Claude Whatham Movies
- 1991
- R
A young man in the '60s deals with his estranged parents and the desire to find a career in rock 'n' roll. Based on the book by Nigel Hinton, who also wrote the screenplay, this music related drama stars Chesney Hawkes, Roger Daltrey and Sharon Duce. ~ Kristie Hassen, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Roger Daltrey, Sharon Duce, (more)
- 1986
An Englishwoman (Ali MacGraw) returns to her native land after losing her meager fortune in America, but finds that a serial killer stalking the countryside is more of a threat. ~ John Bush, All Movie Guide
- 1981
Hoodwink is based on the true story of an Australian con artist who briefly won the hearts of the media (if not the authorities). John Hargreaves stars as a criminal serving time in a New South Wales prison. He's not partial to the physical labor required of the convicts, so he hits upon a labor-saving plan. Hargreaves pretends to be totally blind, thus lightening his work load....and carries off the hoax for years. Hoodwink is likely to get some cable-TV play in the near future thanks to the presence in the cast of the young Judy Davis. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Hargreaves, Judy Davis, (more)
- 1981
Murder Is Easy is one of a multitude of 1980s TV movies based on the novels of Agatha Christie. Bill Bixby stars as an American investor, vacationing in England. While on a train, Bixby strikes up a conversation with the seemingly dotty Helen Hayes, who insists she's en route to Scotland Yard with evidence pertaining to three murders. When Ms. Hayes is herself killed, Bixby finds himself heading to the village of Wychwood Under Ashe to investigate the killings on his own. In a twinkling, both Bixby and lovely villager Lesley-Ann Down find themselves the principal suspects. Olivia De Havilland is also among the highly suspicious guest stars in Murder is Easy. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1979
- R
A British-American production, Sweet William is an R-rated movie about sexual relationships that focuses on the flings of an untamed Scotsman named William (Sam Waterston). William has had two marriages and many affairs, and he approaches more romantic adventures without feeling any guilt. His next target is a sensitive and naïve London woman, Ann (Jenny Agutter). Her boyfriend is away on business in the U.S., and the irresistible William woos her by acting lovably loony. Ann soon learns of William's reputation, even though he does his best to hide his past and his current fancies. She decides that some woman finally needs to take a stand against William's charms. Ann eventually makes him choose between continuing his philandering ways and settling down for true happiness. Despite its theme and rating, the film has no explicit sexual scenes. ~ Michael Betzold, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sam Waterston, Jenny Agutter, (more)
Deadwood star Ian McShane stars as Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli in this Emmy-nominated period biopic from All Creatures Great and Small director Claude Whatham. His career marred in scandal, Disraeli rose from humble beginnings to become the 19th Century's most scandalous prime minister. Despite having his Jewish heritage exploited libelously by his detractors, Disraeli eventually managed to gain a coveted seat in Parliament. Over time the dubious rake would leverage that seat into a position of global power. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ian McShane
- 1974
This feature-length dramatization of James Herriot's best-seller was issued by EMI as a big-screen theatrical release in England, but debuted on NBC as a telemovie in the United States, February 4, 1975. It stars Simon Ward as Herriot in his early days as a veterinarian. The story picks up in 1937, with Herriot's first assignment as assistant to eccentric Yorkshire vet Siegfried Farnon (Anthony Hopkins). The film's highlight is the strenuous delivery of a newborn colt; its most poignant moment is the mercy killing of a seriously ill dog. In between "cases," Herriot courts pretty farmer's daughter Helen (Lisa Farrow). The film eventually spawned a television series. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Anthony Hopkins, Simon Ward, (more)
- 1974
Swallows and Amazons is based on the popular children's book by Arthur Ransome. The film is set in Britain's Lake District in the 1920s. The "swallows" and "amazons" are the members of an Our Gang-ish group of kids. They enjoy a variety of outdoor adventures, linked together more by locale than plotline, and buoyed by the engaging personalities of the children. Swallows and Amazons was followed a decade later by a sequel, Swallows and Amazons: Coot Club. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Virginia McKenna, Ronald Fraser, (more)
Long before Grease was even thought of, the British came out with That'll Be The Day, the story of a young man (David Essex) growing up in the dreary working-class world of Britain who comes of age and finds his proper outlet in the first outgrowths of the rock-and-roll world in Britain. This film and its accompanying album were extremely successful in Britain. Along with an excellent (and nostalgic) soundtrack, it features acting performances by rockers David Essex, Billy Fury, Keith Moon and Ringo Starr. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- David Essex, Ringo Starr, (more)
