Judy Gridley Movies
This British made-for-television film was deemed somewhat controversial in its premiere year due its delicate subject matter. The film tells the story of two male classmates who decide to run away together to avoid torment. Jason Rush stars as Matthew, a gay teen who's only friend Phil (Lee Whitlock) remains loyal, despite the reaction of their fellow students. When their families and friends turn on them over time, the two decide to run away together to avoid the torment. ~ Bernadette McCallion, Rovi
- 1987
- PG
Pat O'Connor directs this tranquil version of the J. L. Carr novel, adapted for the screen by Simon Gray. The film concerns two emotionally scarred men recovering from the horrors of World War I during an idyllic summer in the English countryside. It is 1919, and war veteran Tom Birkin (Colin Firth) travels to the small English village of Oxgodly to restore a medieval church mural that is hidden under coats of plaster. At the same time, another war veteran, archaeologist John Moon (Kenneth Branagh) is exploring the nearby fields trying to uncover an ancient church grave. As they toil away in this placid environment, their emotional war wounds are gradually healed, and they come to terms with their problems. Birkin finds himself falling in love with Alice Keach (Natasha Richardson), the wife of the local vicar, while Moon finds himself learning to deal with his homosexuality. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi
- Starring:
- Colin Firth, Kenneth Branagh, (more)
- 1983
The BBC-produced An Englishman Abroad was first offered to American viewers October 27, 1984, as part of PBS' Great Performances series. Alan Bates stars as Guy Burgess, the infamous British diplomat who spied for the Russians in the 1950s. Alan Bennett's teleplay re-creates the 1958 chance meeting in Moscow between Burgess and English actress Coral Browne (playing herself). Though unrepentant concerning his traitorous activities, Burgess wistfully reveals to Ms. Browne that he longs to return to his native England. Mostly, he misses such niceties as British food, wine, conversation, gossip...and tailoring. An Englishman Abroad runs the gamut from cynicism to pathos in its all-too-brief 68 minutes. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Alan Bates, Coral Browne, (more)
Jeremy Irons portrays Nowak, one of four Polish laborers, living in England. In exchange for a place to stay, Irons and his buddies -- none of whom have British work permits -- agree to renovate their landlord's flat within a limited time-frame. Despite their hectic schedule, the boys agree never to work on Sunday: this is the day that they communicate with their loved ones in Poland. On one such Sunday, however, the Soviets declare martial law in Poland, cutting off all telephone and telegraph service to the outside world. Nowak, the only one of the four who speaks English, learns of the turmoil in Poland before his friends do; he decides to keep the news secret, rather than jeopardize their living arrangements. When the flow of money from home ceases, Nowak takes to stealing to finance the renovation project. He pushes his friends mercilessly to make sure the project is completed on time, secretly burning their letters so that they remain in the dark about the Soviet incursion upon their native soil. When they do find out, they physically vent their anger upon Nowak, perceiving him to be as much an enemy and oppressor as the Soviets. This is clearly the allegorical point that director Jerzy Skolimowski is hoping to make in Moonlighting; wisely, he avoids conveying his message in fluent tract, relating his story with generous doses of humor and irony. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jeremy Irons, Eugene Lipinski, (more)
