Jo Ross Movies
- 1993
Published in 1830, Stendhal's landmark historical novel Le Rouge et le Noir has long been required reading in college literature courses, but has generally defied most attempts at adaptation to other mediums. Noteworthy exceptions include the 1954 theatrical-film version by director Claude Autant-Lara, and this four-part British miniseries, titled Scarlet & Black. Set in France in the immediate post-Napoleonic era, the series chronicled the exploits of Julian Sorel (Ewan McGregor), a humble carpenter's son who hoped to scale the heights of European society and affluence. Sorel realized his goal faster than he expected through a series of beneficial romantic liaisons, but in the end there was a terrible price to pay. In addition to star Ewan McGregor, the series was a major boost to the career of young actress Rachel Weisz (cast as Mathilde), as well as another feather in the cap for established leading lady Alice Krige (as Mme. de Renal). Scarlet & Black was seen over BBC2 from October 31 to November 4, 1993. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ewan McGregor, Alice Krige, (more)
Nathaniel Parker plays Desmond Thane, a young journalist in 1939 London. Much against his will, the wide-eyed Thane becomes embroiled in a murder case. Though the constabulary insists that everything is under control, Thane can't shake the feeling that something bigger is at stake. He suspicions are confirmed when several strangers with foreign accents and short tempers express an interest in the diary he has in his possession. Originally telecast on British television in 1989, Never Come Back premiered in the US over the A&E cable network on December 13, 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Gene Wilder directed and wrote (along with Terence Marsh) this mild farce which is a pale reminder of Wilder's glory days in Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein. Wilder plays ham radio actor Larry Abbot, who takes his fiancee Vickie Pearle (Gilda Radner) out to meet his relations on a gloomy country estate before they are married. The creepy clan is lorded over by the bizarre Aunt Kate (Dom DeLuise), who keeps babbling about a local rampaging werewolf. As Larry and Vickie try to spend a quiet weekend in the mansion, they are assaulted with all manners of spooky goings-on -- the kind of routines that were already growing whiskers when Abbott and Costello first dusted them off over fifty years ago. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gene Wilder, Gilda Radner, (more)
In this partially successful Brit sci-fi comedy, four invading aliens cannot really think their way out of a paper bag, much less conquer Earth with their superior knowledge (apparently also non-existent). Of the aliens, Desmond (Jimmy Nail) is particularly thick-headed and leaves Bernard (Mel Smith) dangling out in space, Sandra (Joanne Pearce) attracts the romantic interest of British Commander Matteson (Dinsdale Landen), and Julian (Paul Brown) is along for the ride. After this trio causes a traffic snarl when they land on a British expressway, they are first interrogated and then given jobs in showbiz so they can support themselves. This leads to a great rock singing career, which in turn, leads to a U.S. tour -- though this does not equate rock singers and aliens. Meanwhile, Bernard has been saved from his abandonment in space by an unlikely space-wanderer who drops him off in the U.S., where he is put in an insane asylum. Sure enough, when his three companions start their U.S. tour, Bernard escapes and tries to rejoin them. The saga continues on until some sort of very unlikely rescue seems in store. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Mel Smith, Griff Rhys Jones, (more)
- 1982
Most of you know what this is about. For the benefit of the two of you who've never read a tabloid, Prince Charles of England married Lady Diana Spencer in a pomp-and-circumstance wedding telecast all over the world in 1981. David Robb plays Bonnie Prince Charlie, while Caroline Bliss portrays Lady Di. This TV movie came out almost simultaneously with The Royal Romance of Charles and Diana, a far superior (and equally unsuspenseful) production starring Christopher Baines and Catherine Oxenberg. Caroline Bliss faded into obscurity, but Catherine Oxenberg was back for the 1992 TV-movie "sequel" (dictated by Destiny, as it were), titled Charles and Diana: Unhappily Ever After. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
