Atmospheric, superbly scripted and filled with the unexpected, this remarkable anthology series offers spine-tingling psychological and supernatural tales for younger viewers. Strongly remembered to this day, Shadows is one of the quintessential children's drama series of the 1970s.Producer Pamela Lonsdale - renowned for many landmark children's series - assembled an outstanding team of writers for this third series, including Fay Weldon and Joan Aiken, and Liverpool Poet Brian Patten; performers include Joan Greenwood, Clive Swift, Bryan Pringle, Ronald Hines and June Brown.This series also includes The Boy Merlin - the screenplay which was developed into the memorable children's series of 1979.
By the time Alfred Hitchcock's second-to-last picture came out in 1972, the censorship restrictions under which he had laboured during his long career had eased up. Now he could give full sway to his lurid fantasies, and that may explain why Frenzy is the director's most violent movie by far--outstripping even Psycho for sheer brutality. Adapted by playwright Anthony Shaffer, the story concerns a series of rape-murders committed by suave fruit-merchant Bob Rusk (Barry Foster), who gets his kicks from throttling women with a necktie. This being a Hitchcock thriller, suspicion naturally falls on the wrong man--ill-tempered publican Richard Blaney (Jon Finch). Enter Inspector Oxford from New Scotland Yard (Alex McCowan), who thrashes out the finer points of the case with his wife (Vivian Merchant), whose tireless enthusiasm for indigestible delicacies like quail with grapes supplies a classic running gag.Frenzy was the first film Hitchcock had shot entirely in his native Britain since Jamaica Inn (1939), and many contemporary critics used that fact to account for what seemed to them a glorious return to form after a string of Hollywood duds (Marnie, Torn Curtain, Topaz). Hitchcock specialists are often less wild about it, judging the detective plot mechanical and the oh-so-English tone insufferable. But at least three sequences rank among the most skin-crawling the maestro ever put on celluloid. There is an astonishing moment when the camera backs away from a room in which a murder is occurring, down the stairs, through the front door and then across the street to join the crowd milling indifferently on the pavement. There is also the killer's nerve-wracking attempt to retrieve his tiepin from a corpse stuffed into a sack of potatoes. Finally, there is one act of strangulation so prolonged and gruesome it verges on the pornographic. Was the veteran film-maker a rampant misogynist as feminist observers have frequently charged? Sit through this appalling scene if you dare and decide for yourself. --Peter Matthews
The lady of the house Hyacinth Bucket (Patricia Routledge) has turned being a snob into an art form. Her surname is pronounced ""Bouquet"" don't you know and her family don't help. Her long-suffering husband Richard (Clive Swift) keeps his head down and does his best to live with her domineering ways. But Hyacinth's a determined lady with one mission in life - to impress. First broadcast in 1990 this release features every episode from Series One and Two of 'Keeping Up Appearances'.
The first two episodes of this BBC miniseries only hint at the delights to come. A lawsuit aimed at church reform in the town of Barchester forces a decent middle-aged clergyman (Donald Pleasence) into a moral crisis and a conflict with his son-in-law, a pompous archdeacon (Nigel Hawthorne, The Madness of King George). The gracefully written and acted narrative shows glimpses of dry wit--but in episode 3, the arrival of a new bishop (Clive Swift, Keeping Up Appearances), his imperious wife (Geraldine McEwan, The Magdalene Sisters), and his devious chaplain (Alan Rickman, Truly Madly Deeply, the Harry Potter movies) launches The Barchester Chronicles into a satirical power struggle all the more mesmerizing because of the smallness of the territory. The scheming of the citizens and clergy of this British town is both Byzantine and wonderfully comic as the tempestuous personalities claw and dig at each other. Rickman, in one of his first film or television roles, turns in a tour de force of oily ambition. McEwan's ferocious machinations are downright terrifying, while the sputtering Hawthorne seems constantly in danger of bursting a vein. At the center of it all is Pleasence. Making goodness compelling has always been difficult, since wickedness is always more dramatic; but Pleasence brings a deep and stirring passion to his role that proves as engaging as all the back-biting that surrounds him. And these are just the more familiar faces; a host of lesser-known actors give equally superb performances. The final episode (of seven) will have you on pins and needles. The Barchester Chronicles, adapted from two novels by Anthony Trollope, is one of those marvels of British television, a skillful production that proves intelligent fare can be hugely entertaining. --Bret Fetzer
Critically acclaimed adaptation starring Sir Ian McKellen. Unparalleled in its simplicity and in the timelessness of its ferocious and pointed deeply human tragedy Shakespeare's 'Othello' is presented here in yet another award winning brilliantly rendered production from legendary director Trevor Nunn and the Royal Shakespeare Company.
From the acclaimed director of Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago and The Bridge on the River Kwai, A Passage To India was Sir David Lean's last ever feature film and a winner of two OscarsĀ®.
When students Alex (David Ladd - A Day of Flanders) and Patricia (Sharon Gurney - Jason King) discover a dying man in their local underground station they spark off an investigation that reveals a sinister and macabre plot that even sends shivers down the spines of hardened police officers Calhoun (Donald Pleasence - Halloween You Only Live Twice) and Rogers (Norman Rossington - Saturday Night & Sunday Morning A Hard Day's Night). Prominent people it seems have be
For pulse pounding suspense and relentless thrills nothing can match this DVD one of the most frightening chapters in the chilling 'Halloween' series! In one single horrifying night Michael Myers' masked reign of terror changed Halloween forever! Now six years after he was presumed dead in a fire Myers has returned to kill again and this time there's no escape! As the homicidal fury builds to a spine-tingling climax the long hidden secrets of the screen's most maniacal murderer
Hyacinth Bucket (don't dare pronounce it any way other than 'Bouquet'!) is a snob. She devotes most of her energies to maintaining ""standards"" and trying to impress ""influential"" people. In the process she frequently brings chaos into the lives of her friends relatives and neighbours.... Episodes Comprise: 1. The Senior Citizens' Outing 2. The Mayor's Fancy Dress Ball 3. Hyacinth is Alarmed 4. A Riverside Picnic 5. Skis 6. The Country House Sale 7. The Boy Friend 8. A Barbecue at Violet's 9. The Rolls Royce 10. The Hostess 11. The Pageant
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
After years of unavailability the three surviving episodes from the legendary BBC horror anthology series Dead of Night finally come to DVD. Originally screened on BBC2 in 1972 and rarely seen since Dead of Night have been highly sought by fans of the BBC and British Horror for decades. In The Exorcism – perhaps the most terrifying of the episodes – four wealthy middle-class friends (Clive Swift Edward Petherbridge Anna Cropper and Sylvia Kay) gather for a Christmas dinner in a country cottage only to find that the past will not rest while they feast. In Return Flight the professionalism of an experienced and respected airline pilot (Peter Barkworth) is placed under scrutiny when he encounters the ghostly apparition of a WWII Lancaster bomber. In A Woman Sobbing a middle-class wife (Anna Massey – Peeping Tom) becomes increasingly paranoid when her nights are interrupted by the terrifying and unexplained sound of a female crying in one the rooms in her new house. Contents: First time on DVD for this rare and classic BBC TV horror series All three remaining episodes on one disc Fully illustrated booklet with original essays
Thackeray's classic novel returns to the screen more vibrant, venal and viciously funny than ever before.In an England on the brink of bankruptcy and war, only the wily may prosper. Becky Sharp is a governess, temptress and social climber supreme, a woman who more than compenstes in brains and beauty for what she conspicuously lacks in breeding. To what lengths will she go in order to secure herself and rich and high-born husband? And how many male hearts will be left broken along the way?We follow Becky's journey from the elegant salons of Georgian London to the battlefields of Waterloo, from her ill-fated attempts to woo the buffonish Joe Sedley, to her equally doomed marriage to the aristocratic cad Rawdon Crawley. The unsinkable Becky's progress is mirrored by that of her best friend Amelia, who is besotted with the raffish George Osborne, but secretly admired by Osborne's staunch ally William Dobbin. Can both women survive the foibles of love and the catastrophic events unfolding in England and abroad?
The Smoking Room continues the rich vein of comedy that's being shown on BBC3 - fast becoming the channel for British comedy. In the world of work there is only one place where seniority counts for nothing where shop-talk is banned and where the last bastions against fresh air and desk-based massage gather regularly to discuss the minutiae of their lives: the smoking room. Here in this protected environment crossword addict Barry; lazy chav lothario Clint; self-obsessed cigarette-pinching Annie; and lovelorn skiver Robin; nurse that last ciggie and are always ready to ask ""have you got time for another?"" Features the complete first and second series. Episode Listing - Series 1: 1. Do De Dum De Da 2. R.I.P. 3. Pantball 4. Light My Fire 5. Chocolate Box 6. Feeding Time 7. Only Temporary 8. Happy Birthday 9. Christmas Special Series 2: 1. Buzz 2. No Place Like Home 3. 1987 4. Smashed 5. Pity The Fool 6. Quitters 7. Last Night A Graphic Designer Saved My Life 8. Significant Others
In the world of work there is only one place where seniority counts for nothing where shop-talk is banned and where the last bastions against fresh air and desk-based massage gather regularly to discuss the minutiae of their lives: the smoking room. The complete second series of BBC3's The Smoking Room. Episode Listing: 1. Buzz 2. No Place Like Home 3. 1987 4. Smashed 5. Pity The Fool 6. Quitters 7. Last Night A Graphic Designer Saved My Life 8. Significant Others
The Great British Garden Revival sees the nation's top television gardening talents stand up in a bid to restore Britain s rich horticultural heritage. In this popular and beautifully produced series, Britain's leading experts each champion a gardening style or group of plants which they feel passionately about. They share insider tips and offer practical advice on how to transform our gardens. They also meet inspiring experts and passionate amateur gardeners who share their enthusiasm in wanting to celebrate the beauty of overlooked historic gardening styles and traditions, and bring them back. The Complete first series of the Great British Garden Revival contains all 20 episodes on 4-Discs, and covers almost every conceivable aspect of the British Garden: Monty Don campaigns for wild flowers Joe Swift champions front gardens Charlie Dimmock praises ponds Chris Beardshaw campaigns for the stumpery Toby Buckland celebrates homegrown fruit Christine Walkden praises ornamental bedding Sarah Raven examines the British lawn James Wong praises tropical gardens Rachel De Thame champions the art of topiary James Wong looks at rooftop gardens Chris Beardshaw celebrates herbaceous borders Alys Fowler praises kitchen gardens Carol Klein supports the cottage garden Tom Hart Dyke promotes house-plants Carol Klein shares her passion for the rock garden Toby Buckland looks at herbs Rachel de Thame gives tips on how to grow flowers Joe Swift talks about tree planting Diarmuid Gavin champions glasshouses Matt James wants gardeners to rediscover shrubs
This multi-award winning TV comedy show is set in the offices of 'Globelink News' a TV new company whose millionaire tycoon owner prefers a more sensationalist stance in presenting the day's events... Each episode of the show was recorded close to transmission allowing script changes to incorporate maximum topicality! Episodes comprise: 1. In Place of Alex 2. Sally's Accountant 3. Henry's Lost Love 4. Helen'll Fix It 5. Sally's Libel 6. Lady Merchant 7. The New
Master filmmaker Robert Wise began his career with horror classics The Curse of the Cat People and The Body Snatcher for producer Val Lewton. His career would go on to include westerns, thrillers, science fiction and musicals, earning him two Academy Awards for Best Director. In 1963 he returned to his Lewtonian roots with the classic ghost story The Haunting; In 1977 he returned once more with the supernatural thriller Audrey Rose.All Bill and Jane Templeton wish for is a quiet, peaceful life with their 11-year-old daughter Ivy. But their dreams turn to nightmares as Ivy is besieged first by terrifying 'memories' of events that never occurred... and then by a mysterious stranger who stalks her every move, and claims that Ivy was in fact his daughter in another life.Released in the wake of The Exorcist and The Omen, Audrey Rose is an intelligent, heartfelt drama that approaches its subject with an open mind and seriousness of intent that caught many off guard but typifies Wise's previous genre forays. Sensitively played by a sterling cast at the top of their game, this underseen gem deserves a place on the shelf of any fan of classic horror.Product FeaturesBrand new 2K restoration by Arrow Films from a new 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negativeHigh Definition (1080p) Blu-Ray presentationOriginal lossless mono audioOptional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearingBrand new audio commentary by film critic Jon TowlsonFaith and Fraud, a brand new interview with magician Adam Cardone about reincarnation and belief in Audrey RoseThen and Now, a brand new featurette looking at the New York locations used in the filmI've Been Here Before, archive visual essay by Lee Gambin looking at reincarnation in cinemaInvestigator: The Paranormal World of Frank De Felitta, an archive interview with the author and scriptwriter of Audrey RoseThe Role of a Mother, an archive Interview with Marsha MasonHypnotist: Inside the score for Audrey Rose, an archive interview with film music historian Daniel SchweigerTheatrical trailerImage galleryReversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Christopher ShyFIRST PRESSING ONLY: fully illustrated collectors booklet featuring new writing by critics Kimberly Lindbergs and Johnny Mains
The 3D-CGI feature Dr. Seuss' The Lorax 3D is an adaptation of Dr. Seuss' classic tale of a forest creature who shares the enduring power of hope.
Kenneth Haigh, Nanette Newman and Harry Andrews give memorable performances in this hard-hitting film which traces the progress of Joe Lampton, the aggressively ambitious protagonist of John Braine's Room at the Top. Offering a grittier treatment than both the 1959 film adaptation and the early '70s television series that followed, Man at the Top is featured here in a brand-new High Definition remaster from original film elements in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio. Northerner Joe Lampton becomes involved with Lord Ackerman, the powerful chairman of a pharmaceutical concern, his beautiful wife Alex and daughter Robin. But trouble starts when Joe is made Managing Director of one of Ackerman's companies and makes a shocking discovery: his predecessor committed suicide. Special Features: Fullscreen version Music suite of Roy Budd's original score Theatrical trailer Image galler
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