Miss Emmeline Lucas known universally to her friends as Lucia is a dreadful snob but in Miss Elizabeth Mapp of Mallards Lucia meets her match. On the surface they are the most genteel of society ladies but beneath the veneer of politeness and etiquette lies a bitter and seething malice. There is no plan too devious no plot too cunning no depths to which they would not sink in order to win the battle for social supremacy. Using their deadly weapons of garden parties bridge eve
Kevin Costner's lousy English accent is a small obstacle in this often exciting version of the Robin Hood fable. That aside, it's refreshing to have a preface to the old story in which we meet the robber hero of Sherwood Forest as a soldier in King Richard's Crusades, coming home to find his people under siege from the cruelties of the Sheriff of Nottingham (Alan Rickman). After Robin and his community of outcasts and fighters take to the trees, director Kevin Reynolds (Fandango, 187) is on more familiar narrative ground, and he goes for the gusto with lots of original action (Robin shoots two arrows simultaneously from his bow in two directions). Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, as Marion, makes a convincing damsel in distress and Morgan Freeman brings dignity to his role as Robin's Moor friend. Alan Rickman, however, gets the most attention for his scene-chewing role as the rotten sheriff, an almost campy performance that is highly entertaining but perhaps a little out of sorts with the rest of the film. --Tom Keogh
Written by the successful team of John Esmonde and Bob Larbey Ever Decreasing Circles was first broadcast by the BBC in February 1984. Richard Briers Penelope Wilton and Peter Egan star in this popular suburban-set comedy. This box set features all four series of the hit comedy show. Episodes Comprise: 1. The New Neighbour 2. Taking Over 3. A Strange Woman 4. Holiday Plans 5. Vicars and Tarts 6. The Tea Party 7. The Cricket Match 8. A Married Man 9. Housework 10. Snooker 11. Boredom 12. The Psychiatrist 13. The Party 14. Manure 15. One Night Stand 16. House to Let 17. Local Hero 18. The Campaign 19. Cavaliers and Roundheads 20. Relaxation 21. Goodbye Paul? 22. Stuck in a Loft 23. Neighbourhood Watch 24. The Footpath 25. Jumping to Conclusions 26. Half an Office
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves reinvented the legend for contemporary cinema audiences, and in doing so far outstripped at the box office even Kevin Costner's own infinitely superior Dances with Wolves to become the biggest hit of 1991. It's an entertaining enough family adventure film, but plays like a big-budget TV movie with no distinctive flair for action or romance. (Director Kevin Reynolds would reunite with Costner four years later for the equally stodgy Waterworld). If the accents are all over the place, at least Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio makes a Maid Marion of ravishing Pre-Raphaelite beauty. Morgan Freeman is fine as Robin's Moorish sidekick, though, other than to expand the demographic, his character has no business being in the story. Realising that the whole enterprise has the credibility of a pantomime, Alan Rickman outrageously camps up his Sheriff of Nottingham, stealing the film in the process. Costner makes an acceptable hero, though he will never replace Errol Flynn in the definitive The Adventures of Robin Hood. If you can accept explosives in 13th-century England, that the approach to Sherwood Forest is a modern conifer plantation and that the 170 miles from Dover to Nottingham is a matter of a few hours ride via Northumberland, then you may find much to enjoy here. Otherwise an already overlong film has been extended to an excessive 148 minutes in this special edition, making far too much of a not very good thing. On the DVD: Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves is presented as a two-disc set, with a 1.78:1 anamorphic transfer that is generally good looking but with an occasionally soft picture and some evidence of dirt and minor print damage. The Dolby Digital 5.1 remix of the original stereo soundtrack is atmospheric and powerful and shows off Michael Kamen's score to its best. Though presented with 12 minutes of footage not seen in the cinema version, the film still suffers most of the cuts (amounting to 28 seconds) imposed by the BBFC over the years. The main extras are a pair of commentaries: Costner and Reynolds discuss the film in frank and enthusiastic detail, while on a second track Freeman, Slater, writer/producer Pen Densham and cowriter/producer John Watson offer a great deal of insight plus a fair bit of stating the obvious, backslapping and critic bashing. Robin Hood: The Myth, the Man, the Movie (31 mins) is a cut version of a 45-minute TV special originally broadcast in America the night before the premiere, and offers an interesting if brief look at the Robin Hood story plus some routine making-of material. Finally, there is a video of Bryan Adams performing "Everything I Do, I Do It for You" live at Slane Castle and 18 minutes worth of bland electronic presskit-style archive interviews with Costner, Freeman, Mastrantonio, Slater and Alan Rickman, plus the original American trailer, a stills gallery and cast and crew list. --Gary S Dalkin
The third and fourth series of the sitcom in which stuck-up socialite Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced 'Bouquet' mind you) puts her put-upon husband the ever-dependable Richard through further excruciatingly awkward but fantastically funny situations! Episode titles: Early Retirement Iron Age Remains Violet's Country Cottage How to Go on Holiday without Really Trying Richard's New Hobby The Art Exhibition What to Wear When Yachting A Job For Richard Country Retreat A Ce
Written by the successful team of John Esmonde and Bob Larbey 'Ever Decreasing Circles' was first broadcast by the BBC in February 1984. Richard Briers Penelope Wilton and Peter Egan star in this popular suburban-set comedy. Episode 1: Martin lives in a cul-de-sac and is a pillar of the community. He is chairman of just about every club committee. The equilibrium of the Close where he lives is disturbed when new neighbour Paul moves in next door... Episode 2: Paul masterminds a take-over at the general meeting of the Motor Club and Martin is relieved of his chairmanship. Ann is hopeful of a renewed social life but their new freedom is short lived... Episode 3: Martin is beginning to find his new neighbour's unconventional behaviour a potential danger to the harmony of the Close. 'Goings-on' of this kind have never happened before and something has to be done... Episode 4: Martin Ann Howard and Hilda spend their holidays together at the same resort at the same and even book it on the same day every year; a ritual that has remained for seven years but one that is unsettled when Paul offers them all the chance of a villa in Spain... Episode 5: In Martin's absence Paul is voted onto the committee to organise a Vicars and Tarts Dance for the RSPCA. When Martin's role is diminished he resorts to blackmail to take credit for the success of the event...
This popular Anglia sitcom focuses on the experiences of three very different Women's Land Army volunteers who find themselves in the Norfolk village of Clayfield, sharing a hasty education in agricultural matters, more than a few mishaps, and a little romance along the way. First screened in 1978, Backs to the Land features a memorable theme sung by Anne Shelton, one of Britain's most cherished wartime entertainers.In this series, official busybody Miss Rainbow sets out to prove that farmer Tom is prone to uncontrolled animal passions, while an archaeologist is convinced that Crabtree Farm holds the secret of Boudicca's missing treasure. Jenny has a visit from her pickpocket father, Tom's long-lost sister-in-law suddenly re-appears, and there's excitement when an escaped Italian prisoner of war ends up hiding out on the farm...
Written by the successful team of John Esmonde and Bob Larbey 'Ever Decreasing Circles' was first broadcast by the BBC in February 1984. Richard Briers Penelope Wilton and Peter Egan star in the second series of the popular suburban-set comedy. Episode 1: When Martin goes to collect Mrs Beardsmore for afternoon tea at the Bryce household Ann is horrified when he returns with a minibus full of her friends. Episode 2: The cricket season begins and Martin finds it increasingly difficult to avoid picking Paul for the team. Episode 3: In an attempt to vary the guests at their dinner party Ann suggests inviting Paul and his girlfriend. During the course of the evening however Paul's wife turns up unexpectedly. Episode 4: Ann is in hospital and Martin decides to spring-clean the entire house stubbornly refusing help from anyone in the Close least of all Paul. Episode 5: Martin is desperate to win the local snooker tournament. When the tournament favourite moves away he thinks he is in with a chance until Paul decides to enter. Episode 6: Ann decides there is more to life than being a suburban housewife. Episode 7: Martin is captivated by a psychiatrist he meets at Paul's party but dumfounded when Ann suggests he goes to see him professionally. Christmas Special: Martin's Christmas is ruined when Ann volunteers use of the Bryce home to house Paul's guests.
Written by the successful team of John Esmonde and Bob Larbey 'Ever Decreasing Circles' was first broadcast by the BBC in February 1984. Richard Briers Penelope Wilton and Peter Egan star in this popular suburban-set comedy. Episodes comprise: Relaxation Goodbye Paul? Stuck In A Loft Neighbourhood Watch The Footpath Jumping To Conclusions Half An Office.
Written by the successful team of John Esmonde and Bob Larbey 'Ever Decreasing Circles' was first broadcast by the BBC in February 1984. Richard Briers Penelope Wilton and Peter Egan star in the third series of the popular suburban-set comedy. Episode titles: Manure One Night Stand House To Let Local Hero The Campaign Cavaliers And Roundheads.
Miss Emmeline Lucas (Geraldine McEwan) known universally to her friends as Lucia is a dreadful snob but in Miss Elizabeth Mapp (Prunella Scales) of Mallards Lucia meets her match. On the surface they are the most genteel of society ladies but beneath the veneer of politeness and etiquette lies a bitter and seething malice. There is no plan too devious no plot too cunning no depths to which they would not sink in order to win the battle for social supremacy. Using their deadly weapons of garden parties bridge evenings and charming teas the two combatants strive to outcharm each other as they vie for the position of toast of the town... This release features all ten episodes from both series of Mapp & Lucia adapted from the celebrated books by E.F. Benson. Episode titles: The Village Fete Battle Stations The Italian Connection Lobster Pots The Owl And The Pussycat Winner Takes All Change and Change About Lady Bountiful Worship Au Reservoir.
Michael Caine stars as a cat burglar in this 1960s suspense thriller directed by Bryan Forbes. When jewel thieves Richard and Fe Moreau (Eric Portman and Giovanna Ralli) invite former alcoholic cat burglar Henry Clarke (Caine) to join their ranks for a daring robbery, things quickly become complicated. Finding himself increasingly attracted to Fe, Henry soon realises that the couple's relationship is far from what it seems, a fact that has a bearing on events when the trio decide to relieve Spanish playboy Salinas (David Buck) of his jewels. Extras: High Definition Transfer Interview with Chris Poggiali 28 Booklet by Michael Caine Expert Christopher Bray Still Gallery Theatrical Trailer
Written by the successful team of John Esmonde and Bob Larbey 'Ever Decreasing Circles' was first broadcast by the BBC in February 1984. Richard Briers Penelope Wilton and Peter Egan star in this popular suburban-set comedy. This box set contains every episode from all four series of the TV sitcom.
Miss Emmeline Lucas known universally to her friends as Lucia is a dreadful snob but in Miss Elizabeth Mapp of Mallards Lucia meets her match. On the surface they are the most genteel of society ladies but beneath the veneer of politeness and etiquette lies a bitter and seething malice. There is no plan too devious no plot too cunning no depths to which they would not sink in order to win the battle for social supremacy. Using their deadly weapons of garden parties bridge evenings and charming teas the two combatants strive to outcharm each other as the vie for the position of toast of the town. The Village Fete: Still mourning the death of her husband nine months previously Lucia decides to get away from the village where she lives for a while and rent a place in another part of England. Taking her best friend Georgie along with her and they both fall in love with the place. They decide that they will both rent there for the summer and return to home to participate in the village fete before moving out... Battle Stations: Lucia and Georgie move to their rented homes in Tilling and it is not long before Lucia and Miss Mapp are competing against each other in games of oneupmanship. The Italian Connection: Lucia holds her garden party in Mapp's garden and it is a success. Her happiness is soon brought back to earth when Mapp gleefully tells her that the Contessa Faraglione is coming to visit Tilling and that the two of them will be able to talk Italian to each other. Lobster Pots: A party at Lucia's new home leads to Mapp trying anything she can to get hold of Lucia's recipe for lobster. This leads to the two of them finding themselves stuck in the house during a raging flood. The Owl And The Pussycat: After months lost at sea Mapp and Lucia return to Tilling much to the surprise of all the residents who had thought that they had died. They both plan evenings where they will tell their memoirs of their adventure versions that differ quite dramatically from each other...
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