Roger Maxwell Movies

Based on the Nobel Prize-winning novel by Boris Pasternak, Doctor Zhivago covers the years prior to, during, and after the Russian Revolution, as seen through the eyes of poet/physician Yuri Zhivago (Omar Sharif). In the tradition of Russian novels, a multitude of characters and subplots intertwine within the film's 197 minutes (plus intermission). Zhivago is married to Tonya (Geraldine Chaplin), but carries on an affair with Lara (Julie Christie), who has been raped by ruthless politician Komarovsky (Rod Steiger). Meanwhile, Zhivago's half-brother Yevgraf (Alec Guinness) and the mysterious, revenge-seeking Strelnikoff (Tom Courteney) represent the "good" and "bad" elements of the Bolshevik revolution. Composer Maurice Jarre received one of Doctor Zhivago's five Oscars, with the others going to screenwriter Robert Bolt, cinematographer Freddie Young, art directors John Box and Terry Marsh, set decorator Dario Simoni, and costumer Phyllis Dalton. The best picture Oscar, however, went to The Sound of Music. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

In this comedy, an ad man attempts to promote his brother-in-law's new cleaning machine. He is backed by a member of the Purity League. It isn't easy, but he eventually helps the product go public. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

The life of the founder of modern Methodism is dramatized in John Wesley. Originally intended for church assembly showings, the film stars Leonard Sachs in the title role. The screenplay charts the Methodist Movement from its inception in 18th century England to the present day. Produced by the Radio and Film Commission of the Methodist church, the film was financed by the contributions of some 500 churches. Unfortunately, the budget didn't allow for a professional cast, thus many potentially worthwhile scenes are laid low by amateurish acting. On the other hand, the film is quite slick and accomplished on a technical level, thanks to the first-rate cinematography of Hone Glendenning and the assured direction of Norman Walker. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

A dead man offers an escape for prison fugitive, Jones, who discovers the look-alike body and exchanges identities only to find out later that the dead man was a spy. ~ Rovi

This murder mystery is comprised of three pilot episodes of a British television series. The story centers around the odd cases that come into the Department of Queer Complaints at Scotland Yard. The protagonist is the head of the department and wears a black eye patch and cloak. His job is to investigate the most bizarre cases. He solves three in this film. The first involves an innocent man and a bank robbery. Next he dispatches with two murder cases. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

This British psychological melodrama stars Michael Gough as a man who is lost in the Brazilian jungles and presumed dead. He returns to civilization, only to discover that his wife (Elizabeth Sellars) has remarried. When it becomes obvious that Gough's mind has been unhinged by the ordeal, his former wife does what she can to help and comfort him. Instead of being grateful, the addled Gough commits suicide, arranging the evidence so that his wife will be accused of murder. The Night Was Our Friend was the sort of second feature on which director Michael Anderson cut his teeth before being entrusted with such loftier projects as Around the World in 80 Days (56). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

In this musical comedy, a man earns a reward and decides to spend some of it on restoring a ramshackle boarding house. Unfortunately, his endeavor fails, and he ends up working there to make ends meet. Later, his ingenious girl friend saves the day by suggesting he turn the house into a fancy restaurant. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi