Susannah York Movies
British actress Susannah York studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, where she won the Arthene Seyler and Ronson Awards. Several theatrical appearances and TV plays later, York was cast in her first film, 1960's Tunes of Glory. Her best early film roles included Sophie Western in Tom Jones (1963) and a profoundly disturbed patient in John Huston's Freud (1962). She created a mild tabloid sensation in 1968 when she gamely participated in scenes involving masturbation and lesbian lovemaking in The Killing of Sister George. Her performance as a bleach-blonde 1930s loser in They Shoot Horses, Don't They? won her the BFA award and an Oscar nomination; she would go on to collect a Cannes award for her work in Robert Altman's Images (1972). The biggest box-office successes which she has been most recently associated with were the first two Superman films, in which she was cast as the Man of Steel's Kryptonian mother. Adding writing to her long list of accomplishments, Susannah York co-authored the script for her 1980 film Falling in Love Again, and has published several popular children's books. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2007
Artful animation is employed to relate the story of a hero of the Buddhist faith in this docu-drama, the first directorial credit for noted composer Tibor Szemzo. Alexander Csoma de Körös was a learned man from Hungary with a taste for travel and adventure. In 1819, Alexander developed a theory that Hungarian culture had strong ties to Tibet, and he decided to put it to the test by making an epic journey through Iraq, India and Afghanistan to finally arrive in Tibet. When he reached his destination, Alexander was welcomed by a group of Buddhist monks who lived in the mountains, and he became fascinated with their spiritual literature. Wanting to share their message with others, Alexander took up the arduous task of translating the Tibetan writings into Hungarian, creating a comprehensive dictionary in the process. Alexander's efforts to share the fables of Tibet with the world won him the admiration of the Dalai Lama, who declared him a saint, and Buddhist pilgrims visit his final resting place to this day. A Guest of Life blends Alexander's story with the tales he shared with the world; the film is narrated by Susannah York, and received its American premiere at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Susannah York
- 2007
Per its title, director Richard Bracewell's low-key, über-British dramedy The Gigolos concerns itself with two male employees of a London-based escort service for women. The picture, however, places far greater emphasis on investigating the relationship between the men per se than it does on exploring the dynamics between the hired companions and their female clients. Sacha Tarter stars as Sacha, a male escort for a firm that caters to affluent society women. Most are middle aged, a few elderly. He is paid to provide them with classy evenings out, and occasional sex upon request. Sacha's "gent" (or pimp/manager), Trevor (Trevor Sather) arranges Sacha's dates and uses his own excellent taste (in food, wine, flowers, and various accoutremenets) to select gifts for Sacha's clients, but is a klutz when it comes to his own personal interaction with women. When Sacha) twists his ankle during an evening out with a fashion designer, Tessa Harrington (screen legend Susannah York), Trevor must temporarily tend to his clients. As Trevor's social skills improve, however, and evenings go supremely well, he begins to fancy himself an escort and steals several of Sacha's clients for himself. Angered, Sacha decides to fight back. Anna Massey (Frenzy) and Sián Phillips (I, Claudius) co-star; Bracewell, Sather and Tarter co-authored the script. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sacha Tarter, Trevor Sather, (more)
Venerable British actress Susannah York and up-and-coming star Radha Mitchell head up the cast of this Australian psychological thriller. Both actresses play the character of Carolyn at different stages of her life; bookended with scenes of the elder Carolyn (York) recalling her attempt to sail around the world, the bulk of the film involves the terror-stricken voyage itself. Only in her twenties, the young Carolyn (Mitchell) is filled with hope and fear for her daring solo journey, but once at sea, isolation and solitude begin to take their toll. Soon, Carolyn is encountering people and situations from her past, sometimes with violent, terrifying consequences. When she begins to notice physical evidence of her nightmarish visitors, Carolyn really begins to lose it. ~ Michael Hastings, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Radha Mitchell, Susannah York, (more)
This film covers St. Patrick's early life and the 30 years he later spent preaching the Gospel throughout Ireland. Actors Alan Bates, Malcolm McDowell, Susannah York, and Patrick Bergin breathe life into this remarkable man's story. Viewers will learn how St. Patrick left behind his early pagan beliefs and began embracing God's teachings while he was held captive during his youth. Before his death, St. Patrick established a number of new monasteries, churches, and schools. This entire film was shot on location in Ireland. ~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
TV-commercial director Kevin W. Smith wrote and directed this British romantic comedy, his feature-film directorial debut. Composer Mike (Reece Dinsdale) hopes to create symphonies. Instead, he dashes off jingles for TV commercials and gets rhapsodic over memories of ex-girlfriend Helen (Victoria Smurfit). Mike's carefree buddy Tony (John Hannah) is a painter who alternates alcohol and a stressful relationship with tempestuous Moira (Rowena King). Soon Mike's life takes several unexpected twists and turns. First, he falls in step with a French female, Sara (Clara Bellar). The attraction is mutual, so the two depart together on an idyllic vacation. Next, Mike locates his mother (Susannah York), who 35 years previous had left his father (Frank Finlay). Mike's misadventures are chronicled in a narration delivered by Dinsdale. Shown at the 1997 London Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Reece Dinsdale, Victoria Smurfit, (more)
- 1993
In this romantic fantasy, Liechtenhaus is one of those seldom-heard-of tiny European principalities. It is being ruled by Prince Max (David Warner), but the little country is nearly bankrupt. In fact, if he can't get an infusion of cash quickly, he may have to sell the royal palace to American developers as a casino complex. Fortunately, he's got a very pretty daughter, and the dowry he will get from marrying her off to the unappealing (but wealthy) heir to a similar nearby principality will more than get his tiny country in the clear. Unfortunately for him, his daughter, princess Sofia (Barbara Snellenburg), is adamant about refusing this arranged marriage, and prefers romance with a handsome but penniless windsurfing instructor (Raoul Bova) to saving her country. Nefarious schemes come forth and multiply, and when the princess is kidnapped, something must be done. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Raoul Bova, David Warner, (more)
- 1991
When in London, don's miss some of the beautiful attractions. This travelogue features a look at St. Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London and a walk down Fleet Street. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Susannah York, Ron Berglas, (more)
- 1990
This video production is from the earliest drama of this Russian playwright. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1989
Melancholia is a British suspenser, filmed and financed in Germany. Jeroen Krabbe plays a German art critic who in more turbulent times had been a radical activist. Krabbe's past collides with his present when a London political figure is marked for assassination. With only the slightest tinge of conscience, Krabbe agrees to pull off the killing. It is always a pleasure to see leading lady Susannah York, even in the morally ambivalent circumstances of Melancholia. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jeroen Krabbé, Susannah York, (more)
John Madden's sweeping drama After the War tells the tale of a quarter-century relationship between two men who share a similar wartime experience and a similar religious background. Michael Jordan grew up in a well-heeled British family, while Joe Hirsch spent much of his childhood on the run from the Nazis. The two become friends when they are both enrolled at the same school in 1942. They survive anti-Semitic taunts together. Joe grows into a powerful media figure, while Michael becomes a respected man of the arts. The film charts a quarter-century of their history together, detailing a relationship that is equally affectionate and hostile. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Susannah York, Denis Quilley, (more)
- 1989
In this fact-based drama, a British man accused of his wife's murder becomes the target of his friends' and neighbors' wrath. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jonathan Pryce, Anna Massey, (more)
- 1989
Old Martin (Espen Skjonberg) is haunted by his past, and he has a lot to be haunted by. When he was a young man (Nicolay Lange-Nielsen) his uncle gave him the money to set up business in the wilds of western Norway as a horse trader. His uncle also entrusted a girl, Anna (Camilla Strom Henriksen) to him. Martin was already involved in her life: Anna's father had raped her and gotten her pregnant, and Martin killed the man for this. The two worked hard to make a life for themselves in the wilderness, and they eventually had a social life and a child of their own. For some reason, Martin left his wife while she was giving birth to their child, and he had reason to doubt that she would live through the experience. Now, years later, she has contacted him. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Espen Skjønberg
- 1988
American Roulette a routine, but exciting action feature directed by Maurice Hatton, involves a death plot against an exiled South American President. The President, hiding in London, finds that he is the target not only of death squads from his own country, but also the CIA and the KGB. The good cast includes Andy Garcia and Susannah York. Andy Garcia, in one of his earlier pictures, is excellent, and Susannah York also gives a good performance. The color photography of this film adds appeal, but does not make up for a lackluster plot or slow pacing. Devotees of action films will find this action thriller worth a view, if only to see Andy Garcia. ~ Linda Rasmussen, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Andy Garcia, Kitty Aldridge, (more)
- 1987
Five different marriages have left a legacy of families and children and provide plenty of fodder for conflict and confusion when the much-married, famous and wealthy psychiatrist John Gielgud summons them all to his deathbed. While the assembled relatives get better acquainted, the dying man submits to one last television interview upstairs. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Susannah York, John Gielgud, (more)
- 1987
Based on an Astrid Lindgren novel, this fantasy focuses on a Swedish teen drawn into a magical world to battle an evil knight. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Nicholas Pickard, Christian Bale, (more)
- 1985
This 5-part Masterpiece Theatre TV presentation was adapted from several short stories by Noel Coward. Though the personnel and settings change from week to week, the episodes are linked (sometimes very tenuously) by their relationship to the world of Theatre and the Performing Arts. In the first hour, a playwright (Peter Chisholm) is forced to cast a temperamental movie star (Susannah York) in his debut production. In the second, a married couple (Ian Holm and Judi Dench) do their "patriotic duty" by serving as the official British citizens in a faraway South Pacific isle. Episode number three finds an ageing homosexual musical comedy star (Tom Courtney) recalling his one romantic fling with a woman. The fourth installment is about a self-effacing old lady (Patricia Hayes) who dislikes being center of attention on her birthday. And the final playlet is set on a luxury cruise, where a playboy (Nigel Havers) has a tete-a-tete with an inquiring journalist (Judy Parfit). Star Quality was originally shown on PBS from March 29 through April 26, 1987. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Charles Dickens' classic holiday tale of one man learning the true meaning of Christmas is brought to the screen once again in this made-for-TV movie. Ebenezer Scrooge (George C. Scott) is a cynical old man whose greatest concern is money, and who regards compassion as a luxury he can't afford. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of Jacob Marley (Frank Finlay), his former business partner, who arranges for Scrooge to be visited by three spirits in an attempt to show him the error of his ways -- the Ghosts of Christmas Past (Angela Pleasence), Christmas Present (Edward Woodward), and Christmas Yet to Come (Michael Carter). The spirits force Scrooge to examine the failings of his own life, as well as the bravery and optimism of his loyal but ill-treated employee Bob Crachit (David Warner). A Christmas Carol also features Susannah York as Mrs. Crachit, Anthony Walters as Tiny Tim, and Joanne Whalley as Fan. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- George C. Scott
- 1983
Heavy with symbolism and light on storyline, this unbalanced tale of an unbalanced woman leaves a few open questions at the end. When Nelly (Eileen Atkins) is first encountered in a hotel, she does not remember her family or her friends and draws a blank when a detective arrives to connect her with a series of crimes. Eventually, Nelly goes back to her family and reprises a fairly boring, mundane existence -- are there any clues within this life that lead to the crimes she supposedly committed, or even lead to her amnesia? Maybe. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Eileen Atkins, Anthony Bate, (more)
- 1983
Documentary filmmaker Claudio Masenza, cinematic chronicler of the lives of Marlon Brando and James Dean, turns his attentions to the tragic film idol Montgomery Clift. Masenza offers a cursory synopsis of Clift's stage work (including The Skin of Our Teeth), then launches into a paean of the actor's film career, beginning with The Search (1947) and ending with The Defector (1966). It comes as no surprise that the film dwells upon Clift's erratic behavior, his quicksilver temperament, his sexual ambiguity, and his near-fatal 1957 auto accident. At 2 hours, the film leaves few stones unturned, though repetition is the order of the day during some stretches. Still, Montgomery Clift is a valuable primer for anyone unfamiliar with this compellingly unique performer. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kevin McCarthy, Augusta Dabney, (more)
- 1982
This stage adaptation and play on the Alice in Wonderland theme, finds Alice slipping into Wonderland when she faints after seeing an attempted murder. When she comes to, she's in another world, again chasing a rabbit. However this hopper is not the fuzzy, furry type; he's an attractive jogger named Rabbit and Alice thinks he's just the guy for her. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1982
Created by David Butler, the British drama series We'll Meet Again took place during WWII. The members of the U.S. 8th Air Force, 525th Bomb Group, found themselves billeted in the Suffolk community of Market Wetherby. The locals weren't altogether thrilled by the presence of the "overpaid, oversexed, and over-here" Yanks, but along the way a few of the flyboys managed to make headway with some of the British lasses in the region. Rich with period detail, the series invoked warm nostalgic feelings within most viewers, even though much of the dialogue dealt with rationing, buzz-bombing, and other wartime iniquities. Opening with a 90-minute episode on February 19, 1982, We'll Meet Again quickly settled into a weekly 60-minute slot, proving so popular with British viewers that its story line was serialized in a national newspaper. The 13th and final episode aired on May 14, 1982. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Susannah York, Ronald Hines, (more)
This caper film stars Martin Sheen as Stephen Booker, an unemployed American architect in London who needs to jump-start his finances. Enter criminal mastermind Mike Daniels (Albert Finney), who gathers a group of thieves together to rob an impregnable London bank of millions by coming in through the sewers. Needing the money and the chance, Stephen, when offered, willingly joins the gang in their robbery attempt. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Albert Finney, Martin Sheen, (more)
- 1980
English archaeologist Matthew Corbeck (played by the emphatically-American Charlton Heston) undertakes an expedition to find the tomb of the Egyptian princess Kara, despite his awareness of a nefarious curse that is said to befall anyone who disturbs the tomb. Eighteen years after Corbeck's discovery of the burial site, his teenage daughter (who was born at the very moment of the tomb's violation) begins to behave strangely. Turns out she's been possessed by Kara's malevolent spirit, carrying out the princess's revenge by causing several deaths and developing a less-than-healthy obsession with Daddy. Based very loosely on Bram Stoker's novel The Jewel of Seven Stars (itself the inspiration for Hammer's superior Blood from the Mummy's Tomb), this is basically Warner Brothers' attempt to jump on the big-budget horror bandwagon in the wake of The Omen's staggering success. The result is a good-looking but artistically hollow film -- with elaborate sets, lush cinematography and a sweeping musical score, but little in the way of logic or suspense. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Charlton Heston, Susannah York, (more)
