John Huston directs this 1950s drama starring Errol Flynn, Juliette Gréco, Trevor Howard, Eddie Albert and Orson Welles. Based on the novel by Romain Gary, the film follows crusading environmentalist Morel (Howard), who is determined to protect elephants from the threat of extinction. Though Morel initially struggles to gain traction for his project in French Equatorial Africa, he wins over Minna (Gréco), a local tavern worker, and Forsyth (Flynn), a former member of the British Army looking to correct past wrongs. Can the intrepid trio make a difference to the future of elephants?
Conceived by the legendary Italian producer Alfredo Bini, the multi-director portmanteau film Let's Wash Our Brains: RoGoPaG (Laviamoci il cervello: RoGoPaG) brought together four esteemed directors of European cinema to contribute comic episodes reflective of the swinging post-boom era. The resulting omnibus collectively examines social anxieties around sex, nuclear war, religion, urbanisation - and the promise of a modern cinema.Roberto Rossellini's Illibatezza (Virginity) follows an airline stewardess plagued by an obsessed American tourist whose 8mm camera enables the indulgence of a personal, and solipsistic, vision of the Ideal. Jean-Luc Godard's Il nuovo mondo (The New World) takes place in an Italian-dubbed Paris beset by nuclear fallout, and wittily chronicles the changes that take place in the lives - and medicine cabinet - of a handsome young couple. Pier Paolo Pasolini's scandalous La ricotta (Ricotta, as in the curded cheese) presents the goings-on around a film shoot devoted to the Crucifixion and presided over by none other than Orson Welles (playing a kind of stand-in for Pasolini himself); it is this episode that landed Pasolini with a suspended four-month prison sentence. Lastly, Ugo Gregoretti's Il pollo ruspante (Free-Range Chicken) depicts a middle-class Milanese family flirting with the purchase of real-estate and engaging catastrophically with an antagonistic consumerist infrastructure.
New remastered collector's edition including extraordinary collectables. Orson Welles' masterwork (number 1 in the American Film Institute's list of Best American Movies) dazzles anew in a superb 75th-anniversary high-definition digital transfer. It's grand entertainment, sharply acted (starting many of Welles' Mercury Players on the road to thriving film careers) and directed with inspired visual flair. Chronicling the stormy life of an influential publishing tycoon, this Best Original Screenplay Academy Award winner (1941) is rooted in themes of power, corruption, vanity the American Dream lost in the mystery of a dying man's last word: Rosebud. Special Features: - Commentary by Peter Bogdanovich - Commentary by Roger Ebert - Opening: World Premiere of Citizen Kane [1941 Newsreel] - Interview with Ruth Warrick - Interview with Robert Wise - Production Stills Gallery (62 cnt.) - Still Photography Commentary by Roger Ebert - Gallery of rare photos, Alternate Ad Campaigns, Studio correspondence, call sheets and other memorabilia - Theatrical Trailer Collectables: - 5 x one sheet/Lobby card reproductions - 48-page book with photos, storyboards and behind the scenes information - 20-page 1941 souvenir programme reproduction - 10 x production memos and correspondence
Winner of the Cannes Film Festival Best Actor Award for all three of its stars (Stockwell, Dillman and Welles), Richard Fleischer's stylish and compelling thriller sees two law students murder a young boy in cold blood to prove their intellectual superiority. Sadistic bully Artie Straus (Bradford Dillman) and timid introvert Judd Steiner (Dean Stockwell) commit the 'perfect crime', but their arrogance leads to their arrest. Loosely based on the notorious 1924 murder trial of thrill-killers Leopold and Loeb, this outstanding film also features cinema legend Orson Welles as the criminal defence lawyer who takes on their case. Special Features: New 4K restoration The Guardian Interview with Richard Fleischer (1981, audio only): the award-winning director discusses his career after a screening of Compulsion The Guardian Interview with Richard Fleischer (1994): Fleischer returns to the NFT for this filmed interview Orson Welles in the Courtroom Scene from Compulsion (1959, audio only): reproduction of the original 7 vinyl Lobby cards, posters and stills gallery Original theatrical trailer Optional DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio HoH subtitles on the feature and the trailer
Seymour Krelbourne works at a struggling flower shop where he shows the owner Gravis Mushnick a plant hybrid he has been working on. Named Audrey II in honour of Audrey Fulguard the plant proves an instant attraction and business at Mushnick's booms almost overnight. A delighted Mushnick invites Seymour and Audrey out for a meal to celebrate their new found success but Audrey already has a date with her boyfriend and Seymour needs care for the ailing plant. Seymour soon realises
In this star-studded black-hearted spy thriller directed and co-written by the legendary John Huston (The Maltese Falcon The African Queen) a potentially catastrophic diplomatic letter from the CIA must be recovered at all costs. Drafted in is Rone (Patrick O'Neal) a young agent with a photographic memory to make his way through a treacherous maze of shadowy cities and shady characters. Based on the acclaimed novel by Noel Behn drawn from his work within the U. S. Army Counterintelligence Corps The Kremlin Letter is a brutal level-headed examination of espionage leaving behind any trace of gadgetry or glamour.
Digitally remastered from original film elements. In May 1941, RKO Pictures released a controversial film by a 25-year-old first-time director. That premiere of Orson Welles' Citizen Kane was to have a profound and lasting effect on the art of modern motion pictures. Through its unique jigsaw puzzle storyline, inventive cinematography, brilliant ensemble acting and direction by Welles, the story of Charles Foster Kane is a fascinating portrait of American's love of power and materialism and the corruption it sometimes fosters. Like all great films, Citizen Kane is a memorable fusion of cinematic art and marvellous entertainment, winning an Oscar for Best Writing, Original Screenplay in 1942. Special Features: Anatomy of a Classic - A 50 minute feature presented by Barry Norman Audio Commentary by Film Historian Ken Barnes The Original Film Budget Welles Off-Screen (The original 1938 radio broadcast of The War of the Worlds and Welles' 1945 commerical recording of Oscar Wilde's The Happy Prince) Blu-ray Exclusive - The Restorarion of Citizen Kane
During the 1980s, one cartoon series ruled the airwaves... The Transformers. This paragon of consumerism was created with a dual purpose: to entertain and to galvanize children to buy the toys. Somewhere along the line, the show became a cult favorite, so in 1986 they fashioned an epic tale of good versus evil specifically for the big screen. The result looked vaguely like an animated remake of Star Wars. Who are the Transformers? The good guys are the Autobots: Optimus Prime, SoundWave, Jazz, Ultra Magnus, and many more. Their mortal enemies are the evil Decepticons, led by Megatron and StarScream. The Autobots must save their home planet from an evil entity known as Unicron (voiced by Orson Welles). At the same time, they must defend themselves from an all-out attack from the Decepticons. Along the way, lives are lost, battles are fought, and a new Autobot leader is born as another dies. The story and action never stop in a thrilling ride that often makes you forget that you're watching an '80s cartoon with inferior graphics. The violence will also come as a mild shock to those who haven't seen this film for a while--definitely a movie for the 8 and over audience. For those who grew up on this series, this is a movie that must be watched. Unlike cartoon serials before and after, The Transformers relied on solid stories and interesting characters, a manifesto the film itself upholds with gusto and grace while also being morally responsible. Don't underestimate this movie; there is definitely more to it than meets the eye. --Jeremy Storey, Amazon.com
Considered by many to be the greatest B movie ever made, the original-release version of Orson Welles' film noir masterpiece Touch of Evil was, ironically, never intended as a B movie at all--it merely suffered that fate after it was taken away from writer-director Welles, then reedited and released in 1958 as the second half of a double feature. Time and critical acclaim would eventually elevate the film to classic status (and Welles' original vision was meticulously followed for the film's 1998 restoration), but for four decades this original version stood as a testament to Welles' directorial genius. From its astonishing, miraculously choreographed opening shot (lasting over three minutes) to Marlene Dietrich's classic final line of dialogue, this sordid tale of murder and police corruption is like a valentine for the cinematic medium, with Welles as its love-struck suitor. As the corpulent cop who may be involved in a border-town murder, Welles faces opposition from a narcotics officer (Charlton Heston) whose wife (Janet Leigh) is abducted and held as the pawn in a struggle between Heston's quest for truth and Welles' control of carefully hidden secrets. The twisting plot is wildly entertaining (even though it's harder to follow in this original version), but even greater pleasure is found in the pulpy dialogue and the sheer exuberance of the dazzling directorial style. --Jeff Shannon
An account of the defiant actions of perhaps Britain's greatest leader. This authorised documentary chronicles Sir Winston Churchill's war years.
Orson Welles wrote directed and starred in this visually dazzling 1955 thriller about a ruthless billionaire stricken by amnesia. What terrible secrets lie in his past? One man must find out - or die trying. Paola Mori and Robert Arden co-star.
THE THIRD MAN has been beautifully restored in 4K for the first time showcasing the genius of this celebrated British noir voted the ‘The greatest British film of all time’ by a British Film Institute poll. Holly Martins (Joseph Cotton Citizen Kane ) a naïve writer of pulp westerns arrives in Vienna to meet his old friend Harry Lime (the incomparable Orson Welles) nut finds that Lime has apparently been killed in a suspicious accident. Martins too curious for his own good hears contradictory stories about the circumstances of Limes death and as witnesses disappear he finds himself chased by unknown assailants. Complicating matters are the sardonic Major Calloway (Trevor Howard Brief Encounter) head of the British forces and Lime’s stage actress mistress Anna Schmidt (Alida Valli). Will Martin’s curiosity lead him to discover things about his old friend that he’d rather not know? Brilliantly scripted by Graham Greene and set to Anton Karas’ evocative zither score this justly celebrated classic is further enhanced by Robert Karasker’s Academy Award winning cinematography and Orson Welles in one of his most iconic screen roles. Features: DVD Disc 1 Audio Commentary Famous Fan Featurette Restoring the Third Man Interview & Zither Performance by Cornelia Mayer Guardian Interview Cotton (audio) Guardian Interview Greene (audio) Joseph Cotton’s Alternative Opening (Audio) DVD Disc 2 Shadowing The Third Man Dangerous Edge Third Man on Radio (Audio) Trailer Blu-ray Disc 1 Audio Commentary Famous Fan Featurette Restoring the Third Man Interview & Zither Performance by Cornelia Mayer Guardian Interview Cotton (audio) Guardian Interview Greene (audio) Joseph Cotton’s Alternative Opening (Audio) Shadowing The Third Man Dangerous Edge Third Man on Radio (Audio) Trailer Sound Track Disc Music by Anton Karas Zither Music performed by GERTRUD HUBER 01 Big Ben (London Films) 02 The Harry Lime Theme 03 Dialogue - "It's a shame" 04 The Café Mozart Waltz 05 Main Title / Harry's False Funeral 06 Dialogue - "Heard of Harry Lime?" 07 Holly Encounters Anna / Meeting The Conspirators 08 Dialogue - "The third man" 09 Holly Is Accused Of Homicide 10 Dialogue - "This isn't Santa Fe" 11 Holly Brings Flowers 12 Holly Runs After Harry's Shadow 13 Dialogue - "Holly what fools we are" 14 Trap To Catch Harry 15 Dialogue - "The Cuckoo Clock" 16 Anna Walks Away / End Title - The Harry Lime Theme 17 Visions of Vienna 18 Danube Dreams 19 The Harry Lime Theme (Orchestral version) 20 The Café Mozart Waltz (Orchestral version)
On the brink of Civil War, King Henry IV (John Gielgud) attempts to consolidate his reign while fretting with unease over his son’s seeming neglect of his royal duties. Hal (Keith Baxter), the young Prince, openly consorts with Sir John Falstaff (Orson Welles) and his company of “Diana’s foresters, Gentlemen of the shade, Minions of the moon”. Hal’s friendship with the fat knight substitutes for his estrangement from his father. Both Falstaff and the King are old and tired; both rely on Hal for comfort in their final years, while the young Prince, the future Henry V, nurtures his own ambitions. Orson Welles considered Chimes at Midnight his personal favorite of all his films. Perhaps the most radical and groundbreaking of all Shakespeare adaptations, the film condenses the Bard’s Henriad cycle into a single focused narrative. Its international cast comprises of Jeanne Moreau, Fernando Rey, Margaret Rutherford, and Ralph Richardson as the narrator, in addition to Welles and Gielgud. The film’s harrowing war scenes have proven especially influential, cited in Kenneth Branagh’s Henry V as well as Mel Gibson’s Braveheart.
The Third Man (Dir. Carol Reed 1949): This classic noir mystery from the team of Carol Reed and Graham Greene is regarded to be the best filmwork of both of these extreme talents. 'The Third Man' features Joseph Cotten as Holly Martins a pulp novelist who has come to post-WWII Vienna with the promise of work from his friend Harry Lime (Orson Welles). When he finds that Lime has just been killed in a questionable car accident he decides to remain in the city to investigate his friend's mysterious death. 'The Third Man' is a masterpiece of melancholia featuring extraordinary writing acting and directing as well as a classic zither score by Anton Karas. Brighton Rock (Dir. John Boulting 1947): The elegant and respectable facade of Brighton hides a sinister underworld ruled by intimidation and terror. Richard Attenborough stars as Pinkie a ruthless and sadistic young criminal whose trail of killings and double crossings lead to his eventual downfall when savage justice is finally meted out in a thrilling and memorable climax... Fallen Idol (Dir. Carol Reed 1948): A lonely young boy is caught up in a sinister and intriguing murder-mystery in this classic British film based on a short story by Graham Greene and directed with great style by Carol Reed both of who received Academy Award nominations. It was the first film on which Greene and Reed collaborated and remains both a moving portrayal of lost innocence and a genuine classic of British cinema. Heart Of The Matter (Dir. George More O'Ferrall 1953): Adapted from Graham Greene's novel Trevor Howard stars as Harry Scobie an assistant police commisioner working in Sierra Leone during WWII. Harry finds himself drawn to Helen a survivor of a U-boat attack and whilst the cat is away he decides that he can no longer stay married. However his catholic union threatens the outcome of both relationships. Harry soon convinces himself that desperate measures need to be taken...
Josef K awakes one morning to be arrested by the police. He is to be put on trial but no one will tell him what it is he is accused of. His attempts to profess his innocence of any charge only alienates him from his friends and his whole world becomes a nightmare.
Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale of dastardly pirates swashbuckling heroes buried treasure and a young boy's courage during the adventure of a lifetime!
A fascinating 5 disc collection providing a fitting tribute to this giant of the silver screen including four of his films a rarely seen live TV appearance and two documentaries on his life and work. The Stranger (1946): In postwar Germany a meeting of the War Crimes Commission is being held. Those present decide that a heinous Nazi war criminal (Konstantin Shayne) should be released from prison in the hopes that he will lead the commission to his superior the infamous Franz
On the brink of Civil War King Henry IV (John Gielgud) attempts to consolidate his reign while fretting with unease over his sons seeming neglect of his royal duties. Hal (Keith Baxter) the young Prince openly consorts with Sir John Falstaff (Orson Welles) and his company of “Diana’s foresters Gentlemen of the shade Minions of the moon”. Hal’s friendship with the fat knight substitutes for his estrangement from his father. Both Falstaff and the King are old and tired; both rely on Hal for comfort in their final years while the young Prince the future Henry V nurtures his own ambitions. Orson Welles considered Chimes at Midnight his personal favorite of all his films. Perhaps the most radical and groundbreaking of all Shakespeare adaptations the film condenses the Bard’s Henriad cycle into a single focused narrative. Its international cast comprises of Jeanne Moreau Fernando Rey Margaret Rutherford and Ralph Richardson as the narrator in addition to Welles and Gielgud. The film’s harrowing war scenes have proven especially influential cited in Kenneth Branagh’s Henry V as well as Mel Gibson’s Braveheart.
A bumper box set of classic films featuring 'The Love Goddess' herself Rita Hayworth! Gilda (Dir. Charles Vidor 1946): The legendary Rita Hayworth sizzles with sensuality and magnetism as she sings ""Put the blame on Mame"" and delivers a dazzling performance as the enticing temptress Gilda. In the story of Gilda Johnny Farrell (Glenn Ford) goes to work for Ballin Mundson (George MacReady) the proprietor of an illegal gambling casino in a South American city and quickly r
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