dhsb58 Reviews

Going Straight (1978)

I'm Going Straight as an Arr'aw - and with a Bafta!

[27 March 2006]

Like Porridge, Going Straight was a series that was to shine! In 1978 it won a Bafta TV Award and rightly so! With a fantastic theme tune (If you can find the elongated version on LP - do its magnificent!),Writing team and the superb acting of Ronnie Barker- Fulton Mackay and Richard Beckinsale who could say it was bad? As many posters have said here - it didn't live up to the expectations of Porridge and in a way this "could" be correct, but i feel it packs the same punch! It shows the strain of trying to reintegrate back into life, on the straight and narrow, fighting back temptation and the leering face of crime and Barker plays this to an Art! Be it the wittiness of Fletch,The stupidity of remarks from Raymond or the "happy ending" - The series is memorable for it.

And to say that Barker said it was up there with Porridge - what more can one say!

Alf 'n' Family (1968)

A Film that all would Like even Scouse Son in Laws Gits!

[8/10 · 27 September 2005]

The Film of the Successful TV series "Till Death us do part" undoubtedly is one of the better TV to Film adaptations. Norman Cohen as mentioned has directed this superbly. (In comparison to Carry On Engalnd you can believe the war situation!) The Whole cast is present from the TV Series which is a bonus in itself. (Of which let down films such as Rising Damp - easier to not do it at all) Warren Mitchell & Dandy Nichols really do play up to expectations.

Usual errors within TV-Film adaptations is Recycled Material and/or weak plot lines/jokes. Till death us do part exceeds all these pitfalls and comes out trumps.

As Alf would say "bloody marvellous innit!" - and i would attribute that to this film!

Jasper Carrott: Beat the Carrott (1981 TV Special)

A Comedian Who's Material is as Fresh today as it was then!

[9/10 · 25 August 2005]

Be it discussing Ted Malt & his Double Chin or Hooty Tooyty types such as Davina Jacobson, Jasper Carrot has his audience in his grasp in the 1981 Palladium performance "Beat the carrot." As the Summary states Jasper carrot is "a comedian who's material is as fresh today as it was back then in the 80's." His Conversation Stand up was something new in the 80's. He wasn't out there to tell jokes, gags or one liners, but amusing stories packed with rich humour.

The Show is 51 Mins long of which was perfect! - The show didn't run Quickly or out stay its welcome. I won't attempt to explain any stories in detail - as that would ruin it the show. The Performance has recently had a new lease of life on DVD courtesy of Network.

Be sure to watch Beat the Carrott...It wont disappoint!

Carry on Jack (1964)

The Plot/Jokes/Screenplay save the Day!!!

[10/10 · 27 February 2005]

Many would say if the Name "Carry On Jack" was mentioned, "I haven't seen that one" or "That was terrible wasn't it." To many Carry On Fans..the film is often very underrated.This is due to a very large lack of regulars within it.

Sid James is not in it, nor is anyone common from the Hudis films such as Liz Fraser or Ted Ray.

This was in fact the first film "written" by Talbot Rothwell (though Carry On Cabby was screened first but written second).

The film i feel is a classic.The jokes come thick and fast.Many are quite visual! (wont spoil it for you!) Superb Performances from Charles Hawtrey, Jim dale (In the little part he plays) and Bernard Cribbens(in fact his first carry on outing!).

8.7/10

Carry on Behind (1975)

The last Great Carry On

[8/10 · 27 February 2005]

This is another in the collection of the "Holidaying" Carry On's.I would disagree its a rip off or a simile of Camping..after all we never tired of Matron after Doctor & Again Doctor! This 1975 Outing, really is a classic.New on the scene is Writer Dave Freeman.Many would criticise this man for his later poor attempt at reviving the series in 1992..but i along with many would say the contributing factor of "Time" was to play..Anyhow! Freeman lays down the King of Hearts.

The series by this time was panning out.Sid James wasn't to star in it and Windsor set into that role.What a cracking performance he played with the well remembered "Ball Scene!" (I wont spoil it!) Behind as the setting headline says is truly the last of the "great" era.

Outstanding performances also from Peter Buttorworth & Jack Douglas and a nice return for Lis Fraser and a welcome to Elke Sommers. The film truly is a must see 8.4/10

Rising Damp (1980)

Good if your New To Rising Damp-A Repeat if Series Addict.

[4/10 · 2 October 2004]

This film derives from a Long Running ITV sitcom by the same name.The Sitcom lasted for half a decade roughly and brought to our screens Rigsby,Phillip,Alan,Mrs Jones & Vienna.

Then in 1980 The film version hit the Cinemas.Now when it did,sadly Richard Beckinsale had passed away & was replaced by Only when i laugh actor Chris Strauli.

I myself felt this gave the film a different feel.I would have preferred if it wasn't shot as Richard was a key character.Thats like having the porridge film without Godber or Mackay!

The Film did have some classics moments definitely but it felt a bit De-Ja-Vu! Many parts were seen before in the TV Series. Now if you saw the movie first rather than the Series you would get a different feeling about it then the series fan!

Saying that Leonard is definitely on top form and makes the movie,just like in the TV series.The Film has recently had a new lease of life on DVD and is usually on Terrestrial over a quiet weekend.It is a cracking good film,but for Rigsby fans you may feel that youv'e seen it similarly before.

Saying that though its worth a buying/watching

7.8/10

Roger & Me (1989)

Contempary! But on hindsight,introduced an excellent documentary.

[3 August 2004]

Of course this was one of Michael Moore's first films,and Roger & Me looks at the head of GM Motors Roger.

Michael Moore in this Docu-film is proposing the stupidity of this man with withdrawing plant members from Flint, his home town.

He provides humor that isn't strong but brings point across.Obviously this is undoubtedly unheard of in the UK with no DVD/Video release and quite rightly wouldn't go down as well as BfC & 9/11 for the simple reason it didn't effect us and never will.

I suppose you could say contemporary why should i watch this?

Well it would show you the rise of Docu-Films up till now.Michael Moore the man behind the camera does it with Panache,with added humor.Reach ebay and order this one on R1.Tis worth it

7.9/10

David Frost Presents: How to Irritate People (1969) Season Unknown, Episode Unknown

A Must see-A Hidden Gem in the crown of British Comedy

[7/10 · 1 August 2004]

How to Irritate people is an instructial comedy of just how to do it by the comedians of the time, John Cleese (python),Graham Chapman (python),Connie Booth (Wife of Python & Infamous waitress),Tim Brooke Taylor (Goodie/ISIHAC) & Michael Palin (python)

The Program itself features some excellent sketches.If you have not seen this you will find out that you have missed a lot.

It's recently had a new lease of life on DVD, and i would definitely purchase it at a mere £5.99.

Sketeches that feature are the classic "Airplane Sketch" & "Pepper-Pots". Undoubtabley the stealer of the show is the "Game show sketch"

If you have seen "At last the 1948 show" you will certainly like this.Python fans also..though each sketch does have a punchline!

Clarence (1988)

Sadly This is a Forgotten Gem!

[30 July 2004]

This sitcom is hardly ever repeated and also only lasted a short time of episodes 1 series.

Josephine Tewson before hand teamed up in the Two Ronnies which Ronnie was part of,and the chemistry between them on screen was absolutely superb.

Clarence on the other hand is a small sitcom in length that is really a superb one.It is about a short sighted removal man whos escapades provides laughs.

It is a must see! Pray and hope a DVD release occurs soon!

9.3/10

George and Mildred (1980)

From Small Screen To Big

[6/10 · 1 July 2004]

George and Mildred is one of the greatest sitcoms to come from the "70's" decade.Like Bless this house,this sitcom is a Domestic one.This feature length movie though decides to take a trip down memory lane for the couple.

Mildred decides that she and george will celebrate their anniversary of their wedding in a posh hotel.The catch is George gets himself into trouble and hilaritys pursue.

It is not up to the standards of its small screen counter-part but is still a funny and good film.

George is his usual self in this film and provides some great laughs especially with his screen time at the start and end with the fourmiles.

The original cast are still present,which is a good sound start,and some well known comic actors also are present,for example "Carry On Matron" star Kenneth Cope as the bumbling hit man.

The film though is relived on DVD, with oddly a 15 certificate (why???) and i would say is harmless family fun just like its small screen counter-part.

Its drawbacks though is that it ends pretty sharply, and i do wish the fourmiles featured a bit more.

I think if the film took a different angle such as "A holiday with the Fourmiles and George's friend in pursuit" might have fetched a better plot,but all the same it was a fair BIG screen match. (8.4/10)

Unidentified Flying Oddball (1979)

Trying to Educate which it does but to entertain it lacks slightly

[4/10 · 1 July 2004]

Disney was in a pathway of making films with an educational twist.My previous review of "2000 leagues under the sea" is likewise to this as its aim also was to educate as well as entertain.

"Unidentified Fying Oddball" is a film educating its audience (mainly targeting children) of science. Scenes include "Making Robots" & "Maganetisim".

This film itself has a whole ray of cast.We are presented with Jim Dale, "British Actor" whom worked in numerous Carry On's such as "Screaming" & "Don't lose your head".Kenneth More is also present which is more known as playing the German King "Kaiser Wilhelm" in "Oh what a lovely War"

The film itself though entails the time travel of an Astronaut into King Arthur's time,landing in Cornwall.

The film has various good scenes and do provide a good laugh.The additional adding of cutlery to Sir Mordred sword by Clarence or the Magnatising of the troops to Tom's spaceship.

The film does however fall flat in several occasions,and it does drag a bit.Kids might enjoy it but certainly myself couldn't see myself picking this over other Disney classics,but it is a good film to watch and be educated.

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954)

This is Truly a Mesmerising Masterpiece

[7/10 · 1 July 2004]

The "Nautilus" is the star of the film.Manned by Captain Nemo (James Mason),this submarine/machine voyages the ocean.

The cast of Actors truly are amazing as they brilliantly help adapt Jules Verne's gripping under-ocean tale. It won an Academy award and so it should have done,as this was a masterpiece to watch.

It was certainly written in the late 19th century to educate victorians of places they could only wish to be.If cinema was around at that time accompanied with the book,this film would go down well.

It has recently also had a DVD release which has features galore.The special effects are also superb for its time.(1953)

The team have certainly done a great job,and with Richard Fleischer at the helm,Walt made himself proud.This was Disney's real hay-day,and i feel this is one of Disney's greatest films. (9.0/10)

Carry on Screaming! (1966)

One of the Finset Carry On's

[9/10 · 30 June 2004]

One of the most consistently funny Carry Ons is what i describe Screaming.It is constantly funny.Its gags are more dialogue rather than visuals,though the Manaquins raise a smile.

Harry H. Corbett & Kenneth Williams steal the show,and Corbett fits into this Carry On exactly like the others.It was in fact his first one!

Cameos appear from Bernie & Hawtrey. I also feel that apart from Kyhber and Abroad, Screen time was also dedicated for Peter Butterworth. His pairing up was similar to DLYH, the bumbling sidekick.

The film didn't lack anywhere in place and memorable scenes are aplenty. May it be the discussion with Doctor Watt on the disappearance "whereabouts..roundabouts or thereabouts." to the agonising row between Bung's wife and himself over the "telephone".

This Film deserves a watch and if you are new to the Carry On Series..start with Carry on Screaming..."Frying Tonight!!!"

The Parole Officer (2001)

Is a great edition to a Classic British Comedy

[10/10 · 12 June 2004]

It is certainly an excellent film and i feel that i wasn't disappointed once while on screen.From start to finish was excellent plot and storyline.Most of the gags are visual "the falling chair" "the roller-coaster".

Like Patridge there are many similarities.The talking of his Account number is definitely Alan.I feel its Norman Wisdom/Peter Sellers & partridge rolled into one. What more do you want.

The roles of the other characters are also great. "Im a fishmonger" are so funny. You just have to laugh at his misfortune.

I also don't know why people don't like this film,i would certainly give it 9.2.I am a Alan partridge fan, but seeing him take on another role (hapless,misfortunate goon) shows another side of coogan.

Surely you find the fight scene hilarious with the fan? "That's £20 thats 40 each"