collectors, and take a journey beyond the glitz and the glamour, to the heart of what made Abba so special. Disc 1: World's Greatest Albums ArrivalThe Arrival album took their song writing and studio achievements to new level. To help tell the story of the making of Arrival, the programme enlists the help of a team of respected music industry figures, including Emma Jones and DJ Mick Brown. Also on hand to analyse the album’s wonderful songs, is gifted musician Neal McArthur who deconstructs the playing style of Benny Anderson. Disc 2: World's Greatest Albums - The Gold SinglesDrawing on rare ABBA performances from TV and film archives around theworld, this is the first ever independent film review of ABBA Gold. The film draws on the reflections of a team of leading critics, musicologists and working musicians to produce the most authoritative and comprehensive review of a landmark in popular music. Disc 3: Rock Milestones - The VisitorsThe Visitors was the final album by the Swedish pop legends and reflects the turbulent emotions the band was going through at the time. Drawing on rare footage of Abba in performance, this penetrating film critically assesses the album. Disc 4 and Disc 5: Abba Rock Case Studies - Part 1 and 2This two part series provides fans of the band with a perfect historical career retrospective. We hear from John Tobler and Jeff Rose, two publicists for the band who give unique insights into what it was like to work with one of the hottest properties the pop industry has ever seen.
Purple Rain: The Special Edition (Dir. Albert Magnoli, 1984): Winner of Grammy and Academy Awards for its pulsating song score, 'Purple Rain' marks the electrifying movie debut of Prince as the Kid, a Minneapolis club musician as alienated as he is talented. The Kid struggles with a tumultuous homelife and his own smouldering anger while taking refuge in his music and his steamy love for sexy Apollonia Kotero. Under The Cherry Moon (Dir. Prince, 1986): Prince takes on his first...
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