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The Russians Are Coming the Russians Are Coming (1966)
Hilarity As A Russian Sub Runs Aground
Director Norman Jewison took the theme of Cold War hysteria to ridiculous lengths with this movie. Carl Reiner, Eva Marie Saint, Alan Arkin and Brian Keith are among a stellar cast with a series of hilarious scenes that mocked American and Russian attitudes back in 1963. The residents think a Russian invasion is taking place when a group of Russian sailors run aground. Allan Arkin was outstanding as the leader on the Russian side. Police chief Brian Keith tries to calm the locals on the island town off the coast of Massachusetts. Supporting cast members like Jonathan Winters, Tessie O'Shea, Paul Ford, Dora Merande, Parker Fennelly and others delivered great comedy performances. Watch for a climatic act of heroism towards the end. Of course it is dated but it is still great viewing.
The Jury (2002)
Jurors pitted against each other in a contentious case
This jury drama seems to derive some of its inspiration from an American movie from the 1950's - Twelve Angry Men. This one however deals with the domestic lives of the jurors as well as the conflict over the guilt or innocence of the accused. I found some moving and powerful performances by Michael Maloney, Nicholas Farrell, Gerard Butler, Sylvia Syms etc. The background of racism against the young man from a Sikh family is played out on the streets outside the court. There are connections made among the jurors and heated differences of opinion in trying to establish the facts, a huge challenge in this particular case. Derek Jacobi was very impressive as the defence attorney. Gerard Butler was outstanding as a young man fighting addiction while falling for another juror. Michael Maloney rose to the occasion as the foreman. The outcome is not in the least predictable as they deal with conflicting evidence and struggle to find the truth. Worth watching all six episodes.
The Out of Towners (1970)
Tough Way To A Job Interview
The Out of Towners from 1970 is a comedy that I saw when it first came out. I saw it again recently and it does seem dated; however, the comedy team of Jack Lemmon and Sandy Dennis is still well worth watching. Lemmon plays a sales executive from a small town in Ohio who is on his way to an interview. I can relate to being in an unfamiliar city and losing my way around but this one takes the story to ridiculous heights as the mid-west couple cross paths with a range of criminals in the city. Just the same, Jack Lemmon's frantic behaviour and Sandy Dennis's dry sense of humour sparkle as they trip through a series of misfortunes. All the reputed pitfalls of the Big Apple are played out as Lemmon agonizes over getting to his interview on time. Of course, times have changed and New York's reputation as a bastion of crime has greatly improved.
An Officer and a Gentleman (1982)
Becoming A Gentleman
This movie from 1982 tells the story of a young recruit for the Naval Academy, played by Richard Gere, who learns valuable lessons about relationships between men and women and how to treat people with respect. His own family life was marred by his mother's early death and an absentee, alcoholic father. The movie is very much a product of its time with young women looking to marry a Naval Academy graduate to travel and live abroad, a life they could never achieve as factory workers in a small town.
Gere's best friend played by David Keith is someone who is willing to sacrifice his own career for love takes a hard fall when his idealism is misplaced. Gere's character is a young man determined to succeed, although he pays a price for his arrogance under the thumb of Lou Gossett Jr. As Sgt. Foley who puts him through a tough and highly regimented training program. Debra Winger plays Gere's love interest who teaches him a few things about himself and what it takes to build a loving relationship. The two deliver one very sizzling sex scene. A very good story with strong performances, there is great on location shooting and a memorable theme song "Up where We Belong".
The Chalk Garden (1964)
Strong Cast and Beautiful Setting
The Chalk Garden describes a garden where Deborah Kerr as Miss Madrigal becomes the governess for Hayley Mills as a young girl named Laurel. It is also a metaphor for a family relationship. Hayley's grandmother, Mrs. St. Maugham, played by Dame Edith Evans, is the owner of an estate where Laurel resides. She has strongly influenced the relationship between Laurel and her mother. The mother, played by Elizabeth Sellars, abandoned Laurel, and wants her child back. Miss Madrigal sees her own past mirrored in Laurel and wants to make things right for the daughter and this leads to conflict. Madrigal's past is a big unknown but comes out when Felix Aylmer, as a judge who was acquainted with Madrigal, visits Mrs. St. Maugham, a longtime friend. The conflict over Laurel's future took time to come into focus as we watch the story. The movie, directed by the Ronald Neame, highlights the acting talents of Edith Evans and Deborah Kerr. John Mills, Hayley's real life father, plays the butler and the full-time resident of the estate, who becomes very fond of Madrigal. The photography provides a beautiful backdrop for the story with the garden, residence and the magnificent seascape.
Billy Elliot (2000)
Billy Elliot's Incredible Story
"Billy Elliot" had an emotional impact for me that comes from watching a young boy persevere against the odds to achieve something important in his life. I felt as if I was seeing real people deal with difficult personal circumstances. The challenge allowed them make a major change of attitude and direction in their lives. As the story progressed, you could feel the distance that was developing between Billy and his family over his desire to pursue a life of his own. His brother and father, both mine workers, are involved in the coal strike of 1984; this leaves his family almost penniless. The strike is a great strain on Billy's father, as the breadwinner who has also lost his wife. They are not about to fund Billy's hope of taking advanced ballet lessons, which his instructor recommends. Billy takes care of his elderly grandmother with the passing of his much loved mother. He also finds kindred spirits among his own friends and his dancing instructor, performed by Julie Walters, who saw his potential and gave him the push to excel. This movie shows the strains and the bonds among family as they drift apart and come together. The background of the coal strike of 1984 and the recent death of the mother made this movie more poignant. Great movie!
The Entertainer (1960)
The Entertainer Tries To Fend Off Time and the Tax Collector
The Entertainer is an extremely well acted movie from 1960 that describes the downfall of a music hall entertainer, played by Laurence Olivier, who cannot face up to the fact that his career is over and that his unpaid taxes will soon catch up with him. He keeps going on despite dwindling audiences who are given stale humour and mediocre song and dance routines. The fine cast includes Brenda DeBanzie, Alan Bates, Joan Ploughwright, etc. Director Tony Richardson gained fame in the 1960's for his "kitchen sink" movies, where the unheralded working class people were featured rather than the polished lords and ladies with the upper crust accents. These were excellent movies with compelling narratives. This one, however, has a very sombre feeling. The movie takes place with the background of the Suez Canal disaster which also directly affects the family in this movie. I didn't sense a link in the story with Britain's decline as a world power except that the time period coincided with the 1950's when many Britons were feeling disenchanted with their reduced role in the world. What it does portray very effectively is the demise of a music hall entertainer who held on for too long. He refused employment in Canada and allowed his talent to wither away. Very sad but well portrayed by one of the world's greatest actors.
Mrs Brown (1997)
Victoria's Mrs. Brown Period
Mrs Brown tells the story of a loving relationship that Queen Victoria developed with a loud, boozy Scot named John Brown. Brown had a tremendous loyalty to Queen Victoria which the Queen came to treasure in the years following the death of Prince Albert whose death had driven the Queen into the depths of depression.
Billy Connolly performed the role superbly, although one might wonder how the Queen, who was a stickler for Royal protocol, could tolerate some of his erratic behaviour.
Geoffrey Palmer, who was paired with Judi Dench in the long running television series As Time Goes By, is Henry Ponsonby, who was thoroughly alarmed by Brown's hold on the Queen's affections.
Judy Dench showed an interesting range as the widowed Queen who was haughty towards family and aides and warm and loving towards Brown. On one outing she appeared as a gracious guest in the house of one of Brown's friends in the highlands near Balmoral.
I was very taken with Antony Sher's performance as Disraeli. He seemed to capture the essence of the Prime Minister who persuaded the Queen to withdraw from her extended period of mourning and once again show her public face.
All in all, a fine movie that dramatizes a period in the middle of Victoria's reign before she became known as the Grandmother of Europe.
Street Scene (1931)
New York Tenement Neighbourhood 1931
Street Scene from 1931 was recently televised on TCM and I was glad to record it as an early example of talking movies. I also found the movie very telling of life in that era.
The first part of the movie was a very watchable slice of life as neighbours gathered on the steps and sidewalks of their tenement building. They talked about the heat wave and then the talk moved to their neighbours' comings and goings, jobs, rents, love life, etc.
The second part of the movie was much darker and involved the double murder of a wife and her lover. It seemed very sudden and before long the street was filled with police, ambulance and a huge throng of bystanders. It was a terrific shock to the neighbours.
My attention was often on Beulah Bondi who led the conversation and was the most outspoken. She was a great acting talent and seemed to be a perfect fit for the neighbourhood.
Sylvia Sydney was the daughter of one family and was seeing a Jewish boy. They loved each other and wanted to escape the inner city. The relationship was a bone of contention among the neighbours. Even in a melting pot like New York, people were conscious of who married who, especially someone who was Jewish.
The movie was an interesting social commentary. It harkens back to the time when people were used to going out and actually talking to their neighbours. No televisions or computers and no noisy traffic to compete with everyday communication.
Days of Wine and Roses (1962)
"You and me and booze...a threesome!"
This was an excellent story from director Blake Edwards with powerful acting by Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick. Lemmon plays a successful public relations executive who falls in love and marries Remick. The two are very much in love and before long, they have a child. The pressures of family and work become a trigger for Lemmon's battle with alcohol, which gets the upper hand, and leads to a downward spiral. Sadly, his wife succumbs to bouts of drinking as well, which was often how they spent their evenings. Charles Bickford gave a strong performance as Remick's father who at one stage took them into his home. The two make failed attempts to become sober. Lemmon's career slides and they move from their upscale apartment to more rundown accommodations. Lemmon realizes the toll things are taking and joins AA, beginning his road to recovery under the guidance of Jack Klugman, who works to keep him sober. Lemmon makes progress and tries to convince his wife to do the same, especially for their young daughter's sake. How will it turn out? We cannot say but we can see the heavy price alcohol takes on those in its grip. In this case, a couple who lose control over their future. Much of the movie was shot in the dark, which is when the drinking went on. This matches the mood. As a sidebar, it was by accident that I happened to view this movie after a trip to San Francisco so the names of streets, the views up and down the hills and some of the buildings had a ring of familiarity, even in the dark. I always appreciate on location shooting and it was a bonus. This is a great movie about the ordeal of alcoholism and the strength often required to overcome it.
Rome Adventure (1962)
Suzanne Pleshette Finds Romance in Italy
Fired from a college library for giving a student a banned book, Suzanne Pleshette takes a voyage to Italy where she finds a job, goes sightseeing, meets new friends and who would guess - finds romance. Troy Donahue, recently abandoned by his girlfriend Angie Dickensen, meets Pleshette and the two have a great time exploring Italy and falling in love. The movie does take you back to those years when the post war baby boomers were edging towards adulthood and getting their first taste of adult entertainment. Nothing too risqué but enough to titillate as the new couple travel as a Mr.& Mrs. Porter to conceal their identity, even while one sleeps on the balcony. The movie has a number of well known minor actors, and includes a botched scene with trumpeter Al Hirt, which was a low point in the movie. It was pleasantly amusing until Angie Dickensen comes back and tries to steal Donahue away from his new love interest. The movie is dated but does have enough spark to keep viewers watching. Towards the end, we enjoy a few more gags and surprises. A solid 6 out of 10.
A Man for All Seasons (1966)
Outstanding Movie With A Stellar Cast
This movie offers one of the finest acting performances I've ever seen with Paul Scofield as Thomas More in the leading role. The script resembles a theatrical presentation with Scofield giving a powerful defence of his personal conscience over his allegiance to the monarch, King Henry VIII. The movie incorporates the fine location background of More's estate on the River Thames. The opening scene is a beautiful visual clip that shows a messenger running to board a boat and travelling along the river to summon More to a meeting at the King's request. The King wants More, as the nation's Chancellor, to sanction his divorce from his first wife Catherine of Aragon to allow him to marry Anne Boleyn. More makes clear that he is a loyal subject of the King but he will not be forced to agree to a marriage he does not believe is valid. Robert Shaw, as the King, rants and raves at More but the Chancellor does not yield and shows calm and dignity against the King's tyrannical outbursts. Scofield and Shaw lead a stellar cast that incudes Orson Welles, Leo McKern, Susannah York, Wendy Hiller, Nigel Davenport, John Hurt, Coran Redgrave, etc. Vanessa Redgrave has a short appearance as Anne Boleyn. Scofield portrays More not only as a man of conscience but also as a lawyer with a keen grasp of the finer points of the law. Scofield won an Academy Award for his performance. To my mind, the film is a classic that shows an event in a particular time and place and will never be dated. The sets, photography, and acting are all outstanding.
Vienna Blood (2019)
Classy Crime Show
Vienna Blood is a classy detective series that takes viewers into the criminal world of the early 20th century. Set in the capital of the Hapsburg Empire, the show exposes the city under the veneer of palaces and stunning architecture that one usually associates with Vienna. Max Lieberman played by Matthew Beard is a medical doctor trained by Sigmund Freud in analyzing the psychology of the criminal mind. He works with Oskar Rheinhardt (Jürgen Maurer), a Detective Inspector in solving murders that are often carried out with unorthodox methods that baffle the authorities. The sets are outstanding as viewers go from public buildings that resemble palaces to the most humble back streets of the Hapsburg capital city. This program delivers a fascinating and highly watchable detective series with great credit to the BBC's usual high standards.
Absence of Malice (1981)
Newspaper reporting's collateral damage!
Waiting for some time to view this one, I finally saw it on TCM. Paul Newman was never better in the character of Mike Gallagher whose reputation is sullied by a newspaper report on him as a suspect in a murder case. A man of solid character, he seemed to be a convenient target because of his late father's links to organized crime. He didn't take this on the chin but went to the reporter, played by Sally Field, and her boss. The boss covered his tracks beforehand and didn't give an inch. The newspaper had stained Gallagher's reputation but without making any real accusation...so this puts them in the clear. His liquor business employees are ordered by their union to leave and friends shun him. Eager to boost her career, Sally Field's character has no remorse. A later story destroyed the reputation of Gallagher's girlfriend, played by Melinda Dillon. As much as Gallagher tried to convince the youthful reporter of his innocence, she threw up a protective barrier to the truth. I found Melinda Dillon very convincing in her short performance as the innocent girlfriend who suffered by her association with Gallagher. Sally Field was miscast with her sweet girl persona no fit for a tough as nails reporter. The days of irresponsible news reporting is largely over; however, Sidney Pollack delivered a movie that exposed the sinister underbelly of daily newspapers.
Maryland (2023)
Satisfying Television Drama
This three-part drama was excellent viewing that had me eagerly tuning in for each episode. The story of a wife and mother who suddenly dies on the Isle of Mann was powerful blow to her two daughters and her husband. As the story continues, the viewer gets drawn into the suppressed antagonism between the two daughters who travel to the Isle to identify their mother. The plot was very unpredictable with a lot of curveballs that added extra layers of mystery to the life of the mother. Eve Best and Suranne James, as the daughters, go from one confrontation to another as the mother's unknown life away from her family becomes more and more incomprehensible to them. This takes a huge toll and we see the two daughters trying to swim against a tide that keeps pulling them down. Stockard Channing plays a friend of the mother. It seems that every time she appears, more chapters of the mother's life are exposed. The two daughters did come close to blows but the experience of their mother clearly enabled them to communicate their own feelings. The last 15 minutes are not to be missed.
The Abdication (1974)
Queen Christina vs. The Vatican
This movie was one I hadn't seen until it appeared on TCM. Great acting talents are on display with the two leading characters, Peter Finch and Liv Ullman. Queen Christina appears as a very confused woman with sexual quirks that seem to dominate her performance combined with her obsession to be seen by the Pope. Apparently she suffered from an affliction that possibly makes her better understood which some viewers were clearly aware of. I did find Peter Finch's performance more impressive, asking questions of the Queen, which she didn't expect, as if the Church would bow to her title and immediately agree to her demand. Finch, who portrays a Cardinal (a Prince of the Church) is clearly a power within the Vatican, who is determined she will not see the Pope unless he is convinced of her sincerity. He is very stoic in the presence of the Queen despite her harangues. But he is also mesmerized. The halls and chambers of the Vatican are well displayed with Cardinals huddling among themselves as the Queen and Cardinal spar over her audience with the Holy Father. There is a dramatic change towards the end which will surprise some viewers. This is a very impressive take on Vatican politics at the time of the Counter-Reformation.
The Last Survivors (2019)
Memories from the Last Survivors of the Holocaust
I visited Dachau in 1973 when I was just out of school and the experience has stayed with me. I don't ever want to forget what I felt that day and make an effort by tuning in to programs like this one - The Last Survivors. This program which I caught on PBS took a different approach by talking to the survivors: the brothers, sisters, children and grandchildren of loved ones who perished there. They were asked about their memories of family members they lost 70 years afterwards. It was very moving to hear the memories they shared from their childhood. It was important to capture their words on film because they will soon be gone.
One woman recounted how she said goodbye to her mother who was taken from her and directed to a line for the older or weaker ones. They embraced and the mother said "I love you" to her child and that was the last she saw of her. Another talked about his brother who he was separated from and never saw again. For many years, they buried these memories, which were too painful to talk about.
Others seemed to be reluctant to talk saying it was of no use to share their private memories because people only want to listen to happy stories. How true that often is! One daughter urged her father to talk about it and listened and hugged him. Both had tears in their eyes. That must be better than keeping silent for fear of making people unhappy. I think we can share these private moments with people we are close to, not just for survivors but for others who want to hear.
One brother returned to his childhood home on a street in Krassen in Germany. He was able to witness the laying of small plaques honouring each of his parents and his brother. He was very elderly and he was naturally emotional. This sort of gesture is important because it allows the survivors to get some small piece of closure. It Is also important for others to know and learn from their stories.
Now, Voyager (1942)
Bette Davis Reaches For The Stars
I didn't have any desire to view this movie on reading the reviews. The whole idea of an adult woman, played by Bette Davis, giving up her independence to cater to her mother seemed too far fetched. However, I did view it and was drawn into the story, which became a suspenseful drama as to whether Bette Davis could in fact follow her instincts and set out to make a life for herself. Although she never intended to give up her independence, she did play her cards right and kept in touch with her new found romantic interest, played by Paul Henreid. She also found herself taking his own daughter under her wing and showed her how to blossom as she herself was able to do. The movie had an excellent cast, including Henreid, Gladys Cooper, and Claude Rains. The movie has some interesting visual effects and photographic nuances. It also shows how to find fulfillment in surprising ways. As Davis says to Henreid: "Why have the moon, when we can have the stars."
Paths of Glory (1957)
The Brutality of War
This movie shows brutality of war and the callous attitude the top brass who conducted the Great War in early 20th century Europe on the backs of the men in the trenches. This war resulted in a huge loss of life that scarred millions for decades to come. The key part of the movie is the trial of three men for cowardice in battle, which was a total mockery of justice. Kirk Douglas was a man of principle who defended the three against the generals who cared nothing for the lives and hardships of their own men in battle. The best and most moving part of the movie comes at the end when a beautiful German girl is forced to sing to an audience of French troops. What happens is almost magical. This is a great anti-war movie and a triumph for director Stanley Kubrick.
When in Rome (1952)
Touching Story of Conversion During the 1950 Holy Year in Rome
In this movie, Paul Douglas as Brewster meets Van Johnson as Father Halligan, on a cross Atlantic boat to Italy. Brewster is an escapee from San Quentin although his friend Father Halligan knows nothing about this. When getting off the boat, he impersonates Halligan by stealing his clerical garb. Brewster makes friends with an Irish priest from Dublin who offers him accommodation at a religious residence in Rome. He thinks it is a perfect spot to elude the police. Despite himself, Brewster seems moved by his experience in Rome to the point where he becomes a changed man. There are some touching moments such as the boys choir singing Panis Angelicus and Brewster recalling his days as a choir boy. At another point he takes up the heavy cross of an elderly priest in a procession. Halligan noticed this and other signs of Brewster's good nature. Brewster decides to go to confession and obtain a plenary indulgence for his sins by visiting the four cathedrals in Rome. Paul Douglas fits this role perfectly. The ending is quite a surprise but in a way, it shows the underlying character of one human being whose life has changed. There is a lengthy chase scene towards the end and scenes of authentic processions from the 1950 Holy Year are spliced into the movie. The streets and backgrounds of Rome are beautifully highlighted. This is a very good movie with great on-location shooting and a wonderful performance by Paul Douglas.
Alice & Jack (2023)
Simply beautiful!
I have watched many PBS series over the years and this one is unique in a strangely beautiful way. The two people, Alice and Jack, are good friends who become very close. There was never any intention to become lovers; it just happened eventually, in an understated way. They remain close almost effortlessly without expecting too much in return. I was touched by this series, particularly the last episode which was very moving. Of course, they had joys and sorrows, which they shared. They were there for one another. The whole series was relatively low key and emotional highs or lows flowed naturally. Life can be a roller coaster so it is a pleasure to view a story about a relationship that is strong and caring and speaks to the heart.
Agatha (1979)
The Disappearance of Agatha Christie
The well publicized disappearance of Agatha Christie, legendary crime writer, is the subject of this mostly fictional movie. The disappearance of Christie has always been a mystery, given her loss of memory during the episode so this movie tried to fill in those blank pages of her life. It is a splendid production with Vanessa Redgrave in the title role and Dustin Hoffman as the journalist who pursues her and falls in love with the mysterious and elegant woman, as portrayed in the movie. Timothy Dalton, looking very distinguished, is her husband, who had made it clear that he wanted a divorce. Dalton and Redgrave together are enormously impressive. As the journalist, Dustin Hoffman pursues Christie and we see them on the dance floor and in private moments at the spa where Christie is hiding away. The costumes and settings are beautiful and evoke the 1920's in this classy and highly visual movie. I've always found Vanessa Redgrave to be one of the most riveting women in the world and this role highlights her tremendous stage presence. However, she is not a woman I would associate with Agatha Christie. The movie is not spellbinding; however, we do see a very shocking episode towards the end which is nerve wracking. This movie is well worth a viewing and while it is fictional it adds an interesting sidebar to the life of the world's best selling mystery writer.
Dynasty (1981)
The entertainment world's backlash against 1960's idealism
It was fun revisiting this TV series from the 1980's to relive my addiction to the show. Hard to believe that I would bother with such a shallow program based on ruthless business, the lust for money, adulterous relationships and family treason; not to mention acting and script writing that was so appalling.
Now, many years later after watching many fine TV shows on Masterpiece Theatre, the films of Alfred Hitchcock, and great movies on TCM, Dynasty seems like cheap fodder for viewers who never experienced great cinema; only a weekly fix of escapist entertainment.
I think that assessment is too easy a way to judge shows like Dynasty and that other1980's soap opera, Dallas.
We can become much too pretentious about our viewing pleasures and overlook what was happening in our culture in the 1980's. Baby boomers were raising families and abandoning their idealism in the race to get ahead, bring up gifted children and make money. Thus the attraction of those who embrace money and reject family loyalty as the boomers were finding life more at odds with their lost idealism. Add to that the desire for a dose of the reality they were encountering in their own lives.
All this tells us that television mirrors what is going on in our own world and what we make of it. The Carrington-Colby rivalry with the two protagonists personified by Blake Carrington and Alexis Colby was the new normal in a world that had gone from the early idealism of the boomers to to their bumping into the reality of life in a flawed world.
The Windsors: Inside the Royal Family: A New Generation (2020)
Post-Diana Royal Family Takes Shape and Deals with Controversy
With the passing of Diana, Princess of Wales, the Royal Family was left with an enormous gap. She had been not only the most popular member of the family but had also become something of a superstar. She had a natural rapport with the British public and her death not only left a gap but created a huge public relations problem. As shown in the documentary, the public perception was that Prince Charles had caused their separation and therefore her death in the company of her new companion. To make matters worse, the Queen was on holiday in Balmoral, Scotland and had no inclination to get involved in the national grief that erupted in the wake of her death. She didn't feel it was part of her official duties.
In the meantime the public was wondering why the Queen had not issued a public statement and returned to London to lead the mourning. Prime Minister Tony Blair stepped into the void and mourned the loss of the "People's Princess". I recall her death and the documentary was right in this assessment. Within a few days the Queen returned to London from her Balmoral hideaway, viewed the huge display of floral tributes and paid tribute to Diana in a televised address. She left the palace to go out for the funeral procession where she bowed when the funeral cortege passed. It seemed that the Queen handled an unprecedented situation as well as could be expected. So the event was played out with due respect to Diana and the Royal Family was able to move on.
The balance of the program dealt with issues arising after the passing of Diana, including the Queen agreeing to the marriage of Charles to Camilla Parker-Bowles. (Although not mentioned in this documentary she also agreed to Camilla assuming the title of Queen when Charles assumed the throne.) Then there were the Queen's grandchildren William and Harry; how William was the more dutiful and well-behaved one. William married Kate Middleton and had three children and took on the duties as second heir to the throne. Harry, who suffered greatly from the loss of his mother at age 12, had a difficult adolescence but had a very successful tour of duty in Afghanistan. He later became a strong supporter of the Invictus Games to aid disabled veterans. His marriage to Meaghan Markle was an outstanding television spectacle but the two suffered tremendous intrusions from the paparazzi.
The documentary doesn't reach any particular conclusions about the path forward. It was made in 2020, two years before the death of Elizabeth. With her death, and the departure of Harry and his family to live in the United States, the slimmed down House of Windsor has found itself dealing with some health concerns that were totally unexpected and may well be resolved before long. There is no doubt that the House of Windsor will continue to evolve as it has but could take on a very different look in the next generation.
Seance on a Wet Afternoon (1964)
Excellent acting and eerie atmosphere
Seance on A Wet Afternoon is a great movie to take in on a rainy day. The length and slow pace of the movie wouldn't be to everyone's liking as Kim Stanley plans and rationalizes the kidnapping of a child to her placid and beleaguered husband, performed by Richard Attenborough. Although Stanley dominates the dialogue, Attenborough's worries and fears are well acted out in his frowns and wide eyed wonderment. I found the movie very riveting. Stanley's character needs money to springboard her to success as a medium. The photography is in black and white which is very effective for the closeups of Stanley and the drops of rain on the windows of her Victorian house. Attenborough becomes the pawn in Stanley's insane plan. The cast includes parents, the kidnapped girl, the police detectives, visitors to the séances etc. This movie has great acting and photography that highlight this unusual but very watchable story.