The crushing pressures of social conformity have always been a central concern of Terence Davies' movies, so Edith Wharton's astringent novel of innocence destroyed makes an ideal choice for him. Set in the edgy, nouveau riche ambience of 1900s New York, the story traces the downfall of the lovely but imprudent Lily Bart (Gillian Anderson) in a world where hypocrisy and predatory vice lurk behind genteel facades. Wharton (whose later novel The Age of Innocence was brilliantly filmed by Martin Scorsese) has an acute feel for the subtleties of social nuance, the way insiders and outsiders are defined, and Davies skilfully renders these hints and insidious judgments in cinematic terms. Working to a tighter budget than most period dramas, he turns his limitations to advantage. The film's never in danger of being swamped by the gorgeousness of its sets and costumes, or turned into an exercise in easy nostalgia. The northern austerity of Glasgow effectively stands in for New York. Throwing off the mantle of Scully (from The X-Files), Gillian Anderson gives a powerful and wholly convincing performance as Lily, movingly despairing as her options are closed off one by one; and there's a fine portrayal of self-satisfied brutality from Dan Aykroyd as the chief agent of her downfall. --Philip Kemp
This two-hour DVD from director Tony Palmer celebrates the extraordinary life of Bobby Moore. Described by veteran sports journalist the late Ian Wooldridge as the best sports documentary I have ever seen the film stars all the 1966 World Cup heroes plus contributions from Michael Caine Pele Harry Redknapp David Beckham George Best Jimmy Greaves and members of Moore's family. Bobby Moore remains an iconic figure and inspiration for generations of football players and fans - a rags-to-riches fairy tale and a special moment in English history. He was the first (and so far only) English captain to hold the World Cup in his hands. Bobby Moore's journey from the poverty-stricken East End to becoming the most famous man in England came to symbolise the triumph of a country and of an entire generation. This film tells the true story of the man and the footballer. All his football contemporaries in the England team of 1966 were interviewed - among them Bobby and Jack Charlton Geoff Hurst Martin Peters Alan Ball and George Cohen - as well as iconic figures such as David Beckham George Best Harry Redknapp Jimmy Greaves Terry Venables Franz Beckenbauer Pel'' Michael Caine Denis Law Jimmy Tarbuck Alan Shearer and Malcolm Allison; and most importantly Bobby Moore's Aunt Ina daughter Roberta and son Dean as well as both his wives Tina & Stephanie. Their eye-witness accounts together with a special contribution from Alf Garnett (Warren Mitchell) football footage of England's campaigns in 1966 and 1970 and archive film of Bobby Moore's parents and of Alf Ramsey throughout that period make this film a unique family record of an extraordinary man.
Every now and then the game is graced by a player that you know is special. Every time they get the ball you sense danger that something is about to happen the atmosphere becomes electric. Gary Lineker was just such a player. Like no other in the modern age Lineker was the supreme predator fast sure footed and with an uncanny nose for goal. Despite being known as Mr Clean (he was never once booked or shown the red card) Lineker was really the arch assassin. Featuring more than
From humble beginnings when they joined the old second division in 1905 to Premiership Champions in 2005 Chelsea have become one of the most popular and recognizable clubs in world football. This unique programme introduced by Sir Richard Attenborough will take a comprehensive look back at the best moments most colourful characters and unforgettable matches from the last hundred years. Relive all of the greatest goals and action from the club's illustrious history from their fir
The full historic match which took place at Leeds' Elland Road stadium in which Manchester United were vanquished by their Yorkshire rivals.
Terry Venables: Goal (Interactive DVD)
The Ultimate Game Collection Hours of Sporting Fun. Containing three fantastic Sporting DVD Games: Darren Gough's Brilliant Sports Quiz; Goal! Presented by Terry Venables; and Frankie Dettori: Champion Stakes.
England's Hope And Glory: The World Cup Trivia Quiz
The full historic match which took place at Leeds' Elland Road stadium in which Manchester United were vanquished by their Yorkshire rivals.
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