A rather implausible story about a sinister quasi-religious group that is plotting to . . . what, I'm not exactly sure, something about using TV to fill a power vacuum and create a new order in Europe following the expected collapse of the Soviet Union (which did indeed self-distruct a couple of years later). Dirk Bogarde is a has-been UK TV personality hired to front the organization but grows uneasy about its aims. I got this little-known video because classy beauty Lee Remick was cast as the head of this new UK TV network. And I wasn't disappointed as she appears in most scenes. Even though in her early 50s she was as gorgeous as ever. This was unfortunately among her last movies and is possibly the least known.
4 Reviews
A Chilling View Of A Nightmare Future
ShadeGrenade2 September 2008
Warning: Spoilers
In the late '80's, as satellite television finally became a reality in the U.K., this gripping play by William Nicholson attempted to warn of the possible dangers involved.
Dirk Bogarde plays 'James Marriner', a washed-up T.V. personality ( known to viewers as 'Gentleman Jim' ) hired by an American satellite network as front man for their British operation. Having been dismissed from the terrestrial channels on account of his alcoholism, he jumps at the chance to get back on the box.
He makes a horrifying discovery - the station is owned by a far-right religious group who intend using the programmes for propaganda purposes. Marriner is therefore faced with a dilemma - should he keep silent or denounce the station and possibly risk destroying his last attempt at a career comeback? He chooses the latter option. The station immediately sets out to discredit him. An old girlfriend of Marriner's - Margaret Bunn - becomes the victim of character assassination by the media, who hound her at every turn, nicknaming her 'the Bunny girl'. Eventually, unable to take any more, she kills herself.
Marriner agrees to go on live television to make one final bid at exposing these fanatics. But he has underestimated them. After making a desperate plea, he is told that his speech has not gone out live, and that he is now completely finished. Despondent, he leaves the studio...
Unlike the other I.M.D.B. reviewer, I did not find this the least bit 'implausible'. On the contrary, what was predicted here has tragically come to pass. As I write, the skies are full of satellites pumping distorted news into millions of peoples' homes, the Fox News Network's coverage of the Iraq War being an obvious example.
Dirk Bogarde gives a powerful performance as 'Marriner', and I do not care if his final speech to camera was done better by Peter Finch in 'Network'. Lee Remick made her final appearance before her sad death, and she is splendidly evil as the station's boss. Unlike Wilfred Greatorex's '1990', this manages to be entertaining, with strong performances from the cast, and a twisty script.
I only wish 'The Vision' had had some impact on its original transmission. The nightmare predicted here could have been avoided, and we would not now be living in the horrific world we are now in. There was a Conservative Government in power when this went out, and they were hardly likely to heed the message of a play like this, no matter how well conveyed. The Labour Government could have passed laws to ensure that television is not in the hands of those with axes to grind, but inexplicably chose not to.
So top marks to everyone connected with this, but what a shame the message did not get through in time. Politicians of both right and left should be roundly condemned for their fatal lack of vision.
Dirk Bogarde plays 'James Marriner', a washed-up T.V. personality ( known to viewers as 'Gentleman Jim' ) hired by an American satellite network as front man for their British operation. Having been dismissed from the terrestrial channels on account of his alcoholism, he jumps at the chance to get back on the box.
He makes a horrifying discovery - the station is owned by a far-right religious group who intend using the programmes for propaganda purposes. Marriner is therefore faced with a dilemma - should he keep silent or denounce the station and possibly risk destroying his last attempt at a career comeback? He chooses the latter option. The station immediately sets out to discredit him. An old girlfriend of Marriner's - Margaret Bunn - becomes the victim of character assassination by the media, who hound her at every turn, nicknaming her 'the Bunny girl'. Eventually, unable to take any more, she kills herself.
Marriner agrees to go on live television to make one final bid at exposing these fanatics. But he has underestimated them. After making a desperate plea, he is told that his speech has not gone out live, and that he is now completely finished. Despondent, he leaves the studio...
Unlike the other I.M.D.B. reviewer, I did not find this the least bit 'implausible'. On the contrary, what was predicted here has tragically come to pass. As I write, the skies are full of satellites pumping distorted news into millions of peoples' homes, the Fox News Network's coverage of the Iraq War being an obvious example.
Dirk Bogarde gives a powerful performance as 'Marriner', and I do not care if his final speech to camera was done better by Peter Finch in 'Network'. Lee Remick made her final appearance before her sad death, and she is splendidly evil as the station's boss. Unlike Wilfred Greatorex's '1990', this manages to be entertaining, with strong performances from the cast, and a twisty script.
I only wish 'The Vision' had had some impact on its original transmission. The nightmare predicted here could have been avoided, and we would not now be living in the horrific world we are now in. There was a Conservative Government in power when this went out, and they were hardly likely to heed the message of a play like this, no matter how well conveyed. The Labour Government could have passed laws to ensure that television is not in the hands of those with axes to grind, but inexplicably chose not to.
So top marks to everyone connected with this, but what a shame the message did not get through in time. Politicians of both right and left should be roundly condemned for their fatal lack of vision.
Brilliant story and highly intelligent.
robby-863152 July 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I have just watched the Vision again after 27 years. Everything predicted seems to be here if you look around you hard enough. I purchased an old store bought VHS copy and transferred to DVD on the computer.I felt like a kid on Christmas morning waiting for the run to end. I find it fascinating the technology around in 1987 and compare it to now. Everything was yet to come. Even my local Blockbuster was to open 12 years in the future...open that is. No mobiles. No home pc's. Now, this is true of any film of the era, except this film dealt with high technology as it was then. I find the preparing the population for End of Days particularly chilling...doing it through free dishes, and a monopoly of football coverage. The near monopoly is now true, the free dishes is true through free installation and a raft of offers if you shop around. The Soviet collapse is true and the Red Army did not just disappear like Lee Remick predicted, they are as dangerous and rampant as ever. They seem to be calling for a new Reagan to slap them down again, and if one doesn't come they'll carry on till they are stopped. Lee Remick did say the battle won't be anytime soon, so you can't fault the film on that. Anyway, worth every penny of the 20 pounds for the old VHS tape.
Where is the DVD of 'The Vision' ?
beth-walker-18-93789717 February 2015
When Oh!When are the lazy minded , insular BBC going to release this interesting International star cast movie on DVD? The stupid Corporation spends it's time promoting mindless garbage like Eastenders when this rare quality gem languishes in a vault. I haven't seen it since 1988! Get a move on BBC and stop being a channel for Hooligans and stupid Yobs and release this quality product 'The Vision'- Screen Two 1988 on DVD.License payers money is not only wasted on the hours of sport and garbage can Eastenders low life rubbish but with holding programes viewers are willing to pay extra for on DVD is downright cruelty.Will the BBC please start listening to viewers who want intelligent programes ?
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