Bill Darrid Movies

Adapted by Harold Pinter from the novel by Russell Hoban, Turtle Diary stars Glenda Jackson as Neaera Duncan, a famed author/illustrator of children's books. In the midst of her success, Duncan suffers from writer's block. While casting about for new ideas, she makes several visits to the turtle tank at the local aquarium, where she becomes acquainted with shy bookstore clerk William Snow (Ben Kingsley). From this point on, nothing is in the least predictable. What can one say that's sensible about a plotline that climaxes with a turtle hijacking? Screenwriter Pinter has a cameo role as "Man in Bookshop." Turtle Diary was the maiden effort of United British Artists, a consortium consisting of Glenda Jackson, Harold Pinter, and producer Richard Johnson (who also appears in the film). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

That Night! was the film version of a TV drama by Robert Wallace and Burton J. Rowles titled The Long Way Home. John Beal plays a hard-working ad man who suffers a mild heart attack. Despite the admonitions of his doctor, Beal refuses to cut down on his work load, feeling that by doing so he would be depriving his wife (Augusta Dabney) and children of their lavish lifestyle. A second attack is more serious, landing Beal in intensive care. As he recovers, Beal and his wife reassess their values and sort out just what is truly important in their lives. That Night was produced by Himan Brown, the man who created radio's Lights Out and directed by John Newland, best known for his hosting chores on TV's One Step Beyond. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi