Monty Python’s The Meaning Of Life, directed by Terry Jones
Monty Python's The Meaning Of Life, 9pm, ITV4, Tuesday, March 26
Not really a film as such but rather a collection of sketches, loosely linked by shuffling in, about and off this mortal coil. As you might expect, that means the end result is a little bit hit and miss - and one or two sections haven't dated so well either - but there's plenty here to amuse fans of Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin. Among the more enjoyable moments are satirical musical number Every Sperm is Sacred and the unforgettable dining experience of Mr Creosote, which certainly goes with a bang. It was in competition in Cannes in 1983 where it, perhaps surprisingly, took home the Grand Prix. Just go easy on the wafer-thin mints...
Cat Person, Netflix, from Wednesday, March 27
This...
Monty Python's The Meaning Of Life, 9pm, ITV4, Tuesday, March 26
Not really a film as such but rather a collection of sketches, loosely linked by shuffling in, about and off this mortal coil. As you might expect, that means the end result is a little bit hit and miss - and one or two sections haven't dated so well either - but there's plenty here to amuse fans of Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin. Among the more enjoyable moments are satirical musical number Every Sperm is Sacred and the unforgettable dining experience of Mr Creosote, which certainly goes with a bang. It was in competition in Cannes in 1983 where it, perhaps surprisingly, took home the Grand Prix. Just go easy on the wafer-thin mints...
Cat Person, Netflix, from Wednesday, March 27
This...
- 3/25/2024
- by Amber Wilkinson
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
On August 12, 2012, 750 million sets of eyes were entranced by the closing ceremony of the London Olympics, a spectacle celebrating the host city and nation. From under the stage emerged Eric Idle, surrounded by nuns on roller skates and Roman soldiers. Idle led the audience in a rendition of his hit comedy anthem “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life”. The live crowd joined in on every word, even thirty years after the song’s initial release.
Since the 1960s, Eric Idle has reminded us to “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life”. More than that, he has made doing so a lot easier with his unique brand of comedy and creativity. Idle rose to prominence with his fellow Pythons in the late 1960s and was a staple of screens big and small in the decades to follow. He has largely stepped away from the spotlight in recent years,...
Since the 1960s, Eric Idle has reminded us to “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life”. More than that, he has made doing so a lot easier with his unique brand of comedy and creativity. Idle rose to prominence with his fellow Pythons in the late 1960s and was a staple of screens big and small in the decades to follow. He has largely stepped away from the spotlight in recent years,...
- 3/8/2024
- by Derek Mitchell
- JoBlo.com
Hundreds of Cbeebies Bedtime Stories will soon be added to BBC iPlayer, and details of what’s happening are here.
The art of telling a story has been utilised for the television screen ever since the medium began. Jackanory is probably the best example, whether it was the much missed Bernard Cribbins spinning a yarn or the great Rik Mayall reading Road Dahl’s George’s Marvellous Medicine with a feverish fervour, it is perhaps the most primal form of drama there is, and is integral to children’s development.
Bedtime Stories is a kind of modern take on Jackanory for pre-schoolers, often managing to tempt huge stars of stage, screen, music and everything inbetween to Cbeebies to read a story. The BBC is making hundreds of episodes from the past available on iPlayer too.
Some of the readers you will be able to watch include (deep breath):
Harry Styles,...
The art of telling a story has been utilised for the television screen ever since the medium began. Jackanory is probably the best example, whether it was the much missed Bernard Cribbins spinning a yarn or the great Rik Mayall reading Road Dahl’s George’s Marvellous Medicine with a feverish fervour, it is perhaps the most primal form of drama there is, and is integral to children’s development.
Bedtime Stories is a kind of modern take on Jackanory for pre-schoolers, often managing to tempt huge stars of stage, screen, music and everything inbetween to Cbeebies to read a story. The BBC is making hundreds of episodes from the past available on iPlayer too.
Some of the readers you will be able to watch include (deep breath):
Harry Styles,...
- 2/28/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
Paramount’s “Bob Marley: One Love” debuted atop the U.K. and Ireland box office with £6.9 million ($8.7 million), according to numbers from Comscore.
Universal’s animation “Migration” dropped a spot to second place with £2.7 million in its third weekend and now has a total of £13.5 million. Sony’s “Madame Web” debuted in third position with £2.2 million.
In fourth place, in its third weekend, Universal’s “Argylle” earned £544,846 for a total of £5 million. Rounding off the top five was Warner Bros.’ “Wonka” that collected £424,825 in its 11th weekend for a total of £62.1 million.
There were no other debuts in the top 10.
The midweek release coming up is the 48th & 1/2 anniversary, as the makers style it, re-release of Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones’ cult 1975 comedy “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” starring John Cleese, Eric Idle, Michael Palin, Graham Chapman, Gilliam and Jones, from Graft Entertainment. It opens Wednesday, Feb. 21.
“All of Us Strangers...
Universal’s animation “Migration” dropped a spot to second place with £2.7 million in its third weekend and now has a total of £13.5 million. Sony’s “Madame Web” debuted in third position with £2.2 million.
In fourth place, in its third weekend, Universal’s “Argylle” earned £544,846 for a total of £5 million. Rounding off the top five was Warner Bros.’ “Wonka” that collected £424,825 in its 11th weekend for a total of £62.1 million.
There were no other debuts in the top 10.
The midweek release coming up is the 48th & 1/2 anniversary, as the makers style it, re-release of Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones’ cult 1975 comedy “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” starring John Cleese, Eric Idle, Michael Palin, Graham Chapman, Gilliam and Jones, from Graft Entertainment. It opens Wednesday, Feb. 21.
“All of Us Strangers...
- 2/20/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
John Cleese says the media got it wrong when it quoted his tweet seemingly declaring that he and his Monty Python co-star Eric Idle have always “loathed and despised each other.”
Cleese originally made the comment amid an apparent online dispute over the beloved comedy troupe’s finances, sparked by Idle criticizing the other Pythons, as well as their asset manager Holly Gilliam — daughter of Python member Terry Gilliam.
The Cleese came to Holly’s defense — and he was apparently serious about that part. But 84-year-old claims he wasn’t being serious when he wrote, “We always loathed and despised each other, but it’s only recently that the truth has begun to emerge.”
“I’ve just seen the Press Association release,” Cleese wrote. “They got it totally wrong. My remark about ‘loathing and despising each other.’ 1. Referred to all the members of the group. 2. Was a joke I would...
Cleese originally made the comment amid an apparent online dispute over the beloved comedy troupe’s finances, sparked by Idle criticizing the other Pythons, as well as their asset manager Holly Gilliam — daughter of Python member Terry Gilliam.
The Cleese came to Holly’s defense — and he was apparently serious about that part. But 84-year-old claims he wasn’t being serious when he wrote, “We always loathed and despised each other, but it’s only recently that the truth has begun to emerge.”
“I’ve just seen the Press Association release,” Cleese wrote. “They got it totally wrong. My remark about ‘loathing and despising each other.’ 1. Referred to all the members of the group. 2. Was a joke I would...
- 2/15/2024
- by James Hibberd
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Monty Python famously performed a sketch about a joke so funny, it was lethal. Well, it turns out that John Cleese’s latest attempt at a gag has been somewhat lost in translation.
In a social media spat for the ages, Eric Idle spent the weekend roasting his fellow Pythons on X (formerly Twitter). Cleese bit at Idle’s comments on Tuesday, posting a repost.
“We always loathed and despised each other, but it’s only recently that the truth has begun to emerge,” Cleese wrote in a cryptic response to an X user, who asked if he had fallen out with Idle.
The A Fish Called Wanda star has now clarified that he was joking, posting a series of messages on X lashing out at the reporting of his remarks.
Cleese said some publications “got it totally wrong,” arguing that his “loathed and despised” barb was a joke about all his fellow Pythons.
In a social media spat for the ages, Eric Idle spent the weekend roasting his fellow Pythons on X (formerly Twitter). Cleese bit at Idle’s comments on Tuesday, posting a repost.
“We always loathed and despised each other, but it’s only recently that the truth has begun to emerge,” Cleese wrote in a cryptic response to an X user, who asked if he had fallen out with Idle.
The A Fish Called Wanda star has now clarified that he was joking, posting a series of messages on X lashing out at the reporting of his remarks.
Cleese said some publications “got it totally wrong,” arguing that his “loathed and despised” barb was a joke about all his fellow Pythons.
- 2/15/2024
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
A feud erupts between Monty Python founders as Eric Idle blames Terry Gilliam's daughter for financial troubles. Idle claims the 2014 reunion concert was to pay for a legal battle and calls his pursuer an "entitled git." Cleese defends Holly Gilliam, and shares positive opinions shared by Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam. He also revealed a long-standing dislike between Idle and himself.
A feud erupts between the founders of Monty Python as Eric Idle speaks out and John Cleese fires back. Originally formed in 1969, the legendary British comedy troupe consisted of Cleese, Idle, Terry Gilliam, Graham Chapman, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. They first gained prominence with their sketch show, Monty Python's Flying Circus, which ran for four seasons on the BBC from 1969 to 1974 and went on to multiple Monty Python movies, including the famous Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Life of Brian.
Recently, a feud erupted as...
A feud erupts between the founders of Monty Python as Eric Idle speaks out and John Cleese fires back. Originally formed in 1969, the legendary British comedy troupe consisted of Cleese, Idle, Terry Gilliam, Graham Chapman, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. They first gained prominence with their sketch show, Monty Python's Flying Circus, which ran for four seasons on the BBC from 1969 to 1974 and went on to multiple Monty Python movies, including the famous Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Life of Brian.
Recently, a feud erupted as...
- 2/14/2024
- by Adam Bentz
- ScreenRant.com
To borrow a phrase from Paddy Chayefsky, Eric Idle is mad as hell, and he’s not going to take it anymore. The founding member of Monty Python, 80, has taken to X in recent days to clear the air on a number of matters regarding the legendary British troupe — whose catalog (four seasons of Monty Python’s Flying Circus plus five feature films, including Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Monty Python’s Life of Brian) have elevated them to “Beatles of comedy” status. (Idle, it’s worth noting, is also the mind behind the 1978 Beatles parody The Rutles.) The claims — which many fans say are ruining their cherished Python memories — are as follows:
Idle is Out of Money — and Blames the Gilliams
We own everything we ever made in Python and I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously. But I...
Idle is Out of Money — and Blames the Gilliams
We own everything we ever made in Python and I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously. But I...
- 2/14/2024
- by Seth Abramovitch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
John Cleese took to X (formerly Twitter) to respond to Eric Idle after the latter went viral for some heated comments related to Monty Python, the legendary British comedy troupe that Idle and Cleese co-founded in 1969 alongside Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones and Michael Palin. Idle made headlines for saying he still has to “work for my living” and heavily suggesting that Monty Python funds are being mismanaged.
“I don’t know why people always assume we’re loaded,” Idle posted on X. “Python is a disaster. ‘Spamalot’ made money 20 years ago. I have to work for my living. Not easy at this age.”
“We own everything we ever made in ‘Python’ and I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously,” he added. “But I guess if you put a Gilliam child in as your manager you should not be so surprised.
“I don’t know why people always assume we’re loaded,” Idle posted on X. “Python is a disaster. ‘Spamalot’ made money 20 years ago. I have to work for my living. Not easy at this age.”
“We own everything we ever made in ‘Python’ and I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously,” he added. “But I guess if you put a Gilliam child in as your manager you should not be so surprised.
- 2/13/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Update: John Cleese has responded to Eric Idle’s recent comments, and there doesn’t appear to be any love lost between the former Monty Python performers. Cleese defended Python manager Holly Gilliam, who Idle had suggested was responsible for dwindling income streams.
“I have worked with Holly for the last ten years,” Cleese tweeted, “and I find her very efficient, clear-minded, hard-working, and pleasant to have dealings with. Michael Palin has asked me to make it clear that he shares this opinion. Terry Gilliam is also in agreement with this.” Just in case there was any confusion over the status of the relationship between himself and Idle, Cleese drove the point home by saying, “We always loathed and despised each other, but it’s only recently that the truth has begun to emerge.” Yikes.
—Original article follows below—
Eric Idle may have written “Always Look on the Bright Side...
“I have worked with Holly for the last ten years,” Cleese tweeted, “and I find her very efficient, clear-minded, hard-working, and pleasant to have dealings with. Michael Palin has asked me to make it clear that he shares this opinion. Terry Gilliam is also in agreement with this.” Just in case there was any confusion over the status of the relationship between himself and Idle, Cleese drove the point home by saying, “We always loathed and despised each other, but it’s only recently that the truth has begun to emerge.” Yikes.
—Original article follows below—
Eric Idle may have written “Always Look on the Bright Side...
- 2/13/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
John Cleese is making it clear that he – and a few other Pythons – are in complete disagreement with long-ago co-star Eric Idle, who last weekend slammed manager (and daughter of Python co-founder Terry Gilliam) Holly Gilliam for what Idle suggested were the troupe’s dwindling finances.
“We own everything we ever made in Python and I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously,” Idle posted on X/Twitter Saturday. “But I guess if you put a Gilliam child in as your manager you should not be so surprised. One Gilliam is bad enough. Two can take out any company.”
Cleese left no doubt where he stands on the matter.
“I have worked with Holly for the last ten years,” the Fawlty Towers creator tweeted today, “and I find her very efficient, clear-minded, hard-working, and pleasant to have dealings with.”
Cleese continued, “Michael Palin...
“We own everything we ever made in Python and I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously,” Idle posted on X/Twitter Saturday. “But I guess if you put a Gilliam child in as your manager you should not be so surprised. One Gilliam is bad enough. Two can take out any company.”
Cleese left no doubt where he stands on the matter.
“I have worked with Holly for the last ten years,” the Fawlty Towers creator tweeted today, “and I find her very efficient, clear-minded, hard-working, and pleasant to have dealings with.”
Cleese continued, “Michael Palin...
- 2/13/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
A young woman plots her escape from behind the Iron Curtain until a baby ruins her plans in this 2014 debut from Maya Vitkova
Maya Vitkova’s eloquent, ambitious, emotionally committed drama Viktoria premiered at Sundance 10 years ago and more than deserves its UK streaming release now. This excellent film would be a striking accomplishment from anyone – and this was actually Vitkova’s debut. It feels fierce and urgent: tremendously designed, acted and shot. Viktoria is an intergenerational women’s story from Bulgaria both before and after the 1989 revolutions, a film that maybe in its absurdism, scepticism and slow-burn passion shows the influences of Romanian director Radu Jude, with whom Vitkova worked on short films. On TV, Vitkova produced an episode of Michael Palin’s BBC TV New Europe travel series, heading across the Balkans; Viktoria, interestingly, has an image of someone walking across the snow, only to be flicked over...
Maya Vitkova’s eloquent, ambitious, emotionally committed drama Viktoria premiered at Sundance 10 years ago and more than deserves its UK streaming release now. This excellent film would be a striking accomplishment from anyone – and this was actually Vitkova’s debut. It feels fierce and urgent: tremendously designed, acted and shot. Viktoria is an intergenerational women’s story from Bulgaria both before and after the 1989 revolutions, a film that maybe in its absurdism, scepticism and slow-burn passion shows the influences of Romanian director Radu Jude, with whom Vitkova worked on short films. On TV, Vitkova produced an episode of Michael Palin’s BBC TV New Europe travel series, heading across the Balkans; Viktoria, interestingly, has an image of someone walking across the snow, only to be flicked over...
- 2/13/2024
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Eric Idle has set the record straight for anyone who thought he had a cushy life from his earnings as a member of Monty Python, saying that he still has to work for a living.
“I don’t know why people always assume we’re loaded. Python is a disaster,” the 80-year-old actor and comedian wrote on Twitter. “Spamalot made money 20 years ago. I have to work for my living. Not easy at this age.”
Later on, Idle clarified that though the British comedy troupe owns “everything” they ever made as part of the group, changes to royalty distribution — and what he sees as mismanagement of the company — have made a drastic impact on their earnings.
“I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously,” he wrote. “But I guess if you put a Gilliam child in as your manager you should not be so surprised.
“I don’t know why people always assume we’re loaded. Python is a disaster,” the 80-year-old actor and comedian wrote on Twitter. “Spamalot made money 20 years ago. I have to work for my living. Not easy at this age.”
Later on, Idle clarified that though the British comedy troupe owns “everything” they ever made as part of the group, changes to royalty distribution — and what he sees as mismanagement of the company — have made a drastic impact on their earnings.
“I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously,” he wrote. “But I guess if you put a Gilliam child in as your manager you should not be so surprised.
- 2/12/2024
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Film News
Eric Idle was in salty form on X/Twitter over the weekend.
The Monty Python star had some dismissive words for John Cleese and Terry Gilliam, co-founders of the comedy troupe, and he even took a shot at Netflix.
Idle wrote of his surprise that Monty Python’s income had dried up, complaining that he has to keep working at the age of 80.
“I don’t know why people always assume we’re loaded,” he said. “Python is a disaster. Spamalot made money 20 years ago. I have to work for my living. Not easy at this age.”
He blamed the mismanagement of the Python brand on Gilliam and his daughter, Holly. The latter runs Hdg Projects, which manages Python and helped stage Monty Python Live (mostly) – One Down Five to Go, the group’s 2014 reunion shows in London.
“We own everything we ever made in Python and I never dreamed...
The Monty Python star had some dismissive words for John Cleese and Terry Gilliam, co-founders of the comedy troupe, and he even took a shot at Netflix.
Idle wrote of his surprise that Monty Python’s income had dried up, complaining that he has to keep working at the age of 80.
“I don’t know why people always assume we’re loaded,” he said. “Python is a disaster. Spamalot made money 20 years ago. I have to work for my living. Not easy at this age.”
He blamed the mismanagement of the Python brand on Gilliam and his daughter, Holly. The latter runs Hdg Projects, which manages Python and helped stage Monty Python Live (mostly) – One Down Five to Go, the group’s 2014 reunion shows in London.
“We own everything we ever made in Python and I never dreamed...
- 2/12/2024
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
“Monty Python” alum Eric Idle addressed an apparent fan misconception on Friday: that he and the rest of the legendary British comedy troupe’s members aren’t swimming in cash from their productions. As he put it, “I don’t know why people always assume we’re loaded. Python is a disaster. Spamalot made money 20 years ago. I have to work for my living. Not easy at this age.” Idle is 80 years old.
I don’t know why people always assume we’re loaded. Python is a disaster. Spamalot made money 20 years ago. I have to work for my living. Not easy at this age. https://t.co/nFDbV9BOfC
— Eric Idle (@EricIdle) February 9, 2024
Hours later, Idle added, “We own everything we ever made in Python and I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously. But I guess if you put a Gilliam...
I don’t know why people always assume we’re loaded. Python is a disaster. Spamalot made money 20 years ago. I have to work for my living. Not easy at this age. https://t.co/nFDbV9BOfC
— Eric Idle (@EricIdle) February 9, 2024
Hours later, Idle added, “We own everything we ever made in Python and I never dreamed that at this age the income streams would tail off so disastrously. But I guess if you put a Gilliam...
- 2/11/2024
- by Stephanie Kaloi
- The Wrap
Celebrating its 48th-and-a-bit anniversary, Monty Python And The Holy Grail is coming back to cinemas for a limited time only.
Forget your usual sing-along screenings of your favourite musical. You can go to a quote-along screening of Monty Python And The Holy Grail this February.
It’s been 48 (and a half) years since the iconic comedy premiered in cinemas. Starring Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, Monthly Python And The Holy Grail marked the directorial debuts of Gilliam and Jones.
To mark the anniversary, the film is making a comeback in cinemas, but there will also be special quote-along screenings. They will give you an opportunity to shout out lines like “She’s a witch!” and “I fart in your general direction” at the screen.
Tickets for these are already on sale and you can purchase them here.
Monty Python’s Life Of Brian...
Forget your usual sing-along screenings of your favourite musical. You can go to a quote-along screening of Monty Python And The Holy Grail this February.
It’s been 48 (and a half) years since the iconic comedy premiered in cinemas. Starring Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, Monthly Python And The Holy Grail marked the directorial debuts of Gilliam and Jones.
To mark the anniversary, the film is making a comeback in cinemas, but there will also be special quote-along screenings. They will give you an opportunity to shout out lines like “She’s a witch!” and “I fart in your general direction” at the screen.
Tickets for these are already on sale and you can purchase them here.
Monty Python’s Life Of Brian...
- 1/31/2024
- by Maria Lattila
- Film Stories
Monty Python's Life of Brian challenged religious taboos and sparked controversy. The film humorously explores the meaning of faith and mocks religious authorities. It encouraged critical thinking about religion and opened up discussions about the portrayal of Jesus in history.
Marking its 45th anniversary this year, Monty Python's Life of Brian serves as a jumping-off point for countless artistic and religious debates. Movies with religious themes tend to go one of two ways for filmmakers. You can either go with the safe option and treat your story with kid gloves, retelling dull, sanctioned hagiography. Or you can take the Martin Scorsese angle, and retell an old tale for a new age, inevitably riling up controversy.
Those viewing it today, unaware of the firestorm of self-righteousness that surrounded its debut in 1979, would be none the wiser. Life of Brian bears all the hallmarks of Monty Python's other tongue-in-cheek films. Sparked by an off-the-cuff joke,...
Marking its 45th anniversary this year, Monty Python's Life of Brian serves as a jumping-off point for countless artistic and religious debates. Movies with religious themes tend to go one of two ways for filmmakers. You can either go with the safe option and treat your story with kid gloves, retelling dull, sanctioned hagiography. Or you can take the Martin Scorsese angle, and retell an old tale for a new age, inevitably riling up controversy.
Those viewing it today, unaware of the firestorm of self-righteousness that surrounded its debut in 1979, would be none the wiser. Life of Brian bears all the hallmarks of Monty Python's other tongue-in-cheek films. Sparked by an off-the-cuff joke,...
- 1/25/2024
- by Nathan Williams
- MovieWeb
This past week saw the release of The Book of Clarence, a movie about a down-on-his-luck guy who hits upon a get-rich-quick scheme that leads him into a heap of trouble. It’s a classic topic for a movie, but it is treading on more controversial ground than usual. Because in the case of this story about a hustler getting in over his head, the hustle happens to be set around Israel and Palestine during the life and times of Jesus of Nazareth. In fact, that is Clarence’s whole scheme: He sees Jesus and decides to get into the messiah business.
This is not the first film to portray the story of one of Jesus’ fictional contemporaries. Monty Python’s Life of Brian attracted protests, controversy, and endless talk show guest slots over its portrayal of a man who was definitely not the messiah, just a very naughty boy.
This is not the first film to portray the story of one of Jesus’ fictional contemporaries. Monty Python’s Life of Brian attracted protests, controversy, and endless talk show guest slots over its portrayal of a man who was definitely not the messiah, just a very naughty boy.
- 1/18/2024
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Leland is best known for directing ’Wish You Were Here’, ’Land Girls’ and TV series ’Band Of Brothers’.
Pierce Brosnan and Liam Neeson have heralded their collaborations with leading UK director, writer and actor David Leland who died on December 24, 2023 at the age of 82
Brosnan thanked the filmmaker, best known for directing Wish You Were Here and The Land Girls, for giving him his first professional acting role in Tennessee William’s stage production of The Red Devil Battery Sign.
“It was the thrill of my young lifetime to be cast as McCabe, working with David and Tennessee. David will...
Pierce Brosnan and Liam Neeson have heralded their collaborations with leading UK director, writer and actor David Leland who died on December 24, 2023 at the age of 82
Brosnan thanked the filmmaker, best known for directing Wish You Were Here and The Land Girls, for giving him his first professional acting role in Tennessee William’s stage production of The Red Devil Battery Sign.
“It was the thrill of my young lifetime to be cast as McCabe, working with David and Tennessee. David will...
- 1/2/2024
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
The British film-maker also wrote the landmark TV play Made in Britain, starring Tim Roth, and won an Emmy award for Band of Brothers
David Leland, the director behind popular 1980s hit Wish You Were Here and writer on a string of acclaimed British films including Made in Britain, Mona Lisa and Personal Services, has died aged 82. His agency Casarotto Ramsay and Associates said in a statement that Leland died on Sunday surrounded by his family. They added: “He is survived by his wife, Sabrina, his four daughters, his son and his six grandchildren … all of whom he loved almost as much as Arsenal football club.”
Born in 1941, Leland initially trained as an actor at the Central School of Speech of Drama, before becoming part of the breakaway that led to the creation of the Drama Centre in 1963. He secured small roles in 1970s films such as John Mackenzie’s directorial debut One Brief Summer,...
David Leland, the director behind popular 1980s hit Wish You Were Here and writer on a string of acclaimed British films including Made in Britain, Mona Lisa and Personal Services, has died aged 82. His agency Casarotto Ramsay and Associates said in a statement that Leland died on Sunday surrounded by his family. They added: “He is survived by his wife, Sabrina, his four daughters, his son and his six grandchildren … all of whom he loved almost as much as Arsenal football club.”
Born in 1941, Leland initially trained as an actor at the Central School of Speech of Drama, before becoming part of the breakaway that led to the creation of the Drama Centre in 1963. He secured small roles in 1970s films such as John Mackenzie’s directorial debut One Brief Summer,...
- 12/27/2023
- by Andrew Pulver
- The Guardian - Film News
David Leland, the British writer, director and actor whose credits include “Wish You Were Here,” “The Borgias” and more, died on Dec. 24, according to his agents Casarotto Ramsay & Associates. He was 82. A cause of death was not revealed.
Leland cut his teeth in theater, where he directed the world premiere of Michael Palin and Terry Jones’ “Their Finest Hours” and gave Pierce Brosnan his first opportunity to act on stage in the British premiere of Tennessee Williams’ “The Red Devil Battery Sign.”
A distinguished film and TV screenwriting career followed, including “Made in Britain” (1982) directed by Alan Clarke and starring Tim Roth; “Birth of a Nation” (1983) by Mike Newell; and Neil Jordan’s Oscar, Golden Globe and WGA-nominated “Mona Lisa” (1986), featuring a BAFTA-winning performance by Bob Hoskins.
Leland made his directorial debut with “Wish You Were Here” (1987), which won him the BAFTA for best original screenplay, and the film...
Leland cut his teeth in theater, where he directed the world premiere of Michael Palin and Terry Jones’ “Their Finest Hours” and gave Pierce Brosnan his first opportunity to act on stage in the British premiere of Tennessee Williams’ “The Red Devil Battery Sign.”
A distinguished film and TV screenwriting career followed, including “Made in Britain” (1982) directed by Alan Clarke and starring Tim Roth; “Birth of a Nation” (1983) by Mike Newell; and Neil Jordan’s Oscar, Golden Globe and WGA-nominated “Mona Lisa” (1986), featuring a BAFTA-winning performance by Bob Hoskins.
Leland made his directorial debut with “Wish You Were Here” (1987), which won him the BAFTA for best original screenplay, and the film...
- 12/27/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
David Leland, the veteran British theater, film and TV writer and director best known for his 1987 debut movie Wish You Were Here, has died. He was 82.
Leland’s death on Christmas Eve was announced by his longtime publicist, Casarotto Ramsay & Associates.
Born on April 20, 1941, Leland initially trained as an actor at the Central Speech of School and Drama and had many stage credits before moving into direction at the Crucible Theatre.
Leland worked with such British talent as Michael Palin and Terry Jones and directed the world premiere of Their Finest Hours. Pierce Brosnan got his first opportunity to act on stage in the British premiere of Tennessee Williams’ The Red Devil Battery Sign at The Round House, which Leland directed.
“David Leland holds a mighty place in my heart,” Brosnan said in a statement. “I was just out of Drama Center where David was also an alumni. It...
Leland’s death on Christmas Eve was announced by his longtime publicist, Casarotto Ramsay & Associates.
Born on April 20, 1941, Leland initially trained as an actor at the Central Speech of School and Drama and had many stage credits before moving into direction at the Crucible Theatre.
Leland worked with such British talent as Michael Palin and Terry Jones and directed the world premiere of Their Finest Hours. Pierce Brosnan got his first opportunity to act on stage in the British premiere of Tennessee Williams’ The Red Devil Battery Sign at The Round House, which Leland directed.
“David Leland holds a mighty place in my heart,” Brosnan said in a statement. “I was just out of Drama Center where David was also an alumni. It...
- 12/27/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
British director and actor David Leland has died aged 82, according to his long-time agency, Cassaroto Ramsay & Associates
The theater, film and TV star passed away on Christmas Eve (December 24), surrounded by his family.
Leland’s career spanned over five decades. He is known for writing two films about British suburban madam Cynthia Payne, the BAFTA-nominated Personal Services in 1987 and the Cannes Film Festival hit Wish You Were Here.
The former was directed by Terry Jones and starred Julie Walters, while Leland directed the latter himself, with Emily Lloyd starring.
Leland won the BAFTA for Best Original Screenplay for Wish You Were Here and the film won the Fipresci prize at Cannes.
He is also noted for serving as co-showrunner of Showtime series The Borgias and for giving Pierce Brosnan his first stage opportunity in the British premiere of Tennessee Williams’ The Red Devil Battery Sign at The Round House, which Leland directed.
The theater, film and TV star passed away on Christmas Eve (December 24), surrounded by his family.
Leland’s career spanned over five decades. He is known for writing two films about British suburban madam Cynthia Payne, the BAFTA-nominated Personal Services in 1987 and the Cannes Film Festival hit Wish You Were Here.
The former was directed by Terry Jones and starred Julie Walters, while Leland directed the latter himself, with Emily Lloyd starring.
Leland won the BAFTA for Best Original Screenplay for Wish You Were Here and the film won the Fipresci prize at Cannes.
He is also noted for serving as co-showrunner of Showtime series The Borgias and for giving Pierce Brosnan his first stage opportunity in the British premiere of Tennessee Williams’ The Red Devil Battery Sign at The Round House, which Leland directed.
- 12/27/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Australia’s federal government has tweaked the rules of its producer offset system so that soap operas and other drama series can qualify for subsidy. Channel Seven’s “Home and Away” will become newly eligible.
The producer offset gives a tax rebate to producers for expenditure on eligible Australian films, television and other projects. Currently, a drama series must spend at least A$500,000 per hour in qualifying Australian production expenditure (costs incurred for goods and services used or provided in Australia).
It provides a 40% rebate for feature film and a 30% rebate for productions on other platforms, calculated as a percentage of a production’s qualifying Australian production expenditure.
With the new system, drama series that spend at least $35 million ($23.5 million) per season in qualifying Australian production expenditure, but fall short of the per hour spending requirement, will be newly eligible for the offset.
The new per season threshold will apply...
The producer offset gives a tax rebate to producers for expenditure on eligible Australian films, television and other projects. Currently, a drama series must spend at least A$500,000 per hour in qualifying Australian production expenditure (costs incurred for goods and services used or provided in Australia).
It provides a 40% rebate for feature film and a 30% rebate for productions on other platforms, calculated as a percentage of a production’s qualifying Australian production expenditure.
With the new system, drama series that spend at least $35 million ($23.5 million) per season in qualifying Australian production expenditure, but fall short of the per hour spending requirement, will be newly eligible for the offset.
The new per season threshold will apply...
- 12/15/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Death Of Stalin
The Death of Stalin, 11.15pm, Great Movies, Monday, December 11
Armando Iannucci may have cut his teeth on biting satire about British politics but he proves just as adept at rattling the absurdity of Russian state roulette as the politburo descends into farce after the demise indicated by his film's title. Like a Grand National of Russian politics, everyone is jockeying for position, including the sharp-witted Kruschev (Steve Buscemi), chief of police Beria (Simon Russell Beale) alongside Malenkov (Jeffrey Tambor), who is not the sharpest tool in the box, and Molotov (Michael Palin), who has really had enough of all this. The cast, which also includes Jason Isaacs, Andrea Riseborough and Paul Whitehouse, runs as wide and deep as the humour is cutting and pointed. The vantablack of satire.
Dr Strangelove Or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb, Itvx, streaming now
Why not team Iannucci's film with.
The Death of Stalin, 11.15pm, Great Movies, Monday, December 11
Armando Iannucci may have cut his teeth on biting satire about British politics but he proves just as adept at rattling the absurdity of Russian state roulette as the politburo descends into farce after the demise indicated by his film's title. Like a Grand National of Russian politics, everyone is jockeying for position, including the sharp-witted Kruschev (Steve Buscemi), chief of police Beria (Simon Russell Beale) alongside Malenkov (Jeffrey Tambor), who is not the sharpest tool in the box, and Molotov (Michael Palin), who has really had enough of all this. The cast, which also includes Jason Isaacs, Andrea Riseborough and Paul Whitehouse, runs as wide and deep as the humour is cutting and pointed. The vantablack of satire.
Dr Strangelove Or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb, Itvx, streaming now
Why not team Iannucci's film with.
- 12/11/2023
- by Amber Wilkinson
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
The winners of the 19th annual AIBs have been revealed at a glittering awards dinner in London. The AIBs reward the best international journalism and factual productions across TV, radio, and digital platforms. Over 400 hours of content were submitted to the 2023 competition and 50 judges around the world evaluated the shortlist.
Guests from countries as diverse as South Korea, Norway, Canada, Germany, South Africa, the UAE, Taiwan, France, and the UK joined the celebration at Church House Westminster, right alongside Westminster Abbey. The evening’s host was veteran journalist and news anchor Simon McCoy.
Opening the evening, Aib chief executive Simon Spanswick said: “this competition is needed more than ever, as we face a world in increasing chaos and danger. In many areas, that chaos and danger threaten media freedom and the ability of journalists to hold power to account.
“That’s why journalists and producers need to shout about their...
Guests from countries as diverse as South Korea, Norway, Canada, Germany, South Africa, the UAE, Taiwan, France, and the UK joined the celebration at Church House Westminster, right alongside Westminster Abbey. The evening’s host was veteran journalist and news anchor Simon McCoy.
Opening the evening, Aib chief executive Simon Spanswick said: “this competition is needed more than ever, as we face a world in increasing chaos and danger. In many areas, that chaos and danger threaten media freedom and the ability of journalists to hold power to account.
“That’s why journalists and producers need to shout about their...
- 11/12/2023
- Podnews.net
John Cleese is best known as a member of the British comedy troupe Monty Python. Let’s look back at the Oscar-nominated funnyman and his 12 greatest films, ranked worst to best.
Born in 1939 in Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, England, Cleese rose to prominence thanks to the British sketch series “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” which ran for four seasons on the BBC from 1969-1974. The troupe — which also included Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin — revolutionized comedy with their surreal, experimental sketches, the best of which were assembled into the film “And Now for Something Completely Different” (1971). This led to other cinematic outings, including “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” (1975), “Life of Brian” (1979) and “The Meaning of Life” (1983).
Cleese achieved big screen success of his own with “A Fish Called Wanda” (1988), which he wrote and starred in as an uptight English barrister who becomes entangled in an elaborate...
Born in 1939 in Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, England, Cleese rose to prominence thanks to the British sketch series “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” which ran for four seasons on the BBC from 1969-1974. The troupe — which also included Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin — revolutionized comedy with their surreal, experimental sketches, the best of which were assembled into the film “And Now for Something Completely Different” (1971). This led to other cinematic outings, including “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” (1975), “Life of Brian” (1979) and “The Meaning of Life” (1983).
Cleese achieved big screen success of his own with “A Fish Called Wanda” (1988), which he wrote and starred in as an uptight English barrister who becomes entangled in an elaborate...
- 10/21/2023
- by Zach Laws and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
With a career now spanning seven decades, Robert De Niro is among the most accomplished actors in film history. Studying acting at Hb Studio, the Actors Studio, and the Stella Adler Conservatory, De Niro trained in the Stanislavski system, which focuses on the "art of experiencing." In other words, actors should feel the same emotions as their characters.
De Niro's intense dedication to the craft of acting has resulted in him pushing method acting to its very limits. From The Godfather Part II to Cape Fear, De Niro's outrageous method acting stories are the stuff of legend.
Martin Scorsese Says Robert De Niro's Character in Taxi Driver Is Now the Norm
James "Jimmy" Conway Ties Everything Together in Goodfellas (1990)
In Goodfellas, De Niro plays Jimmy Conway, a mafia associate based on real-life gangster James Burke. An associate of the Lucchese crime family, Burke's claim to fame was the organization of the Lufthansa heist,...
De Niro's intense dedication to the craft of acting has resulted in him pushing method acting to its very limits. From The Godfather Part II to Cape Fear, De Niro's outrageous method acting stories are the stuff of legend.
Martin Scorsese Says Robert De Niro's Character in Taxi Driver Is Now the Norm
James "Jimmy" Conway Ties Everything Together in Goodfellas (1990)
In Goodfellas, De Niro plays Jimmy Conway, a mafia associate based on real-life gangster James Burke. An associate of the Lucchese crime family, Burke's claim to fame was the organization of the Lufthansa heist,...
- 10/18/2023
- by Vincent LoVerde
- Comic Book Resources
It’s been 48 and a half years since Monty Python’s landmark film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, first hit theaters, which means that it’s the perfect time to celebrate the film’s legacy, according to Monty Python at least. On Tuesday, it was announced that the film will return to theaters this December via Iconic Events Releasing and Mercury Studios.
Over 500 movie theaters across the United States will participate in the screenings, which will begin on Sunday, December 3rd, with “encore screenings” beginning on Wednesday, December 6th. Additionally, two versions of the film will be shown: the standard cut, and a brand-new “Quote-a-long” rendition, which will display the lines on the screen so that fans can “quote, laugh, and sing-a-long like never before.” Tickets for the event are on-sale now, and can be purchased here.
The announcement arrives with a new trailer for the film, advertising that...
Over 500 movie theaters across the United States will participate in the screenings, which will begin on Sunday, December 3rd, with “encore screenings” beginning on Wednesday, December 6th. Additionally, two versions of the film will be shown: the standard cut, and a brand-new “Quote-a-long” rendition, which will display the lines on the screen so that fans can “quote, laugh, and sing-a-long like never before.” Tickets for the event are on-sale now, and can be purchased here.
The announcement arrives with a new trailer for the film, advertising that...
- 10/17/2023
- by Jo Vito
- Consequence - Film News
A lost pre-Monty Python comedy series called A Complete and Utter History of Britain has been recovered by ITV after being mis-catalogued for decades. The series was a spoof documentary of the British Isles and was filmed as a seven-part series, but only the first two episodes were thought to have survived past its original broadcast. A Complete and Utter History of Britain laid the groundwork for Monty Python's later work, as it parodied British history in a similar vein to their movies and shows.
A decades old British comedy show featuring Monty Python’s Michael Palin and Terry Jones is recovered after it was thought to be long lost. Jones and Palin were two of Monty Python’s six founding cast members, which also included Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gillam, and Eric Idle. As a comedy troupe, Monty Python begin their act through the sketch comedy show...
A decades old British comedy show featuring Monty Python’s Michael Palin and Terry Jones is recovered after it was thought to be long lost. Jones and Palin were two of Monty Python’s six founding cast members, which also included Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gillam, and Eric Idle. As a comedy troupe, Monty Python begin their act through the sketch comedy show...
- 10/3/2023
- by Hannah Gearan
- ScreenRant.com
Going into the spooky season, Amazon's streaming service Prime Video isn't adding much fright in the movie department, but still plenty of fun, with diamond robberies, hilarious cases of mistaken identity, courtroom drama, and not-so-heroic heroes all coming soon. With some coming through the sub-service Freevee (which is free exclusively on Amazon), there will be plenty of movies for everyone to enjoy.
Oct. 1 starts with A Fish Called Wanda, where some successful diamond robbers can't trust each other with the goods. Then, Fiddler on the Roof arrives, along with The Big Lebowski, where one random Dude is mistaken for a wealthy guy of the same name who's in trouble with a gang. In addition, there's 12 Angry Men, where one juror holds a teen's life in his hands, and James Gunn's The Suicide Sqaud, following a bunch of superpowered misfits who have to save the world. So here's everything we...
Oct. 1 starts with A Fish Called Wanda, where some successful diamond robbers can't trust each other with the goods. Then, Fiddler on the Roof arrives, along with The Big Lebowski, where one random Dude is mistaken for a wealthy guy of the same name who's in trouble with a gang. In addition, there's 12 Angry Men, where one juror holds a teen's life in his hands, and James Gunn's The Suicide Sqaud, following a bunch of superpowered misfits who have to save the world. So here's everything we...
- 9/28/2023
- by Rory Piñata
- MovieWeb
Clockwise from top left: Polite Society (Focus Features), Totally Killer (Amazon), The Burial (Amazon), Surrounded (MGM)Image: The A.V. Club
Amazon Prime Video has a diverse selection of originals, indies, and recent theatrical releases this October. Tommy Lee Jones plays a funeral home owner and Jamie Foxx is his attorney in The Burial,...
Amazon Prime Video has a diverse selection of originals, indies, and recent theatrical releases this October. Tommy Lee Jones plays a funeral home owner and Jamie Foxx is his attorney in The Burial,...
- 9/28/2023
- by Robert DeSalvo
- avclub.com
It's nothing short of a miracle that anything nearly as weird as "Monty Python's Flying Circus" became a pop culture phenomenon. In the BBC television series that ran from 1969 to 1974, comedians Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, along with animator Terry Gilliam and frequent co-stars Carol Cleveland and Connie Booth, obliterated all sense of sanity on the airwaves.
Their sketch comedy show — which had neither circuses, pythons, nor a character named "Monty" — crafted off-the-wall sketches about every strange thing they could think of. Silly walks, Hungarian phrase books, and how not to be seen were just the tip of the very absurd iceberg, and the comedy troupe's absolute dedication to defying convention remains, to this day, a gold standard to which any comedian can aspire.
Monty Python didn't stay on the airwaves forever. The troupe created four feature films together over the course of twelve years,...
Their sketch comedy show — which had neither circuses, pythons, nor a character named "Monty" — crafted off-the-wall sketches about every strange thing they could think of. Silly walks, Hungarian phrase books, and how not to be seen were just the tip of the very absurd iceberg, and the comedy troupe's absolute dedication to defying convention remains, to this day, a gold standard to which any comedian can aspire.
Monty Python didn't stay on the airwaves forever. The troupe created four feature films together over the course of twelve years,...
- 8/30/2023
- by William Bibbiani
- Slash Film
On July 15, 1988, one of the most unique and hilarious films of the decade debuted and quite frankly, most of us weren't sure quite what to make of it based on the promotion, eclectic ensemble cast, and a name like A Fish Called Wanda. When you see names like John Cleese and Michael Palin, you immediately think of the brilliance of Monty Python's Flying Circus. As one-third of the legendary comedy group, Cleese and Palin have combined for some of the zaniest and wildest moments in the history of the franchise, including the legendary "Dead Parrot" sketch.
- 8/20/2023
- by Jeffrey Speicher
- Collider.com
Michael Urie and Ethan Slater are among those set to star in the upcoming Broadway revival of Spamalot.
The newly announced cast includes Christopher Fitzgerald as Patsy, James Monroe Iglehart as King Arthur, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer as The Lady of the Lake, Jimmy Smagula as Sir Bedevere and Nik Walker as Sir Galahad. Urie is set to portray Sir Robin, with Slater cast as The Historian/Prince Herbert.
Iglehart, Kritzer, Smagula, Urie and Walker have all reprised their roles from the show’s May run in D.C. at the Kennedy Center. Casting for Sir Lancelot will be announced at a later date. (Beetlejuice star Alex Brightman portrayed Sir Lancelot before it transferred to Broadway.)
Adapted from the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, which was written by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin, the musical will open at the St. James Theatre on Nov.
The newly announced cast includes Christopher Fitzgerald as Patsy, James Monroe Iglehart as King Arthur, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer as The Lady of the Lake, Jimmy Smagula as Sir Bedevere and Nik Walker as Sir Galahad. Urie is set to portray Sir Robin, with Slater cast as The Historian/Prince Herbert.
Iglehart, Kritzer, Smagula, Urie and Walker have all reprised their roles from the show’s May run in D.C. at the Kennedy Center. Casting for Sir Lancelot will be announced at a later date. (Beetlejuice star Alex Brightman portrayed Sir Lancelot before it transferred to Broadway.)
Adapted from the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, which was written by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin, the musical will open at the St. James Theatre on Nov.
- 8/9/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
There are few groups that are both as beloved and problematic as Monty Python. The British group created some of the most iconic comedies of the 20th century.
Their film The Meaning of Life is widely regarded as one of their best. But how does it compare to modern comedy?
What Was Monty Python?
The group of five British men and one American came together in 1969 to create the zany show Monty Python’s Flying Circus. The show consisted of sketches often completely out of the ordinary and skewered society in a way that no mainstream show had dared to before.
Related: Monty Python's Flying Circus: The Best Sketches, Ranked
The players consisted of Terry Jones, Eric Idle, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, John Cleese, and Graham Chapman. The group disbanded and came together multiple times for live events and projects. A few have died, and those that are left have...
Their film The Meaning of Life is widely regarded as one of their best. But how does it compare to modern comedy?
What Was Monty Python?
The group of five British men and one American came together in 1969 to create the zany show Monty Python’s Flying Circus. The show consisted of sketches often completely out of the ordinary and skewered society in a way that no mainstream show had dared to before.
Related: Monty Python's Flying Circus: The Best Sketches, Ranked
The players consisted of Terry Jones, Eric Idle, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, John Cleese, and Graham Chapman. The group disbanded and came together multiple times for live events and projects. A few have died, and those that are left have...
- 7/22/2023
- by Lee LaMarche
- MovieWeb
Clockwise from top left: The Dark Knight (Warner Bros.), Mad Max: Fury Road (Warner Bros.), Barbie (Warner Bros.), Oppenheimer (Universal), Pitch Perfect 2 (Universal), Mamma Mia! (Universal)Graphic: AVClub
July 21, 2023 will go down in history as the day of Barbenheimer–and we’re here for it. In short, the date...
July 21, 2023 will go down in history as the day of Barbenheimer–and we’re here for it. In short, the date...
- 7/18/2023
- by Ian Spelling
- avclub.com
Film-maker who directed the 1984 classic A Private Function, starring Michael Palin and Maggie Smith
In a small Yorkshire town in 1947, a pig is being illicitly reared to provide meat for a forthcoming banquet of local dignitaries celebrating the marriage of Princess Elizabeth. That is, until a timid chiropodist (Michael Palin) pig-naps the animal, urged on by his grasping wife (Maggie Smith), who sees it as a possible ticket out of their glumly austere lives and up the social ladder.
So begins A Private Function (1984), originally titled Pork Royale, Alan Bennett’s first script for cinema. With finely rendered performances from Palin, Smith – who is hilariously sour as what Time Out called “a Lady Macbeth of the aspidistras” – and a host of British talent, the film’s tone teeters on the brink of unwholesomeness without ever quite tipping over.
In a small Yorkshire town in 1947, a pig is being illicitly reared to provide meat for a forthcoming banquet of local dignitaries celebrating the marriage of Princess Elizabeth. That is, until a timid chiropodist (Michael Palin) pig-naps the animal, urged on by his grasping wife (Maggie Smith), who sees it as a possible ticket out of their glumly austere lives and up the social ladder.
So begins A Private Function (1984), originally titled Pork Royale, Alan Bennett’s first script for cinema. With finely rendered performances from Palin, Smith – who is hilariously sour as what Time Out called “a Lady Macbeth of the aspidistras” – and a host of British talent, the film’s tone teeters on the brink of unwholesomeness without ever quite tipping over.
- 7/6/2023
- by Ryan Gilbey
- The Guardian - Film News
Get to shout out "Rhlstp!!" like a proper cool kid as the multi-award-winning and perennially popular live podcast interview series in which comedian Richard Herring chats with some of the biggest names in comedy and entertainment tours this autumn. Usually recorded in London’s glittering West End, Rhlstp is going on the road. The UK & Ire 2023 / 2024 tour will start in September and includes dates in Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds, Salford, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff and Dublin, along with multiple dates at the show’s spiritual home in London’s Leicester Square Theatre.
Tickets go on general sale at 10am on Friday 30th June with an exclusive fan pre-sale on Thursday 29th June for Rhlstp badgers and plussers. To become a badger/plusser or to view all dates visit, visit richardherring.com
Richard Herring enjoys continual success as both a writer and performer and is widely known an innovator in the world of podcasts,...
Tickets go on general sale at 10am on Friday 30th June with an exclusive fan pre-sale on Thursday 29th June for Rhlstp badgers and plussers. To become a badger/plusser or to view all dates visit, visit richardherring.com
Richard Herring enjoys continual success as both a writer and performer and is widely known an innovator in the world of podcasts,...
- 6/29/2023
- Podnews.net
Malcolm Mowbray, the British director of “A Private Function,” died June 23, producer Deniz Erel confirmed to Variety. He was 74.
Mowbray was known for directing “The Revengers’ Comedies,” “Meeting Spencer,” “Out Cold” as well as the 1984 feature “A Private Function.”
Maggie Smith, Michael Palin, Richard Griffiths, Denholm Elliott, John Normington and Tony Haygarth starred in “A Private Function,” which Mowbray co-wrote. The dark comedy followed the citizens of a small English town in 1947 who were awaiting the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. The citizens had to ration their food, but the royal celebration was the one exception. They gathered to prepare and raise a pig for the celebratory meal — but a couple, Smith’s Joyce and Palin’s Gilbert, decide to steal the pig in an act of rebellion. The film garnered six BAFTA wins, including original screenplay and best film.
In 1989, Mowbray directed the black comedy “Out Cold,...
Mowbray was known for directing “The Revengers’ Comedies,” “Meeting Spencer,” “Out Cold” as well as the 1984 feature “A Private Function.”
Maggie Smith, Michael Palin, Richard Griffiths, Denholm Elliott, John Normington and Tony Haygarth starred in “A Private Function,” which Mowbray co-wrote. The dark comedy followed the citizens of a small English town in 1947 who were awaiting the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. The citizens had to ration their food, but the royal celebration was the one exception. They gathered to prepare and raise a pig for the celebratory meal — but a couple, Smith’s Joyce and Palin’s Gilbert, decide to steal the pig in an act of rebellion. The film garnered six BAFTA wins, including original screenplay and best film.
In 1989, Mowbray directed the black comedy “Out Cold,...
- 6/26/2023
- by Charna Flam
- Variety Film + TV
The satire that would pervade Terry Gilliam’s subsequent Brazil is largely confined to the first few minutes of 1981’s Time Bandits. The film opens in a modern, English household where a boy, Kevin (Craig Warnock), pores over a book on ancient Greek history while his parents (David Daker and Sheila Fearn) both watch and read advertisements, discussing the relative merits of their various gadgets and appliances compared to those of their neighbors. The living room is lit with harsh artificial light and decorated like a showroom, a place designed as a boast, not to be lived in. Only Kevin’s room, naturally lit via a window and adorned with self-taken photographs and childlike drawings, betrays any humanity.
Soon, the cozy retreat of Kevin’s room is invaded, though not by his parents, but by a medieval knight on horseback, and then a sextet of time-traveling dwarves who recruit the...
Soon, the cozy retreat of Kevin’s room is invaded, though not by his parents, but by a medieval knight on horseback, and then a sextet of time-traveling dwarves who recruit the...
- 6/16/2023
- by Jake Cole
- Slant Magazine
In 1516, English philosopher Thomas More published Utopia, a piece of speculative fiction filled with musings about the ideal society. Of course, it was all nonsense. So even though it took a few more centuries for the word to come into use, “dystopia” has always captured the human imagination better than utopia. Literally stories about “bad places,” dystopias show humanity at its worst.
As you might expect, dystopias tend to be cynical works of imagination. But that’s not all they are. By looking at how dark things could be, dystopias shine a light on the world as it currently is. Works of literature like Watchmen and television series such as Black Mirror have told their stories about bleak alternate realities to issue warnings about the arms race and social media, making grotesques out of the real world.
While this list of darkest cinematic dystopias may not contain the absolute worst images of humanity,...
As you might expect, dystopias tend to be cynical works of imagination. But that’s not all they are. By looking at how dark things could be, dystopias shine a light on the world as it currently is. Works of literature like Watchmen and television series such as Black Mirror have told their stories about bleak alternate realities to issue warnings about the arms race and social media, making grotesques out of the real world.
While this list of darkest cinematic dystopias may not contain the absolute worst images of humanity,...
- 5/22/2023
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
Monty Python and the Holy Grail ranks among the funniest movies of all time. Featuring laughs on a biblical scale, the surreal 1975 comedy is a pop-culture classic that's well-known across generations. The humor stems from just how absurd the film is, all while taking itself completely seriously as if it wasn't a huge farce.
One of the jokes involves the Knights of the Round Table and their noble steeds -- or rather the conspicuous lack thereof. Each time Arthur and his knights ride off, they begin clacking two coconuts together to emulate the sound of hooves. Believe it or not, this wasn't the result of great comedy writing, but rather a budgetary restriction. Here's how Monty Python and the Holy Grail didn't horse around when it came to its cheapest, funniest joke.
Related: Guardians of the Galaxy 3's F-Bomb Proves the Trilogy's Comedy Doesn't Always Hit
Where Are the Horses...
One of the jokes involves the Knights of the Round Table and their noble steeds -- or rather the conspicuous lack thereof. Each time Arthur and his knights ride off, they begin clacking two coconuts together to emulate the sound of hooves. Believe it or not, this wasn't the result of great comedy writing, but rather a budgetary restriction. Here's how Monty Python and the Holy Grail didn't horse around when it came to its cheapest, funniest joke.
Related: Guardians of the Galaxy 3's F-Bomb Proves the Trilogy's Comedy Doesn't Always Hit
Where Are the Horses...
- 5/20/2023
- by Timothy Donohoo
- Comic Book Resources
Survival television can provide some of the most gripping productions, with audiences left on tenterhooks to see if their favorite characters survived. With The Walking Dead set to receive another spin-off show entitled Dead City, viewers are discussing some of the most terrifying survival shows.
Related: 10 Survival Movies To Watch If You Like The Last Of Us
These dramatic offerings are among TV's most horrifying programs, as they evoke a particularly unsettling atmosphere. The survival genre has the potential to provide some of the biggest scares, as these shows' creative teams play with the fear and paranoia generated by these extreme situations.
Nightflyers
Horror writer Jeff Buhler is responsible for one of the best survival dramas, Nightflyers. This thrilling sci-fi follows a crew of scientists, who set off to space to investigate a mysterious extra-terrestrial signal. As they edge closer to the signal, they begin to fear that something has boarded their ship.
Related: 10 Survival Movies To Watch If You Like The Last Of Us
These dramatic offerings are among TV's most horrifying programs, as they evoke a particularly unsettling atmosphere. The survival genre has the potential to provide some of the biggest scares, as these shows' creative teams play with the fear and paranoia generated by these extreme situations.
Nightflyers
Horror writer Jeff Buhler is responsible for one of the best survival dramas, Nightflyers. This thrilling sci-fi follows a crew of scientists, who set off to space to investigate a mysterious extra-terrestrial signal. As they edge closer to the signal, they begin to fear that something has boarded their ship.
- 5/18/2023
- by Sean Bassett
- Comic Book Resources
The Beatles wrote their music and won over fans with their charm, but they couldn’t have reached their level of success without the people who worked with them along the way. Producers, assistants, managers, and former bandmates all helped The Beatles become the biggest band in the world. While they didn’t receive as much recognition as the band, some people who helped lift The Beatles to success have become the subjects of both documentaries and fictional movies. Here are five to check out.
The Beatles and Brian Epstein | John Rodgers/Redferns ‘Good Ol’ Freda’ is a movie about The Beatles’ longtime secretary
At 17, Freda Kelly scored the job that thousands of people would have given anything to have. She became the secretary to The Beatles and the head of their fan club. She was also one of the few people to work with them for the entirety of...
The Beatles and Brian Epstein | John Rodgers/Redferns ‘Good Ol’ Freda’ is a movie about The Beatles’ longtime secretary
At 17, Freda Kelly scored the job that thousands of people would have given anything to have. She became the secretary to The Beatles and the head of their fan club. She was also one of the few people to work with them for the entirety of...
- 4/16/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
This list applies to UK streaming services
On rainy days, television isn’t only a parent’s best friend, it’s a lifeline. Let’s be honest, during the seemingly endless school holidays, the TV is also practically a co-parent.
But kids’ TV is undeniably formative: the best shows really stay with us, fondly in our memories, all the way through to adulthood. The best of the best are even still fun to watch as grownups.
Whether you’re looking for a nostalgia hit, some quality family viewing or a bit of headphones-and-bowl-of-sliced-apple alone time for your youngest, we’ve collected up 50 top children’s TV shows from across the UK’s major streaming platforms. (As well as the 50 best British TV dramas and British TV comedies available.) Find a few old classics and plenty of new favourites below…
Adventure Time
Pendleton Ward’s endlessly inventive fantasy cartoon about the...
On rainy days, television isn’t only a parent’s best friend, it’s a lifeline. Let’s be honest, during the seemingly endless school holidays, the TV is also practically a co-parent.
But kids’ TV is undeniably formative: the best shows really stay with us, fondly in our memories, all the way through to adulthood. The best of the best are even still fun to watch as grownups.
Whether you’re looking for a nostalgia hit, some quality family viewing or a bit of headphones-and-bowl-of-sliced-apple alone time for your youngest, we’ve collected up 50 top children’s TV shows from across the UK’s major streaming platforms. (As well as the 50 best British TV dramas and British TV comedies available.) Find a few old classics and plenty of new favourites below…
Adventure Time
Pendleton Ward’s endlessly inventive fantasy cartoon about the...
- 4/4/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Exclusive: Channel 5 is on the brink of finding a new producer for its next Jane McDonald and Susan Calman shows. This follows owner Paramount Global’s decision to close the Viacom International Studios (Vis) UK unscripted division, revealed by Deadline last month.
Deadline understands that Daisybeck Studios, which makes some of Channel 5’s biggest hits including The Yorkshire Vet and Our Yorkshire Farm, is extremely close to taking on the work with two of the channel’s highest-profile presenters. Based in Leeds, eOne-owned Daisybeck is a trusted Channel 5 supplier that has made hundreds of hours of shows for the channel including many that focus on the outfit’s native Yorkshire.
The move comes as Paramount begins the process of apportioning dozens of hours of Vis’s factual programing to the UK indie sector.
McDonald’s next project is unknown but will likely be within her travelog wheelhouse. She...
Deadline understands that Daisybeck Studios, which makes some of Channel 5’s biggest hits including The Yorkshire Vet and Our Yorkshire Farm, is extremely close to taking on the work with two of the channel’s highest-profile presenters. Based in Leeds, eOne-owned Daisybeck is a trusted Channel 5 supplier that has made hundreds of hours of shows for the channel including many that focus on the outfit’s native Yorkshire.
The move comes as Paramount begins the process of apportioning dozens of hours of Vis’s factual programing to the UK indie sector.
McDonald’s next project is unknown but will likely be within her travelog wheelhouse. She...
- 3/29/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Besides being one of the most imaginative movies of the 1980s, Terry Gilliam's Time Bandits also leaves a lot of questions with its surprising ending. Released in 1981 to mostly positive reviews, the film was praised for its cleverness, and it launched what would be known as Gilliam's "Trilogy of Imagination" throughout the 1980s. It deftly blends history with fantasy and even includes broad philosophical commentary filtered through the filmmaker's signature sense of humor. Even if it was overshadowed by other fantasy epics of the decade, Time Bandits went on to become a cult classic in its own right.
Time Bandits is a pleasant mixture of children's film, fantasy, and sci-fi, and yet it has its own style and tone that is unmatched by any other work, excluding Gilliam's own. The self-contained fantasy film isn't based on any other material, and that reliance on imagination is essentially the heart of its story.
Time Bandits is a pleasant mixture of children's film, fantasy, and sci-fi, and yet it has its own style and tone that is unmatched by any other work, excluding Gilliam's own. The self-contained fantasy film isn't based on any other material, and that reliance on imagination is essentially the heart of its story.
- 3/18/2023
- by Dalton Norman
- ScreenRant.com
This post contains spoilers for the latest episode of The Mandalorian.
"The Convert," the third episode of the third season of "The Mandalorian" and the nineteenth installment of the show overall, takes a hard left turn at Coruscant and follows intrigue that will likely lead us to Moff Gideon later in the season.
The episode begins with Lady Bo-Katan Kryze of Clan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff) having just pulled Din Djarin from the Living Waters of Mandalore. Din regains consciousness and she asks him if he saw anything living down there. When he says he didn't, she keeps the information about the mythosaur they saw in the last episode to herself.
As they leave Mandalore, successful in their mission to redeem Din Djarin, they head back to Bo-Katan's castle only to find it under attack from Imperials. What Imperials? And how do they have so many Tie Interceptors and Tie Bombers?...
"The Convert," the third episode of the third season of "The Mandalorian" and the nineteenth installment of the show overall, takes a hard left turn at Coruscant and follows intrigue that will likely lead us to Moff Gideon later in the season.
The episode begins with Lady Bo-Katan Kryze of Clan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff) having just pulled Din Djarin from the Living Waters of Mandalore. Din regains consciousness and she asks him if he saw anything living down there. When he says he didn't, she keeps the information about the mythosaur they saw in the last episode to herself.
As they leave Mandalore, successful in their mission to redeem Din Djarin, they head back to Bo-Katan's castle only to find it under attack from Imperials. What Imperials? And how do they have so many Tie Interceptors and Tie Bombers?...
- 3/15/2023
- by Bryan Young
- Slash Film
Jamie Lee Curtis has had a long and varied career in Hollywood, from teen comedies to classic horror movies to indie films. One of her most memorable roles was in the comedy A Fish Called Wanda. However, Curtis recently revealed that filming the movie had her in tears every day.
‘A Fish Called Wanda’ was a hugely successful comedy
A Fish Called Wanda premiered in 1988 and starred Curtis, John Cleese (who co-wrote the movie with director Charles Crichton), Kevin Kline, and Michael Palin. The movie follows a bumbling group of thieves who successfully pull off a jewel heist but can’t seem to get their hands on the loot. The movie is full of double-crosses, fake romances, and a key to the treasure that keeps getting passed from person to person, all of which adds to the hilarity.
Audiences loved A Fish Called Wanda. The movie went on to gross...
‘A Fish Called Wanda’ was a hugely successful comedy
A Fish Called Wanda premiered in 1988 and starred Curtis, John Cleese (who co-wrote the movie with director Charles Crichton), Kevin Kline, and Michael Palin. The movie follows a bumbling group of thieves who successfully pull off a jewel heist but can’t seem to get their hands on the loot. The movie is full of double-crosses, fake romances, and a key to the treasure that keeps getting passed from person to person, all of which adds to the hilarity.
Audiences loved A Fish Called Wanda. The movie went on to gross...
- 2/20/2023
- by India McCarty
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
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