Description

Paul Scott's STAYING ON This delightful drama, based on the award-winning novel by Paul Scott (The Jewel in the Crown), reunites the magnificent Trevor Howard and Celia Johnson for the first time since their appearance in the classic 1947 romance, "Brief Encounter." Retired Indian Army colonel Tusker Smalley and his wife Lucy made the decision to stay on in India after the British withdrew in 1947. While most of their friends returned home, Tusker decided to continue in military service. Now retired, he and Lucy are the only remaining British residents in the once-busy hill station of Pankot. Residing peacefully in a bungalow annex of the run-down Smith's Hotel, aided only by their long-suffering servant Ibrahim, their peace is about to be disturbed by the hotel owner, Mrs. Bhoolabhoy, whose plans for the hotel - and their bungalow - will permanently change one corner of India that had remained forever England. Stunningly filmed at the hill station of Simla at the foot of the Himalayas, a once-popular retreat for the British in India, STAYING ON is a memorable dramatization of this acclaimed novel, which perfectly captures a place, a time, and two timeless performances from Trevor Howard and Celia Johnson. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent Sequel to Jewel in the Crown.
This is an excellent rendering of Paul Scott's book Staying on, which is in itself a sequel to the Jewel in the Crown Quartet also writen by Paul Scott and also made into a TV Drama by Granada the same British compny that made the Jewel in the Crown sereis.
Staying on is a double success, it is an excellent rendering inhnto film of the book itself and in acting and dialogue it does not fall below the excellent TV series the Jewel in the Crown.
The story is set in post independent India, COL Tusker Smalley of the British Indian Army decides to stay on after India gains independence. He stays on as COL of his regiment.
Yes these things happened many British officers stayed on in the Indian Army and many British civil servants stayed on also. They were kept on by the Indian Government. The plot is set some 10 years after Independence when Smalley in his late sixties or early seventies is already pensioned off and living in a small cottage.
The film captures all the poignancy of the end of Empire and how it affected the British and Indians on an individual basis and above all it shows that despite claims to the contrary British Rule was not over resented by the Indians. They wanted Independence yes but the British were rather liked. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Perhaps the most striking feature of this strikingly different film is the moral ambiguity of all its characters. While contemporary cinema seems mired in simple distinctions between good and evil, Georgy Girl presents an odd assortment of losers and users who live in a world without an absolute ethical center. Lynn Redgrave stars as the homely girl who takes on the role of mother to her beautiful roommate's unwanted baby. With her father's employer trying to take her on as a mistress and her roommate's husband taking her on as an easy lover, Redgrave's Georgy navigates the narrows between prostitution and purity as she tries to hang on to the baby she has grown to love. Worth viewing for the seamless performances and the complex understanding of ethical interaction. --James DiGiovanna ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Self-Esteem Wanted
If the British DVD is any indication, SONY Columbia will be releasing this film on DVD in the same bare format they accorded to BUNNY LAKE IS MISSING and many other quality films deserving of better treatment.If only they had managed to find even one "deleted scene" featuring Charlotte Rampling, whose disappearance from the movie far too early is the biggest disappointment of them all.(After she leaves, a bit of the film's energy goes with her; the audience feels deflated, like a paper bag.)GEORGY GIRL was a huge hit for Columbia in 1966, one of the biggest of the year, and it still holds up today.Lynn Redgrave was nominated for an Oscar, and the press made much of a possible rivalry with her far more glamorous sister Vanessa, who was also nominated the same year.Neither sister won, for the prize was taken from them by Elizabeth Taylor's stylish harridan in WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?Rachel Kempson, mother to Lynn and Vanessa, has a nice character part in GEORGY GIRL as well, in a role which makes her a sort of romantic rival to Lynn's character-a little kinky.

Lynn plays Georgy Parkin, a dumpy instructor whose parents are very old-school servants to a wealthy gentleman played by James Mason.Georgy lives on her own with a gorgeous roommate called Meredith-the part played by Charlotte Rampling without vanity, without pretense, Rampling unafraid of seeming unsympathetic in a way that would be unthinkable to most US actresses of her generation.She's so awful you start to like her.And she's the wife's worst nightmare, and then she gets pregnant with Alan Bates' baby and the picture really launches into gear.Unusually for a 1960s movie, GEORGY GIRL is really a "woman's picture" which in the old days which have paired Miriam Hopkins against Bette Davis, and the plot, such as it is, is all about how will Georgy attain a shred of self-esteem if she's always comparing herself to supermodel-thin Meredith?

On top of everything else, the film also forecasts BRIDGET JONES by having two men fall in love with Georgy, but I can't say which ones, that would be telling.The Seekers, Australia's biggest pop group of the period, sings the title song as a commentary on the action, Judith Durham's angelic voice the aural embodiment of Georgy's questing soul.

DVD Release
Finally, it's what we've all been waiting for - the DVD of Georgy Girl is being released at the beginning of May.However, I don't know what the extras are - after this long wait, I hope the extras are worth it!

Why isn;'t GEORGY GIRL on DVD???
Georgy is a young adult with noone to love her (so it seems at first) except her parents' rich employer, who chases her in private.

The plot itself doesn't convey how fun (and sometimes wacky) this film is to watch.I remember the GEORGY GIRL song as a big hit back in 1966. But I didn't see the film till grown...

Couldn't have seen "GEORGY" then...Mom wouldn't have let me. GEORGY a little edgy for the times (the mod London mid 196's)...but I would let my daughter see it now...& we would wade thru Georgy's choices together
...(& learn & have fun at the same time).

Without giving it all away, James Mason is fun and weird; scary and even kind...all at the same time--- as he pursues Georgy. Watch his wardrobe versus the other leading man's (Alan Bates)wardrobe.Savile Row versus...Fruit of the Loom. Shocking then...Funny now.And Alan is as casual in pursuing Georgy as when in his "fruit of the looms"...

Georgy dives into love and makes her mistakes, but one of her choices is --- outstanding. And life defining.(I imagine her making similar choices &becoming later---when she gets power---a great lady of London.)

You go girl!!! (Again, I'm not telling you more.)

She's the cousin, older sister, friend that most girls want... So she belies the "ugly duckling" film inage. And actually, despite the film's not quite happy ever after ending.....in the car...
(Watch her face. She conveys without words "WHAT HAVE I JUST DONE!!???!)I always imagine "Georgy" rising above that too & actually findingan unlikely but loving "prince charming".
THIS FILM NEEDS TO BE ON DVD...NOT EXPENSIVE OLD VHS ($40 ++)

One of the Best!
This is easily one of the best and most endearing films to come out of the 60s.Everything seems to work in it; wonderful story, great performances, it just gels.It made me both laugh and cry.No matter how many times I see it, I still cry at the end when Georgy and her new husband are riding off with the baby.Highly recommended!

Charming, offbeat, and unusual.
This movie was better than I remembered it (saw it as a child).James Mason is a delight, the scripting reasonably well handled with a few minor obscurities, and the actress who played Meredith delightfully convincing in the role.Lynn Redgrave was winning and funny; yet handled the dramatic moments with exquisite vulnerability appropriate to the moment. Very enjoyable. ... Read more

Description

In BLUE, a Mexican bandit goes on a raid into the U.S. When he meets a beautiful woman and falls in love, he decides to leave his life of crime and settle down with her. Eventually his father and his gang come back for him, and he finds himself torn between his love for the woman and his loyalty to his father and his fellow gang members. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

TERENCE STAMP IS AMAZING!-ClydeisHungry@aol.com
Terence Stamp delivers a beautiful performance in this film. This is one western that is worth watching. It doesn't have the "typical" theme most western's have. This is more of a human story. The story of ayoung man who was raised by people not of his kind, growing up this is allhe knows until he comes face to face with the harsh realities of what therest of the world has to offer. Showing how sometimes the human spiritisn't always the greatest assest. This film was well written and welldirected if you haven't seen "Blue" check it out I guarantee youwill like it! ... Read more

Description

An elderly religious fanatic whose son was killed in an auto wreck several years ago kidnaps her dead son's former fiancée and keeps her locked up in the basement in order to cleanse the girl's soul, making it fit to be reunited with her son in heaven. Stars Stefanie Powers (TV’s "Hart to Hart") and screen legend Tallulah Bankhead in her last film. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

DELICIOUSLY CAMPY
DIE DIE MY DARLING was one of Hammer's diversions into "psychological horror", and it is a very interesting and well-made film. Scripted by the talented Richard Matheson, the story unfolds lazily, although we know the minute Stefanie Powers meets the irrepressible Tallulah Bankhead, the fun is about to start. Bankhead's remarkably smoky voice propels this fanatical old woman, and her performance is remarkably restrained; I think she did better in some ways than Bette or Joan in their "horror" movie days. I actually came to hate the woman with each ridiculous dependence on her Biblical reasoning for tormenting Powers. Powers herself does an excellent job in going from the sweet young thing to the venomous hussy who wants to tell Bankhead exactly what kind of girl she is. Yootha Joyce as Anna, and Peter Vaughan as her lecherous husband Harry, are very good in supporting roles; Donald Sutherland's idiot role demonstrates what a versatile actor he was going to be.
The film's opening credits, with the cat chasing the mouse, and the unusually bouncy jazz score, indicate that what's about to happen is being done tongue in cheek; yet the movie has a dark underlying evil that crescendos into a descent into madness.
This is a good, sturdy film.

As It Says In The Bible, I Must Kill! Kill! My Darling!
Stefanie Powers is Patricia "Pat" Carroll, a beautiful young american woman visiting England with her fiance. While there, she decides to keep a promise she'd made to her late boyfriend's mother (Tallulah Bankhead) and pay her a visit. Bad idea! You see, mum is actually a hyper-religious maniac who's been going increasingly bonkers in her moldering old mansion. Pat arrives and the fun begins. Mrs. Trefoile (mum) is distressed by Pat's attitude and worldly ways. She had figured that Pat would remain a devoted "wife" to her dead son, saving herself for him in heaven. Pat does not measure up to mum's expectations at all! So, with the help of her housekeeper Anna (Yootha Joyce) and Anna's lecherous husband Harry (Peter Vaughan), mum sets out to "save" Pat by kidnapping, starving, and torturing her with hours of monotonous bible teachings. When Pat finally stands up to her, mum pulls a gun on her! Now, THAT'S some old time religion! Pat's clothes are shredded, her make-up destroyed, and her jewelry confiscated. Mum has a "simpler" life in store for her. Thankfully, Pat is not a complete mush, and does try to escape many times. Her character is fairly realistic and sympathetic. Mrs. Trefoile is of course the demented center of this story. Her hidden basement room contains the truth of her existence. What's in there? Why does she go there late at night? DIE! DIE! MY DARLING! is a tense cat and mouse flick with some nice sharp turns. I loved every minute! Check out Donald Sutherland as the gardener! Highly recommended...

Camp classic comes to DVD
This is a film that is great fun if you like Tallulah Bankhead and camp. Bankhead didn't make very many films, especially in her later years, but she did this one basically for the money and because other distinguished actresses (Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Olivia de Havilland, etc.) were making horror films.

In "Die, Die, My Darling", a Hammer production (originally titled "Fanatic" in England where it was filmed), Tallulah plays a religious zealot who cannot get over the death of her son. When her son's former fiancee (Stephanie Powers) arrives to pay her a visit, she becomes more and more enraged when she finds that Powers has participated in all kinds of ungodly things like falling in love again and heaven forbid, wearing make-up! She then traps Powers in her attic where she torments her. It's all quite over the top, offering a minimum of suspense, but it is, nevertheless, quite entertaining.

Bankhead filmed the movie just a few years before she died. She was plagued by a number of health problems at the time (most of them caused by too much drinking and smoking). She wears no make-up, her hair was dyed gray and put in a bun and there were many harsh, unflattering close-ups. Before the film was released, it was shown to Tallulah and a small audience of her friends. After her first scene, she stood up and told everyone, "Darlings, I must apologize for looking older than God's wet nurse."

"Die, Die, My Darling" is a hoot to watch. The role had to have been 180 degrees from Tallulah herself, but she pulls off the role flawlessly. She delivers Bible verses in her sonorous voice in a rapid-fire manner. Her double takes, as in response to Powers appearing in red dress and red lipstick, are hilarious. It was Tallulah's only appearance in a color film and she is practically unrecognizable except for her distinctive voice, which gives her away.

It is great to see this film restored to dvd. The picture has never been sharper - you can actually see a fly buzzing around Tallulah in one scene where she is lying on her bed! The film featured a muted color palette and they appear true and not saturated. The sound (Dolby Digital monaural) is decent for a film over 40 years old. The extras are a disappointment though and feature only three trailers ("Homicidal", "Strait Jacket" and "Mr. Sardonicus").

Remember: NO Lipstick!
I enjoyed the powerful performances turned in here by Miss Powers and Miss Bankhead. Bankhead appears to be having a ball as a bible-spewing nut case, who proceeds to torture the daylights out of her deceased son's ex-fiancee, after she comes for a friendly visit. The beautiful Stefanie Powers is perfect as the tormented prisoner of the wicked old battle-ax. A very good ending as well. A movie well worth your viewing time. Keep an eye out for Donald Sutherland as a dim-witted servant.

Holy Zealot!
Die! Die! My Darling! is a great movie. The basic story is that this chick (Stefanie Powers as Pat) goes to pay her belated condolences to the mother of a man she was once engaged to (mother being Tallulah Bankhead as Mrs. Trefoile), but who had died. The mother..., decides to hold Pat captive after learning about her plans to marry (or remarry, since Mrs. Trefoile considers Pat and her son to be married in the eyes of the lord). Sinner, repent! So, Mrs. Trefoile keeps Pat a prisoner, on a diet of scripture and not much else. Bankhead is great as a fundamentalist who is so fundamental she's in a religion all her own! If you want your supper in her house, you better get down on your knees, bow your head and sit through about 20 verses of scripture. And then, if you're lucky, you'll get a miniscule portion of some bland concoction. Remember, the Lord wants us to lead simple lives!

In light of her personal life, the fact that Tallulah Bankhead plays a religious fanatic is just so ripe with irony. Her performance, while not up there with the old hag horror movies of Crawford and Davis, is still pretty solid and surprisingly not as campy as I expected. Yeah, if you didn't know who Tallulah was, you might not detect the booze-drinking (even on the set of this film), ...lady that she was. Also of note is a young Donald Sutherland as a mentally handicapped servant at the Trefoile house. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Not worth [it]
I bought this movie thinking it was a different Demi Moore movie. Demi is barly even in this movie, even though her picture is pasted all over the front cover. The dvd is very poor quality. A buzzing sound is in the background throughout the movie and the picture isn't sharp. It is a made for TV movie, and not a good one. It is about a boy who plays football and gets hurt and can no longer play. He feels his life is over and crys about it for about 75 minutes of the film. Don't even rent it on 99 cent night.

Choices - A Disappiontment
I hate to give a bad review but... "Choices" was a BIG disappiontment. "Choices" is about a disabled high school athlete, (played by Paul Carfotes) and his girlfriend Carri. (played by Demi Moore.) I am all for rooting for the under dog but please... This movie is so bad it put me to sleep.

When I went back to watch this movie a second time I was still very lost. "Choices" is suposed to be about a disabled athlete and his girlfriend. However, I did not catch on to what the the problem was until the movie nearly ended.

All actors did an ok job given the weak story and dialogue. One actor I was impressed with was, Victor French, of "Little House on the Prairie" and "Highway to Heaven" fame. Of all the cast, I think victor gave the strongest performance. Victor's performance is also the reason for my two star rating.

In my opinion, spend your money on something else. Chances are, this movie would be collecting dust in your collection. ... Read more