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Reviews
A Kind of Loving (1982)
Buy it on DVD
"A Kind of Loving" (1982) is a favourite movie of mine. I have watched it loads of times and it always seems fresh. The reason I like it is because it contains a warning. It is a warning for all young people to watch out for the trap. Beauty is temporary and short lived. That is why a woman wants security before her beauty fades. She wants that ring on her finger so make sure she is the right one for you before she shackles you for life. What is the right one? Well not beautiful for a start so you won't have competition. A sweet nature, yes. Nobody wants vinegar with everything. A willingness to cooperate, yes. A sense of how to dress well without breaking the bank, yes. Someone who is honest, yes. Someone you can really love. I hit the jackpot - but I very nearly didn't. This movie contains all the usual temptations. WATCH IT AND AVOID THEM.
No Room at the Inn (1948)
A really grotty DVD copy
In answer to the requests for a DVD copy above it can be found at "Loving Classics" as a NTSC DVD-R copy. It isn't a very good copy but I dare say it will take the sparkle off those old memories described above. I tried to imitate the cinema audiences of the day when the villain got her comeuppances by standing and cheering but it all seemed a bit like a kids movie when the hero was coming to the rescue and they were playing the William Tell overture.
It takes place in the early stages of WWII when the children of London were evacuated to the country. Mrs Vorey (Freda Jackson )takes in some children and they live like pigs , albeit friendly pigs while their school teacher tries to remedy the situation and the authorities prevaricate.
Smokescreen (1994)
A lovely children's classic (1994)
I have never ever seen quoted where the filming location for this film was but seeing as it was filmed in my old home town in places that I played in as a child, I can reveal that it was Todmorden.
This is a lovely adaptation of Elsie McCutcheon's book and is presented on VHS as one continuous movie without the episode breaks. It is 1907 and it was the dawn of a new age of motor cars and the cinema; both are portrayed in the movie although the cars are only for the rich. I remember my father telling of the dreadful conditions of the early cinema in Todmorden and even in my era the local cinema was known colloquially as the 'laugh and scratch.' Sally Walsh wonderfully plays the part of Chrissy Gallant and little brother 'Chip' (Sam Townend) is the bottom wagging cheeky brother. There are interfering neighbours, resentful playmates and loving ones, landladies putting on airs and getting them knocked off again. It's the sort of thing that children love with a happy ending.
A delightful movie.
A Boy, a Girl and a Bike (1949)
Come to West Yorkshire for your holidays
This movie has evaded me for a long time, originally seeing it in Skipton, which is featured in the movie. I couldn't remember the title but it turned up in the DVD 'Diana Dors collection'. It has matured like old wine and the little romances within the main theme make me wish I was back there again. It's a pity it is in black and white : the scenes are good in this medium but they would have been stunning in colour. It is a real advert for 'Come to West Yorkshire for your holidays' particularly since much of it has since been cleaned up revealing its natural beauty.
PS. We don't really talk like that in West Yorkshire - honest!
Treasure Hunt (1982)
A good all round interesting show
Like all series, there were some better than others but overall, my wife and I both liked watching this show. It really did receive a lot of adverse publicity. It was as though the public were determined to get it off the air by any means possible but despite this Anneka Rice's personality was great and it lasted from 1983-1988 (with Anneka). They do say one man's meat is another man's poison and it certainly was true of Channel Four's Treasure Hunt. My favourite has got to be the one about West Yorkshire since it started in my home town of Todmorden at Stoodley Pike (pronounced Studley), a well known landmark on the hillside that can be seen from most parts of the town, which is quite a feat since the town is surrounded by the millstone grit of the Pennines. Another one that stands out was the one in Israel which I still have on video. I do wish they would include this series on DVD with the rash of other programmes now coming out on DVD.
Mansfield Park (1983)
A series to remember.
When I first saw this series, I wondered if I was going to like it. There were so many characters and relations I found it a trifle confusing but on watching again I got into the swing of things. Now it is one of my top favourites. Fanny Price [Sylvestra Le Touzel] is not the prettiest of actresses, at least not in this series, but she was chosen for the part and I have to say, I fell in love with the character. All the rich relations have everything going for them and they make a mess of their advantage whilst Fanny, from a poor underprivileged background, and put down at every opportunity by her rich relations, behaves perfectly and comes out smelling of roses. She shows a remarkable strength of character when under the greatest of pressure.
The other characters are good too but sometimes they give the impression of acting on a stage rather than in a movie. Of note are Sir Thomas Bertram [Bernard Hepton], Aunt Norris [Anna Massey], Edmund [Nicholas Farrell] and Maria [Samantha Bond].
Paris - When It Sizzles (1964)
Why I hate this film !
I am an Audrey Hepburn fan and generally love her movies but this one I absolutely hate. It is the sort of movie that if I saw it at the cinema, I would come out before the end and I can say with honesty I have only ever done that once.
There are many films I don't get first time round but the penny usually drops on reviewing and I like it that way, but this one leaves me cold. If it was funny I could forgive the screenwriters but I can sure watch this one with a straight face.
Sorry. Why did I buy it ? It was part of a set.
Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
One of my "perfect" films
I only got this movie 3 days ago and I am already on the seventh viewing. I just love romantic movies with a happy ending. Although sex is the buzzword these days for most things, this film is notable for its absence as are most other things you might expect to find in a romantic movie.
So what is the attraction ? Well firstly two first class actors. Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. The storyline is such that they keep "missing" each other but getting occasional glimpses of one another. All the time I was willing them to meet even though it might shorten the movie. Without Jonah (Ross Malinger) the movie would be doomed to failure since Hanks is no lady pursuer, but Jonah, helped by his little girlfriend mini travel agent make sure of success.
If you are looking for reality, this movie is not for you but if you want a lovely story with a happy ending it is lovely. Anybody whose marriage has been "magic" will identify with this film.