Another lovely visit back to the Levenshulme Palace for a Saturday afternoon matinee, Luke. And who could argue with 25 new pence for a ticket and a choc ice?
Terrific stuff, as ever, Luke!
Yea, verily, an unbeatable cast, and a potentially str-making role for Simon Ward that never truly materialised, which is a shame. Have you seen I Start Counting (1970), Luke? He puts in a convincingly sinister and disturbing performance, but not one, alas, that helps build the image of a clean cut and golden tressed film star.
And Maurice Binder never made a duff set of film titles, did he? I always thought then, and still do, that if I watch a film that opens with his titles then that film will be a good ‘un. Not always true, of course, but his titles were always worth the price of admission.
Thanks again, Luke, for this reminder to go back and watch again…which, thus far, you’ve not yet disappointed with your choices, and I doubt this one will, either.
Reading your posts I’m struck by the sheer number of films I went to see in the 70s and 80s. I must have spent half my life in a theatre… What I remember most about the film are the South African scenes, and yes, compared to the often stilted and pompous historical bios, this one stands out, fresh, not hagiographic.
And that's another great point. It used to be the standard thing- you went to the cinema when 'something' good came out. Perhaps every few months? Very different from today. Watched 'Conclave' on download last night- quite good, up to a point Lord Copper, but I wouldn't rave about it- and then the last thing I actually went to the cinema to see was Ridley Scott's Napoleon, which, with hindsight, I don't think I would bother to see again. Not a patch on The Duellists (1977).
'Fresh'. I like that. And that's exactly what it is. The South African battle scenes... and Robert Shaw's brilliant Lord Randolph- especially the poignant scenes with the young Winston and the syphilitic Lord R's humiliation in the House. That's what I remember...
Luftwaffe did have helicopters in late WW2, they were employed operationally in small numbers. Young Winston armoured train sequences filmed in Brecon Beacons, as I recall. Great film, loved it as a kid.
Another favorite film (okay, yes, I am a bit of an "Anglophile" - loosely defined in my case as liking almost anything originating from the nations of the Isles). But even back in the day, I thought this film was a bit too "English" to appeal to a broader American audience in spite of the inclusion of American actors and faces familiar in the US. Personally, I enjoy the "I'm Winston Bloody Churchill!" moment.
This is a film I love. I saw it in the cinema with my parents, and at least once since. And I'm sure that both times the dream sequence at Chartwell with his father was included. It's my favourite bit! You are right about the casting, Shaw and Bancroft are perfect. And without rewatching, have I remembered that this is the Jack Hawkins appearance after the throat cancer that took his voice away...beautifully incorporated? (If I've got confused, I apologise)
It is- Jack Hawkins doesn't have to say anything, he just acts by expression. I think you're remembering that bit when Randolph talks to Winston man-to-man, playing with his toy soldiers... which is similar, but the actual dream sequence with Winston asleep at his studio at Chartwell, never made it to the final final film. You can watch it on that link in the post.
Another lovely visit back to the Levenshulme Palace for a Saturday afternoon matinee, Luke. And who could argue with 25 new pence for a ticket and a choc ice?
Terrific stuff, as ever, Luke!
Yea, verily, an unbeatable cast, and a potentially str-making role for Simon Ward that never truly materialised, which is a shame. Have you seen I Start Counting (1970), Luke? He puts in a convincingly sinister and disturbing performance, but not one, alas, that helps build the image of a clean cut and golden tressed film star.
And Maurice Binder never made a duff set of film titles, did he? I always thought then, and still do, that if I watch a film that opens with his titles then that film will be a good ‘un. Not always true, of course, but his titles were always worth the price of admission.
Thanks again, Luke, for this reminder to go back and watch again…which, thus far, you’ve not yet disappointed with your choices, and I doubt this one will, either.
Reading your posts I’m struck by the sheer number of films I went to see in the 70s and 80s. I must have spent half my life in a theatre… What I remember most about the film are the South African scenes, and yes, compared to the often stilted and pompous historical bios, this one stands out, fresh, not hagiographic.
And that's another great point. It used to be the standard thing- you went to the cinema when 'something' good came out. Perhaps every few months? Very different from today. Watched 'Conclave' on download last night- quite good, up to a point Lord Copper, but I wouldn't rave about it- and then the last thing I actually went to the cinema to see was Ridley Scott's Napoleon, which, with hindsight, I don't think I would bother to see again. Not a patch on The Duellists (1977).
I think I was going every week :) ! Last film I saw in the cinema was Oppenheimer, that's telling you how often I go these days!
'Fresh'. I like that. And that's exactly what it is. The South African battle scenes... and Robert Shaw's brilliant Lord Randolph- especially the poignant scenes with the young Winston and the syphilitic Lord R's humiliation in the House. That's what I remember...
Luftwaffe did have helicopters in late WW2, they were employed operationally in small numbers. Young Winston armoured train sequences filmed in Brecon Beacons, as I recall. Great film, loved it as a kid.
Another favorite film (okay, yes, I am a bit of an "Anglophile" - loosely defined in my case as liking almost anything originating from the nations of the Isles). But even back in the day, I thought this film was a bit too "English" to appeal to a broader American audience in spite of the inclusion of American actors and faces familiar in the US. Personally, I enjoy the "I'm Winston Bloody Churchill!" moment.
An all-time favorite -- and so is the book.
Anne Bancroft was devastating.
This is a film I love. I saw it in the cinema with my parents, and at least once since. And I'm sure that both times the dream sequence at Chartwell with his father was included. It's my favourite bit! You are right about the casting, Shaw and Bancroft are perfect. And without rewatching, have I remembered that this is the Jack Hawkins appearance after the throat cancer that took his voice away...beautifully incorporated? (If I've got confused, I apologise)
It is- Jack Hawkins doesn't have to say anything, he just acts by expression. I think you're remembering that bit when Randolph talks to Winston man-to-man, playing with his toy soldiers... which is similar, but the actual dream sequence with Winston asleep at his studio at Chartwell, never made it to the final final film. You can watch it on that link in the post.