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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Review of The Dave Clark Five in Catch Us If You Can (1965) in the 60s Retrospective series. While the debt to A Hard Day’s Night is obvious, it was a successful film in its own right (retitled Having A Wild Weekend in the USA). Dave Clark chose the director (It was John Boorman’s first feature film) and screenwriter, Peter Nichols. Barbara Ferris co-starred. Black and white, and very unusually it’s a comedy chase drama, with a Dave Clark Five soundtrack, but no songs are performed, sung or mimed on film.
My first play review since lockdown! Review of Terence Rattigan’s THE DEEP BLUE SEA at the National Theatre in 2016 (linked). This started live streaming on YouTube on 9th July, and is available now. It’s a detailed review which also continues and discusses live theatre v streamed recordings, and also the comparison with the Chichester 2019 production and the difference in the theatres. Definitely one to see.
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