Displaying items by tag: London

Filmed as the Thatcher-led Conservatives took power in this country, and at a time when gritty Euston Films productions filled our TV with images of violent and corrupt London, The Long Good Friday is the rawest, most energetic gangster picture since the heyday of Cagney and Bogart. Indeed, while Barrie Keeffe’s screenplay could certainly be described as neo-Shakespearian, the ‘downfall of a mob boss’ concept would be equally familiar to fans of Tommy-gun operas from the rain-soaked Warner Bros. circa 1931. A  matter compounded by the perfect casting of Hoskins in the lead role of Harold Shand -

Those who have seen the film Bronco Bullfrog will not have forgotten it. Made in 1969, it features real East End kids playing East End Kids and doing the sort of thing East End Kids of the time got up to. We are shown real stuff like the film’s star Del, out to impress on a first date, taking his girlfriend ‘up west’ on his new motorcycle. He decides that the West End cinema is a bit too pricey so instead takes her for a slap meal to a fancy restaurant – a Wimpy’s.

Released nearly thirty years ago, Babylon stands up today as a well crafted, convincingly acted, hard hitting piece of realistic drama.

It’s powerful, resonant ending is up there with the classic Jimmy Cagney‘s “Made It Make top of the world” finale in White Heat. But Babylon is not available in any British Video store. It has been not been shown on British TV, neither terrestrial or satellite, for many years.  What is the meaning of this outrage?

Screenwriter and novelist GF Newman (22nd May 1946) best known for the creation of TV character Judge John Deed (2001-2007) starring the talented and versatile Martin Shaw, a maverick judge who forgoes the usual pomp and circumstance associated with our legal system, in particular the court room, and New Street Law (2006-2007), a drama about two rival law firms of barristers based in Manchester,

Very few actresses have ever been given a role that redefines the public's vision of women on television. That in itself would be a significant achievement; but as Cathy Gale in The Avengers, Honor Blackman not only altered that public perception and re-characterized the role, she also single-handedly kick-started the whole 1960s 'second wave' feminist movement.

Roderick David Stewart was born on 10th January 1945 in Highgate, London. The youngest of the family, Rod has two older brothers and sisters. Apart from Mum who was a Cockney, father and Rod’s siblings were all born in Scotland. Rod was spoilt as the youngest but showed interest in singing and was very much influenced by Al Jolson.

In between Glam Rock and Punk, was a band called Jook, who visually distinguished themselves by donning the popular at the time ‘terrace culture’ look. This was an adaptation of the skinhead look of the late 60’s, but the trousers were slightly more flared, wore at times half-mast, and length had returned to the hair,