Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Movies

Discover India's rich history while simultaneously learning why the country is poised to become one of the world's next superpowers in this documentary hosted by Michael Wood. A country known as well for its proficiency in computer technology as its many gods, India is the world's oldest civilization. India has experienced many golden ages over the course of human history, and its leaders have strived to encourage great change on a global scale. But while the glories of Greece, Rome, and Egypt have all been explored in the realm of documentary film, India has been all but forgotten - until now. Many don't realize that the decimal system - the basis of all contemporary mathematics, science, and economics - was invented in India, with a rich history of music, dance, and literature making the country a cultural epicenter for the arts as well. Now, as globalization becomes an increased focus for countries around the world, the country that is simultaneously hi-tech and wondrously archaic moved with remarkable speed and grace into the 21st Century. A six-part series produced for PBS, The Story of India tells the story of an ancient land perfectly equipped to succeed in the modern world. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

A seafaring birthday celebration takes a turn for the terrifying when the passengers of a luxury yacht forget to lower the automated ladder before jumping into the ocean for a playful swim. It was a perfect setting for a relaxing weekend at sea, but sometimes even the best-planned trips can take an unexpected turn for the worst. After diving into the ocean and realizing to their horror that they have forgotten to lower the safety ladder, the friends who had set out for a simple weekend getaway realize that they have become helplessly stranded in the middle of the ocean. The sheer sides of the yacht are impossible to climb, and now the group is growing increasingly desperate. As the grim reality of their helpless situation slowly begins to dawn on the doomed friends, hydrophobic Amy (Susan May Pratt) struggles to maintain her composure after realizing that her baby daughter Sarah is helpless and alone aboard the boat. Now treading water as panic begins to set in, the once inseparable friends fast begin to turn on one another as exhaustion begins to set in and the vast ocean threatens to swallow the entire group without a trace. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Author and presenter Michael Wood hosts the four-part television documentary series In Search of Shakespeare, produced by Maya Vision in the U.K. Using a massive amount of research in the Public Records Office, the film is foremost a biography on the life and career of William Shakespeare. The production team compiled a chronological timeline of Shakespeare's life referred to as the Dossier. The series follows fictional detective John Fribbling as he investigates the possibly traitorous activity of the young playwright. The extremely thorough investigation reveals the players, locations, evidence, and works involved in Shakespeare's life. Set in 16th century England, it also incorporates sequences with the Royal Shakespeare Company performing in the places where the original plays were performed. Includes the episodes "A Time of Revolution," "The Lost Years," "The Duty of Poets," and "For All Time." In Search of Shakespeare premiered on PBS in February of 2004. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide

A video celebrating the incredible career of Tina Turner. The main attraction is a reprise of Turner's 60th birthday concert, featuring duets with Bryan Adams. Clips of her past performances with Cher, David Bowie, Mick Jagger, and Rod Stewart are interspersed with testimonials to her artistic achievements from stars like Paul McCartney, Sting, and Oprah Winfrey. Some of the songs featured on the video are "What's Love Got To Do With It," "Talk to My Heart," "When the Heartache Is Over," "Let's Stay Together," and "The Best."

~ Sarah Block, All Movie Guide

Experience the performance then listen to the discussion of its merits. ~ All Movie Guide

Live concert of Glen Campbell and his orchestra with songs including "Wichita Lineman," "Rhinestone Cowboy," "Galveston," "By the Time I Get to Phoenix," and "Southern Nights." ~ All Movie Guide

Less a movie than a purposely crude series of musical vignettes and inside jokes for die-hard fans, Frank Zappa informs viewers in the opening scene that "Touring can make you crazy, ladies and gentlemen, and that is what 200 Motels is all about." The rest of the plot-less production is filled with more self-reflexive reminders, as the close-up eye and tape recorder signal that Zappa is watching everything his bandmembers are doing. Reasonably, the Mothers of Invention make up the cast, notably Jimmy Carl Black, who repeatedly remarks how he just wants to quit the band and go play real music, have a beer, and get laid. The character of Jeff, played by Martin Lickert, was written for bassist Jeff Simmons, who actually did quit the band just prior to shooting. Other cast members include real-life groupies appearing in some bizarre nudity sequences, along with the Who's drummer Keith Moon as the Hot Nun who overdoses on drugs. Ringo Starr appears as Larry the Dwarf and lends some humorous narration, but that does not clarify any of the proceedings. The action supposedly takes place in Centerville, which is really a kind of poorly dressed set guarded by soldiers. The scenes are randomly assembled and interspersed with performances, including the songs "Lonesome Cowboy Burt," "Magic Fingers," and "Strictly Genteel." ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide

Sir Michael Redgrave narrates this documentary that looks at six of the palaces belonging to the British monarchy. The splendor and treasures of the palaces at Buckingham, Windsor, Edinburgh, Kensington, St. James, and Hampton Court gives the audience a behind-the-scenes look at the Royal residences. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra provides the appropriate music in this look at the lavish living quarters of the royal family. Art historian Alec Clifton-Taylor and Christopher Hibbert provide background information. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide

This performance of Tchaikovsky's best is presented by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. ~ All Movie Guide

In this interesting video musicians perform and discuss this work. ~ All Movie Guide