Redmond Barry is an Irish country boy who falls in love with a well-to-do local girl and is subsequently tricked by her family into leaving town. Disillusioned with love, the brokenhearted youngster embarks on an adventure which sees him serve in the Seven Years War, earn a living as a professional gambler, and eventually move into the higher ranks of society, when he meets and marries the beautiful Lady Lyndon. Despite the luck that has brought him such riches, it is this final move, the cynical choice to marry for social advancement rather than love, which brings about his downfall.
Redmond Barry is an Irish country boy who falls in love with a well-to-do local girl and is subsequently tricked by her family into leaving town. Disillusioned with love, the brokenhearted youngster embarks on an adventure which sees him serve in the Seven Years War, earn a living as a professional gambler, and eventually move into the higher ranks of society, when he meets and marries the beautiful Lady Lyndon. Despite the luck that has brought him such riches, it is this final move, the cynical choice to marry for social advancement rather than love, which brings about his downfall.
Anthony Hopkins stars as the Roman General in this adaptation of the classic Shakespeare play. Co-stars Jessica Lange and Alan Cummings.
In the post-war years, the proliferation of transnational European co-productions gave rise to a cross-pollination of genres, with the same films sold in different markets as belonging to different movements. Among these, Riccardo Freda (I vampiri, The Horrible Dr. Hichock)'s Double Face was marketed in West Germany as an Edgar Wallace krimi', while in Italy it was sold as a giallo in the tradition of Mario Bava's Blood and Black Lace, combining elements from both genres for a unique and unforgettable viewing experience. When wealthy businessman John Alexander (the legendary Klaus Kinski, giving an atypically restrained performance)'s unfaithful wife Helen (Margaret Lee, Circus of Fear) dies in a car crash, it initially looks like a freak accident. However, the plot thickens when evidence arises suggesting that the car was tampered with prior to the crash. And John's entire perception of reality is thrown into doubt when he discovers a recently-shot pornographic movie which appears to feature Helen suggesting that she is in fact alive and playing an elaborate mind game on him Psychological, psychedelic, and at times just plain psychotic, Double Face stands as one of the most engaging and enjoyable films in Freda's lengthy and diverse career a densely-plotted, visually-stunning giallo that evokes much of the same ambience of paranoia and decadence as such classics of the genre as One on Top of the Other and A Lizard in a Woman's Skin. Special Edition Contents: Brand new 2K restoration of the full-length Italian version of the film from the original 35mm camera negative High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation Uncompressed mono 1.0 LPCM audio Original English and Italian soundtracks, titles and credits Newly translated English subtitles for the Italian soundtrack Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing for the English soundtrack New audio commentary by author and critic Tim Lucas New video interview with composer Nora Orlandi The Many Faces of Nora Orlandi, a new appreciation of the varied career of the film's composer by musician and soundtrack collector Lovely Jon The Terrifying Dr. Freda, a new video essay on Riccardo Freda's gialli by author and critic Amy Simmons Extensive image gallery from the collection of Christian Ostermeier, including the original German pressbook and lobby cards, and the complete Italian cineromanzo adaptation Original Italian and English theatrical trailers Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Graham Humphreys FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing on the film by Neil Mitchell
The true story of a young Sudanese refugee who flees his village during the civil war and wins a lottery for relocation to the U.S. to begin a new life.
Written by acclaimed novelist Roddy Doyle and directed by Michael Winterbottom Family is a searing television drama that aired on BBC One and RT One in 1994. Family is a compelling characteristically no-frills look at life in an Irish suburb where Charlo Spencer's violent behaviour infidelities and criminal activities are pushing his wife and children to breaking point. The original transmission was a watershed moment in Irish TV history leading to an outcry and national debate about domestic violence. Family centres on the Spencers a family living in a Dublin housing project. Charlo played by Sen McGinley is the abusive and cheating husband of Paula played by Ger Ryan. They have four children: teenagers John Paul and Nicola and younger children Leanne and Jack. Told over four episodes each one devoted to a different family member this series gives an often harrowing picture of Irish working class life in the 1990s. The first episode focuses on Charlo; the abusive alcoholic father and husband who makes his living as a small-time crook. Episode two takes up the story of rebellious teenager John Paul just as he's starting secondary school. The third instalment tells the story from the perspective of Nicola who works in a clothing factory and has a particularly strained relationship with her father. In the fourth and final part we meet the emotionally and physically battered matriarch Paula who reclaims her identity by throwing Charlo out of the house and getting a job.
Wild Geese
Perhaps Stanley Kubrick's most underrated film, Barry Lyndon--adapted from the picaresque novel by William Makepeace Thackeray--inhabits the 18th century in the way A Clockwork Orange and 2001: A Space Odyssey inhabit the future: perfect sets, costumes and cinematography capture characters whose rises and falls are at once deeply tragic and absurdly comical. Narrated in avuncular form by Michael Hordern, the film follows the fortunes of Redmond Barry (Ryan O'Neal), a handsome Irish youth forced to flee his hometown after a duel with a cowardly English officer (Leonard Rossiter). Stripped of his small fortune by a deferential highwayman, Barry joins the British army and fights in the Seven Years War, attempting a desertion that leads him into the Prussian army. A position as a spy on an exquisitely painted con man (Patrick Magee) leads to a life of gambling around the courts of Europe, and just before the intermission our hero achieves all he could want by marrying a wealthy, titled beautiful widow (Marisa Berenson). However, Part Two reveals that Barry can no more be a clockwork orange than the protagonist of Kubrick's previous film, and his spendthrift ways, foolhardy pursuit of social advancement and unwise treatment of his new family lead to several disasters, climaxing in another horrific, yet farcical duel. Shot almost entirely in the "magic hour", that point of the day when the light is mistily perfect, with innovative use of candlelight for interiors, Barry Lyndon looks ravishing, but the perfection of its images is matched by the inner turmoil of its seemingly frozen characters. Kubrick is often accused of being unemotional, but his restraint is all the more affecting when, for example, Barry is struck by the deaths of those close to him, his wife writhes into madness or his stepson (Leon Vitali) vomits before he can stand his ground in a duel.On the DVD: The extras are skimpy, a trailer and a list of awards, a French alternate soundtrack and subtitles in seven languages. However, the film--"digitally restored and remastered"--is served superbly by the medium. Letterboxed to 1.59:1 (which fits the 14:9 option of a widescreen TV), with a 5.1 Dolby Digital soundtrack, the print looks and sounds wonderful, which not only allows a fresh appreciation of the wit and beauty of the film but shows just how good the apparent underplaying (unusual in Kubrick films) of the cast is. --Kim Newman
Simply Media are delighted to announce the release of the much sought after cult sci-fi classic series Star Maidens on DVD 17th April 2017. Originally shown on ITV and not seen on British television since 1978, this unique Anglo-German production has largely been shrouded in mystery. Today Star Maidens is regarded as a rare and bizarre curio by TV sci-fi enthusiasts, has a place in television history books and provides a fascinating snapshot of the sexual equality revolution at the time. Now all 13 episodes will be available to own on DVD in a two-disc digitally re-mastered set. Starring iconic sci-fi actor Gareth Thomas, three years before he would go on to play space rebel Blake in the BBC sci-fi classic Blake's 7. This DVD release also contains a bonus interview with the late, great actor. Featuring episodes directed by double Oscar-winner Freddie Francis (The Elephant Man), and cinematography by Ken Hodges (David Copperfield (1970)) and Alan Hume (Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi), this stunning series was shot on location in Windsor, Bracknell, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, locations that would later be used again in Blake's 7. Created by Eric Paice (Dixon of Dock Green) and co-written by John Lucarotti, who had previously been a contributing writer for Doctor Who and The Avengers, and fellow Doctor Who writer Ian Stuart Black, Star Maidens is set on the futuristic planet Medusa in the solar system of Proxima Centauri. It's a perfect world ruled by women known as Star Maidens, and where men are the inferior sex. While the males are relegated to performing menial tasks, women are regarded as the superior intellectual beings and are assigned personal male domestic servants to satisfy all their needs and desires. This peaceful matriarchy, however, is threatened when a comet blows them out of their solar system and into our own, entering the orbit of Earth a primitive, crude and disappointing planet rumoured to be ruled by men! When headstrong rebel Adam, played by French heartthrob Pierre Brice, flees his keeper, the beautiful supreme councillor Fulvia (Judy Geeson Poldark (1975)), along with his faithful friend Shem (Gareth Thomas) they steal a space yacht and head for Earth to claim political sanctuary. Outraged by their disobedience, tough security chief Octavia (Christiane Krüger Anne of Green Gables) decides to take two Earth scientists captive on their own planet, enslaving the male while treating his female assistant like a Queen, as they hunt down their insolent missing men. Much hilarity ensues from the clash in cultures between the two planets, with Adam and Shem having many comedic misunderstandings on landing on our own male dominated Earth for the first time. And the Star Maidens are shocked that women could ever be treated as a man's assistant! Alongside the comedy this series stands out for being one of the first of its time to bluntly address issues of sex discrimination head on. Filled with all the wonderful and wacky tropes you would expect from a 70s cult sci-fi series, including ray guns, over-the-top colourful costumes and impressive retro-futuristic sets from Emmy-winning production designer Keith Wilson (Space: 1999), this is a not-to-be missed series for sci-fi fans, comedy fans and nostalgia hunters.
In a gripping tale of courage resourcefulness and determination the consequences of a plane crash strip bare the morals of the survivors. The pilot of the doomed aircraft Frank Towns (James Stewart) is an aviator of the old school used to seat-of-the-pants flying distrustful of new technology. With his navigator Lew Moran (Richard Attenborough) he is piloting a cargo-cum-passenger plane high above the Arabian desert when a powerful sandstorm rises from below. Trusting his instincts Frank decides to fly through and above the storm; a risky move which leads to the starboard engine overheating and catching fire shortly followed by the demise of the port engine. Without power the plane begins a long dive towards the ground a sequence memorably intercut with the opening credits before impacting messily. Staggering from the wreckage the living find themselves deep within the Arabian desert far off their original flight plan and with little hope of rescue. Two of their number were killed instantly while a third (a young oil-worker) has been gravely wounded - right from this beginning the crosses of the dead loom over those left alive. Frank blames himself bitterly for this tragedy (correctly so from an objective perspective) but still tries to exert some authority over the rabble and provide reassurance. Since they have enough water for about ten days according to Dr.Renaud (Christian Marquand) and plenty of dates as food Frank and Lew spin the yarn that they will surely be found by search aircraft. Meanwhile a pecking order emerges among the men (a mix of oil-workers soldiers technical personnel and the aircrew) with the more learned/respected exerting control over the manual workers. As time passes the situation becomes increasingly bleak and Captain Harris (Peter Finch) decides to march to the nearest oasis with Sgt.Watson (Ronald Fraser) who is less than keen on the idea. In fact Sgt.Watson manages to fake a sprained ankle just to get out of the desert trip (a move symptomatic of his hatred of the military) and his superior leaves with another passenger. Unfortunately another survivor Trucker Cobb (Ernest Borgnine) is so deranged that he staggers after the departed pair. Frank is still so wracked with guilt that he goes after Cobb risking his own life in the brutal midday heat and fails once again in his task. Just when the situation looks irretrievably lost Heinrich Dorfmann (Hardy Kruger) comes up with an audacious idea - why not build a smaller plane from the debris of the first? Initially he is ridiculed both for being German and for having such a crackpot scheme but attitudes change slightly when he reveals that he is actually an aircraft designer. Once again there is hope no matter how slim that they won't become vulture food - just as long as the struggle for control between Frank and Heinrich doesn't destroy the entire enterprise...
One man heads a highly skilled professional group of game hunters in Africa. Only they don't use bullets - they capture the ferocious big game with strong rope and cameras for zoos and circus attractions. It is an exciting business that pits man against beast. ""Hatari"" means danger in Swahili.
Once the ugly duckling of the rural Dorset village of Ewedown, Tamara Drewe returns as a glamorous high flying journalist, ruffling feathers, rekindling old passions and shaking up the sleepy village with hilarious and heart-warming consequences.
This gorgeous adaptation of Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic children's story is well worth watching with the whole family. Produced for Canadian television, it's one of those rare productions that actually sticks to the book and even enhances it through first-rate performances and an excellent script. Set on bucolic Prince Edward Island in the late 19th century, Anne of Green Gables is the story of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and headstrong orphan. When brother and sister Marilla and Mathew Cuthbert decide to adopt an orphan boy to help Matthew work the farm, they are astonished when Anne arrives at the train station by mistake. "What use is she to us?" grumbles the gruff Marilla. "We might be of some use to her", answers Matthew, who has taken an instant liking to the talkative Anne. As Anne grows up, her adventures are both hilarious and moving. It's a delight to watch as she forms a friendship with the beautiful Diana and her admirer--the dashing Gilbert Blythe--then dyes her hair green, cracks a slate over Gilbert's head when he calls her "Carrots", and finds a sympathetic teacher who encourages her to attend college. Richard Farnsworth is perfect as the shy and gentle bachelor Matthew, who confides to Anne that he never went courting because "I would have had to say something". Colleen Dewhurst delivers a nuanced and powerful performance as Marilla, a seemingly cold-hearted spinster whose no-nonsense exterior conceals a warm heart. And as Anne, Megan Follows strikes the perfect note, maturing from freckle-faced orphan to elegant and poised young woman. --Elisabeth Keating
Following the accidental death of her son Jane Morton a bereaved psychiatrist from Dublin is assigned to work on the case of Dorothy Mills a teenage girl accused of attempted infanticide. Jane diagnoses that Dorothy has multiple personality disorder but when Dorothy appears to speak with the voice of Jane's dead son events take a dark and sinister turn.
Picking up where Queer as Folk left off, QAF2: Same Men, New Tricks exists primarily to wrap up the series. Consisting of two one-hour episodes, it occasionally moves fast--but it won't leave anyone who watched the first series behind. Stuart is still, we're constantly reminded, "a twat", and it's around him that this sequel revolves. Trying to come to term with his place in the world, he finds young Nathan a formidable protege, his family needing him less, and his friends... well, Stuart never was much of one for relationships. Vince, his one friend, has started to take charge of his own life, leaving Stuart to grow less and less connected to anyone else's definition of responsible behaviour. It's maddening, but it's also what makes the show so much fun to watch. Then comes the ending: keeping in mind that QAF2 was done solely to ensure that there would be no conceivable way to do any further series, the fantastical final 15 minutes is extremely effective, if a bit incongruous with the rest of the show. Camp and way, way, way over the top, it's an ending that the guys in the show would probably relish. --Randy Silver
The Little Polar Bear is a wonderfully sweet movie adaptation of the bestselling children's book by Dutch author and illustrator Hans de Beer. Lars--the bear of the title--lives in the North Pole with his father Mika, who warns him that he should not mix with any walruses. Unfortunately, Lars is already best friends with Robby. The two of them just can't understand what all the fuss is about, raising issues of tolerance and understanding to viewers of all ages. This isn't to say the film heavy-handedly throws messages at its young viewers. Subtle points made about society and environment are there to be interpreted, but it's the friendship tale that's at the heart of the movie. Along the pair encounter four hilariously depressed lemmings, the happy snow goose Pieps, Lena the Arctic hare, Caruso the singing penguin and the pretty bear Greta, to whom Lars finds himself curiously attracted. No violence. No pessimism. --Paul Tonks
To win the love of beautiful but conceited princess a prince sets out to search for the Singing Ringing Tree which she deeply craves. He finds it in an enchanted garden which is ruled by an evil dwarf. The dwarf gives him the tree subject to one condition – the prince must win the princess’ love before nightfall. If he should fail he will be transformed into a bear... and this comes to pass.
Albert Markovsky is an environmental poet at odds with a slick department chain salesman, so he seeks the aid of existential detectives, the Jaffees, to help him deal with it.
Jimmy McGovern one of British television's most prolific and influential writing talents returns with a major new drama series starring Jim Broadbent Sue Johnston and Jane Horrocks. Set in the North of England each episode concentrates on a different house in the street; each story is unique and individual but linked by community shared experience and an indomitable sense of humour.
Their home is their battlefield. Their calling is war. Their only loyalty is to each other. They are the Wild Geese. While they fight their mission in Africa sinister forces in the corridors of power are working to seal their fate.
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