John Gatrell Movies
- 1971
While the title suggests that we're in for a bawdy bodice-ripper involving two of more notorious ladies of British fiction, the softcore sex comedy Lady Chatterly vs. Fanny Hill is actually set during the 1920s. Mrs. Hill (Diane Hart) and Lady Evelyn Chatterly (Nan Munro) are two competing brothel madams, who place a wager concerning the "talents" of their girls. Hill's girl Fanny (Joanna Lumley, of Absolutely Fabulous fame) attempts to seduce a portly bishop, while Lady Evelyn's girl Constance (Penny Brahms) goes after a staid wine seller. The latter is played by bespectacled Richard Wattis, who seems to be enjoying his close proximity to so much female flesh. The original release title of Lady Chatterly vs. Fanny Hill was Games That Lovers Play. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
- PG13
- Add The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes to QueueAdd The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes to top of Queue
In Billy Wilder's cinematic homage to the spirit of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, British stage luminary Robert Stephens plays Holmes, while Colin Blakely is his friend and chronicler Dr. Watson. This self-described "hitherto suppressed and thoroughly fascinating" tale concerns Holmes' search for a missing mining engineer -- a case that may have a far-reaching effect on the national security of England. Along the way, Holmes falls in love for the first time in his life, with enigmatic foreign beauty Gabrielle Valladon (Genevieve Page). In this 1970 film, Wilder emphasizes such then-current topics as homosexuality (notably during the film's prologue) and drug addiction. Christopher Lee, a former screen Holmes himself, has a cameo (minus toupee) as Sherlock's brother Mycroft Holmes. Heavily re-edited and rearranged both before and after its release, The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes was a box-office disappointment when it came out in 1970. Since that time, its reputation has grown immeasurably, especially among those lucky enough to have seen a complete print. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Robert Stephens, Colin Blakely, (more)
- 1966
Why are a group of otherwise reserved middle-aged military officers suddenly behaving like teenaged delinquents and performing dangerous stunts which invariably result in death? Steed wants to find out, and to do so, he rejoins his regiment. Ultimately, Steed is himself targeted for death, forcing Emma to undergo a bizarre and deadly ritual to rescue her partner. Written by Roger Marshall and directed by the versatile Charles Crichton, "The Danger Makers" first aired in England on February 12, 1966; perhaps significantly, it was seen in America on July 4 of that same year. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Diana Rigg
- 1958
This first entry in the long-running (some would say interminable) British "Carry On" series is at base a collection of motheaten army jokes, albeit served up with freshness and energy. Future Doctor Who star William Hartnell plays Sergeant Major Grimshaw, whose fondest wish is to win the coveted Best Troop Award before his retirement. Alas, this may never come to pass: his newest batch of conscripts include some of the biggest and stupidest foul-ups in military history. Popular comedian-cartoonist Bob Monkhouse and cockney bombshell Shirley Eaton head up the supporting cast, which includes such "Carry On" stalwarts-to-be as Kenneth Connor, Charles Hawtrey and Kenneth Williams. Carry On Sergeant was very loosely based on The Bull Boys, a novel by R. F. Delderfield. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, Bob Monkhouse, (more)
- 1952
In this crime drama, police and crooks alike vie for possession of a wallet containing valuable microfilm which was tossed from a window. The wallet is found by a passerby who gives it to a dancer who gives it to a cashier. The cashier gives it to a clerk who uses it in a blackmailing scheme. In the end it returns to the passerby who ends up arrested. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
