All four books in the series have been redesigned so that the page format and design of the print editions is the same as the latest, Japanese Affairs. Since the series started, the Vellum text design program has been greatly improved and I wanted to carry that back to the others. This means they’re all a little fatter- more white space, not changed text. (Not changed prices either)
See DART TRAVIS WEBSITE (linked)
SEE AMAZON CO.UK’s DART TRAVIS PAGE
Also available from your local amazon store.
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Review of the 1986 TV Series A VERY PECULIAR PRACTICE – Series One added (Linked). Starring Peter Davison, David Troughton, Barbara Flynn, Graham Crowden. It was voted 5th Best TV Comedy in a Guardian survey. I’d say it’s the best campus series AND the best medical practice comedy series. I’ve used it to rant a bit about General Practice in the UK and indeed universities. BUT I haven’t described the plot lines or given away the jokes.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Amanda Hillwood, Andrew Davies, Barbara Flynn, David Troughton, Graham Crowther, Hugh Grant, Joe Melia, Peter Davison, Timothy West | 2 Comments »
The 60s retrospectives continue with BEAT GIRL from 1960 (aka Wild for Kicks in the USA). This was said to be the first all-British film with a full-length soundtrack LP, by John Barry with Adam Faith and Shirley Anne Field. The star is Gillian Hills as the truculent sultry teenager in the world of coffee bars and strip clubs in Soho … a surprisingly edgy place in 1960. It’s an early Swinging Sixties London film in effect with a cameo from Oliver Reed. Adam Faith was a major pop star at the time.
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The latest review in the 60s Retrospective series is THE PARTY’S OVER (linked). It was filmed in 1962 for release in 1963, but after the censors demanded 18 minutes be cut, it was shelved. It was directed by Bond film director Guy Hamilton, with script by Marc Behm (who did Help!). John Barry did the soundtrack. It starred Oliver Reed in one of his first lead roles. Then in 1965, Rank Organization sold the savagely edited film off to a distributor and Hamilton demanded his name be taken off. The BFI (British Film Institute) has restored the pre-censorship version. As well as a review of the film, it is interesting that it was refused an X (18) certificate in 1963, but is now a “12.” This time I won’t illustrate it with the dreadful 1965 poster.
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I’m stretching my 60s Retrospective film reviews back a tad to include SIX-FIVE SPECIAL from 1958, a direct exploitation based on Britain’s first pop TV show. The outstanding performers are Lonnie Donegan, John Barry Seven and John Dankworth, but there are lots of “earlier” stars on there too. Worth watching, or just look at the photos in the review.
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I’ve just added a rant about continuous assessment, (follow the link) which will be how so many kids will have their GCSE and A level results decided this year. I think it horribly unjust so this is a rant against continuous assessment and in favour of exams. It’s a long held and unfashionable view. The comments box is open on the rant.
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Ah, back to theatre! Even if it’s filmed. I’d long heard about the David Tennant / Catherine Tate 2011 production of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING at Wyndham’s Theatre, but I hadn’t seen it. It’s now available for streaming via YouTube on Digital Theatre Plus … £7.99 for a one off viewing or £9.99 for a month’s subscription to all their plays (many RSC and Globe). They are awkward to get onto the TV rather than computer. But this is a fabulous version of the play and joins my several MUCH ADO reviews online.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Adam James, Catherine Tate, David Tennant, Elliot Levey, John Ramm, Jonathan Coy, Josie Rourke, Sophie MacRae, Tom Bateman | Leave a Comment »
HOW TO BUILD A GIRL (linked) has had its release straight to Amazon Prime video. A shame as in any other year, this would have been a major box office success. Still, you can watch it now, Starring Beanie Feldstein in the screen adaptation of Caitlin Moran’s 2014 novel. It follows the transformation of Johanna, a kid from a Wolverhampton council estate into a young rock journalist named Dolly Wilde. It’s VERY funny. It has an oitstanding support cast … some are blink if you miss them. If you liked Almost Famous but wanted a version for females, this is it.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Alfie Allen, Beanie Feldstein, Caitlin Moran, Paddy Considine, Sarah Solemani | 2 Comments »
The next in the 60s Retrospective reviews, THE CARPETBAGGERS from 1964 (linked). It was based on Harold Robbins blockbuster novel, and considered highly salacious in its day and was the 4th biggest US film of 1964, and I’d put both Dallas and Dynasty as direct descendants. An interesting time capsule of Hollywood at its most sexist.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Alan Ladd, Bob Cummings, Carroll Baker, Edwrd Dnytryk, Elizabeth Ashley, George Peppard, Harold Robbins, Matha Hyer | Leave a Comment »
Review of the Netflix Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. Some of my favourite films recently have been on Netflix. I’ve very carefully avoided any plot spoilers nor let any funny lines creep in. It’s highly entertaining … Will Ferrell, Rachel McAdams, Dan Stevens star. I’ve also explained Eurovision for readers outside Europe!
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Dan Stevens, David Dobkin, Melissanthi Mahut, Mikael Persbrandt, Pierce Brosnan, Rachel McAdams, Will Ferrell | Leave a Comment »
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