The Eighties saw the broadcast of some of the finest Doctor Who stories ever, but unfortunately some of the poorest too (occasionally next to each other in transmission order). It was extremely inconsistent for the most part, settling down towards the end of its run as the Seventh Doctor era tried a few things that the show would be lauded for upon its return in 2005.
There was definitely something there, but the show had already been mortally wounded. Rather than being formally cancelled, Doctor Who was quietly abandoned before renewed interest around its 30th anniversary in 1993 saw an attempted anniversary special (‘The Dark Dimension’) and the Children in Need mini-episodes ‘Dimensions in Time’.
A frustrating end, then, to a frustrating decade, but occasionally the potential of the show was tapped to produce stunning images, performances and concepts that have stood the test of time. This is another best-of selection where we were spoiled for choice,...
There was definitely something there, but the show had already been mortally wounded. Rather than being formally cancelled, Doctor Who was quietly abandoned before renewed interest around its 30th anniversary in 1993 saw an attempted anniversary special (‘The Dark Dimension’) and the Children in Need mini-episodes ‘Dimensions in Time’.
A frustrating end, then, to a frustrating decade, but occasionally the potential of the show was tapped to produce stunning images, performances and concepts that have stood the test of time. This is another best-of selection where we were spoiled for choice,...
- 1/6/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Keeping Up Appearances is a British TV classic. Often considered one of the best sitcoms to have ever been released in the United Kingdom, Keeping Up Appearances tells the story of a lower-middle-class social climber, Hyacinth Bucket, as she desperately tries to elevate her status and gain approval of whom she thinks are upper-class people. The show was created by Roy Clarke in 1990 and starred Dame Patricia Routledge as Hyacinth Bucket, Clive Swift as Richard Bucket, Josephine Tewson as Liz Warden, Judy Cornwell as Daisy, Geoffrey Hughes as Onslow, Mary Millar as Rose,
Actors We’d Like To See In A “Keeping Up Appearances” Reboot...
Actors We’d Like To See In A “Keeping Up Appearances” Reboot...
- 12/14/2021
- by A.E. Oats
- TVovermind.com
Gem Wheeler Dec 21, 2016
We celebrate the work of M.R. James, whose eerie ghost stories were made into a festive tradition by the BBC...
A shadow lurking just beyond the edge of the vision. Dusty manuscripts bearing fragments of ancient testimony, conflicting and confounding. The sickening touch of a decayed hand, grasping at us from the darkness. The imagery of the ghost story may differ between cultures, but the sense of creeping dread left by the most effective tales remains universal.
See related Jonathan Creek review: The Clue Of The Savant's Thumb Alan Davies interview: Jonathan Creek, Qi, "Creek Geeks" & more... Rik Mayall interview: Jonathan Creek, Bottom, Hooligan's Island, & more... Sheridan Smith interview: Jonathan Creek & more... David Renwick interview: Jonathan Creek, One Foot In The Grave, & more...
One name stands out in the grim roster of English purveyors of the form: Montague Rhodes James, an eminent medievalist with a sideline in...
We celebrate the work of M.R. James, whose eerie ghost stories were made into a festive tradition by the BBC...
A shadow lurking just beyond the edge of the vision. Dusty manuscripts bearing fragments of ancient testimony, conflicting and confounding. The sickening touch of a decayed hand, grasping at us from the darkness. The imagery of the ghost story may differ between cultures, but the sense of creeping dread left by the most effective tales remains universal.
See related Jonathan Creek review: The Clue Of The Savant's Thumb Alan Davies interview: Jonathan Creek, Qi, "Creek Geeks" & more... Rik Mayall interview: Jonathan Creek, Bottom, Hooligan's Island, & more... Sheridan Smith interview: Jonathan Creek & more... David Renwick interview: Jonathan Creek, One Foot In The Grave, & more...
One name stands out in the grim roster of English purveyors of the form: Montague Rhodes James, an eminent medievalist with a sideline in...
- 12/20/2016
- Den of Geek
The lovable East Anglian rogue returns for another go-around in Acorn Media’s latest DVD release: Lovejoy series 4. Starring Deadwood’s Ian McShane, the series is centered around a slippery antiques dealer who occupies a moral grey zone and struggles to stay on the right side of the law.
As ever, Lovejoy is closely followed by his loyal sidekicks: the dim-witted Eric, and the “barker” Tinker Dill. Also returning this series is Lovejoy’s nemesis, Charlie Gimbert (Malcolm Tierney). Gimbert is to Lovejoy as that French chap was to Indiana Jones. Let’s just say that when grown men are fighting over antiques, there’s no such such thing as foul play!
The artefacts in this show are rather more exciting than the knick-knacks people wheel out at the Antiques Roadshow. In season 4, Lovejoy gets his hands on a commode that reportedly once belonged to Napoleon. He discovers a Billiards...
As ever, Lovejoy is closely followed by his loyal sidekicks: the dim-witted Eric, and the “barker” Tinker Dill. Also returning this series is Lovejoy’s nemesis, Charlie Gimbert (Malcolm Tierney). Gimbert is to Lovejoy as that French chap was to Indiana Jones. Let’s just say that when grown men are fighting over antiques, there’s no such such thing as foul play!
The artefacts in this show are rather more exciting than the knick-knacks people wheel out at the Antiques Roadshow. In season 4, Lovejoy gets his hands on a commode that reportedly once belonged to Napoleon. He discovers a Billiards...
- 1/16/2015
- by Edited by K Kinsella
Keith Allen has joined Bradley Walsh and Kayvan Novak in new BBC One comedy Woody.
The Robin Hood actor has signed up alongside Emma Pierson (Up the Women), Jamie Demetriou (The Midnight Beast), and Alan Williams (Starlings).
The show is set on a fictional Spanish island and sees undercover reporter Woody (Novak) fleeing Britain after being framed by his corrupt newspaper editor. On the run, he encounters his former mentor Brutus (Walsh), who now runs a bar.
Despite their attempts to stay out of trouble, the pair soon find themselves tackling a series of crimes and mysteries, with Woody fooling the locals with his array of impromptu disguises.
Jack Dee, Kara Tointon, Tracy Ann Oberman, Paul Kaye, Simon Day, Morgana Robinson, Lee Boardman, Cavan Clerkin, Clive Swift, Alex Kirk and Sean Gilder will also cameo in the series.
"My goodness what a blast it is filming Woody," Walsh said of the show,...
The Robin Hood actor has signed up alongside Emma Pierson (Up the Women), Jamie Demetriou (The Midnight Beast), and Alan Williams (Starlings).
The show is set on a fictional Spanish island and sees undercover reporter Woody (Novak) fleeing Britain after being framed by his corrupt newspaper editor. On the run, he encounters his former mentor Brutus (Walsh), who now runs a bar.
Despite their attempts to stay out of trouble, the pair soon find themselves tackling a series of crimes and mysteries, with Woody fooling the locals with his array of impromptu disguises.
Jack Dee, Kara Tointon, Tracy Ann Oberman, Paul Kaye, Simon Day, Morgana Robinson, Lee Boardman, Cavan Clerkin, Clive Swift, Alex Kirk and Sean Gilder will also cameo in the series.
"My goodness what a blast it is filming Woody," Walsh said of the show,...
- 11/10/2014
- Digital Spy
Stage and screen actor best known for his roles in Only Fools and Horses, The Vicar of Dibley and Harry Potter
The talented and idiosyncratic character actor Roger Lloyd Pack, who has died of pancreatic cancer aged 69, achieved national recognition, and huge popularity, as Colin "Trigger" Ball, the lugubrious Peckham road sweeper in John Sullivan's brilliantly acted comedy series Only Fools and Horses. He appeared alongside David Jason's Del Boy and Nicholas Lyndhurst's "plonker" Rodney from 1981 for 10 years, with many a seasonal "special" for another decade.
This success cemented a career in which, up to that point, he had played important roles at the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre and the Almeida theatre in north London – he was a notably anguished Rosmer in Ibsen's Rosmersholm at the National in 1987, opposite Suzanne Bertish – without recognition any wider than usually appreciative reviews.
His enhanced status led to another...
The talented and idiosyncratic character actor Roger Lloyd Pack, who has died of pancreatic cancer aged 69, achieved national recognition, and huge popularity, as Colin "Trigger" Ball, the lugubrious Peckham road sweeper in John Sullivan's brilliantly acted comedy series Only Fools and Horses. He appeared alongside David Jason's Del Boy and Nicholas Lyndhurst's "plonker" Rodney from 1981 for 10 years, with many a seasonal "special" for another decade.
This success cemented a career in which, up to that point, he had played important roles at the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre and the Almeida theatre in north London – he was a notably anguished Rosmer in Ibsen's Rosmersholm at the National in 1987, opposite Suzanne Bertish – without recognition any wider than usually appreciative reviews.
His enhanced status led to another...
- 1/17/2014
- by Michael Coveney
- The Guardian - Film News
Amara Karan as Rita
Throughout the run of Doctor Who, everyone’s favorite Gallifreyan has encountered many characters and left them, never to be seen again. Others, a select few, he has invited to travel the universe with him, adding an extra dimension to his adventures. There have been some individuals, however, with whom The Doctor has clearly shared a good rapport but who have not ended up as Companions, for numerous reasons. Here, in chronological order of appearance, are seven characters from the modern series we would’ve loved to see travel the universe in the Tardis.
Note: for this list, in addition to only including characters who have met the Ninth, Tenth, or Eleventh Doctor, only the television appearances of each character are being considered.
1. Charles Dickens
Appeared in: “The Unquiet Dead”
Played by: Simon Callow
While much of “The Unquiet Dead” focuses on Gwyneth and her capabilities,...
Throughout the run of Doctor Who, everyone’s favorite Gallifreyan has encountered many characters and left them, never to be seen again. Others, a select few, he has invited to travel the universe with him, adding an extra dimension to his adventures. There have been some individuals, however, with whom The Doctor has clearly shared a good rapport but who have not ended up as Companions, for numerous reasons. Here, in chronological order of appearance, are seven characters from the modern series we would’ve loved to see travel the universe in the Tardis.
Note: for this list, in addition to only including characters who have met the Ninth, Tenth, or Eleventh Doctor, only the television appearances of each character are being considered.
1. Charles Dickens
Appeared in: “The Unquiet Dead”
Played by: Simon Callow
While much of “The Unquiet Dead” focuses on Gwyneth and her capabilities,...
- 11/21/2013
- by Deepayan Sengupta
- SoundOnSight
★★★★☆The BFI continues its Gothic season with three new collections from the BBC archives. There is nothing better as the Christmas season approaches than to settle down with a good tale of terror and these volumes, including the 1970s series Dead of Night, horror anthology Supernatural and M.R. James collection Classic Ghost Stories from the 1980s, make ideal entertainment for the long winter nights. Featuring such stalwarts of British drama as Denholm Elliott, Clive Swift and Billie Whitelaw, these stories are infused with a sense of timelessness, making them as uneasy to view now as they were when first aired.
- 11/19/2013
- by CineVue UK
- CineVue
Steven Moffat may have some big surprises in store, but so far it seems Doctor Who’s fiftieth birthday will heavily weigh towards the extreme poles of Mark Gatiss’ docu-drama An Adventure in Space and Time and Moffat’s low-calorie (now with 43 years less nostalgia!), doubtless audacious Smith/Tennant/ John Hurt team-up. But it’s only right that we fans celebrate the spirit of Doctor Who, rather than a clip-show celebrating the letter—and pay tribute to its boldest and most original narratives.
So step forward, Revelation of the Daleks (1985)—a triumph from Colin Baker’s all-too-brief and troubled Doctorate. It’s a thoroughly unique and weird experiment—and its triumph, despite casting aside so much of Doctor Who’s then-standard repertoire, is as great a testament to Who’s storytelling prowess as any.
No matter what your taste in Doctor Who, chances are Revelation of the Daleks’ peculiar flavour is not easily acquired.
So step forward, Revelation of the Daleks (1985)—a triumph from Colin Baker’s all-too-brief and troubled Doctorate. It’s a thoroughly unique and weird experiment—and its triumph, despite casting aside so much of Doctor Who’s then-standard repertoire, is as great a testament to Who’s storytelling prowess as any.
No matter what your taste in Doctor Who, chances are Revelation of the Daleks’ peculiar flavour is not easily acquired.
- 7/3/2013
- by Hamish Crawford
- Obsessed with Film
Mixing Sci-Fi and Christmas often has mixed results. Sometimes it works well and sometimes it's forced. This fact is best represented by the Doctor Who Christmas specials, which have become an annual holiday tradition over the past eight years. Some have been awesome and some have been awful. How does this year's special The Snowmen rate? Let's look at the eight specials and see which were Christmas gifts for the fans and which were lumps of coal.
The Feast of Steven (1965)
Way back in 1965, before Dr. Who Christmas specials became a regular thing, we had "The Feast of Steven", a classic series episode starring William Hartnell as the first Doctor. It was the seventh episode of a 12-part serial called "The Dalek Master Plan", which took up much of the fourth season of the classic show. Since the episode was due to air on Christmas Day, the producers decided that...
The Feast of Steven (1965)
Way back in 1965, before Dr. Who Christmas specials became a regular thing, we had "The Feast of Steven", a classic series episode starring William Hartnell as the first Doctor. It was the seventh episode of a 12-part serial called "The Dalek Master Plan", which took up much of the fourth season of the classic show. Since the episode was due to air on Christmas Day, the producers decided that...
- 12/26/2012
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Rob Young)
- Cinelinx
Actor known for his roles as clergymen, favourite uncles and tragic-comic characters
There is a great tradition in the rotundity of actors, and Roger Hammond, who has died aged 76 of cancer, stands proudly in a line stretching from Francis L Sullivan and Willoughby Goddard through to Roy Kinnear, Desmond Barrit and Richard Griffiths, though he was probably more malleably benevolent on stage than any of them.
He reeked of kindness, consideration and imperturbability, with a pleasant countenance and a beautiful, soft voice, qualities ideal for unimpeachable clergymen, favourite uncles and tragic-comic characters such as Waffles in Chekhov's Uncle Vanya (whom he played in a 1991 BBC TV film, with David Warner and Ian Holm), a man whose wife left him for another man on his wedding day but who has remained faithful to her and forgiving ever since.
Hammond grew up in Stockport, Lancashire. His chartered accountant father was managing director of his own family firm,...
There is a great tradition in the rotundity of actors, and Roger Hammond, who has died aged 76 of cancer, stands proudly in a line stretching from Francis L Sullivan and Willoughby Goddard through to Roy Kinnear, Desmond Barrit and Richard Griffiths, though he was probably more malleably benevolent on stage than any of them.
He reeked of kindness, consideration and imperturbability, with a pleasant countenance and a beautiful, soft voice, qualities ideal for unimpeachable clergymen, favourite uncles and tragic-comic characters such as Waffles in Chekhov's Uncle Vanya (whom he played in a 1991 BBC TV film, with David Warner and Ian Holm), a man whose wife left him for another man on his wedding day but who has remained faithful to her and forgiving ever since.
Hammond grew up in Stockport, Lancashire. His chartered accountant father was managing director of his own family firm,...
- 11/14/2012
- by Michael Coveney
- The Guardian - Film News
The tempestuous relationship between Raymond Chandler and Alfred Hitchcock during the making of Strangers on a Train was wonderfully portrayed
Even in its opening moments, you knew Afternoon Play: Strangers on a Film (Radio 4) was going to be a treat. It began with grand, suspenseful music and then slipped straight into a monologue that instantly convinced.
Patrick Stewart, as Raymond Chandler, spoke in a gloomy, disappointed drawl. "By 1950," he began, "I had nearly pulled myself free of the primordial slime that is Hollywood." He bemoaned his ailments, "all of which were settling nicely into becoming chronic conditions", and poured himself the first of many drinks. The play's story, written by Stephen Wyatt, was about when Chandler worked with Alfred Hitchcock (Clive Swift) on the thriller Strangers on a Train.
It was beautifully poised writing and playing. At every level, the men clashed: artistically, temperamentally; even the way they spoke. Chandler...
Even in its opening moments, you knew Afternoon Play: Strangers on a Film (Radio 4) was going to be a treat. It began with grand, suspenseful music and then slipped straight into a monologue that instantly convinced.
Patrick Stewart, as Raymond Chandler, spoke in a gloomy, disappointed drawl. "By 1950," he began, "I had nearly pulled myself free of the primordial slime that is Hollywood." He bemoaned his ailments, "all of which were settling nicely into becoming chronic conditions", and poured himself the first of many drinks. The play's story, written by Stephen Wyatt, was about when Chandler worked with Alfred Hitchcock (Clive Swift) on the thriller Strangers on a Train.
It was beautifully poised writing and playing. At every level, the men clashed: artistically, temperamentally; even the way they spoke. Chandler...
- 9/29/2011
- by Elisabeth Mahoney
- The Guardian - Film News
Canada's VisionTV report they have signed a deal with BBC Worldwide Canada, to air more classic Brit TV including "Fawlty Towers", the comedy series starring John Cleese as hotel owner 'Basil Fawlty' and Prunella Scales as his domineering wife 'Sybil'. Episodes to be aired include Series 1-2 and the Special "Basil the Rat".
VisionTV has also acquired "Jam & Jerusalem", written by Jennifer Saunders ("Absolutely Fabulous"), starting October 6, 2011, airing Series 1-3 and two Specials;
"Yes, Minister", starring Nigel Hawthorne, airing Series 1-3 and one Special;
"Yes, Prime Minister", airing Series 1-2;
"The Vicar of Dibley", starring Dawn French ("French & Saunders"), airing Series 1-3 and five Specials;
"The Old Guys", starring Clive Swift ("Keeping Up Appearances"), airing Series 1-2.
"We're very pleased to have acquired these powerhouse series from BBC Worldwide and to bring them to audiences across Canada," said Mark Prasuhn, Chief Operating & Content Officer of Zoomer Media Ltd, Television Division.
VisionTV has also acquired "Jam & Jerusalem", written by Jennifer Saunders ("Absolutely Fabulous"), starting October 6, 2011, airing Series 1-3 and two Specials;
"Yes, Minister", starring Nigel Hawthorne, airing Series 1-3 and one Special;
"Yes, Prime Minister", airing Series 1-2;
"The Vicar of Dibley", starring Dawn French ("French & Saunders"), airing Series 1-3 and five Specials;
"The Old Guys", starring Clive Swift ("Keeping Up Appearances"), airing Series 1-2.
"We're very pleased to have acquired these powerhouse series from BBC Worldwide and to bring them to audiences across Canada," said Mark Prasuhn, Chief Operating & Content Officer of Zoomer Media Ltd, Television Division.
- 9/26/2011
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
In 1985, things were not looking so good for Doctor Who. The show was to be put on ice for 18 months in the wake of controversial storylines and supposedly poor viewing figures – all tosh of course, especially when you think that the programme was still pulling viewing figures of about seven million – a perfectly respectable number.
So The Doctor doesn't get to take Peri to Blackpool – well, on screen, at least. And unlike previous years, there were no more customary Who repeats in the summer to mollify the fans. 18 months, as I've said, isn't such a long time by today's standards, but back in 1985, you can understand why fans were weeping into their scarves. The crisis was so bad that the infamously bad 'Doctor In Distress' record was hastily assembled. The so-called supergroup of Who Cares actually comprised Colin Baker, Nicola Bryant, Nicholas Courtney and Anthony Ainley, along with Faith Brown,...
So The Doctor doesn't get to take Peri to Blackpool – well, on screen, at least. And unlike previous years, there were no more customary Who repeats in the summer to mollify the fans. 18 months, as I've said, isn't such a long time by today's standards, but back in 1985, you can understand why fans were weeping into their scarves. The crisis was so bad that the infamously bad 'Doctor In Distress' record was hastily assembled. The so-called supergroup of Who Cares actually comprised Colin Baker, Nicola Bryant, Nicholas Courtney and Anthony Ainley, along with Faith Brown,...
- 2/23/2011
- Shadowlocked
Quite how Clive Swift has elluded our grasp in the Digital Spy Icon Hall Of Fame for so long remains a mystery. But shame on us for the extended delay! Best known for playing bumbling long-suffering Richard Bucket in much-missed BBC One sitcom Keeping Up Appearances. However, Swift is far from a one-trick pony, providing stellar turns in Doctor (more)...
- 1/28/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
A new sitcom starring Roger Lloyd Pack and Clive Swift made an encouraging debut in the ratings last night (Saturday). The Old Guys, starring the veteran actors as a pair of co-habiting OAPs, managed 4.95m (22.5%) from 9.30pm. The show benefited from a strong lead-in from medical drama Casualty, seen this week by 6.89m (30.2%). The day's top audience was 7.43m (32.7%) for National Lottery gameshow In It To Win It at 7.50pm. It defeated ITV1's ongoing action drama Demons, which dropped to a new low of 3.5m (15.4%). ITV1's new celebrity charity drive The Feelgood Factor, fronted by Eamonn Holmes and Myleene Klass, launched to 2.8m (14.3%) at 5.50pm. It was followed by You've Been Framed, which averaged a decent 5.21m (24.2%), then a new series of Harry Hill's TV Burp started with 5.85m (26.1%). The (more)...
- 2/1/2009
- by By Neil Wilkes
- Digital Spy
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