jon-285 Reviews

The Night We Got the Bird (1961)

As bad a comedy as they get

[23 September 2001]

Very tame British comedy, with a host of actors who should have had a better director.

Notable mainly for the outdoor location shots of Brighton in Sussex, England, and therefore as an historical document showing the seafront, the shops, the pier and Brighton North Station making, I believe its movie debut.

I have a poor quality copy of the film lifted off British TV if anyone really wants one, it is in VHS PAL though.

I Believe in You (1952)

Social comment on '50's England

[23 September 2001]

When this film was made England was still a society divided by class, one's accent, manners, clothes and speech defined one's background and determined one's future.

England was still recovering from WWII, many parts of London were still bomb sites, some food was still on ration, especially sweets, and although the manufacturer's catalogues were full of wonderful items that they were making, many were "For Export Only", essentially to the United States in payment for war loans.

Against this background of priviledge; for the upper class probation officer; and the difficult working class origins of the probationees; all set in war-ravaged London with as fine a collection of actors that could be assembled; I Believe in You is a minor classic of its time,one of the earliest films depicting real people and their problems rather than the glamourous lives of the movies the propaganda ministries wanted us to see.

Many of the outdoor locations show parts of London never before seen on the big screen, and these too provide interest for anyone interested in locations of movies.

Bunny Lake Is Missing (1965)

a real edge-of-the-seat thriller

[22 September 2001]

Recently shown on Italian TV, and really worth seeing,if you haven't before, and if you have, then its certainly worth watching again.

Great direction, good acting, and numerous cameos from several well known British bit part actors.

I have a copy, lifted off the TV, its in English, English PAL, and VHS, if you'd like a copy let me know.

The location shots are interesting, not all in tourist areas, and those that are take an unusual perspective. Much filmed in north London in the Hampstead area.

A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square (1980)

A good caper

[21 September 2001]

Really enjoyable film full of some great British character actors.

Excellent use of outdoor scenes, mainly of London, but not the usual recognisable holiday brochure zones.

Not a complicated plot, but who needs them. Just good fun, well executed and fine entertainment.

I've a reasonable copy of the film, lifted off the English television, English Pal, on VHS, and would be happy to let you have a copy if you need one.

The 39 Steps (1959)

Does it matter if the film is not true to the book.

[21 September 2001]

An enjoyable adventure, notable for good location shots of London, not the obvious tourist's traps, and the highlands of Scotland. Having identifiable locations increases the local tourist trade, many people want to visit the"scene of the crime".

Does it matter that the film didn't follow the book too carefully. Was it entertainment in its own right, or do we want to follow the scenes and dialogue, like some old theatre and concert goers with their carefully annotated "libretti". No,the movie industry stands on its own feet, and of course it uses literature. Didn't the original author not take classical themes, innocent man accused of criminal activity, trustworthy persons in power turn out to be the baddies, boy meets girl, loses girl, refinds girl. There really cannot be total originallity in any modern work of creativity, all is based on what has gone before.

Thirty nine steps, a ripping good yarn, to be enjoyed in the spirit in which it was offered.

Brief Encounter (1945)

A beautiful film.

[21 September 2001]

BRIEF ENCOUNTER

A deserved classic of the silver screen, with the phrase `Its only something in mai eigh' almost as famous as `Play it again........'. Milford Station, beautifully portrayed by Carnforth Station in Lancashire, is the setting for this wartime love story.

A wonderful examination of middle class English manners, and morals, and yes, we were like that one time, and we still drink tea, though happily the railway buffets are a thing of the past. Stanley Holloway, the station master gives, as usual, a fine performance.

The real station, originally part of the a L.M.S., London Midland and Scottish line was taken over by British Railways, and after several years of decay, and threats of demolition, has, in part, been saved by a group of local enthusiasts to commemorate the film.

I have the film on tape, English Pal, VHS, and would be happy to make a copy if needed.

Celia Johnson has quite protruding eyes in several scenes, and if Trevor Howard was anything of a doctor perhaps he would have diagnosed an over active thyroid!

Remembered also for the musical score which used Rachmaninoff's 2nd Concerto in G to such popular effect.

A lovely film, worthy of any collection.

A Hard Day's Night (1964)

A dreadful film, but with wonderful songs

[15 September 2001]

As a long-time fan of the Beatles, and yes, I was around in London when they started, the film has to have the worst direction ever witnessed. The group can sing, they are performers, all did have a strong sense of humour and distintive personalities, but, this film must be the most boring ever made with such talent. One can only blame the director.