Griffith Davies Movies
- 1976
This is not the same kind of film as the 1962 production, Tom Jones. In fact, it is a "nudie musical", as evidenced by the presence of singing star Georgia Brown in the dual role of Jenny Jones and Mrs. Waters. The project originated as a Las Vegas stage presentation, with Nicky Henson in the lead. The plot of the Henry Fielding novel about the "boy born to be hanged" is followed in spirit rather than to the letter, with busty Joan Collins thrown in like a lagniappe as a lady highwayman. Wandering through the proceedings are such English stalwarts as Trevor Howard and Terry-Thomas. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Nicky Henson, Trevor Howard, (more)
This film is a faithful rendition of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas' last major poem, Under Milk Wood. It affectionately examines the day-to-day life of the inhabitants of a small Welsh fishing village. The poem is narrated by Richard Burton, himself a Welshman and a great aficionado of Thomas' work. The narrative framework comes through the character of Captain Cat (Peter O'Toole), a retired seaman who, though blind, knows the village and its inhabitants so well, it is as if he could see. The colorful characters of the village are delineated in short vignettes by a host of very distinguished British actors. Elizabeth Taylor, Burton's wife at the time, makes a brief appearance as Rosie Probert. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, (more)
- 1967
In the first episode of the seven-part story "The Evil of the Daleks," the TARDIS inexplicably vanishes, leaving the Doctor (Patrick Troughton) and Jamie (Frazer Hines) stranded in contemporary London. Following a slim trail of clues, the Doctor ends up at a Chinese antique shop run by Professor Edward Waterfield (John Bailey) -- a man who obviously has something to hide. Written by David Whitaker, "The Evil of the Daleks, Episode 1" was first shown on May 20, 1967. This episode apparently no longer exists. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patrick Troughton, Frazer Hines, (more)
- 1967
In the second episode of the seven-part story "The Evil of the Daleks," the Doctor (Patrick Troughton) and Jamie (Frazer Hines), searching for the missing TARDIS, end up at a somewhat sinister antique shop owned by Prof. Edward Waterfield (John Bailey). Only after being whisked back to the Victorian era do the Doctor and Jamie realize that Waterfield is being forced to cooperate with the dreaded Daleks -- but why, and for what purpose? Deborah Watling joins the cast as Waterfield's kidnapped daughter, Victoria. Written by David Whitaker, "The Evil of the Daleks, Episode 2" was first shown on May 27, 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patrick Troughton, Frazer Hines, (more)
- 1966
Originally telecast in England on March 5, 1966, this was one of the first Avengers episodes to show up on home video (albeit usually in bad, washed-out prints). Inheriting a country house from an uncle she never knew she had, Emma shows up at her new lodgings, only to find out that she has been lured into a trap. The instigator of this outrage is an old enemy of our heroine, an electronics genius with a gift for deadly inventions. As Emma eludes one elaborate death trap after another, Steed races to the rescue, though he may not arrive in time to prevent the poor girl from going off her trolley. A typically gimmick-laden Brian Clemens concoction, "The House That Jack Built" made its American network TV bow on May 16, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Diana Rigg
- 1964
When a beautiful model is found shot in her apartment, a famous television star is felt to be the murderer in a failed extortion plot. Although the investigation turns up a surprise ending, by the time most viewers get there they could not care less who did it. Singularly uninspired murder drama. ~ Tana Hobart, All Movie Guide
- 1963
This British comedy drama of the lower classes features actors with such thick cockney accents that some prints of the film were subtitled. James Booth stars as Charlie, a merchant seaman who returns home to the East End after two years to find that his wife Maggie (Barbara Windsor) has taken up with another man, a married bus driver named Bert (George Sewell). After taking his brother Fred (Roy Kinnear) hostage in a pub, Charlie gets a reunion with Maggie, who shows up pushing a pram. It seems she's given birth to a child, and the father's identity is uncertain. Charlie and Maggie reconcile, but not before a vicious row with Bert, who doesn't want to give up his girl. Windsor, a BAFTA Best Actress nominee for her role, also performed the film's title song. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- James Booth, Barbara Windsor, (more)
