David Griffin Movies

This kooky British comedy chronicles the zany and occasionally dramatic exploits of the Song and Dance Unit, Southeast Asia (SADUSEA, pronounced "sad-you-see") assigned to entertain troops stationed in the Malayan jungle during WW II. It is based on a play by Peter Nichols. The entertainers are led by the rigid Major Giles Flack. Much to Flack's discomfiture, most of his unit is gay and enjoys dressing up in drag. The film also contains a serious subplot about a treacherous cad in the group who gets the only real woman in the troupe pregnant and then abuses her. He also steals ammo and information to give to the enemy. In the end, a terrible battle ensues at his hands. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide

In the fifth episode of the six-part story "The Sea Devils," the Doctor (Jon Pertwee) realizes he will never be able to negotiate a truce between the British Navy and the reptilian Sea Devils as long as the Master (Roger Delgado) is stirring up hostilities. Things become even hairier when the Master develops a machine that will enable the Sea Devils to win their battle at sea and to wipe out all mankind. With no other alternative, the Doctor and the Master square off in a fight to the finish. Originally shown on March 25, 1972, "The Sea Devils, Episode 4" was written by Malcolm Hulke. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

In the fourth episode of the six-part story "The Sea Devils," the Doctor (Jon Pertwee) tries to "reach" the title characters, a race of bipedal earth reptiles. Knowing that the Master (Roger Delgado) intends to use the Sea Devils to wipe out all mankind, the Doctor attempts to appeal to the creatures' better nature and advanced intelligence -- just as he'd previously done with the Devils' distant relations, the Silurians. But negotiations quickly break down, and the earth is once more plunged into peril. Originally shown on March 18, 1972, "The Sea Devils, Episode 4" was written by Malcolm Hulke. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Based on a novel by Winston Graham, The Walking Stick stars Samantha Eggar as Deborah, a polio-stricken woman courted by charming artist Leigh Hartley (David Hemmings). She moves in with Leigh, who immediately suggests that she help him rob the antique store where she works. Her common sense clouded by love, Deborah agrees. She is laboring under the misapprehension that Leigh will use the stolen loot to open up their own antique shop. He of course has no such intention, having orchestrated the whole romance for his own greedy gain. Both Samantha Eggar and David Hemmings are too talented for the sluggish goings-on in The Walking Stick, but actors do have to eat once in a while. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Rebellious students at an English private school plan a violent revolt against their repressive environment in director Lindsay Anderson's highly acclaimed but extremely controversial drama. Centering on a small group of non-conformists led by Mick Travis (Malcolm McDowell), the film paints a distinctly negative picture of the British school system and, by extension, English society. Seeing the powers-that-be as humorless, bureaucratic, and needlessly restrictive, Mick and his cohorts indulge in small acts of rebellion, including sneaking into town to romance a local waitress. Their actions are discovered and punished with harsh beatings, leading the students to plot revenge. This effort culminates in the film's most famous sequence, a surrealistic depiction of a bloody uprising by the students against the adult world. Daring and unpredictable in content and form, If... mixes color and black-and-white cinematography as easily as it mingles satire with dark fantasy. The film's ambiguous attitude toward violence caused controversy at the time, as many commentators saw the film as a potential incitement to violence. It became a great success among younger, counter-culture audiences who appreciated the audacious shock tactics and embraced the satirical, anti-establishment message. Often compared to Jean Vigo's French classic Zéro de conduite, which also featured surrealistic boarding-school rebellion, If... has become a high point in the cinema of youth rebellion. Anderson and McDowell later collaborated on O Lucky Man! (1973), Look Back in Anger (1980), and Britannia Hospital (1982). ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide

Flush on the heels of their success with the comedy I'm All Right Jack, the twin Boulting brothers (Roy, director and John producer) released this standard comedic fare with a dash of spice. Set in the traditional British boys' school, the farce deals with the reactions of the young lads and their profs when Mlle. Madeleine Lafarge (Agnes Laurent), a gorgeous new French language teacher, shows up to start work. Along with the incidents that evolve out of countless crushes on the charming, sexy woman is a school full of great characters -- from the cook to the posturing school master, and the young lover to the insufferable colonel who heads up the board of governors, all adding interest and zest to the goings-on. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide