Most people know the late John Mortimer as the creator of the beloved Rumpole of the Bailey novels and series. He also wrote an intriguing and complex family drama novel which was made into the series Paradise Postponed and a sequel Titmuss Regained. If you are not familiar with this story, and have not seen this production, now through Acorn Media you may have the complete saga in one very fine collection. Set in Britain just after the second World War, this multipart drama is primarily the story of Leslie Titmuss a young man of humble beginnings who dreams of rising to the heights of society. Not only does he aspire to greatness, but Titmuss is prepared to do...
- 10/26/2009
- by June L.
- Monsters and Critics
DVD Playhouse—September 2009
By
Allen Gardner
The Human Condition (Criterion) Masaki Kobayashi’s epic (574 minutes) adaptation of Junpei Gomikawa’s six-volume novel was originally made and released as three separate films (1959-61), and is rightfully regarded as a landmark of Japanese cinema. Candide-like story of naïve, good-hearted Kaiji (Japanese superstar Tatsuya Nakadai) from labor camp supervisor, to Imperial Army solider, to Soviet Pow, and Kaiji’s struggle to maintain his humanity throughout. Unfolds with the mastery of a great novel, beautifully-shot, and a stunning example of cinematic mastery on the part of its makers. Four-disc set bonuses include: Interview with Kobayashi; Interview with Nakadai; Featurette; Trailer; Essay by critic Philip Kemp. Widescreen. Dolby 3.0 surround.
State Of Play (Universal) Russell Crowe stars as a veteran Washington D.C. political reporter investigating the murder of an aide to a rising congressional star (Ben Affleck), who also happens to be an old friend.
By
Allen Gardner
The Human Condition (Criterion) Masaki Kobayashi’s epic (574 minutes) adaptation of Junpei Gomikawa’s six-volume novel was originally made and released as three separate films (1959-61), and is rightfully regarded as a landmark of Japanese cinema. Candide-like story of naïve, good-hearted Kaiji (Japanese superstar Tatsuya Nakadai) from labor camp supervisor, to Imperial Army solider, to Soviet Pow, and Kaiji’s struggle to maintain his humanity throughout. Unfolds with the mastery of a great novel, beautifully-shot, and a stunning example of cinematic mastery on the part of its makers. Four-disc set bonuses include: Interview with Kobayashi; Interview with Nakadai; Featurette; Trailer; Essay by critic Philip Kemp. Widescreen. Dolby 3.0 surround.
State Of Play (Universal) Russell Crowe stars as a veteran Washington D.C. political reporter investigating the murder of an aide to a rising congressional star (Ben Affleck), who also happens to be an old friend.
- 9/26/2009
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
The British dramatist Sir John Mortimer has died at age 85 after a long illness. Mortimer is best known for his Rumpole of Bailey series of books, plays, and TV episodes. Horace Rumpole's speciality is defending those accused of crime in London's Old Bailey. Mortimer created Rumpole for Rumpole of the Bailey, a 1975 contribution to the BBCs Play For Today anthology series. Played with gusto by Leo McKern, the character proved popular, and was developed into a Rumpole of the Bailey television series for Thames Television and a series of books (all written by Mortimer). In September/October 2003, BBC Radio 4 broadcast four new 45-minute Rumpole dramatizations by Mortimer starring Timothy West in the title role. He also dramatised many of the real-life cases of the barrister Edward Marshall-Hall in a radio series starring ex-Doctor Who star Tom Baker. In 1986, his description of what he saw as Britain's descent into...
- 1/16/2009
- BroadwayWorld.com
Rumpole Of The Bailey creator Sir John Mortimer has passed away, aged 85. The writer, whose daughter is actress Emily Mortimer, died after a long illness, reports the BBC. Mortimer, who began his career as a barrister in the 1940s, was a prolific author and dramatist. His first radio play was in 1957, while his last TV script was for 2001's romantic drama In Love And War. His best-known work was the ITV drama Rumpole Of The Bailey, which starred Leo McKern in the lead role between 1978 and 1992. He also penned the ITV's 1981 11-part serial Brideshead Revisited and drama Paradise Postponed, which featured actor David Threlfall playing obnoxious MP Leslie Titmuss. BBC (more)...
- 1/16/2009
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
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