William Topaz McGonagall (Milligan) is an unemployed Scottish weaver who decides to devote his life to poetry. Falling in love with Queen Victoria (here played by Peter Sellers) he donates his major poetic works to her and despite many rejections dreams of one day becoming Poet Laureate...
Beverly Hills 90210: The Complete Season 1
Two valuable early Peter Sellers performances rescued from obscurity and reconstructed as completely as possible. Both films provide an important insight into British comedy history and specifically chart the beginning of Sellers' rise to stardom.
Boasting a star studded international cast of Academy Award Winners nominees and BAFTA recipients including Peter Sellers (The Pink Panther Dr Strangelove The Goon Show) as the March Hare Michael Crawford (Some Mothers Do Ave 'Em Hello Dolly!) as the White Rabbit Dudley Moore (10 Arthur Bedazzled) as Dormouse Spike Milligan (The Goon Show Adolf Hitler-My Part in his Downfall) Sir Michael Hordern (Where Eagles Dare Gandhi) Sir Ralph Richardson (Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan Lord of the Apes Doctor Zhivago) & Fiona Fullerton (View to a Kill) as Alice. Filmed to mark the centenary of the completion of the Alice novels this extravagantly lush British spectacle which brings Sir John Tenniel's famous illustrations enchantingly to life with a bewitching score by James Bond composer John Barry and BAFTA winning cinematography by Geoffrey Unsworth (2001: A Space Odyssey Superman) is presented in its original aspect ratio 2.35.1 Todd-AO 35 'Scope.
In the hazy aftermath of World War III, the fallout from a 'nuclear misunderstanding' (which lasted two minutes and twenty eight seconds, including the signing of the peace treaty) is producing strange mutations amongst the survivors, and the noble Lord Fortnum finds himself transforming into a bed-sitting room. This vividly imagined, darkly satirical filmic version of a post apocalyptic England, directed by Richard Lester (A Hard Days Night, How I Won the War, The Knack) is based on the highly regarded play by Spike Milligan and John Antrobus. It also boasts great performances by the cream of 60s British comedy and acting talent: Rita Tushingham, Ralph Richardson, Peter Cook, Harry Secombe, Dudley Moore, Spike Milligan, Michael Horden, Roy Kinnear, Arthur Lowe, Dandy Nichols and Marty Feldman.
BAFTA-winning director Ray Butt (Only Fools and Horses) takes the helm for the final two series of Spike Milligan s anarchic sketch show, recorded in front of and occasionally featuring a wide-eyed studio audience. Qs 8 and 9 were made in quick succession in 1979 and 1980 after the BBC initially delayed re-commissioning the series until the Monty Python team departed TV-land. This was despite the impact the original Q5 of 1969 had on the world of alternative comedy. At a time when Kenny Everett and Not the Nine O Clock News were further testing the limits of TV comedy, the former Goon leads a cast of co-performers including John Bluthal, Bob Todd, Julia Breck, Alan Clare and a self-parodying David Lodge in yet more surreal, outrageous and determinedly under-prepared sketches. Running gags and familiar tropes prevail, with Adolf Hitler, Arab sheiks, idiot Boy Scouts and the Royal Family subject to scattergun ridicule, while musical interludes from Spike, pianist Ed Welch and occasional guest singers age the shows a little more harshly than the main man s virulently anti-PC humour.
Although they made their name in the medium of radio, the legendary Goons also made brief forays into the world of television and, with Down Among the Z Men, film. It captures the team at a very early stage in their career, with Michael Bentine still in the fold, and with their unique, anarchic brand of humour still in its infancy. Sadly, the style and feel of the film does little to suit their comedy style. While radio offered an opportunity for their imaginations to run riot, here the four find themselves tied to a few stock characters, most of whom would make a more animated appearances later in their career. The plot--with its tale of eccentric professors and evil spies--sees a series of musical numbers and a variety performance crow barred into the proceedings. Those who wish to add to an already existing Goons collection may want to consider this, but anyone wondering what all the fuss is about should head straight for the many radio collections available and hear the sound of true genius at work. On The DVD: Down Among the Z Men offers little to recommend, with the DVD lacking in any extras whatsoever. Being taken from an original fifties print, the black and white picture is of reasonable quality yet cannot help but look extremely dated. At best it is the sort of curio that would pass time on a Sunday afternoon but it is hard to consider this a particularly essential DVD release. -Phil Udell
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
Following his unforgettable performances in Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein and Silent Movie Marty Feldman wrote directed and starred in his own classic spoof. He plays Digby Geste the 'identitcal' twin brother to Beau (Michael York) but without his dashing sibling's do-or-die heroics. When a priceless family heirloom is stolen their fates are sealed the lunacy escalates and the laughs come thick and fast.
Based on James Lee Burke's bestseller, Heaven's Prisoners is a sweaty revenge thriller with a twist. On the Louisiana rivers, Dave Robicheaux (Alec Baldwin) is an ex-cop and ex-alcoholic with a boat business hiding him and his wife Annie (Kelly Lynch) away from the world. When a light airplane crashes into the water right in front of them, and Dave rescues the surviving little girl who happens to be an illegal immigrant, all the peace and quiet is dashed away. Embroiled in an underground criminal element, Dave is forced to face the demons of his past all over again. Along the way he reunites with Bubba Rock (Eric Roberts), a high school classmate who turned into the local heavy, his scheming wife Claudette (Teri Hatcher), and boozy strip dancer Robin (Mary Stuart Masterson). These three character cameos are enormous fun to watch, as are the oily New Orleans street locations. Even if the revelation of who's behind all the skulduggery isn't all that much of a shock, the movie still has plenty to say about the emotions of family loyalty that drive us. On the DVD: The DVD release includes the trailer, a five-minute featurette, a brief look behind the scenes and interviews with cast and crew. --Paul Tonks
Life can be challenging at the best of times for the people who live on the Arctic tundra. But when all the animals in the area disappear, leaving the hunters empty-handed, a community of Eskimo's is threatened by famine. Unknown to anyone, the tribe's shaman Croolik has embraced the dark arts and this is the true reason behind the disappearance of all the animals. The clan's wise woman Saya recalls the legend of Sarila, a promised land hidden among the glaciers, where wild game is said to be plentiful. Legend has it that only the pure of heart may enter this hallowed place. Three young Eskimo's must face overwhelming obstacles and brave numerous dangers in their search for this legendary land so that they may save their people from hunger.
""Everybody's Favourite Shaggy Dog Story!"" Young Billy can't keep Digby the lovable sheepdog he brought home from the pound so he decides to leave him with animal expert Jeff (Jim Dale). But while Jeff's back is turned Digby accidentally drinks a top secret chemical which makes him grow... and grow... and grow! The gigantic Digby is soon being chased all over the country. The army think he dangerous and want to blow him up. Two thieves are trying to sell him to the circus! In this frantic and hilarious race against time Billy and the hapless Jeff must get to Digby with the antidote or lose him forever. With and all star cast including Spike Milligan and Victor Spinetti Digby The Biggest Dog In The World is a classic adventure story for the whole family. Available for the first time on DVD!
A hilarious collection of the best of British comedy from the 1940s to the 1960s. Highlighting the classic moments in comedy these DVD's include rare concert footage extended television clips renowed comedy scenes and seldom seen sitcoms. From the days of radio stars and music hall performers such as Arthur Askey and George Formby to the television era and stars such as John Cleese Benny Hill and Peter Cook and Dudley Moore this series has it all. A must for any fan of British c
A black market animal trafficker releases one of his most treasured exotic species into serene Lake Tahoe for safe-keeping' while he serves a prison sentence. However this isn't so safe for the locals, who begin to become part of the food chain at an unbelievable rate. While everyone around her brushes the attacks off as a bear on the loose, a local sheriff sees the truth and makes it her mission to capture the bull shark with the help of a local marine expert. Meanwhile, the trafficker is released from prison and faces a very angry gangster client who wants his shark. Starring Dolph Lundgren.
All hands on deck for Titanic seaside laughs with the saucy Carry On crew! When an accident-prone sailor damages a secret blueprint his only hope is to get another from London. But then the Admiral arrives and he's forced to pose as a scientist - a female scientist!
A young Fiona Fullerton heads an all-star British cast in this double BAFTA-winning musical comedy; widely regarded as the most lavish and faithful adaptations of Lewis Carroll's classic fantasy novel. Filmed to mark the centenary of the completion of the Alice novels this extravagant British spectacle which brings to life Sir Tenniel's famous illustrations with a bewitching score from James Bond composer John Barry and BAFTA-winning cinematography by Geoffrey unsworth (2001: A Sp
The trus story of a family who suddenly realise that their young daughter is dying from anorexia. They must risk their relationship and their daughter's love in order to try to save her life...
An all new original Peter Sellers DVD gifting set. The set features 4 DVDs in a slipcase and includes his 1974 comedy The Great McGonagall set in Victorian times, a story of the world s greatest poet William Topaz McGonagall, also starring Spike Milligan. The 1969 classic comedy The Magic Christian starring Ringo Starr, Richard Attenborough, Christopher Lee and Spike Milligan. The film features original music by Paul McCartney. The 1973 comedy that Sellers did his utmost to prevent being released Ghost in the Noonday Sun starring Peter Boyle and Spike Milligan. And finally the 1979 adventure comedy The Prisoner of Zenda also starring Lionel Jeffries and Elke Sommer.
A British comedy with seven short stories based on the deadly sins... The seven sinful segments include Harry H. Corbett as a bachelor desperate to get a date chauffeur Bruce Forsyth searching through London's sewers for this boss' lost 50p and Spike Milligan in a wacky homage to silent film. (Pride) of place goes to Ian Carmichael and Alfie Bass in a Galton and Simpson penned episode illustrating class warfare when a Bentley and a clapped out Morris meet head on in a narrow lane and both drivers refuse to back down.
What links The Beatles, Ken Russell, Peter Cook, Fairport Convention, The Goons, The Bonzo Doo Dah Dog Band and Turner prize-winning artists Grayson Perry and Jeremy Deller? The answer: Mr Bruce Lacey. A legendary figure on the British counter-cultural art scene during the 1960s, Lacey has enjoyed five decades of defining cultural moments, collaborating with all manner of filmmakers, musicans and artists (such as director Richard Lester, cartoonist Bob Godfrey and artist Jill Smith), and making appearances in such era-defining pop cultural experiences as Help! and Not Only... But Also.This indispensible two-disc collection finally brings together many of Lacey's rarely-seen films for the very first time, showcasing the rich and diverse talents of a seminal and thoroughly original British artist-filmmaker.Includes: The Running, Jumping & Standing Still Film (Richard Lester, 1960), The Lacey Rituals (1973) and much more.
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