Episode 158 - A Private Function (1984)

Reel Britannia podcast - a very British podcast about very British movies...with just a hint of professionalism. Scott and Steven are joined this week by their dear friend Mark, host of The Good, The Bad and The Odd podcast, to chat about a touching, bittersweet journey of friendship and regret, as four old friends fulfill a promise to scatter their late friend's ashes. Last Orders (2001)   "Last Orders" (2001), directed by Fred Schepisi, is a poignant drama centered around a group of lifelong friends fulfilling their deceased friend's final wish. The story revolves around four aging men—Ray (Bob Hoskins), Lenny (David Hemmings), Vic (Tom Courtenay), and Vince (Ray Winstone)—who embark on a journey to scatter the ashes of their friend Jack Dodds (Michael Caine) in the sea at Margate, following his last orders. Jack, a butcher and a pub regular, left behind his widow, Amy (Helen Mirren), who is still grappling with the loss and her own regrets. As the men travel from Bermondsey to Margate, they make several stops significant to their shared history. Each stop triggers memories and flashbacks, revealing their past experiences, relationships, and the complicated dynamics between them. These flashbacks feature a younger version of Jack (JJ Feild), his friends, and his family, providing a deeper understanding of their connections and the life they led. Ray, Jack's best friend and a bookie, reflects on his unrequited love for Jack's wife, Amy, and his own failed marriage. Lenny, a former boxer, grapples with the loss of his son and his troubled relationship with his daughter. Vic, the quiet undertaker, contemplates the significance of life and death, while Vince, Jack's adopted son, struggles with his feelings of inadequacy and the pressure of living up to his father's expectations. As the journey progresses, the men confront their own insecurities, secrets, and unresolved issues. They share stories, argue, and ultimately bond over their shared grief and memories of Jack. Along the way, they visit landmarks such as the war memorial, the pub where they spent countless hours, and the racetrack where Jack placed his bets. Each location holds a piece of their collective past, evoking nostalgia and reflection. In the end, the men reach Margate and scatter Jack's ashes into the sea, honoring his final request. This act of closure allows them to find peace and move forward, forever changed by the journey and the memories they shared with their dear friend. "Last Orders" is a touching exploration of friendship, loss, and the passage of time, beautifully capturing the essence of life's fleeting moments and the impact of enduring bonds. Trailer "If y... if you ever get the chance... Raysy. I... if, if you ever get the option - you go first. It's the carrying on that's hard." You can find this and all our previous episodes everywhere you download your podcasts Follow us on Twitter @rbritanniapod email: [email protected] #britmovie #reelbritannia #movie #podcast #michaelcaine #bobhoskins #helenmirren #raywinstone #tomcourtenay #davidhemmings  Thanks for listening! Scott and Steven

Welcome to Reel Britannia-a very British podcast about very British movies ...with just a hint of professionalism. Back to 1984 this week and a classic from Hand Made Films starring Michael Palin and the wonderful Maggie Smith A Private Function (1984) In the summer of 1947, Britain prepares to commemorate the wedding of Princess Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip. To get around food-rationing laws, Dr. Charles Swaby (Denholm Elliott), accountant Henry Allardyce (Richard Griffiths) and solicitor Frank Lockwood (John Normington) are fattening a black-market pig for the big day. Egged on by his wife (Maggie Smith), meek Gilbert Chilvers (Michael Palin) steals the swine, but the couple must conceal it from inspector Morris Wormold (Bill Paterson).     "I think sexual intercourse is in order, Gilbert."   This and previous episodes can be found everywhere you download your podcasts Follow us on Twitter @rbritanniapod    Thanks for listening   Scott and Steven

  Reel Britannia - a very British podcast about very British movies...with just a hint of professionalism      This week, an episode that has been eleven years in the making.  At last, our dear friend Maurice, host of See Hear and Love That Album joins Scott and Steven via Skype from Melbourne Also joining us are Scott's co hosts from The Stinking Pause podcast, Paul and Charlie A word of warning, Scott has manged to bleep out most of the profanity... but this episode is still a little bit sweary!   McVicar (1980)     John McVicar (Roger Daltrey) is an English career criminal locked up with all the other lifers in the dreaded E Wing of Durham Prison. Between riots and constant prison guard brutality, McVicar and fellow inmate Walter Probyn (Adam Faith) gradually dig a tunnel that enables their escape. Once on the outside, McVicar does his best to lie low and re-enter the lives of his wife (Cheryl Campbell) and infant son, despite the fact that police have labeled him "Public Enemy Number One."   "I suppose you think you got the better of us there. But just remember, kidder, you're in for ten years." "Yeah, that's right, Mr. Pendel. But you're in for life, ain't yer?"   This and previous episodes can be found everywhere you download your podcasts Follow us on Twitter @rbritanniapod    Why not take a listen to Maurice's podcasts at:   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/see-hear/id796677164 and https://lovethatalbumpodcast.blogspot.com/   Thanks for listening   Scott and Steven    

Reel Britannia - a very British podcast about very British movies...with just a hint of professionalism   This week...more from the great Hammer studios as we continue our Hammer horror retrospective   The Damned (1962) The brutality of modern society is fast encroaching on the picturesque seaside town of Weymouth. American tourist Simon Wells (Macdonald Carey) is looking for a relaxing holiday but he is mugged by the psychopatic King (Oliver Reed) and his gang of thugs. Wells escapes with King's sister, Joanie (Shirley Anne Field), and they stumble upon a sinister establishment where nine ice-cold children are being subjected to a horrifying experiment. The shadowy authorities in control of the base will stop at nothing to safeguard their secret, but it is the mysterious children who will doom them all...   "I'm strange, all right! I'll show you just how strange I am!"   You can find this and all our previous episodes everywhere you download your podcasts   Follow us on Twitter @rbritanniapod   email: [email protected]   #podcast #britmovie #reelbritannia #hammerhorror    Thanks for listening Scott, Steven and Mark

Welcome to Reel Britannia-a very British podcast about very British movies ...with just a hint of professionalism.    Back to the seedy side of sixties Soho this week featuring a powerful performance from Anthony Newley This week, Scott and Steven are joined by Anthony, the host of the Film Gold podcast    The Small World of Sammy Lee (1963) The Small World of Sammy Lee is a 1963 British crime drama film directed by Ken Hughes. The story unfolds in the seedy underbelly of London's Soho district, focusing on the life of Sammy Lee, a strip club compere and hustler who finds himself in dire straits. Sammy Lee, played by Anthony Newley, is a charismatic but desperate man. He owes £300 to a local bookie named Connor and has only five hours to pay off his debt. If he fails, the consequences will be severe, as Connor’s enforcers are known for their ruthless methods. The film begins with Sammy receiving a phone call informing him that his time is running out, setting off a frantic race against the clock. As Sammy scrambles to gather the money, the film provides a vivid portrayal of his world. Soho is depicted as a place filled with strip clubs, gambling dens, and shady characters. Sammy’s interactions with the various inhabitants of this world reveal much about his character and the precarious life he leads. Throughout the day, Sammy employs a series of hustles to raise the funds. He borrows from friends, pleads with acquaintances, and even resorts to stealing. One of the significant characters he turns to is his brother Lou, who runs a delicatessen. Lou, portrayed by Warren Mitchell, is initially reluctant to help due to Sammy’s repeated failures and irresponsible behavior. However, the bond of family eventually prevails, and Lou reluctantly provides some money, though it’s not enough to cover the debt. Parallel to Sammy's frantic efforts, the film explores the impact of his lifestyle on others, particularly Patsy, a young woman who is infatuated with him. Patsy, played by Julia Foster, arrives in Soho from the countryside, naively hoping to start a new life with Sammy. Her innocence and genuine affection for Sammy contrast sharply with the gritty reality of his world. Sammy, though fond of her, is too entangled in his own troubles to reciprocate her feelings fully. As the deadline approaches, Sammy’s situation becomes increasingly desperate. His attempts to hustle money from various sources lead to a series of tense and dramatic encounters. The film’s climax occurs in the strip club where Sammy works. In a last-ditch effort, Sammy bets the money he has managed to gather on a high-stakes poker game, hoping to win enough to pay off his debt. However, luck is not on his side, and he loses the game, sealing his fate. The final scenes of the film are poignant and impactful. As the clock ticks down, Connor’s enforcers arrive to collect the debt. Sammy’s frantic energy gives way to a sense of resignation and defeat. The enforcers take Sammy away, leaving his fate ambiguous but undoubtedly grim. The Small World of Sammy Lee is a compelling character study and a vivid depiction of the darker side of 1960s London. The film’s strength lies in its atmosphere, the complexity of its protagonist, and the tense, fast-paced narrative that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. Through Sammy Lee’s story, the film explores themes of desperation, survival, and the human cost of a life lived on the margins of society. "Soho's not a place, it's a state of mind. It's where you end up when you've got nowhere else to go." This and previous episodes can be found everywhere you download your podcasts Follow us on Twitter @rbritanniapod    Glass Onion: On John Lennon https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/glass-onion-on-john-lennon/id1473867166  Life And Life Only https://lifeandlifeonly.podbean.com/  Film Gold https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/film-gold/id1544641271    Thanks for listening Scott and Steven

Reel Britannia podcast - a very British podcast about very British movies...with just a hint of professionalism. Scott and Steven are joined this week by their dear friend Mark, host of The Good, The Bad and The Odd podcast, to discuss an overlooked movie from 1972 starring Oliver Reed, Edward Woodward, Ian McShane, Frank Finlay, Freddie Jones and Jill St John. Revenge, car chases, prison escapes...what more you could ask for?   Sitting Target (1972) A killer has one more victim on his hit list – his faithless wife! Oliver Reed snarls and seethes his way through a brute-force 70’s crime thriller in the tradition of Get Carter. Douglas Hickox, who would go on to helm such memorable films as Theatre of Blood and Zulu Dawn, brings his filmmaking intensity to a story of revenge set in a London as bleak and brooding as the prison from which convicted killer Harry Lomart (Reed) and his fellow inmate (Ian McShane) escape. Once free, Harry sets out to exterminate his seductive wife (Jill St. John), who carries another man’s child. Armed with a handgun, fueled by rage, Harry draws closer to his sitting target. Also closing in: a police inspector (Edward Woodward), who’s determined to protect the hunted woman.  Reed and McShane – one grim, one voluble, and both steeped in violence -- make an intimidating tough-guy team.   "Bastard must be made out of concrete!" You can find this and all our previous episodes everywhere you download your podcasts Follow us on Twitter @rbritanniapod email: [email protected] #britmovie #reelbritannia #oliverreed #ianmcshane #edwardwoodward #frankfinlay #jillstjohn #sittingtarget #1972 #movie #podcast Thanks for listening! Scott and Steven

Welcome to Reel Britannia-a very British podcast about very British movies ...with just a hint of professionalism. Back to 1956 this week and some classic comedy featuring Norman Wisdom   Up In The World (1956) Norman is a window cleaner who has to clean a manor house with hundreds of windows. He is distracted by the son of the house who persuades him to go into town. When some villains try and kidnap the young heir Norman fights them off but the heir has banged his head and can’t remember Norman’s heroic stand   Norman: "I'm Norman. The new window cleaner." Maj. Willoughby: "You should have been here at 9 o'clock this morning!" Norman: "Why? What happened?"   You can find this and all our previous episodes everywhere you download your podcasts Follow us on Twitter @rbritanniapod email: [email protected] #britmovie #reelbritannia #normanwisdom #1956 #movie #podcast Thanks for listening! Scott and Steven  

Welcome to Reel Britannia-a very British podcast about very British movies ...with just a hint of professionalism.    Classic kitchen sink drama this week featuring a powerful performance from Albert Finney This week, Scott and Steven are joined by Anthony, the host of the Film Gold podcast    Saturday Night and Sunday Morning (1960)  Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, released in 1960, still remains one of the finest of the Angry Young Men movies that emanated from England in the late 1950s and ’60s.  In his first starring role, Albert Finney played a charismatic man who seems destined to follow in his parents’ and grandparents’ footsteps by pursuing a mundane, working-class lifestyle.  Employed as a lathe operator in a Midlands factory, Finney’s Arthur Seaton lives for the weekend, when he drinks and womanizes to excess. However, when he has an affair with a coworker’s wife, he finds himself facing decisions he never expected to have to make.  Saturday Night and Sunday Morning was based on the first novel by British author Alan Sillitoe, who wrote the screenplay. He based the grim but compelling story line on his own experiences working in a factory and used the plot as a plea for the younger generation of Brits to break the bonds that restricted them to predictable and unfulfilling lives. An accomplished stage actor, Finney earned international acclaim for his powerful performance.    "Don't let the bastards grind you down!"       Production notes and credits  Studio: Continental Distributing  Director: Karel Reisz  Producer: Tony Richardson  Writer: Allan Sillitoe  Music: John Dankworth  Running time: 89 minutes  Cast  Albert Finney (Arthur Seaton)  Shirley Anne Field (Doreen)  Rachel Roberts (Brenda)  Hylda Baker (Aunt Ada)  Norman Rossington (Bert)    This and previous episodes can be found everywhere you download your podcasts Follow us on Twitter @rbritanniapod    Glass Onion: On John Lennon https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/glass-onion-on-john-lennon/id1473867166  Life And Life Only https://lifeandlifeonly.podbean.com/  Film Gold https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/film-gold/id1544641271    Thanks for listening Scott and Steven

Reel Britannia - a very British podcast about very British movies...with just a hint of professionalism   This week...more from the great Hammer studios as we continue our Hammer horror retrospective   The Phantom of the Opera (1962) Composer Lord Ambrose D'Arcy (Michael Gough) and his backer, Harry Hunter (Edward De Souza), struggle to find a replacement for the female lead in their new opera after she quits in the wake of a gruesome murder. When a new prospect, the nubile Christine Charles (Heather Sears), disappears, Harry cautiously investigates. Meanwhile, a mysterious masked man (Herbert Lom) who is eerily familiar with the opera holds Christine captive and offers to groom her to play the part.    "I caught a couple o' beauties tonight. Fat. Like young puppies they are."   You can find this and all our previous episodes everywhere you download your podcasts   Follow us on Twitter @rbritanniapod   email: [email protected]   #podcast #britmovie #reelbritannia #hammerhorror    Thanks for listening Scott, Steven and Mark

Reel Britannia podcast - a very British podcast about very British movies...with just a hint of professionalism.   Scott and Steven are joined this week by Antony, host of Film Gold, Glass Onion : On John Lennon, and Life and Life Only to discuss one of the great movies from the legendary Hammer studios for our 150th episode.   The Nanny (1965) A nanny (Bette Davis) is hired to look after a ten-year-old who has just returned from a mental institution. The boy's mother has just been poisoned and he believes the nanny is to blame. When his aunt arrives and hears the boy's accusations she sides with the nanny, claiming the boy is making it all up.   "That's what I'm here for, to look after all of you."   This and previous episodes can be found everywhere you download your podcasts Follow us on Twitter @rb_podcast   Glass Onion: On John Lennon https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/glass-onion-on-john-lennon/id1473867166  Life And Life Only https://lifeandlifeonly.podbean.com/  Film Gold https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/film-gold/id1544641271    Thanks for listening Scott and Steven