Longitude (2000) (TV)

Director:

Charles Sturridge

Writers:

Dava Sobel (book)
Charles Sturridge (writer)

Release Date:

2 January 2000 (UK)

Genre:

Drama | History

Plot:

Parallel stories: 18th century Harrison builds the marine chronometer for safe navigation at sea; 20th century Gould is obsessed with restoring it.

Plot Keywords:

Admiration | Windmill | Bureaucracy | 1700s | Clock

Awards:

7 wins & 5 nominations

Cast

Jonathan Coy	...	Adm. Sir Cloudsley Shovell
Christopher Hodsol	...	Capt. Ainsley
Jeremy Irons	...	Rupert Gould
Peter Cartwright	...	Army Doctor
Gemma Jones	...	Elizabeth Harrison
John Nettleton	...	Minister for the Navy
Michael Gambon	...	John Harrison
Nigel Davenport	...	Sir Charles Pelham
Liam Jennings	...	Young William Harrison
Anna Chancellor	...	Muriel Gould
Frank Finlay	...	Adm. Wagner
Geoffrey Hutchings	...	Estate Manager
Andrew Scott	...	John Campbell
John Standing	...	Capt. Proctor
John Wood	...	Sir Edmund Halley

Runtime:

250 min (2 parts) | USA:200 min

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Australia:PG | Singapore:PG

Filming Locations:

Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda

Company:

A&E Television Networks

Goofs:

Anachronisms: The word "scientist" was not invented until 1840. In the 18th century they were still called "natural philosophers".

Quotes:

Sir Edmund Halley: Don't touch that, boy!
William Harrison: I didn't, sir, honest, I was just looking.
Sir Edmund Halley: Do you know what that is?
William Harrison: To tell the movements of the stars.
Sir Edmund Halley: How do you know that?
William Harrison: It's my job at home.
Sir Edmund Halley: You have one of these at home!?
William Harrison: No, sir, we use Mr. Johnson next door's chimney.
Sir Edmund Halley: And, pray, what is it that you learn from Mr. Johnson next door's chimney?
William Harrison: The time.
[...]

Movie Connections:

References "The Brains Trust" (1955)

The British really know how to make movies...

I'm a great fan of British filmmaking. As an American who's lived in the UK most of his life, I've had the plesure of being exposed to British cinema. In no small way is this through British television.

Logitude is another in a long line of excellent British films that have not received the viewership they deserve. I watched this film on Channel 4 shortly after the new year. And I admit, all the hype over this film in the previous weeks was justified. Accute performances on Gambon's John Harrison as well as Iron's part, of whom mind I must admit I am no fan, plus the usual assortment of marvelous west end stage performers in particular John Wood as Edmund Halley proclaim Longitude as excellent entertainment.

The story was, on the other hand somewhat mellowed down and excessively lengthed. Yet I suppose in order to transpire the scientific details presented in the novel, length was required. But overall it is a great recount of history and I strongly recommend it to American audiences who won't find this sort of thing at home easily.