Ronald Herdman Movies
- 1997
Based on the novel by Catherine Cookson, this made-for-TV drama, set in England shortly before the outbreak of World War I, concerns Agnes Conway (Claire Skinner), a beautiful young woman who works in her family's confectioner's shop. Agnes' natural beauty and spirited nature lead her into romantic entanglements with two men from a prominent family -- first Charles Farrier (Edward Atterton), then his brother Reginald (Julian Wadham) -- and later into a friendship with the Felton family, decent folks from a notoriously rough part of England, when her sister Jessie (Michelle Charles) falls in love with one of the Felton men. Produced for British television, The Wingless Bird was first shown on American television as part of the acclaimed PBS anthology series Masterpiece Theater. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Claire Skinner, Dale Meeks, (more)
This acclaimed British comedy centers on the intermittent romance between a charming (if slightly bumbling) Englishman and a beautiful American woman, who seem to always run into each other at weddings. Indeed, it is at the first of the title's four weddings that Charles (Hugh Grant) and Carrie (Andie McDowell) meet, enjoying a brief but fleeting connection. The spark is rekindled several months later, when they unexpectedly meet at another wedding. Unfortunately, however, Carrie has become engaged to another, a fact that complicates matters for them both. The story may seem simple, but the film is elevated by screenwriter Richard Curtis' ear for witty dialogue and a colorful supporting cast. Director Mike Newell's sympathetic attention to character keeps the proceedings believable, and prevents the film's more serious moments from seeming mawkish. These elements, along with Grant's star-making performance as Charles, helped the film achieve unexpected international success, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi
- Starring:
- Hugh Grant, Andie MacDowell, (more)
- 1980
- R
The autobiography of British prison-escapee John McVicar is given a no-frills screen treatment herein. Roger Daltrey, lead singer of the Who, plays McVicar, who after breaking out of prison reestablishes himself in London's seamy underworld. Another British singing star, Adam Faith, is second-billed as Probyn. Needless to say, McVicar contains quite a few songs--more than your usual gangster meller, anyway. In addition to starring, Roger Daltrey was one of the film's three producers. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Roger Daltrey, Adam Faith, (more)
