Take The Full Monty, add a sharper emotional edge and replace the strutting strippers with a dignified British band. That's the essence of Brassed Off, a bittersweet gem released in 1996, a year before its more popular (and Oscar-nominated) counterpart. In the Yorkshire town of Grimley, there has always been a coal mine, just as for the last 111 years there has been a brass band and it seems that Danny (the wondrous Pete Postlethwaite) has been the director for every one of those years. Tory economic policies, however, are closing coal mines around the country in favour of nuclear power and Grimley appears to be next on the list. Danny is unfazed by the threat, claiming, "It's music that matters." But some of the men are about to quit the band until the appearance of Gloria (Tara Fitzgerald at her most radiant), who dazzles the all-male group (including old flame Andy, played by Ewan McGregor) first with her beauty, then with her flügelhorn playing. The new member gives the band a boost as they continue to perform and compete but closure remains very real, as director Mark Herman (Little Voice) accompanies the band's performances (played with gusto by the Grimethorpe Colliery Band) with scenes of angry labour-management confrontations and family strife. In this context, some of the characters claim that the music is an irresponsible form of escapism. It becomes clear, however, from a touching performance of "Danny Boy" to the stirring conclusion at Royal Albert Hall, that music is an expression of the human spirit, a bit of beauty and sanity in a harsh world. With defiance, the band can play "Land of Hope and Glory" even when the land offers them neither. --David Horiuchi
All 3 critically acclaimed series from BAFTA award winning writer Jimmy McGovern (Cracker Hillsborough) looking at the trials and tribulations of the residents of a Manchester street. A star studded cast bring to life a series of compelling interconnected stories
When Mary Rodgers, daughter of the composer Richard Rodgers, was reported as saying she never wanted to see another Oklahoma!, it was her way of paying the highest tribute to Trevor Nunn's production at the Royal National Theatre which was subsequently taken into the studio and filmed. The camera follows the playgoers into the auditorium of the Olivier where in their company we watch the show and applaud the numbers as the real thing. Nunn treats Rodgers and Hammerstein's first collaboration with the utmost seriousness restoring the full text, running to three-and-a-half hours, so that it comes across as a drama indebted to Eugene O'Neill. The documentary, viewed preferably as a preview, with Tim Piggott Smith the penny-plain narrator, allows one to relish in the smallest detail Nunn's scrupulous touch, which according to Maureen Lipman (Aunt Eller) included addressing the cast for two days at rehearsal, an approach that by her account paid off handsomely for the company. Although Oklahoma! unfolds at a leisurely pace, it is extraordinary how one is drawn into the drama under Nunn's direction. There's seldom a wish for true locations as the pace picks up and we move into the claustrophobic company of Judd Fry in his riveting encounter with the cowboy Curly. The close up camera work affords an experience the theatre can't bring and pays handsome dividends too in appreciating Susan Stroman's intricate and lively choreography that was dissipated somewhat on the big apron stage of the Olivier. Her dancers are a fine team, notably Jimmy Johnston who is outstanding as Will Parker leading the Kansas City ensemble. Hugh Jackman as Curly matches him in vocal prowess and looks, and Shuler Hensley sings the tricky role of Judd Fry very well. It's harder to place Peter Polycarpou's Pedlar, a considerably larger role than in the film version, whose accent strays from East End wideboy to the plains of Europe. Maureen Lipman, rightly deemed the lynchpin of the musical by Nunn, is a joy to watch. Laurey and Ado Annie are good but not special. Aside from an abrupt start to Act Two and the occasional voice off microphone, the production sounds good with a larger orchestra present than in the theatre. An Oklahoma! on an epic scale. --Adrian Edwards
At last - all the Rangers legends that ever were complete in one package. Be awed once again by the skills of Ian Durrant Michael Mols Laudrup The Goalie Derek Johnstone and Jim Baxter. This spectacular 6 DVD box set is a must for any true blue.
They may have lost a step or two but Detective Dooley (James Belushi) and his four-legged partner Jerry Lee are still fighting crime with their mix of heroics and hilarity. Now reluctantly partnered with a younger K-9 team: the beautiful detective named Welles (Christine Tucci) and her highly disciplined Doberman Zeus.
Medics: The Complete Second Series (2 Discs)
In Atlanta several African-American children have been murdered. James Belushi and Gregory Hines play the two reporters who put their own lives on the line to expose the sinister truth behind the killings as they take on corrupt city officials who want to keep their findings under wraps. A heart-wrenching drama based on a true story.
Getting to the big dance takes style and grace and only those who are pure of sound and rhythm are fit to enter the grandest stage. And if your soiree involves a ring a ref and thousands of screaming fans a signature sound makes all the difference. Now countdown the greatest 25 entrance themes of all time with Signature Sounds: The Music of WWE. From shattering glass to chilling bell tolls to seductive melodies fit for the ball these are the tune that ring in the arrival of your favourite WWE Superstars. Includes insider commentary on 25 classic themes from the WWE Superstars Divas and the artists behind the tracks.
Please wait. Loading...
This site uses cookies.
More details in our privacy policy