Sheila Gill Movies
- 1987
- R
This comedy was inspired by the true story of Cynthia Payne, a former waitress who gained fame as England's best-known (and best-liked) madame. Christine Painter (Julie Walters) is a working-class single mother who sub-leases a few inexpensive flats as a way of bringing in extra money. Christine has no particular interest in selling her body, but when she finds herself in a tight spot financially -- and notices that the prostitutes who rent her apartments are the only ones who consistently pay on time -- she decides to open a brothel. With the help of Shirley (Shirley Stelfox), an experienced prostie, and Morton (Alec McCowen), a former RAF commander with a fondness for women's undergarments, Christine opens a little place where elderly businessmen can indulge their fondness for kinky lingerie and being spanked by younger women. Soon Christine's business is booming and everyone is happy -- until the police pay her a visit. Personal Services was directed by Terry Jones, best known as a member of the Monty Python troupe; the real-life Cynthia Payne served as a technical advisor. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Julie Walters, Alec McCowen, (more)
- 1983
The four-part Doctor Who adventure "Mawdryn Undead" begins on a seemingly arbitrary note, as a pair of juvenile delinquents go for a joyride in the Brigadier's vintage automobile. After the inevitable crash, one of the boys, actually a space alien named Vizlor Turlough (Mark Strickson), is recruited for a daunting assignment. The recruiter is the Black Guardian (Valentine Dyall); the assignment is to kill the Black Guardian's sworn enemy -- the Doctor (Peter Davison). Originally telecast on February 1, 1983, "Mawdryn Undead, Episode 1" was written by Peter Grimwade. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Davison, Sarah Sutton, (more)
- 1970
Enrico Malatesta (Eddie Constantine) leads a group of Latvian dissidents in the siege of Sidney Street. Chief of police Winston Churchill organizes against the anarchist who threaten to disturb the peace to make their demands known to the British aristocracy. Authorities break up the volatile gang and Malatesta is deported to Italy. Constantine gives a sympathetic portrayal of the agitator that organizes the revolt that shocked the Edwardian sensibilities of London in this historical drama. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Eddie Constantine, Christine Noonan, (more)
