Starring Margaret Rutherford, Ron Moody, Bernard Cribbins, David Kossoff, Terry-Thomas
Directed by Richard Lester
(actor & director credits courtesy IMDB.com)
The prime minister of the tiny nation of Grand Fenwick requests a loan from the United States for space research, intending to use the money instead on indoor plumbing, but his son and the nation's chief scientist have other ideas.
A sequel to the British comedy, The Mouse That Roared, this film is based on a different Leonard Wibberly satirical novel, but unlike the original film, it's missing Peter Sellers, who played three different roles in the original. There's still numerous attempts at comedy, this time with the Fenwickians trying to launch the rocket, relying on the rather explosive tendencies of their wine supply. However, Sellers would have been an added enhancement who absence is felt. Nonetheless Cribbins and Kossoff make a nice pair through who play off well, Moody is fine as the duplicitous prime minister, and Terry-Thomas has some enjoyable shtick as a visiting British spy. I also enjoyed Ron Grainer's light-hearted score, and the special effects of launching for the moon and reaching it at last are well done for the period.
Showing posts with label Bernard Cribbins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bernard Cribbins. Show all posts
Saturday, August 8, 2020
Saturday, November 12, 2016
She (1965)
Starring Ursula Andress, Peter Cushing, Bernard Cribbins, John Richardson, Christopher Lee
Directed by Robert Day
(actor & director credits courtesy IMDB.com)
After encountering a beautiful queen from a lost city, a young adventurer convinces his companions to accompany him on a dangerous journey to find her kingdom.
Hammer Films tries their luck at an adaptation of H. Rider Haggard's oft-filmed adventure, casting their horror stars Cushing and Lee as supporting players, although each have some meaty and worthy scenes, including some memorable dialogue with each other. I enjoyed it very much, with Andress and Richardson probably giving off more heat than any of the stars of the previous adaptations, and composer James Bernard turning in a majestic love theme and a fun jaunty cue for the men's journey through the desert. Cribbins also is very likable as Cushing's plucky manservant, and there's some fantastic sets on par with the classic 1935 version. Expecting Andress and Richardson to pass for ancient Egyptians is probably a bit too much to ask, but for those in the mood for a fun period adventure, I'd heartily recommend this.
Directed by Robert Day
(actor & director credits courtesy IMDB.com)
After encountering a beautiful queen from a lost city, a young adventurer convinces his companions to accompany him on a dangerous journey to find her kingdom.
Hammer Films tries their luck at an adaptation of H. Rider Haggard's oft-filmed adventure, casting their horror stars Cushing and Lee as supporting players, although each have some meaty and worthy scenes, including some memorable dialogue with each other. I enjoyed it very much, with Andress and Richardson probably giving off more heat than any of the stars of the previous adaptations, and composer James Bernard turning in a majestic love theme and a fun jaunty cue for the men's journey through the desert. Cribbins also is very likable as Cushing's plucky manservant, and there's some fantastic sets on par with the classic 1935 version. Expecting Andress and Richardson to pass for ancient Egyptians is probably a bit too much to ask, but for those in the mood for a fun period adventure, I'd heartily recommend this.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Daleks' Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D. (1966)
Starring Peter Cushing, Bernard Cribbins, Ray Brooks, Andrew Keir, Roberta Tovey
Directed by Gordon Flemyng
(actor & director credits courtesy IMDB.com)
The eccentric but brilliant Doctor Who travels forward in time with his companions to 22nd century Earth, where he discovers London has been destroyed by his old nemesis, the Daleks.
What a fun movie! I can't say I've been a fan of the long-running Doctor Who television series, which per Wikipedia, provided the storyline adapted into this film's screenplay, but certainly enjoyed spending an evening with the good doctor, well-personified by Peter Cushing in one of his two turns in the role. The whimsical music score from Bill McGuffie is very enjoyable, deflating some of the horrific impact of the plot, and along with some comedic bits of business, helps to make the film suitable for family audiences. Viewers of the television series, accustomed to its very limited special effects, will enjoy seeing much more substantial sci-fi imagery here, although the filmmakers stay true to the series' simplistic design of the ruthless Daleks.
Directed by Gordon Flemyng
(actor & director credits courtesy IMDB.com)
The eccentric but brilliant Doctor Who travels forward in time with his companions to 22nd century Earth, where he discovers London has been destroyed by his old nemesis, the Daleks.
What a fun movie! I can't say I've been a fan of the long-running Doctor Who television series, which per Wikipedia, provided the storyline adapted into this film's screenplay, but certainly enjoyed spending an evening with the good doctor, well-personified by Peter Cushing in one of his two turns in the role. The whimsical music score from Bill McGuffie is very enjoyable, deflating some of the horrific impact of the plot, and along with some comedic bits of business, helps to make the film suitable for family audiences. Viewers of the television series, accustomed to its very limited special effects, will enjoy seeing much more substantial sci-fi imagery here, although the filmmakers stay true to the series' simplistic design of the ruthless Daleks.
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