Patricia Hodge Movies
Lead actress, onscreen from the late '70s. ~ All Movie Guide- 2002
Also known as The Memory of Water, director Lewis Gilbert's low-key drama (based on a play by Shelagh Stephenson) centers on three sisters who return home following their mother's death, and the memories that bind them. Desperate to discover who remembers which events with the most clarity, sisters Theresa (Julie Walters), Mary (Joanne Whalley) and Catherine (Victoria Hamilton) soon discover that the real truth about their family lies much deeper than any one person can recall. As the sisters memories slowly surface, it soon becomes apparent that no one version of any tale provides a definitive answer to their questions regarding their past. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Julie Walters, Tom Wilkinson, (more)
As the BBC forensics drama Waking the Dead enters into its second series, the Cold Case team attempts to capture a frightening copycat serial killer, delves deep into the dangerous London criminal underworld, attempt to solve the murder of a prominent Home Officer Advisor while being audited by the Home Office, and makes a series of unfortunate mistakes while attempting to finally bring closure to an unsolved murder case. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
When an American psychologist makes a shocking discovery about her Czech grandfather, it threatens her new romance with a famed Czech author. The doctor (Gina Gershon) came to Prague to attend a conference and to learn about her heritage. While there, she becomes involved with an ex-"dissident writer" (Rade Serbedzija) who is as famous for his work as he is for his womanizing. He falls so in love with the doctor that he vows to give up his playboy ways. At first they are happy, but then the doctor discovers that her half- Jewish grandfather horribly betrayed his people and was responsible for many unnecessary deaths. Two of those victims were related to the writer. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gina Gershon, Rade Serbedzija, (more)
This light romantic comedy follows the amorous backstage shenanigans of the cast and crew as they prepare to stage "The Hit Man," noted playwright Felix Webb's latest play. The trouble begins when director Humphrey Beal hires Felix's extramarital lover Hilary Rule as his leading lady. Working in such close proximity does nothing to help an already tense relationship made more shaky by Hilary's insistence that Felix leave his insecure wife Elena. When Humphrey hires hot, young movie star Robin Grange to play opposite Hilary, matters really heat up, especially after the handsome and perceptive young stud offers to seduce Elena so that Felix can have grounds to dump her. Unfortunately for Felix, this dreamy solution soon turns to a nightmare when Robin proves too irresistible. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
Wilkie Collins helped pioneer a new literary genre when he published The Moonstone in 1868, widely believed to be the first detective novel, and this adaptation for British television brings his classic story back to life. In 1848, a few days before her birthday, Rachel Verinder (Keeley Hawes) receives a rather surprising gift -- the Moonstone, a rare and valuable diamond stolen from a Hindu shrine and believed to be cursed. The Moonstone was left to Rachel by her uncle, John Herncastle (Terrence Hardiman), whom she last saw two years ago, just before she informed him she never cared to talk to him again. Herncastle's aide, Franklin Blake (Greg Wise), is the man who arrives bearing the diamond, but the next morning, the jewel is gone -- as is Blake. Did Blake steal the Moonstone, or someone else looking for a fast fortune at the expense of a possible onslaught of evil forces? And is Herncastle really gone? The Moonstone was first aired in the United States as part of the award-winning anthology series Masterpiece Theatre. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- 1992
The seventh and final season of the seriocomic British legal series Rumpole of the Bailey offers the usual quota of six hour-long episodes, originally seen in the U.K. from October 29 through December 3, 1992, all starring Leo McKern as the immensely sloppy and irrefutably brilliant barrister Horace Rumpole. In the season opener "Rumpole and the Children of the Devil", Rumpole's favorite disreputable clients, the Timsons, are now accused of practicing Satanism. Next, it's conflict-of-interest time when a policeman is charged with falsifying a confession in "Rumpole and the Miscarriage of Justice" In "Rumpole and the Eternal Triangle", our hero grows a bit too fond of the beautiful violinist whose husband is his latest client "Rumpole and the Reform of Joby Jonson" finds Rumpole having trouble sustaining objectivity about his client, an accused thief, when his own home is burgled. "Rumpole and the Family Pride" is an Agatha Christie-like exercise, with Rumpole and his overbearing wife Hilda (Marion Mathie) visiting a cousin at his country estate, only to plunge headlong into an unsolved murder. The series ends with "Rumpole on Trial", wherein the pompous Samuel Ballard (Peter Blythe) is called upon to defend his colleague Rumpole in a delicate disciplinary hearing. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Leo McKern, Marion Mathie, (more)
- 1991
After an absence of two years, Rumpole of the Bailey returned to the British airwaves with a sixth season of six new episodes, initially telecast from from October 28 through December 2 1991. The delightfully dishevelled barrister Horace Rumpole (Leo McKern) starts things rolling by defending a chef accused of violating health ordinances in "Rumpole a la Carte", which features a subplot wherein Rumpole's formidable wife Hilda (Marion Mathie) uncharacteristically dallies with her handsome cousion. In "Rumpole and the Summer of Discontent", the client is a trade unionist, and at issue is the right to strike--both in the courtroom and in the Rumpole household. In the next episode, "Rumpole and the Right to Silence", an accused murderer stubbornly refuses to supply Rumpole with evidence that may clear his name. "Rumpole at Sea" finds Rumpole and Hilda reluctant sharing an ocean voyage with the blustery barrister's old nemesis Judge Graves (Robin Bailey), getting mixed up in a missings-person case along the way. In "Rumpole and the Quacks", it is Rumpole's own doctor who is the client, with his colleague Phyllida (Patricia Hodge) as the prosecutor--said Phyllida having a personal score to settle with our hero. The season ends with "Rumpole for the Prosecution", as Rumpole is placed in the unenviable position of prosecuting his old friend Claude (Julian Curry) on a charge of intellectual thievery. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Leo McKern, Marion Mathie, (more)
- 1991
In this WW II espionage drama, a British officer stands wrongfully accused of treason and must find those who framed him. Much to his surprise, a beautiful young woman suddenly appears and offers her assistance causing him to question her motives and alliances. The film was originally broadcast on PBS' Masterpiece Theatre. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1991
A middle-aged divorcee has the foundation of her life rocked when she discovers that her ex-husband has created young clones to replace her. ~ Tana Hobart, All Movie Guide
- 1990
This made-for-cable adventure chronicles the fictionalized exploits of the famed British reporter cum novelist who created the character "James Bond." Starring Jason Connery, the son of the first feature-film 007 Sean Connery, the story alleges that Fleming based Bond's adventures on his own extraordinary experiences. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
The made-for-TV The Shell Seekers was based on the best-selling novel by Rosamunde Pincher. Heading the cast is Angela Lansbury as Penelope Keeling, a reclusive British matron of comfortable means who suffers a near-fatal heart attack. While recovering, Penelope determines that her attack was a sign of sorts, urging her to get her life in order. As she prepares to break down the barriers she has built between herself and her three children, Penelope muses on her experiences during World War II, a time in which she solidified her outlook on life. Filmed in England and Spain, The Shell Seekers was the 162nd Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation; it debuted on December 3, 1989. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
Having previously headlined a series of short TV skits and monologues, British comedienne-composer Victoria Wood graduated to the anthology format in this six-episode offering. Individual episode titles included "Mens Sana in Thingummy Doodah," "The Library," "Over to Pam," "We'd Quite Like to Apologize," "Val De Ree (Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha)," and "Staying In." All playlets were written by the star, as was the piano music heard between scenes. Appearing in support of Wood was an impressive coterie of British guest stars and comedy "regulars," including her old professional cronies Julie Walters, Duncan Preston, Celia Imrie, and Susie Blake. Victoria Wood originally aired from November 16 to December 21, 1989. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Victoria Wood, Celia Imrie, (more)
Director Blake Edwards departed from his customary sex farces to direct an unusual satirical Western comedy-thriller. In 1927, legendary lawman Wyatt Earp (James Garner) comes to Hollywood to serve as an advisor to a film studio making a movie about Earp's life. He meets silent screen cowboy star Tom Mix (Bruce Willis). The two stumble upon a murder that has apparently occurred on the set but is linked to a renowned bordello. The aging cowboy and the young actor set off on a series of time-warp misadventures to try to solve the mystery. Along the way, they encounter the shady Alfie Alperin (Malcom McDowell) and the intriguing Cheryl King (Mariel Hemingway). ~ Michael Betzold, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Willis, James Garner, (more)
- 1988
The fifth season of the iconoclastic British legal series Rumpole of the Bailey delivers six fresh new episodes, originally telecast over ITV1 from November 23 through December 28, 1988. In the opening episode "Rumpole and the Bubble Reputation" it is a libel case that keeps the irascible barrister Horace Rumpole (Leo McKern) busy, to say nothing of a rather embarrassing rift between his married colleagues Phyllida (Patricia Hodge) and Claude (Julian Curry). In "Rumpole and the Barrow Boy", a supposedly reformed member of the redoubtable Timson criminal family calls upon Rumpole to defend him from charges of insider trading, In "Rumpole and the Age of Miracles", the client is our hero's own nephew, a clergyman. The Timsons again invade Rumpole's sanctitutude in "Rumpole and the Tap End", which also finds Rumpole's domineering wife Hilda (Marion Mathie) seriously considering a return to her own legal career. In "Rumpole and Portia", Rumpole must plead his case before Phyllida, the Old Bailey's newly appointed recorder. The season closes with "Rumpole and the Quality of Life", wherin a case of mercy killing dominates the proceedings. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Leo McKern, Marion Mathie, (more)
Nick Diamond (Colin Dale) is a private detective hired by a South American midget to guard a box containing a rare treasure. When Nick is jailed, his kid brother Tim (Dursley McLinden) is called on to take the case. Tim dodges bullets and escapes from being bound and gagged while battling hard-nosed cop Boyle (Jimmy Nail) and the shadowy thugs out to get the treasure. Susanna York plays the chanteuse Lauren Bacardi in this film-noir styled children's crime drama. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dursley McLinden, Colin Dale, (more)
- 1987
A dry spell of nearly four years separated the third and fourth seasons of the internationally popular British legal series Rumpole of the Bailey. Not surprisingly, fans rejoiced when the series finally returned on January 19, 1987, with six new hour-long episodes in the docket. Leo McKern, as ever, heads the cast as the disheveled but brilliant British barrister Horace Rumple, while Marion Mathie takes over from Peggy Bates-Thorpe in the role of Rumple's formidable wife Hilda, better known as "She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed." The first case on the Season Four manifest is "Rumpole and the Old, Old Story", in which Rumpole's defense of a businessman charged with attempted murder is muddled up by his domestic problems with Hilda. Episode #2, "Rumpole and the Blind Tasting", finds our hero once more called upon to defend a member of the scurrilous Timson family, even as he endeavors to "break in" his new law pupil Liz Probert (played by Leo McKern's daughter Abigail Kern). In "Rumpole and the Official Secret", his client is a sweet little old lady accused of leaking top-secret government information. In "Rumpole and the Judge's Elbow", a case involving a massage-parlor owner accused of procuring is compromised when Rumpole is (in so many words) offered a judgeship. "Rumpole and the Bright Seraphim" finds the feisty barrister in West Germany, defending a British soldier charged with killing a non-com. The season ends appropriately with "Rumpole's Last Case", wherein the strain of his job may have finally forced Rumpole to hang up his wig for good--but not before one final duel of wits with an old enemy. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Leo McKern, Marion Mathie, (more)
- 1986
Despite excellent camerawork and smooth continuity, some people may still find this epic, three-hour story of incestual depravity and human inertia difficult to watch with enthusiasm. Director and leading actress Vibeke Lokkeberg had two preceding hits to her credit, Kamilla and The Chieftain. She plays Vilde, a woman living on the dramatic North Sea coast of Norway in 1895. She has been sexually abused by her stepfather Sigurd (Keve Hjelm) since she was a child, and the abuse has never stopped. Vilde's mute daughter Malene (Tonje Kamilla Kristiansen), of unknown male parentage, watches Sigurd's abuse of her mother in silence. By the time Vilde finally cracks, the symbolism of "skin" (her eventual husband is a tanner) seems less important than the environment of this miserable, dysfunctional family and Vilde's inability to be anything but a victim. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Vibeke Lökkeberg, Keve Hjelm, (more)
- 1986
Based on what some consider to be Elizabeth Bowen's best novel, The Death of the Heart focuses on one of her primary themes, a young woman's first love. Portia Quayne (Jojo Cole) is orphaned, and at the age of 16 she must go live with her relatives, Anna (Patricia Hodge) and Thomas Quayne (Nigel Havers). The time is 1937, and this upper-crust couple are a bit too selfish and amoral (Anna) or just aloof (Thomas) for Portia; she cannot relate to them. Complicating matters is young Eddie (Daniel Chatto), a high-society do-nothing who awakens Portia's romantic ardor and then makes fun of her in front of her friends. Besides, he is interested in Anna. Portia cannot tolerate either her home environment or her mistreatment at the hands of Eddie, and she runs away looking for help from a sympathic Major Brutt (Robert Hardy). ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jojo Cole, Patricia Hodge, (more)
- 1986
Fay Weldon's wittily wicked 1983 novel The Life and Loves of a She-Devil was the source for this near-legendary British TV miniseries. Julie T. Wallace starred as Ruth Patchett, the frumpy, wart-ridden wife of low-profile accountant Bobbo Patchett (Dennis Waterman). Already cursed with a brood of annoying children and a dingy suburban household, Ruth was dealt another blow when her husband deserted her in favor of glamorous, jet-setting romance novelist Mary Fisher (Patricia Hodge). Determined to get even with her rival and to restake her claim on Bobbo (who hardly seems worth the effort), Ruth embarked upon a campaign of revenge and conquest that rivalled anything cooked up by Machiavelli or the Borgias -- beginning with a spectacular fashion makeover, courtesy of British cosmetic designer Elizabeth Rowell. Several real-life authors appeared in the supporting cast of this four part, award-winning satirical drama, which originally aired over BBC2 from October 8 to 29, 1986, then was seen in America courtesy of the A&E cable service. Most critics agree that the "original" version of The Life and Loves of a She Devil far outclasses the later American theatrical-film adaptation starring Roseanne and Meryl Streep. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Julie T. Wallace
- 1986
This made-for-TV adaptation of Anita Brookner's novel is an account of a novelist, still smarting from a failed relationship, who finds refuge at a Swiss lakefront resort. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Movie Guide
- 1985
Hal Holbrook stars in this TV pilot film as Colonel Calvin Turner, a special operative for the OSS during World War II. Working in cooperation with British intelligence, Turner's mission is to uncover atomic weapon secrets at a Nazi plant in occupied Norway. The task permits him time for a bit of dalliance with the lovely Anne Twomey. David McCallum and Ray Sharkey costar in this uneven location-filmed adventure caper, first broadcast December 29, 1985. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Hal Holbrook, Maryam D'Abo, (more)
- 1985
In this British made-for-TV movie, an older man begins a correspondence and finds himself tangled up in a mystery. ~ Iotis Erlewine, All Movie Guide
- 1983
Director David Jones adapted Harold Pinter's play of the same name -- with the help of Pinter himself -- to better fit this chronologically reversed drama of love and betrayal to the medium of film. The action starts with a scene in a London pub in which Jerry (Jeremy Irons) and Emma (Patricia Hodge) hold a subtly sardonic conversation on the nature of human failings as they meet for the first time after the end of their affair. The next scene, introduced by an intertitle, details how their romance fizzled and is followed by the next vignette, one year earlier, on how Jerry broke the news to Emma's husband Robert (Ben Kingsley) that he and Emma were lovers. And so it continues, through a total of nine scenes, back to the beginning of a complex, interpersonal drama. The film benefits considerably from Kingsley and Irons as the lead males, and the backwards story is in no way hard to follow. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jeremy Irons, Ben Kingsley, (more)
- 1983
After a three-year hiatus, the internationally popular British legal series Rumpole of the Bailey returns for a third season of six hour-long episodes, which originally aired in the U.K. from October 11 through November 15, 1983. Leo McKern likewise returns as the equisitely slovenly barrister Horace Rumple, with Peggy Bates-Thorpe as his formidable wife Hilda, aka "She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed." In the season opener "Rumpole and the Genuine Article", his client is a disarmingly phlegmatic artist accused of forgery. This is followed by "Rumpole and the Golden Thread", wherein Rumpole heads to a former British colony in Africa to defend a former law pupil charged with murder. In "Rumpole and the Old Boy Net", we meet Rumpole's wide-eyed new law pupil Fiona (Rosalyn Landor), who helps him defend a pair of accused blackmailer-procurers. The notorious East End Timson gang is back in "Rumpole and the Female of the Species", as Rumpole defends a former client (and onetime street gang member) charged with accessory to robbery In "Rumpole and the Sporting Life", things get personal when Fiona's own sister Jennifer is charged with killing her husband. And in "Rumpole and the Last Resort", our hero juggles his personal financial travails with his defense of a seedy realtor suspected of fraudulent business practices. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Leo McKern, Peggy Bates-Thorpe, (more)
John Hurt stars as John Merrick, the hideously deformed 19th century Londoner known as "The Elephant Man". Treated as a sideshow freak, Merrick is assumed to be retarded as well as misshapen because of his inability to speak coherently. In fact, he is highly intelligent and sensitive, a fact made public when one Dr. Frederick Treves (Anthony Hopkins) rescues Merrick from a carnival and brings him to a hospital for analysis. Alas, even after being recognized as a man of advanced intellect, Merrick is still treated like a freak; no matter his station in life, he will forever be a prisoner of his own malformed body. Unable to secure rights for the famous stage play The Elephant Man, producer Mel Brooks based his film on the memoirs of Frederick Treves and a much later account of Merrick's life by Ashley Montagu. The film is lensed in black and white by British master cinematographer Freddie Francis. Though nominated for eight Academy Awards, the film was ultimately shut out in every category. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Anthony Hopkins, John Hurt, (more)
