Robert Page Movies
Directed by Nick Hurran, Undertaking Betty revolves around the competitive world of undertaking in the Welsh countryside. One of the most respected names in the biz -- Plotz Funeral Homes -- is directed by Boris Plotz (Alfred Molina), whose youthful dreams consisted of two decidedly cheerier concepts than the embalming process: dancing and marrying his childhood crush, Betty Rhys-Jones (Brenda Blethyn). Unfortunately, the pressure to take over the family business became too much for Boris to resist, particularly after Betty, despite being secretly in love with Boris, was married off to a known gold digger. Both Betty and Boris' lives remain firmly status quo until the death of Betty's mother-in-law, whose funeral arrangements throw the unsatisfied couple back together. While the spark between Betty and Boris is reignited, rival funeral director Frank Featherbed (Christopher Walken) grows increasingly angry; the American funeral director desperately wants to revolutionize the U.K. undertaking business with his unique "theme" funerals. Ultimately, Boris and Betty resort to desperate measures -- since the only thing keeping him away from Betty is her two-timing husband, they decide to stage Betty's demise and elope somewhere far away from the death business. ~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Brenda Blethyn, Alfred Molina, (more)
- 1988
Filmed on location in Wales, On the Black Hill is adapted from the novel by Bruce Chatwin. This is the story of two Welsh brothers, identical twins. The film covers 80 years in the sibling's lives, touching upon their hopes, disappointments, romances and political entanglements. Rather than going the traditional split-screen route, two genuine twins are cast in the leads: Mike and Robert Gwilym. The stellar supporting cast includes Gemma Jones and Catherine Schell. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Mike Gwilym, Robert Gwilym, (more)
- 1971
- R
Jack Nicholson first put his well-documented enthusiasm for basketball to good use in this film, which he wrote and directed between his roles in Five Easy Pieces and Carnal Knowledge. William Tepper plays Hector, a student at a college in Ohio who shares a room with his friend Gabriel (Michael Margotta) and is the star player on the school's basketball team. Hector has been approached to quit college and play pro ball, but Gabriel is urging him to devote more time to radical political causes. Of course, both have plenty of other things on their mind; Hector is having a clandestine affair with the wife of one of his professors (Karen Black), while Gabriel, in a bid to beat the draft and avoid going to Vietnam, is trying to convince the draft board that he's insane. Unfortunately, Gabriel is feigning madness so well that he's not so sure he hasn't actually become crazy. Director Henry Jaglom and screenwriter Robert Towne also have supporting roles, as do future sitcom greats Cindy Williams and David Ogden Stiers. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Tepper, Karen Black, (more)
- 1924
Hal Roach wrote this story, which concerns a club of wealthy, grumpy old men who were players for the Fighting Orioles during baseball's pioneer days of the 1870s. Tommy Roosevelt Tucker (Glenn Tryon) seems like he will always be a small-town barber until the club discovers that his father was an Oriole. They send for him, and he happily goes, since his sweetheart, Hope Stanton (Blanche Mehaffey), has preceded him to the city. Tucker tries to cheer up the old men, but his silly attempts are futile until he discovers that Hope has fallen into the clutches of her wicked uncle, Sid Stanton (Noah Young). Stanton is a crook who is trying to use Hope in his schemes, and the situation inspires the old men. Once again, the fighting spirit overtakes them and they aid Tucker in rescuing the girl and bringing the schemers to justice. ~ Janiss Garza, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Blanche Mehaffey, John T. Prince, (more)
