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The Complete Film Listing on One Page
PINK CHAMPAGNE
RAINY NIGHT
DARK ATTIC
MATINEE
SUMMERDAYS
STREETLIFE
DRY MARTINI

FRILLERS
(camp, kitsch and colourful)
SEVEN OF NINES
(sci-fi/ fantasy)
WINTER TALES
WISH YOU WERE HERE
CHEESEBOX

ROADS LESS TRAVELLED
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NEVERNEVER LANDS
(including children's classics)
OCTOBER
(melancoly)
OTHER DIMENSIONS
ARTHOUSE
REDSQUARE

 

Matinee
with direct purchase links to Amazon USA & UK where available

Title Director / Actors / Writer / Producer Description
Buy at Amazon USA or UK
Suggested By
Alfie (1966)

d. Lewis Gilbert

a. Michael Caine, Shelley Winters, Millicent Martin

Effectively cast, Caine's most impressionable character of Alfie still poses a plethora of questions about infidelity and morality... Why do we find ourselves warming to the mischievous cockney? Even in this new century, some moronic, primal male mentalities still find inspiration from this shallow, '60's shag-hound! And why do gullible females still submit to, and even forgive Alfie's crude behaviour? Apart from perhaps these gender rolls being occasionally reversed... or even shared, has much really changed in 40 years?

So, what is it all about Alfie?..

USA

UK

L-G
Amelie
(Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain) (2001)

d. Jean-Pierre Jeunet
a. Audrey Tautou

Amelie is a unique cinematic experience. It hits all the right emotional buttons; laced with euphoric moments, blissful joy and cheeky humour. The combination of a brilliant director, a trully outstanding actress and a great film composer surmount to the success of this film. Although having played quality roles in many French productions since 1996, it was Audrey Tautou's mesmerizing performances in "Amelie" (Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain) and then "A Very Long Engagement" (Un long Dimanche de Fiançailles) that has since made her the darling of world cinema. Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet is a perfectionist in every detail - costumes and sets (even on location) are painstakingly manicured and enhanced to emit the exact hues of colour and light needed to create the required mood or visual dynamic. Yan Tierson composed the memorable music which means that no DVD and CD collection would be complete without Amelie the movie and Amelie the soundtrack.

USA

UK

L-G
An Affair to Remember (1957)

d.Leo McCarey
a. Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr

The mother of all pink champagne movies. Weepy.


USA

UK

L-G
aThe Accidental Tourist (1988)

d. Lawrence Kasdan
a. William Hurt, Kathleen Turner, Geena Davies

Trapped between his own uncomfortable routine, a chaotic relationship or a sideways exit into a new life, Hurt must tread his path carefully - a particularly poignant challenge because of a broken leg. This, with a constant recall of the memory of his son murdered a year before, an estranged wife and a new oddball attraction in the form of Geena Davies. A beautifully paced and endearing film.

USA

UK

L-G
aThe Age of Innocence (1993)

d. Martin Scorsese
a. Winona Ryder, Michelle Pfeiffer, Daniel Day-Lewis

Another "lost" recent classic?... just see for yourself!

USA

UK

L-G
aThe Apartment (1960)

d. Billy Wilder
a. Jack Lemon, Shirley MacLaine

As the title suggests, all the action takes place in Lemon's humble abode as he unwittingly lends it out for his slimy boss' sexual pleasures. Another watch over-and-over classic.

USA

UK

L-G
Bagpuss w.p.Oliver Postgate Like the patterns on the wallpaper in your childhood bedroom, the memory of Bagpuss stays forever. If you have children Bagpuss for them. If you don't buy it just to say hello again to Professor Yaffle, Madelaine the rag doll, Gabriel the toad, the Mouse Organ Mice and of course Bagpuss.... just a saggy old cloth cat... but Emily loved him.

USA

UK

L-G
Before Sunrise (1995)

d. Richard Linklater
a. Julie Delpy, Ethan Hawke
w.
Richard Linklater, Kim Krizan

Thanks to outstanding acting and an intelligent script the dialog between Delphy and Hawke bounces along so naturally that you feel you are a fly on the wall closely observing a real life situation. The film draws out a scenario which could happen to any ordinary person faced with such an ambivalent situation. From station to station it is one of the most watchable rainy night movies of the 1990's. Just see it (and its 2004 sequel).

USA

UK

L-G
Being There (1979)

d. Hal Ashby
a. Peter Sellers, Shirley MacLaine

Ironically, Sellers last film before he died. So simple yet so brilliant.

USA

UK

L-G
Broken Blossoms (1919)

d. D.W Griffith
a. Lillian Gish, Louis Gottschalk, Richard Barthelmess

The graphically harsh life of East London's Limehouse is depicted in this dark crafted D.W. Griffith silent classic. Carl Davies reworked the beautiful music score in 1988. A landmark of such poetical, contemporary movies during the Great War era.... and of Lillian Gish's career. Heart rendering stuff.

USA

UK

L-G
cA Canterbury Tale (1944)

d. Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger
a.Eric Portman,Sheila Sim

A real period piece portraying a modern day (1944) pilgrimage to Canterbury in Southern England during WW2. Close-to-life examination of the characters, blended with vivid location shots amount to Powell and Pressburger's finest documented portrayal of British wartime spirit.

USA

UK

L-G
Cinema Paradiso (1990) d. Giuseppe Tornatore If you haven't yet seen this Italian mega masterpiece... why not! Needs no description... and as with many of the films listed, this is the kind you can keep on the shelf forever and never get tired of seeing it over and over.

USA

UK

L-G
City Lights (1931) d.a. Charlie Chaplin When re-released in 1950, Time Magazine described it as the greatest film ever made.

USA

UK

L-G
Contact (1997)

d. Robert Zemeckis
a. Jodie Foster

From a story by Carl Sagan and therefore based on a profusion of scientific possibilities, this is an outstanding movie, which throws more equations and questions into the extra terrestrial melting pot than Fox Mulder could tackle in a lifetime. The most searching feature of its kind since "2001". Apologies for the following review cliché but... "this is an absolute must see".

USA

UK

L-G
d$ (The Heist) (1972) d. Richard Brooks a.Warren Beatty, Goldie Hawn The best thing about this movie is the Quincy Jones soundtrack... retro heaven!

USA

UK

L-G
Death in Venice (1971)

d. Luchino Visconti
a. Dirk Bogarde

One of Bogarde's finest performances. The subject matter was covered with so much style that it was considered both controversial and aesthetically appealing in its time. Beautifully shot in Venice, and most notably remembered for its use of Mahler's music, the Adagietto from the 5th Symphony.

USA

UK

L-G
Desperately Seeking Susan (1985)

d. Susan Seidelman
a. Rosanna Arquette, Madonna
w.Leora Barish

On the surface this is a quirky, fun, cute, easy going gem. But there is an undertow of melancholy that makes it somehow unforgettable. Rosanna Arquette's (wonderfully understated) enigmatic presence may have something to do with it. But so maybe does the general ambience...which becomes increasingly reflective as years go by. This may seem overstated but is this movie, as yet, an un-hailed 1980's period piece?

USA

UK

LG

Doctor Zhivago (1965)

d. David Lean
a. Omar Sharif, Julie Christie

A movie classic which never fails to keep one attached to their seat whenever it's shown... therefore thoroughly recommended as a DVD purchase to keep forever... Beautifully filmed.

USA

UK

L-G

e84 Charing Cross Road (1986)

d. David Hugh Jones
a. Anne Bancroft, Anthony Hopkins, Judi Dench

Marks and Co., 84 Charing Cross Road, London is a bookshop and the focus of this pleasant, enchanting little film about a growing relationship between a New Yorker and Frank Doel the bookseller. However, I don't know from which pleasant, enchanting little dimension this films Charing Cross Road is in, cos it sure ain't the Charing Cross Road I was in yesterday... unfortunately!

USA

UK

L-G
Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)

d. Michel Gondry
a. Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet

Michel Gondry's second directorial gem from 2004 (and a break from making his outstanding pop promos). This is a truly unusual movie romance, penned by Charlie Kaufman ("Being John Malkovich") which might leave you in a similar philosophical quandary as "Lost in Translation". However, "Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind" also works in a similar way that "Sliding Doors" played out a unique, fantastical experience, without over-emphasing on the science fantasy - and so retaining a warm attachment to the characters and therefore the emotional turmoil that ensues..

USA

UK

L-G
Fail Safe (1964)

d. Sydney Lumet
a. Henry Fonda, Dan O'Herlihy

w.Walter Bernstein

An utterly disturbing cold war theme inspired by worldwide fear of nuclear threats during that period. Even in today's climate, the films scenario, based on human / mechanical misjudgment could easily be considered a potential reality. Edge of your seat viewing enhanced by some eerily polarized shots... and add to this the "sound" of an unforgettable ending.

USA

UK

L-G
Fantasia 2000 Walt Disney The original release of Fantasia in 1940 was intended to be the first of an ongoing work in progress.. with each successive release including new works... Well its been a 60 year gap for this next installment to appear, but in doing so it presents itself not only in 35mm but most effectively as the first IMAX animated feature. The gigantic IMAX hi-tech cinema experience is the place to really absorb this enchanting experimentation of brand new and reworked older pieces.

USA

UK

L-G
Father Goose (1964)

d. Ralph Nelson
a. Cary Grant, Leslie Caron, Trevor Howard

A delightful and repeatedly enjoyable matinee romp with Walter Eckland, (played by Grant), Caron and her sprinkling of charges... seven schoolgirls... all of them stranded on a pacific island during WWII.

USA

UK

L-G

Ferris Buellers Day Off (1986)

d. John Hughes
a. Mathew Broderick, Mia Sara, Alan Ruck

Determined to have a day off from school and despite of what the principal thinks, Ferris and co. make the madcap most of it. There's a "cultural awakening" scene in this movie as the three truants visit an art gallery, accompanied by some affecting music... all which sums up a sharp directorial balance between emotion and humour; something which John Hughes accomplished so well in his films of the 80's and 90's

USA

UK

L-G

Friends

(the complete TV Series) (1994-2004)

a. Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, David Schwimmer,

One of the slickest, finely tuned American comedies in recent years. From the sublime to the ridiculous, a magnetic TV choice for anyone who doesn't take life too seriously. And you can simply watch them over and over. Great blues lifters.

Here we list only the new DVD versions. Every series is now available in this format in complete volumes

USA

UK

L-G
Goodbye Mr Chips (1939) b/w

d. Sam Wood
a. Robert Donat, Greer Garson
w. James Hilton

Impossible for anyone to hold a tear back by the end of this Oscar winning masterpiece. Shown through flashbacks, this is the life of a shy classics master at an English public school. Apart from the odd exceptions (like Untamed Heart and Before Sunrise) this is a prime example of a lost art in sentimental but intelligent film making.

USA

UK

L-G

gThe Graduate (1968)

d. Mike Nichols
a. Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, Katharine Ross
p. Lawrence Turman

Mike Nichols' coolest of period pieces which became a template for modern teen genre movies (and ads). The inclusion of the Simon and Garfunkel soundtrack was an added masterstroke. Here's to you Mrs Robinson.

USA

UK

L-G
gThe Great Race (1965)

d. Blake Edwards
a. Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, Natalie Wood, Peter Falk

Wacky Races on speed and obviously the movie that inspired the cartoons. Completely potty from start to finishing post. They don't make 'em like this anymore, etc. etc.

USA

UK

L-G
Head (1968)

d. Bob Rafelson
a. The Monkees
p. Jack Nicholson

The Monkees parody their own manufactured image in this popadelic rarity. The soundtrack album is a lost classic (which became trendy again in the early 90's). It highlights a hidden emotion and melancholy which obviously bubbled under the foursomes comic shells. The film and particularly it's music confirms that deeper artistic talents were present in some guise or another (particularly Mike Nesmith).

USA

UK

L-G
How To Steal A Million (1966)

d. William Wyler
a. Audrey Hepburn, Peter O'Toole
w. Harry Kurnitz

Starring the jet set princess of Pink Champagne comedy. Some nice lines and subtle comic character studies. Set in a Paris we all like to imagine still exists. (Particularly when viewed from behind the wheel of a primrose coloured E-type convertible).

USA

UK

L-G
I'm All Right Jack (1959)

d. John Boulting
a. Peter Sellers, Terry-Thomas, Richard Attenborough

The star cast for this great British comedy by the brothers John and Roy Boulting goes on and on. Along with other Petter Sellers Classics of that time, such as Heaven's Above, The Smallest Show on Earth etc. such films as part of a DVD library will be enjoyed forever.

USA

UK

L-G
Kes (1969)

d. Ken Loach
a. David Bradley, Brian Glover

An account of a boy's life amongst Northern England's working classes of the 60's. Accurately portrayed, the film evokes an emotion of stark grey reality... but given uncertain sentiment by the presence of a Kestrel... the boy's only contact towards outward compassion and a brief glimpse into a wonderland he would never otherwise reach. Brilliant.

USA

UK

L-G

Les Enfants du Paradis (1945)

(Children of Paradise) (USA)

d. Marcel Carne
a. Jean-Louis Barrault, Pierre Brasseur

A 195 minute epic director by Marcel Carné and still regarded as one of France's richest cinematic treasures.

USA

UK

L-G
Lost In Translation (2003)

d. Sofia Coppola
a.
Scarlett Johansson, Bill Murray

A subtle drama set in Tokyo and expertly directed by Sofia Coppola. Lost In Translation stars the hugely talented Scarlett Johansson and a surprise change of acting style by Bill Murray. Highly thought provoking.

USA

UK

L-G
lThe Last Picture Show (1971)

d. Peter Bogdanovich
a. Timothy Bottoms, Jeff Bridges, Cybill Shepherd

Atmospheric American arthouse classic, and another keep forever movie.

USA

UK

L-G

mA Matter of Life and Death (1946)

aka Stairway To Heaven (USA)

d. Michael Powel, Emeric Pressburger
a. David Niven, Kim Hunter, Marius Goring

Perhaps inspired by the cinematic trickery of Jean Vigo 25 years previous, Powell and Pressburger's memorable journey from reality into contemporary fantasy marked the introduction of such film making into mainstream cinema. David Niven and all supporting actors are perfectly cast. The memory of this film remains with you always, and perhaps strikes a chord similar to the 1997 What Dreams May Come.

USA

UK

L-G
Manhattan (1979)

d. Woody Allen
a. Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Mariel Hemmingway, Meryl Streep

This movie deserves special attention. New York may be the location but the scenario relates to metropolis' from London to Sydney. Possibly Woody Allen's finest observation of self absorbed, media oriented pseudo intellects, wrecking their own lives as much as each others in the search for the selfishly unattainable. As each character (except Mariel Hemmingway) whines and whinges self sympathy about their "predicament", one wonders how many towny trendies watching this are actually viewing their own traits without a hope in hell of self admission. The films final frame speaks volumes as Allen's character turns to a camera close-up....You only need to imagine his thoughts: "I'm such a whinging hypocritical arsehole but hey, I just can't help myself." In retrospect, and on the humorous side, Seinfeld fans may also recognize an inspired format. Incidentally, Manhattan never seems to date.

Choose from a complete list of Woody Allen Films here

Full List

L-G
Midnight Cowboy (1969)

d. John Schlesinger
a. Dustin Hoffman, John Voight

Hoffman's brilliant free-fall performance of a terminally ill down-and-out New Yorker could be considered a precursor to De Niro's concept of method acting 11 years later. John Voight was also outstanding in this movie. Midnight Cowboy was the first X rated movie to receive a best picture Oscar. Music supervision by John Barry. Un-missable.

USA

UK

L-G
Mon Oncle (1958) d.a. Jacques Tati

For further details on Mon Oncle see Monsieur Hulot's Holiday.... since the next paragraph is just an L-G ed letting of a little well deserved steam regarding some of the dead wood he has dragged behind him in the past....!

One incredibly self righteous, English, ex-colleague of mine would mock my interests in "foreign films with subtitles"... (she would rather watch Brookside)... Well.... perhaps Jacques Tati is a painlessly simple introduction to fun foreign film culture for you...!!! (Oh, isn't it nice how the web allows one to let off a little anonymous steam. I could go on but... tut tut... unprofessional!

USA

UK

L-G
Monsieur Hulot's Holiday (1953)

d.a. Jacques Tati,
a. Nathalie Pascaud

The film that introduced Tati's gauche character Monsieur Hulot, whose increasingly surreal adventures continued up until 1970 with Mon Oncle, Playtime, and Traffic (all listed here). Tati's films define a European style which one loves or snubs. The comedies of errors... funny or sad. Tati was both... and brilliant at it.

USA

UK

L-G

Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979)

d. Werner Hertzog
a. Klaus Kinski

Remake of Murnau's 1922 gothic nightmare (also listed). As with many of Hertzog's films, a disturbing undercurrent of anxiety and dark melancholy agitates viewers emotions... much enhanced by the music of Popol Vuh.

USA

UK

L-G
oThe Odd Couple (1968)

d. Gene Saks
a. Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau
w. Neil Simon

The coolest film theme music ever and a most memorable movie vehicle to introduce the Lemmon and Matthau screen partnership.

USA

UK

L-G
Playtime (1967) d.a. Jacques Tati see Monsieur Hulot's Holiday

USA

UK

L-G
Police Squad! (1982)

Created by David and Jerry Zucker
a. Leslie Nielsen

Because the idea was to parody the 60's/70's "Quinn Martin" era of TV cop dramas, these original small screen episodes sit deadpan perfectly. The subsequent Police Squad movies (unlike big screen Airplane! by the same team), seemed rather diluted in comparison. VHS versions only vol1 and vol2

USA

UK

L-G
rA Room With a View (1985)

d. James Ivory
a. Helena Bonham Carter, Maggie Smith

Lucy Honeychurch's encounters and subsequent dilemmas involving two potential Edwardian suitors. This beautifully filmed, sophisticated comedy of manners was drenched with well deserved Oscars. No film collection is complete without this Merchant Ivory jewel.

USA

UK

L-G
Rear Window (1954)

d. Alfred Hitchcock
a. James Stewart, Grace Kelly

As with Vertigo this fascinating piece wears slightly better than some of Hitchcock's other equally compelling masterworks.... But then trying to be subjective about individual Hitchcock movies over time is like comparing Beethoven's 9 symphonies

USA

UK

L-G
rThe Remains of the Day (1993)

d. James Ivory
a. Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson

Life inside a country house from pre war to near present day is impeccably played by both stars and supporting cast. Sir Anthony as the repressed butler and Ms Thompson the house keeper. Subtleties, elegance and melancholy prevail in this, another Merchant Ivory jewel. Outstanding.

USA

UK

L-G
Sabrina (1995)

d. Sydney Pollack
a. Harrison Ford, Julia Ormand

Although a 1990's remake of the Bogart original, this version stands on its own by reflecting colorful feel-good factors of '50's pink champagne classics and done with authentic charm. A chauffeur's daughter falls in love with the son of the wealthy Larrabee household.... Take it from here Harrison!

USA

UK

L-G
Serenade (1956)

d. Anthony Mann
a. Mario Lanza, Vincent Price

Cheesy testosterone filled melodrama. Starring Mario Lanza's hair as the Shape Shifter... no not really... (but check out Lanza's hair arrangement, which, in some scenes looks like a plastic moulding). Lanza, by the way, was the "godfather" of the three tenors.

USA

UK

L-G
Silent Running (1971)

d. Douglas Trumbull
a. Bruce Dern
w. Steven Bochco, Michael Cimino

A sensitive sci-fi space movie with an environmental theme which seems even more poignant in todays ecological climate than it did when released in 1971. It also includes two little robots with more endearing personality than c3po, r2d2 and the rest put together. Sad and moving.

USA

UK

L-G
Sliding Doors (1998)

d. Peter Howitt
a. Gwyneth Paltrow, John Hannah

Do universes collide at random, or multiply at the point of split decisions... or by just missing the train... or not? Sliding doors provides one... or actually two scenarios which might comply to such alternate future theories... Simple, no nonsense direction by Peter Howitt. A love story in two, parallel parts!

USA

UK

L-G
sThe Shop Around The Corner (1940)

d. Samson Raphaelson
a. James Stewart, Margaret Sullavan

A somehow forgotten James Stewart classic of endearing charm, wit and emotion.

USA

UK

L-G
Straight Story (1999)

d. David Lynch

a. Richard Farnsworth, Sissy Spacek, Harry Dean Stanton

An exploration of morality and kindness through the eyes of an old man driving a small tractor across America to make amends with his ill brother. An unusually gentle film from David Lynch.

USA

UK

L-G
Summer of '42 (1971)

d. by Robert Mulligan
a. Jennifer O'Neill, Gary Grimes
w. Herman Raucher

The location, the atmosphere and the music of Michel Legrand made this the original and most memorable of coming of age movies. Crucial rainy night viewing.

USA

UK

L-G
Sweet Hereafter (1997)

d. Atom Egoyan
a. Sarah Polley Harper, Ian Holm,

A sensitive and compelling drama set in a small British Columbian town in Canada supported by a beautiful soundtrack mainly sung by the key actor Sarah Polley.

USA

UK

L-G
Take The Money and Run (1969)

d. Woody Allen
a. Woody Allen, Janet Margolin

A very early film pre Bananas era and before Woody Allen became more analytical with his own writing. Therefore with more physical comedy involved there's many memorable moments to reenact whilst discussing Allen movies over drinks... e.g. whilst in prison Allen's character, Virgil Starkwell makes a gun out of soap for an escape.... trouble is it's raining on escape night, and ends up threatening a guard with a handful of soapsuds. (Not to mention the ultimate punishment... a night in solitary confinement with an insurance salesman)
Choose from a complete list of Woody Allen Films here

USA

UK

L-G
Tess (1979)

d. Roman Polanski
a. Nastassja Kinski

Still the most memorable and enigmatic version of Thomas Hardy's classic...

USA

UK

L-G
To Catch a Thief (1955)

d. Alfred Hitchcock

a. Cary Grant, Grace Kelly

Not a Cary Grant, or Hitchcock classic but non the less a stylish overspill of pink champagne.

USA

UK

L-G
Trafic (1971) d.a. Jacques Tati see Monsieur Hulot's Holiday

USA

UK

L-G
Untamed Heart (1993)

d. Tony Bill
a. Christian Slater, Marisa Tomei

This really is heart felt (no pun intended) tear jerker, and a very special film. The story becomes increasingly deeper in both substance and emotion finally drawing to perhaps an expected conclusion but with such delicate sensitivity. This is a must.

USA

UK

L-G
Vertigo (1958)

d. Alfred Hitchcock
a. James Stewart, Kim Novak

Paced to unexpecting perfection whereby the most unexpected twists seems to happen... at the most... unexpected times!... feeling giddy?!

USA

UK

L-G
Westworld (1973)

d. Michael Crichton
a. Yul Brynner, James Brolin

Michael Crichton classic. So... is your memory of Yule Bryner here in this film, faceless with a few fizzing wires protruding..., or pantaloon clad in The King and I?

USA

UK

L-G

What Dreams May Come (1998)

d. Vincent Ward
a. Robin Williams, Cuba Gooding Jr, Annabella Sciorra, Max von Sydow

Surreal or slushy? Love it or hate it? Either way What Dreams May Come is highly recommended. P.S. To add to the strange factor it's Interesting to see Werner Hertzog playing a part in this movie alongside Robin Williams. ...

USA