Upon the sudden death of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, his trusted and successful general Narcissus Meridas is unlawfully imprisoned and condemned to the gladiator games by Marcus's twisted son Commodus.
The Stranger, according to Orson Welles, "is the worst of my films. There is nothing of me in that picture. I did it to prove that I could put out a movie as well as anyone else." True, set beside Citizen Kane, Touch of Evil, or even The Trial, The Stranger is as close to production-line stuff as the great Orson ever came. But even on autopilot Welles still leaves most filmmakers standing. The shadow of the Second World War hangs heavy over the plot. A war crimes investigator, played by Edward G Robinson, tracks down a senior Nazi, Franz Kindler, to a sleepy New England town where he's living in concealment as a respected college professor. The script, credited to Anthony Veiller but with uncredited input from Welles and John Huston, is riddled with implausibilities: we're asked to believe, for a start, that there'd be no extant photos of a top Nazi leader. The casting's badly skewed, too. Welles wanted Agnes Moorehead as the investigator and Robinson as Kindler, but his producer, Sam Spiegel, wouldn't wear it. So Welles himself plays the supposedly cautious and self-effacing fugitive--and if there was one thing Welles could never play, it was unobtrusive. What's more, Spiegel chopped out most of the two opening reels set in South America, in Welles' view, "the best stuff in the picture". Still, the film's far from a write-off. Welles' eye for stunning visuals rarely deserted him and, aided by Russell Metty's skewed, shadowy photography, The Stranger builds to a doomy grand guignol climax in a clock tower that Hitchcock must surely have recalled when he made Vertigo. And Robinson, dogged in pursuit, is as quietly excellent as ever. On the DVD: not much in the way of extras, except a waffly full-length commentary from Russell Cawthorne that tells us about the history of clock-making and where Edward G was buried, but precious little about the making of the film. Print and sound are acceptable, but though remastering is claimed, there's little evidence of it. --Philip Kemp
Whatever became of the American dream? In Blue Collar Paul Schrader's strong directorial debut three assembly-line auto workers (Richard Pryor in one of his only serious dramatic roles Harvey Keitel and Yaphet Kotto) are equally angry and disenchanted at factory management and their own union. They are also as the film reveals in long detailed vignettes struggling just to make ends meet. As they ruminate together on their dead-end jobs and the fears of a de
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa and Michael Madsen star in the action packed martial arts thriller about a mysterious young woman who becomes a legendary assasin for the Chinese underworld. Jing (Chung Lai) is a strikingly beautiful woman who is highly skilled in weaponry and the martial arts. After completing a dangerous mission involving a renegade mafia boss she goes undercover as an internet bride in Los Angeles. Using his corrupt police relationships and a ruthless team of bounty hunters the Mafia boss is determined to locate and destroy his enemies most secret weapon...Jing.
Before he dies Ed Reece has got some unfinished business... Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas gives a terrific performance as an eccentric old man determined to revisit some milestones from his past and reconcile with his feuding family in this superb drama. With a brilliant witty script from Oscar winning Ernest Thompson (On Golden Pond). 'The Lies Boys Tell' also stars Craig T Nelson (Poltergiest) and the veteren character actress Eileen Brennan (Private Benjamin).
Would I Lie to You? Jobless broke and down and out in Paris Eddie Vuibert (Richard Anconina) is going nowhere fast. But when he comes to the aid of a fabric-seller in a street fracas he is mistaken for a Jew and finds his whole world turned upside down! Given a job and a home Eddie begins to work his way up through the company. But the lie that got him where he is soon catches up with him especially when he falls for the bosses daughter Sandra (Amira Casar). Dealing with
She could hear footsteps from a mile away run more than 60 mph bend steel with her bare hands jump to the roof of a 12 story building catch villians who are endangering National security and still have enough energy and motivation left over to use her talent and knowledge as a schoolteacher. She is the Bionic Woman. 1: Black Magic Jaime is sent to a remote Island to impersonate the niece of the feuding Carstairs family in order to locate the will of Cyrus Carstairs and the location of a top-secret alloy formula. 2: Motorcycle Boogie Jaime enlists the help of daredevil stunt rider Evel Knievel to retrieve a computer tape stolen by the KGB in East Germany. Together they risk their lives as they crash through the East German border in pursuit of the KGB. 3: The Jailing of Jaime Jaime is imprisoned for treason when a forty million dollar decoding machine she was delivering fails to arrive at its destination.
The story line of No Mercy may seem familiar: to avenge his partner's murder and uncover the killer, a tough Chicago cop comes to Louisiana and finds himself embroiled with a beautiful and enigmatic blonde and a creepy crime lord. But the way this film executes a seemingly standard plot is unique, entertaining and effective. Richard Gere as the cop Eddie Jillette is an appropriate fish-out-of-water, uncovering a complex and frightening underworld. Under Richard Pearce's skilful direction both he and Kim Basinger (as Michel Duvall) are credibly drawn to each other as they're accidentally handcuffed and running through the eerie bayou. But also credit James Carabatsos's script which appropriately captures Jillette's grief and obsession, his anger and confusion, his growing understanding and affection for Michel. There's a particularly well-done love scene, borne out of passion and desperation and the chemistry between Gere and Basinger is very evident. Good support comes from William Atherton as the fey attorney Allan Deveneux, Jeroen Krabbé as the evil Losado, George Dzundza as Captain Stemkowski, Bruce McGill as Lieutenant Hall and the late Ray Sharkey as Angles Ryan. No Mercy, like Angel Heart before it, uses its mystical, magical Louisiana setting to its best advantage; it's beautiful, yet frightening; mysterious, yet compelling--like Michel and like the movie itself. --N F Mendoza, Amazon.com
Although not of a genre readily associated with Ken Loach, Riff Raff is basically a romantic comedy--albeit one set against the backdrop of political and social injustice. Robert Carlyle is young Glaswegian Stevie, newly relocated to London and sleeping rough. He finds a job on a building site and embarks on a relationship with Irish singer Susan (McCourt). The struggle that both the couple and their friends and workmates (the film is very much an ensemble piece) have to endure just to survive life on the margins of society paints a grim picture of early 1990s Britain, but also one that is shot through with resilient humour. Much of this comes from from Ricky Tomlinson's sublime performance, one that pre-dates his Royle Family role but bears all the hallmarks of his comic genius. Some of the political interjections are understandably a little dated and a touch heavy-handed, but Riff Raff is a film that successfully combines a sense of righteous indignation with a warm heart. --Phil Udell
The second series of The West Wing, Aaron Sorkin's relentlessly erudite drama about life behind the scenes at the White House, continues here with the emphasis on President Bartlet's multiple sclerosis, a condition that he has hitherto concealed from the American electorate and most of his staff. Tensions grow between himself and the First Lady (Stockard Channing) as she realises, in the episode "Third State of the Union" that he intends to run for a second term in office. It becomes clear to Bartlet (Martin Sheen) that he must go public with his MS, and his staff are forced to come to terms with this, as well as deal with the usual plethora of domestic and international incidents, which apparently preclude any of them from having any sort of private lives, least of all love lives. These include crises in Haiti and Columbia, an obstinate filibuster and a Surgeon General's excessively frank remarks about the drugs situation. Thankfully, the splendid Lord John Marbury (Roger Rees) is on hand to make chief of staff Leo McGarry's life more of a misery in "The Drop-In". These episodes, though occasionally marred by a sentimental soundtrack and an earnest and wishfully high regard for the Presidential office, are masterclasses in drama and dialogue, ranging from the wittily staccato to the magnificently grave, capturing authentically the hectic pace of political intrigue and the often vain efforts of decent, brilliant people to do the right thing. "Two Cathedrals", which features flashbacks to Bartlet's schooldays and his thunderous denunciation of God following a funeral, is perhaps the greatest West Wing episode of all. On the DVD: The West Wing, Series 2 Part 2 features no extras, though the transfer is immaculate. --David Stubbs
Available for the first time on DVD!!! Vincent a stunt pilot is acquitted of murdering his wife and her lover. However a few years later the judge in the case comes to blackmail him. The judge's nephew is having trouble with his wife and they demand that Vincent kill her. The judge a confirmed bachelor takes Paul and Vincent on the road to search for Paul's wife Marie... Patrice Leconte's outrageously fun black comedy is available for the first time on DVD!
John Drake is a special agent in the deadly world of international espionage. A master in his field he is free to go wherever duty calls. Danger Man does not simply attract danger he thrives on it. Episode 13 - The Prisoner: John Drake has to find a double for an American who has been accused of espionage and is kept prisoner in the American Embassy in a Caribbean City. Episode 14 - The Traitor: What makes a traitor? John Drake finds out when his latest assignment takes him to Kashmir in Northern India and to drama high up a mountain. Episode 15 - Deadline: Disguised as a gun runner Danger Man plunges into the African jungle in an attempt to penetrate a deadly terrorist group. Episode 16 - Colonel Rodriguez: John Drake flies to the Caribbean and masquerades as a reporter in a bid to aid an American jounalist who has been arrested on a spy charge. Episode 17 - The Island: Two assassins escape from Drake's custody in a mid aor struggle forcing the plane to crash. They survive and make it to a remote island where the real struggle begins. Episode 18 Find and Return: Drake finds himself in certain danger in the Middle East when he is assigned to find a woman wanted for espionage and possibly treason. He is not alone in his search. Episode 19 - The Girls Who Liked GI's: Drake investigates the death of a solider in Munich who worked on a top security missile section in Munich. The only clues are a roll of film and a girl who like Gls and the head of West German Intelligence. Episode 20 - Name Date and Place: A series of successive similar style murders in France Ireland Italy and London lead Drake to expose the possible link of a Murder Incorporated organisation.
The complete second series available on DVD for the first time! First screened in 1990 the Australian kids' show 'Round The Twist' soon became a much loved children's show when it was first aired on in the UK on the BBC. Adapted from the stories of Paul Jennings Round The Twist became renowned for its weird mysteries and was broadcast to over 70 countries. This complete series continues the story of the Twist family's amazing adventures. Pete becomes a chicken every time someone
Richard Gere and Kate Bosworth star in this family drama from directors Scott McGehee and David Siegel.
Prolific British filmmaker Lindsay Anderson weaves this small, evocative tale of young life at the crossroads in early 1960s Northern England. A rough, sullen young man (Richard Harris) working in the local coal mines begins to make a name for himself as a star rugby player, but even as he begins to fall in love he cannot escape the harsh realities of the bleak life around him. The rugby sequences in the film are striking, but no more so than the depiction of downtrodden people living in the shadow of industry and corruption that too often crushes their spirit. Harris in one of his first roles, is remarkably effective as an unlikeable but sympathetic figure trying against hope to savour the small joys life has to offer, and the film also features the debut of renowned actress Glenda Jackson. One of a series of working-class, character-driven British imports, This Sporting Life is one of the best on the field. --Robert Lane
Acclaimed actor and star of the popular TV series Midsomer Murders John Nettles goes back to his roots to St. Austell in Cornwall and begins a journey that will take him through the landscapes and cultures that make up one of the most beautiful and richly endowed regions in Britain. Including interviews with painter Sir Terry Frost sculptor Barbara Hepworth authors Minette Walters and Henry Williamson actors Jack Shepherd and Michael York poet Charles Causley comedian Richard Herring and more; and featuring the writings of A.L. Rowse D.H. Lawrence P.G. Wodehouse John Betjeman Agatha Christie and Thomas Hardy among others; John Nettles' West Country is a passionate exploration of a coastline and all it contains - rich and varied in its boundless energy and breathtaking beauty.
Terrence Morgan stars in the classic 1960's action adventure series - Sir Francis Drake. Drake is a freebooter adventurer expert swordsman and defender of the crown during Britain's war with Spain during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I a war which he wages from the bridge of his ship The Golden Hind. Presented here is the entire series of 26 action-packed episodes of this classic action show. This thrilling adventure series will appeal to people who enjoyed Network's previous releases of The Adventures Of Robin Hood and archive television fans.... Episodes: 1. The Prisoner 2. The Lost Colony Of Virginia 3. Mary Queen Of The Scots 4. Doctor Dee 5. Bold Enterprise 6. The English Dragon 7. Boy Jack 8. The Garrison 9. Visit To Spain 10. The Flame Thrower 11. The Governor's Revenge 12. The Slaves Of Spain 13. The Doughty Plot 14. King Of America 15. The Irish Pirate 16. Beggars Of The Sea 17. Drake On Trial 18. The Bridge 19. Johnnie Factotum 20. Mission To Paris 21. The Reluctant Duchess 22. The Gypsies 23. Court Intrigue 24. Gentlemen Of Spain 25. The Fountain Of Youth 26. Escape
Legends Of The Fall: Colonel William Ludlow (Sir Anthony Hopkins) built a ranch in the remote foothills of the Montana Rockies where he brought up his three sons away from the carnage of the Indian wars. Alfred (Aidan Quinn) the eldest is dutiful and reserved Samuel (Henry Thomas) the beloved youngest is compassionate and idealistic while the middle brother Tristan (Brad Pitt) has a wild untameable spirit. Into this masculine world enters Susannah Finncannon (Julia Ormond) a beautiful intelligent woman who stirs a passion and rivalry in all three brothers that will change the course of their lives and shape their destinies forever. From the rugged prairie lands of 19th Century America to the trenches of World War I and the changing world beyond 'Legends of the Fall' is a sweeping star-studded epic - a passionate journey into the darkest secrets of love betrayal and the unbreakable bonds of blood. First Knight: Set in and around the city of Camelot First Knight is a sweeping epic about love honour betrayal and passion. Lancelot (Richard Gere) a nomadic rogue has no ties no enemies and no fear until that is he meets the beautiful Lady Guinevere of Leonesse (Julia Ormond). Guinevere has promised to marry King Arthur (Sean Connery) not only because his armies can protect her country but because she truly loves him. But her chance encounter with Lancelot as she prepares to enter Camelot stirs conflicting and powerful emotions within her. Arthur welcomes both into his city with open heart little foreseeing how his great capacity for love and trust opens the doors for his own betrayal... The Slipper And The Rose: In Euphrania live two unhappy people - a sad young girl called Cinderella (Gemma Craven) and a proud young prince (Richard Chamberlain) - trapped in two very different worlds. Following the death of her father poor Cinderella has been left in the care of her unfriendly step-mother (Margaret Lockwood) and her two spoilt step-sisters. Meanwhile the Prince of the land has come of age and the King (Michael Hordern) and the Queen want him to marry. His desperate parents hold a splendid ball and invite every noble girl in the land. Cinderella is shunned by her ugly sisters when they leave her behind and flounce off to the ball in their finery. Fortunately her Fairy Godmother (Annette Crosbie) intervenes transforming Cinderella and whisks her off to the ball - and so the love story blossoms in this exquistive movie with music by Richard and Robert Sherman.
""""Steve Austin astronaut a man barely alive. Gentlemen we can rebuild him we have the technology. We have the capability to make the worlds first Bionic man. Steve Austin will be that man. Better than he was before. Better. Stronger. Faster."" The Six Million Dollar Man leaps into action for all the episodes from Season 2! Episodes Comprise: 1. Nuclear Alert 2. The Pioneers 3. Pilot Error 4. The Pal-Mir Escort 5. The Seven Million Dollar Man 6. Straight on 'til Morning 7. The Midas Touch 8. The Deadly Replay 9. Act of Piracy 10. Stranger in Broken Fork 11. The Peeping Blonde 12. The Cross-Country Kidnap 13. Lost Love 14. The Last Kamikaze 15. Return of the Robot Maker 16. Taneha 17. Look Alike 18. The E.S.P. Spy 19. The Bionic Woman (1) 20. The Bionic Woman (2) 21. Outrage in Balinderry 22. Steve Austin Fugitive
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