Change Your Image
Vaughan74
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
The View from Daniel Pike: Philomena and the Tattie-Howkers (1971)
Fast, witty, dialogue.
Pike is commissioned by political activists to investigate reports of cruel exploitation of workers picking potatoes after the fields have been mechanically churned up ('tattie howkers'). Whilst indicating a lack of political sympathy for the activists, he agrees to investigate for a fee. Pike goes undercover, posing as hard-up and looking for any type of work, and quickly tangles with the overseer, employed by Philomena Hawley, the business proprietor. Having being taken on as a howker, the suspicions of the activists are quickly confirmed. In an attempt to achieve justice, Pike takes the local policeman to the site, leading him to an apparent recent burial place (of a worker who had tried to escape). Upon being confronted, rough justice prevails upon the cruel and violent overseer (Phelim); however, there is a mixed ending, as the brains behind the business, Philomena, has the last laugh. The strength of the episode lies in the quality of the characterisation and acting. The dialogue is fast, and often acerbic. There is predominantly a mixture of Scottish and Irish accents. The viewer will require an ear for Glaswegian, as Pike's (Roddy McMillan) dialogue is often fast, but contains witticisms that are worth catching to fully appreciate the episode.
Budgie: Grandee Hotel (1971)
Strong mix of humour and pathos
Entirely set in a hotel, various storylines are interweaved. There is some scene setting to begin with, and it is not until some way into the episode that Budgie appears, and the reason for the hotel setting becomes apparent; he wishes to offload a projector onto Charlie Endell, who, as in every episode, is ahead of Budgie's thinking. Realising that he is not going to get anywhere with the projector sale, Budgie has more success in using it for a film show, escaping with the proceeds before the attendees realise that they have been duped. In the humour of Budgie's comic escapades, a fateful scenario unfolds concerning a father seeking the whereabouts of his daughter who had been staying in that hotel. The father is initially befriended by, and receives reassurance from, a salesman (superb performance by the eloquent Preston Lockwood); the father is subsequently treated in an off-hand manner (when the salesman's deal appears to have fallen through); and the father overhears that a young lady had been found dead in one of the rooms.
Hazell: Hazell and the Maltese Vulture (1978)
Strongest episode yet in the series.
I found this episode markedly different to the immediately preceding episodes, which I would attribute to the Trevor Preston contribution, as there is much of the style and pace of The Sweeney here. There were some sharp changes in direction in the plot, which keeps the viewer alert, it does not run a predictable course. There were some genuine laughs as well, despite the serious storyline. Interesting seeing Pat Roach here, who later appeared in 'Auf Wiedersehen, Pet'. In general with these series from the seventies, I don't know how much appeal, if any, they would have for a younger audience, I was living in London at the time, so this capturing of the city on film has an interest, which others may not share. Likewise, the regular footage of the Hazell's car in the series, a Triumph Stag, and other vehicles manufactured in the 60s and 70s, adds to the appeal for those of a certain age.
I'm Not Feeling Myself Tonight (1976)
Quite enjoyable 1970s romp.
I had low expectations for this movie. On account of the censorship in the UK in the 1970s there were fairly strict limits on what could be shown in general cinemas on an X certificate, in comparison with films for adults in parts of Europe (e.g. movies by Jess Franco), or the US ('grindhouse'). Given the limitations, this film I found quite amusing, though lightweight. I found it rather similar to the near-contemporaneous 'Girl from Starship Venus', starring Monika Ringwald. Anyone who enjoys re-watching footage of 'The Benny Hill Show' from this period should find this movie of interest, and it does capture a frivolity that is lacking from modern cinema. For anyone younger, though, and not around at the time (mid 1970s), there is probably little of interest.
Special Branch: Hostage (1973)
Gripping, well paced, powerful acting, a gem.
Special Branch have to deal with the kidnapping of a diplomat's daughter. A highly emotionally charged episode that is handled with aplomb by all, fine acting, tight direction, and a generally fast pace. Film location in the latter part is in the since-redeveloped London docklands. One of the best episodes of series 3.
Special Branch: Sounds Sinister (1974)
Interesting plot, brisk pace.
The Special Branch team are tasked to track down the source of pirate radio broadcasts that reveal apparently true, but embarrassing, information about individuals. The suicide of a businessman as a result of revelations broadcast by the pirate broadcast leads to an acceleration of the pace of the investigation. Overall this episode, like many in Series 4, has the pace, direction, production and acting quality of 'The Sweeney' Series 1, also by Thames Television.
Special Branch: Rendezvous (1974)
Well acted, weak story line
A Cold War story involving KGB agents. Well acted as in other episodes of Series 4, however the repeated use of flashback to WWII disrupted the episode, in my view. Much shooting, involving automatic weapons, makes the plot rather implausible. Not the best episode of series 4.