Now Screening - What Are You Watching Right Now?

[Spectral Morn]

I've put the DVD in my Amazon basket Neil, so when I next get something I'll slip that onto the order.sounds interesting, and if I don't like it my son will.

In fact I better check he doesn't already have it

Hope you enjoy it Grant.


Regards Neil

[Barry]

Two excellent b&w horror films spring to mind.

The sixties Japanese Classic 'Onibaba': https://www.eurekavideo.co.uk/moc/onibaba

And Roman Polanski's bizarre 'Repulsion': http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/repulsion/

Both excellent films Geoff.

[Macca]

Don't know about that. Repulsion is a bit too weird to be 'good' in any normal sense. If we're talking Polanski then it has to be Chinatown and Rosemary's Baby, both of which are masterpieces and superbly directed.

[struth]

tonight it is Laughter in Paradise(1951) starring Alistair Simm, George Cole, John Laurie, Fay Compton and Joyce Grenfell.

Audrey Hepburn and Stanley Hollaway were both initially earmarked for this but for one reason or another didn't, although I believe Hepburn gets a very small part to play. Simm as usual Steals the whole film and his scenes with Grenfell are hilarious. A rich practical joking relative dies and in his will, he leaves conditions for the family to receive their lucre. Simm has to go to prison and Compton who is a terrible employer, has to work as a servant...all good fun, and worth the admission price.

[struth]

...and now on to A Matter of Life and Death. A Powell & Pressburger production for the Archers starring David Niven, Roger Livesey and Kim Hunter. I think it was made after the war ended tbh but not sure....
One of these fabulous films that come along, and the delectable Kim Hunter was a tip from the one and only Hitchcock himself. The escalator was in fact real and cost a sizable 3 grand to make. Nicknamed operation Ethel, it had over 100 stairs and was driven by a petrol engine.

Joan Maude who plays the chief recorder was lovely as well.... Her grandmother was Swedish nightingale Jenny Lind.

[Spectral Morn]

...and now on to A Matter of Life and Death. A Powell & Pressburger production for the Archers starring David Niven, Roger Livesey and Kim Hunter. I think it was made after the war ended tbh but not sure....
One of these fabulous films that come along, and the delectable Kim Hunter was a tip from the one and only Hitchcock himself. The escalator was in fact real and cost a sizable 3 grand to make. Nicknamed operation Ethel, it had over 100 stairs and was driven by a petrol engine.

Joan Maude who plays the chief recorder was lovely as well.... Her grandmother was Swedish nightingale Jenny Lind.

Amazing film, never grow tired of seeing it.


Regards Neil

[struth]

Your right there Neil. West and enjoyable , great actors too. Raymond Massey as the prosecutor is great. Love his sinister looks...oddly he and Niven died on the same day.

[Barry]

Don't know about that. Repulsion is a bit too weird to be 'good' in any normal sense. If we're talking Polanski then it has to be Chinatown and Rosemary's Baby, both of which are masterpieces and superbly directed.

It may be weird and difficult viewing, but it is an excellent depiction and portrayal of a woman descending into terminal psychosis. Knife in the Water is also a good early film of Polanski.

Agree about Chinatown and less so with Rosemary's Baby.

[Macca]

I used to think Rosemary's Baby wasn't up to much until I watched it again for the first time in a long time last year. There really are so many very clever little techniques in the way that film is directed and put together that I never really apreciated when I was younger.

[walpurgis]

I used to think Rosemary's Baby wasn't up to much until I watched it again for the first time in a long time last year. There really are so many very clever little techniques in the way that film is directed and put together that I never really apreciated when I was younger.

I always loved that film. It has a slightly tongue in cheek approach, but still remains creepy. Well acted by a fine cast and nicely directed by Polanski. (never did find out what Tannis Root was though)

Around the same time, Polanski also made 'Dance of The Vampires' (renamed The Fearless Vampire Killers). That was a hoot. Great fun, with Alfie Bass becoming a Jewish vampire who was immune to crucifixes and Dracula's gay vampire son camping it up. Polanski's unfortunate wife Sharon Tate looked truly stunning.