Alun Armstrong Movies
Thanks in part to Alun Armstrong, the works of Charles Dickens enjoyed widespread exposure before television and theater audiences in the late 20th century. A longtime fan of Dickens, Armstrong performed in two highly acclaimed TV productions of Dickens: David Copperfield as Dan Pegotty and Oliver Twist as Mr. Fleming. In addition, he played the cruel schoolmaster Squeers in the Royal Shakespeare Company's stage adaptation of The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby. The production won four 1982 Tony Awards, including the award for Best Play, after it moved from London to New York. Armstrong also played Squeers in a 1982 TV production of Nickleby that won an Emmy and was nominated for a British Academy Award. Such is Armstrong's passion for Dickens that he turned down a role in a high-profile Clint Eastwood film to do the David Copperfield production. However, he has gratefully accepted challenging roles in many other high-profile motion pictures. For example, he played Mornay in Braveheart, Owens in Patriot Games, Corporal Davies in A Bridge Too Far, Lacourbe in The Duellists, and Keith in Get Carter.Theatergoers who have never seen Armstrong on the stage have been missing performances of the first rank. He was nominated for the coveted Laurence Olivier Award six times for work in such plays as Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale, Arthur Miller's The Crucible, and Victor Hugo's Les Misérables. He won the Olivier Award as Best Actor for his performance in Cameron Mackintosh's musical production of the Christopher Bond play Sweeney Todd. In film productions, Armstrong helped Jonathan Tammuz win a 1989 Oscar in the category of Best Live Action Short for his role as Stefano in The Childeater. And in TV productions, he earned a Best Actor nomination from the Royal Television Society for his performance in This Is Personal: The Hunt for the Yorkshire Ripper. Armstrong was born on July 17, 1946, in County Durham, England. Though his face may have once been handsome, it is now a relief map of crevasses that make him ideal for roles as Dickens characters. Such a countenance works well, too, for Shakespeare characters whose visages are etched with the hardships of living. Armstrong put his wrinkles to work in the Royal Shakespeare Company productions of The Tempest, Much Ado About Nothing, The Taming of the Shrew, The Winter's Tale, Troilus and Cressida, As You Like It, and Measure for Measure. Although never regarded as a famous actor, Armstrong has certainly been one of the hardest-working. Between 1999 and 2002, he performed in 17 productions, including two major films -- Sleepy Hollow and The Mummy Returns -- and a hit TV miniseries, The Aristocrats. ~ Mike Cummings, All Movie Guide
Screenwriter Andrew Davies' adapts Charles Dickens' tale of struggle and hardship in 1820s London. Returning to England after many years abroad, Arthur Clennam (Matthew Macfadyen) sees a sparkle in the eye of diminutive young seamstress Amy Dorrit (Claire Foy). But "Little Dorrit" works for his mother, and in digging for the truth about the mysterious girl he winds up at Marshalsea Debtors Prison. There, he discovers that the specter of debt follows the object of his affections like an oppressive shadow. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Courtenay, Matthew MacFadyen, (more)
- 2007
Julie Walters and Hugh Bonneville headline this "Masterpiece Contemporary" production detailing the true life efforts made by one well-meaning but hopelessly overzealous village housewife to clean up the British airwaves. Britain, the 1960s: Caring Christian housewife Mary Whitehouse (Julie Walters) is watching the BBC, and she doesn't like what she's seeing. Incensed by the blatant obscenity of such programs as Doctor Who, Magical Mystery Tour, and Monty Python's Flying Circus, she organizes a grassroots campaign to confront BBC director-general Sir Hugh Greene (Hugh Bonneville) to get the offending programs taken off the air. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Julie Walters, Hugh Bonneville, (more)
A loving couple suffering through an emotionally exhaustive case of empty nest syndrome offers temporary shelter to a pair of girls from Belarus who have been displaced as a result of the Chernobyl disaster. Bob (Alun Armstrong) and Julie Jenkins (Lindsey Coulson) are in a bittersweet position; their daughter has finally come of age and struck out on her own - which is a wonderful accomplishment for both parent and child - yet now the couple has no one in their home to nurture and care for. While Bob is content just to enjoy their time together, Julie makes the decision to offer shelter to a pair of young girls from Belarus. Belarus was one of the countries most affected by the Chernobyl disaster, and youngsters Nadia and Nelli are only two of countless Belarus children in need of a place to call home. Over the course of their time with the girls, Bob and Julie gradually rediscover the ability to laugh and love again - never realizing how heartbreaking it will be when they finally have to say goodbye. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Alun Armstrong, Lindsey Coulson, (more)
24 star Kiefer Sutherland stars as celebrated French painter Paul Gauguin in director Mario Andreacchio's slice of life biopic. A highly successful Paris stockbroker, Gaugin decides to drop out of the rat race in favor of developing his self-taught painting skills. Despite his determination to use primitivism as a means to revolutionizing the world of modern art, Gauguin soon spirals down a disastrous drain of financial ruin. Realizing that a change of scenery is in order if he is to rekindle his creativity, the devoted artist travels to the South Seas in order to realize his true potential on the canvas. Nastassja Kinski co-stars in a fascinating look at one of the 19th Century's most celebrated artists. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kiefer Sutherland, Nastassja Kinski, (more)
- 1999
Director John Strickland creates this gritty look at race and class in southeast London, as he focuses on a multi-racial group of youths who form a band called Greenwich Mean Time. Between gigs, the band members negotiate the currents of their lives, including girlfriend problems, an ill-fated venture into drug dealing, and sleazy record producers. As the film progresses, the narrative inches its protagonists toward a sudden bloody finale. The film features tunes by such noted Acid Jazz and Jungle figures as Talvin Singh, Hinda Hicks, and Imogen Heap. ~ Jonathan Crow, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Alec Newman, Melanie Gutteridge, (more)
This 2000 television adaptation of Charles Dickens' Victorian classic was originally released as a six-hour, three-part miniseries on PBS. Adapted by Alan Bleasdale, this version of Oliver Twist gives viewers a new look at an old story, waiting 90 minutes to even introduce its eponymous hero (played by Sam Smith), and taking pains to establish the background of Oliver's parents, good-hearted Agnes Fleming (Sophia Myles) and all-around coward Edwin Leeford (Tim Dutton). All of the resolutely Dickensian touches are here, from greedy relatives to secret wills, to stolen lockets containing valuable information, and all are ably brought to life by a talented cast that includes Julie Walters as Mrs. Mann, Michael Kitchen as Mr. Brownlow, Lindsay Duncan as Elizabeth Leeford, Marc Warren as Monks, and Robert Lindsay as Fagin. As an added bonus, the miniseries' score, by Paul Pritchard, contains additional music by none other than Elvis Costello. ~ Rebecca Flint Marx, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sam Smith, David Ross, (more)
Based on a true story, Aristocrats draws back the curtain on an 18th century English family near the summit of society, revealing a tapestry of romance, prejudice, infidelity, and revolution. The three-part TV miniseries follows the four Lennox sisters, daughters of Lord Richmond, from youth to middle age and beyond. They go through marriages, children, scandal, and intrigue as they decide what matters more: position or principle. Part one centers on three of the daughters -- Caroline, Emily, and Louisa -- as they entertain ideas of marrying solely for love, an idea abhorrent to their snooty parents. But in spite of the folks' protests ("What will people think?"), Caroline marries an untitled politician, Henry Fox, about twice her age. Emily chooses, God forbid, an Irishman. But because of his wealth and nobility, he becomes acceptable. Louisa also marries a wealthy Irish noble. Part two centers on the fourth daughter, Sarah. After her debut in London, the diffident Prince of Wales (the future King George III) falls in love with her, but unexpectedly marries another for political advantage. Sarah then rushes into a marriage. But because her cold, neglectful husband cannot provide what she wants most -- love and attention -- she beds with others and the family ostracizes her. In part three, miserable, guilt-ridden Sarah finds true love with a decent military man and reconciles herself with the family. Meanwhile, Caroline dies, and social upheaval in America, France, and Ireland opens the eyes of the surviving sisters to new ideas, and they and their families become embroiled in struggles between the masses and the privileged few. ~ Mike Cummings, All Movie Guide
A distinguished cast highlights this made-for-TV adaptation of one of Charles Dickens' best-loved novels. Young David Copperfield (Daniel Radcliffe) is loved by his mother Clara (Emilia Fox), but does not get along with his foul-tempered stepfather, Murdstone (Trevor Eve). After biting Murdstone during a fight, David is forced to attend a boarding school operated by the vicious and humorless Mr. Creakle (Ian McKellen). After Clara suddenly dies, David is sent to work; while his labors are tiring and poorly compensated, he finds a benefactor in the good-hearted Mr. Micawber (Bob Hoskins) and his wife (Imelda Staunton). However, Micawber does not manage money well, and winds up in a debtors prison. Left to his devices, David sets out to find one of his few surviving relatives, his eccentric Aunt Betsy (Maggie Smith). The years pass, and the grown-up David (Ciaran McMenamin) has struggled to build a better life for himself, with the help of Betsy's attorney, Mr. Wickfield. David also becomes friendly with Wickfield's daughter Agnes (Amanda Ryan), but he finds a nemesis in the lawyer's clerk Uriah Heep (Nicholas Lyndhurst). David also marries a simple woman named Dora (Joanna Page), but their union brings him little happiness. David Copperfield was a co-production of the BBC and WGBH Boston. It received its American premier on the acclaimed anthology series Masterpiece Theatre. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Hoskins, Maggie Smith, (more)
- 1998
Old New Borrowed Blue is a bittersweet love story of modern times. Rosie and Vincent are desperately trying to have a baby, but this is causing an unavoidable stress on their sex life. When Benoit, a French postal worker and teenage pen pal of Rosie's, arrives on their doorstep with romantic intentions, Vincent is not as thrilled as Rosie. Having found out that his over-the-channel sweetheart is now married, Benoit settles in as her houseguest. Vincent is unhappy with the arrangement and tries to cure his wounded ego in an affair with his old flame, the local hairdresser, Cathy. Rosie and Vincent find themselves facing choices they had never imagined they would have to make. ~ Gönül Dönmez-Colin, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Christopher Eccleston, Dervla Kirwan, (more)
- 1996
Originally produced for the BBC and Masterpiece Theatre, Breaking the Code tells the life story of the famed mathematician and computer science pioneer Alan Turing, the primary designer of the Turing Machine, an early computer used to solve the German Enigma code during World War II, a solution many believe was instrumental in the Allied victory. The title refers to both the solution of the Enigma code and Turing's open admission to his homosexuality, which at the time violated not only the codes of polite society but British law. Hugh Whitemore's screenplay, based upon his play and Andrew Hodges' book Alan Turing: The Enigma, frames Turing's life as a puzzle, beginning in 1952 with the mysterious robbery of some of the mathematician's few possessions. The rest of the film travels backwards and forwards through time, providing associative glimpses of Turing's past and present, including his school days, his wartime efforts, and his post-war experiences. Discussions of his mathematical and logical work alternate with glimpses of his turbulent personal life, including his boyhood love, the unrequited attentions of his female assistant, and his later relationships with younger men, drawing connections between his theoretical work and his personal traumas. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Derek Jacobi
- 1995
Les Miserables: 10th Anniversary Concert at London's Royal Albert Hall features a concert consisting of the songs from the celebrated musical performed b a number of past and present cast members including Colm Wilkinson, Philip Quast, and Jenny Galloway. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Colm Wilkinson, Philip Quast, (more)
- 1994
Angus MacGyver returns in this made-for-television movie based on the popular TV-series. Richard Dean Anderson stars as MacGyver, the cool hero with a knack for creating technical gadgets to save the day. Here, MacGyver is in London for the birthday of his old friend Paul Moran (Nicholas Farrell). When terrorists kill Moran and kidnap his daughter, MacGyver assembles a team to avenge the murder and uncovers an arms-dealing ring involved with a nuclear weapons plant. ~ Bernadette McCallion, All Movie Guide
Released in the US on cable television, Blue Ice stars Michael Caine as an older, tireder version of his 1960s "Harry Palmer" character (his name, in fact, is Harry Anders). An M16 agent-turned-nightclub owner, Caine is a man of steadfast loyalties. Thus he takes it personally when several friends from his espionage days are mysteriously killed. Caine investigates on his own, which brings him in very close proximity with enigmatic consul's wife Sean Young. Befitting the fact that Caine's character is a jazz fancier, Blue Ice boasts an evocative musical score by Michael Kamen, of Lethal Weapon and Die Hard fame. Watch for jazz great Bobby Short and an unbilled Bob Hoskins. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Michael Caine, Sean Young, (more)
- 1992
In the second episode of a three-part story filmed in England (and subtitled "Wastin' the Company's Money), Kelly (Christina Applegate) is alerted to the fact that her dad Al (Ed O'Neill) and brother Bud (David Faustino) are doomed to die the moment they set foot in the village of Upper Uncton, the better to lift the "curse of darkness" that has inflicted the community since 1653. Meanwhile, the D'Arcys (Ted McGinley, Amanda Bearse) seem doomed to spend their entire British vacation looking for their luggage. According to several sources, a scene showing the Bundys looting their London hotel room was removed from the episode in light of the recent LA riots. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1992
In the conclusion of a three-part story filmed in England (and subtitled "We're Spending As Fast as We Can", the Bundys are trapped between two rival mobs on the border separating the towns of Upper Uncton and Lower Uncton. Slated to be killed in order to lift the "curse of darkness" imposed upon Lower Uncton in 1653, Al Bundy (Ed O'Neill) ends up in a joust, facing local champion Igor (Steve Hartley)--while both mobs wait until they tally up the profits from the concession stands before determining the Bundys' fate. Meanwhile, the D'Arcys (Amanda Bearse, Ted McGinley) somehow end up in a London B&D club. Someone looking like Queen Elizabeth II makes a cameo appearance in this, the final episode of Married. . .With Children's sixth season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1992
Lust! Greed! Passion! Shoes! In the first episode of a three-part "saga", the Bundys travel to England, having been invited to the country by the citizens of Lower Uncton. Little do they realizes that Lower Uncton has been under a curse of perpetual darkness since 1653--a curse that will be ended only when the last two surviving Bundy males are killed. Scheming historian Winston (Bill Oddie) and his henchman Igor (Steve Hartley) plan to bump off Al (Ed O'Neill) and Bud (David Faustino) the moment they set foot in Lower Uncton. . .while the populace of neighboring Upper Uncton plan to prevent this from happening so they can continue using Lower Uncton as a tourist attraction. Largely filmed on location in London, this episode features cameo appearances by series story editors Larry Jacobson and Stacie Lipp). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1984
In this conventional, formulaic tale about a nonchalant snooker (pool, British style) hustler who is conned into competing in a national championship, good ensemble acting carries the story beyond its predictable evolution. Bob Geldof is Harry (Flash) Gordon, the snooker player who hustles games in low-end London halls, picking up a little cash here and there and also getting into occasional trouble. Nevertheless, he is more or less content with his life and his girlfriend (a prostitute who loves him) until promoter Billy Evans (Mel Smith) comes along and convinces him to leave the penny-ante and troubles behind and compete in a national championship for real money. Big stakes create bigger headaches, and by the time the final game is set to be played, Gordon is faced with a decision to either save his skin and give in to pressure to throw the game, or stick to his scruples and play the best he can. For foreign, including American English speakers, the accents in the snooker halls may leave them a little linguistically snookered at first. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Mel Smith, Alison Steadman, (more)
- 1979
Vincentio (Kenneth Colley), Duke of Vienna, is a good and kindly ruler, but his leniency has allowed vice to thrive. So he decides to leave town temporarily, putting in charge his stern chief deputy, Angelo (Tim Piggott-Smith). Immediately, Angelo condemns the young nobleman, Claudio (Christopher Strauli), to death for getting his sweetheart, Juliet (Jacqueline Pearce), pregnant. Isabella (Kate Nelligan), an aspiring nun who is Claudio's sister, is disgusted by Angelo's suggestion that she "lay down the treasures" of her body to save her brother's life. Meanwhile, the Duke returns to town in the guise of a friar to see how his domain is faring in his absence. When he spies around, he learns of Claudio's imprisonment, and he overhears the dilemma that Angelo has created for Isabella. The helpful ''friar'' then suggests to Isabella that Mariana (Jacqueline Pearce), who was once betrothed to Angelo, take her place in the darkness of Angelo's bedroom. Mariana agrees, and the scheme goes according to plan. However, Angelo reneges on his promise because he fears Claudio will seek revenge if he is released, and instead he orders Claudio's immediate execution. However, Duke Vincentio, still disguised as a friar, persuades the prison warden to spare Claudio and to trick Angelo into thinking Claudio is dead. When Duke Vincentio doffs his disguise and reappears as himself, Angelo, realizing the game is up, asks to be executed to avoid a degrading trial. But Mariana, steadfast in her love for Angelo, pleads for his life. Mercy and a happy ending triumph. Claudio returns from the dead to wed Juliet. Angelo is spared and marries Mariana. The Duke then begs the hand of Isabella. He tells her, ''Dear Isabel, I have a motion much imports your good; whereto if you'll a willing ear incline, what's mine is yours and what is yours is mine.'' ~ Mike Cummings, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kate Nelligan, Kenneth Colley, (more)
- 1977
The New Avengers investigate when a high-ranking military officer (Michael Barrington) disappears. Our heroes come across a band of mercenaries led by rogue colonel "Mad Jack" Miller (John Castle), who intends to launch an invasion of the Middle East and thus trigger World War 3. Ah, but Miller has reckoned without the resourceful Mike Gambit (Gareth Hunt), who when the need arises can become a "one-man army." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patrick Macnee, Gareth Hunt, (more)
- 1976
Likely Lads was inspired by the popular British television series of the same name. Returning to their TV roles after an absence of several years are Rodney Bewes and James Bolam, playing a pair of Northern English screw-ups. With their girl friends in tow, Bewes and Bolam embark on a motor trip, running into one comic dilemma after another. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1972
In this sad British drama, a family of 14 children is suddenly orphaned and must now consider how to keep themselves from being separated by the authorities. They launch a brave campaign in the face of nosy social workers who want to place them in assorted reform schools and foster homes. Eventually the eldest brother and sister realize that they must split up for the benefit of the younger children. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
