John Coates Movies
- 1996
This beautifully rendered British animated version of Kenneth Grahame's enduring children's classic features the voices of Michael Gambon, Michael Palin, Alan Bennett and Rik Mayall; it is narrated by Vanessa Redgrave who frames the story while reading her children a bedtime story. The story is set beside an ever changing river that "always remains the same," and chronicles the adventures of the timid, unworldly Mole and the pragmatic dreamer Rat, as they embark on Mole's first trip into the great river. There they have many fun and scary times encountering such characters as the menacing Badger and the outrageous, carefree Mr. Toad. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1986
In this animated film, based on the novel by Raymond Briggs, an older English couple must struggle to deal with their altered reality when a nuclear war strikes, destroying their peaceful lives. ~ Iotis Erlewine, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peggy Ashcroft, John Mills, (more)
- 1982
This half-hour British production faithfully recreates author Raymond Briggs' classic children's holiday tale, in which a young boy's snowman magically comes to life and whisks him away to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. Appropriate for very young children, the film has no dialogue, relying instead upon its images to tell the tale. The score by veteran composer Howard Blake features one song with lyrics, the hymn-like "Walking in the Air." The Snowman was nominated for Best Animated Short of 1982. ~ Michael Hastings, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Raymond Briggs
- 1977
This enthusuastic but ultimately ridiculous space-monster opus involves the midair collision of an American fighter plane and a cheap-looking model of a UFO -- a craft which eventually crashlands in the remote California fishing town of Parish Island. The alien survivors (represented by what appear to be superimposed Christmas tree lights) do battle with the couple inhabiting the local lighthouse. Incomprehensible plot twists abound, including a dimensional vortex, a rampaging monster, and some half-baked exposition from a scientist played by future soap opera star MacDonald Carey. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
- 1957
True as a Turtle isn't nearly as funny as its title, but it tries hard to please. Most of the action takes place aboard a yacht called the Turtle, owned by crusty Dudley (Cecil Parker). The yachtsman's guests are newlywed Tony (John Gregson) and his chronically seasick bride Jane (June Thorburn). After a series of slapstick mishaps, the plot rears its ugly head when crew member Harry (Keith Mitchell) reveals himself to be a criminal -- only he isn't really a criminal, see? Moderately successful in England, True as a Turtle made it to the U.S. by way of the Late Late Show. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Gregson, June Thorburn, (more)
