"Late Night with the Devil" is one of the best horror movies you'll see this year — a clever, effective, and most of all scary mockumentary that recreates the era of '70s late-night talk shows with a nightmarish twist. What if a "Tonight Show" clone suddenly succumbed to demonic possession — live on the air? "Late Night with the Devil" has the answer, suggesting that a little hellfire can be good for ratings.
Written and directed by Colin Cairnes and Cameron Cairnes, "Late Night with the Devil" introduces us to Jack Delroy (played by a very committed David Dastmalchian), a wannabe Johnny Carson who hosts "Night Owls with Jack Delroy," a New York City-based late night variety and talk show struggling to stay afloat in the late-night ratings wars. It's Halloween night, and Jack has a special show planned, in which two of his guests are a parapsychologist (Laura Gordon) and her patient,...
Written and directed by Colin Cairnes and Cameron Cairnes, "Late Night with the Devil" introduces us to Jack Delroy (played by a very committed David Dastmalchian), a wannabe Johnny Carson who hosts "Night Owls with Jack Delroy," a New York City-based late night variety and talk show struggling to stay afloat in the late-night ratings wars. It's Halloween night, and Jack has a special show planned, in which two of his guests are a parapsychologist (Laura Gordon) and her patient,...
- 3/19/2024
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
Rare Billy Connolly documentary Big Banana Feet is undergoing restoration for a DVD and Blu-ray release, courtesy of the BFI.
Billy Connolly is unquestionably one of the most beloved stand-up comedians to ever grace the stage.
An alternative comedian before the term existed, Connolly was playing folk clubs with the likes of Jasper Carrott and Richard Digance in the early 1970s. Eventually, his patter between songs became so popular, Connolly ditched the music and became a stand up comic full time.
He has consistently been voted amongst the best stand up comedians on history by peers and public alike. He undertook his final tour, High Horse, in 2016 and published his latest autobiography, Windswept And Interesting, in 2021.
1975 was a landmark year for Connolly, as it marked the first of many appearences on Michael Parkinson’s chat show. The same year, a documentary called Big Banana Feet was filmed. It’s title came from the huge,...
Billy Connolly is unquestionably one of the most beloved stand-up comedians to ever grace the stage.
An alternative comedian before the term existed, Connolly was playing folk clubs with the likes of Jasper Carrott and Richard Digance in the early 1970s. Eventually, his patter between songs became so popular, Connolly ditched the music and became a stand up comic full time.
He has consistently been voted amongst the best stand up comedians on history by peers and public alike. He undertook his final tour, High Horse, in 2016 and published his latest autobiography, Windswept And Interesting, in 2021.
1975 was a landmark year for Connolly, as it marked the first of many appearences on Michael Parkinson’s chat show. The same year, a documentary called Big Banana Feet was filmed. It’s title came from the huge,...
- 2/5/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
Get ready to relive the golden era of entertainment as BBC Two presents “The Music of Morecambe and Wise” at 8:00 Pm on Monday, December 25, 2023. In this special program, the iconic duo Eric and Ernie take center stage, joined by Michael Parkinson, as they reminisce and introduce some of the musical highlights from their legendary shows.
Viewers can expect a nostalgic journey through the Morecambe and Wise archives, featuring musical performances by luminaries such as Vanessa Redgrave, Cliff Richard, Diana Rigg, and Angela Rippon. Eric and Ernie’s banter, coupled with the charm of their guests, creates a delightful celebration of the magic that unfolded on their classic variety shows.
For fans of timeless humor and unforgettable musical moments, “The Music of Morecambe and Wise” is a must-watch. Tune in at 8:00 Pm on BBC Two for an evening filled with laughter, music, and the enduring legacy of one of...
Viewers can expect a nostalgic journey through the Morecambe and Wise archives, featuring musical performances by luminaries such as Vanessa Redgrave, Cliff Richard, Diana Rigg, and Angela Rippon. Eric and Ernie’s banter, coupled with the charm of their guests, creates a delightful celebration of the magic that unfolded on their classic variety shows.
For fans of timeless humor and unforgettable musical moments, “The Music of Morecambe and Wise” is a must-watch. Tune in at 8:00 Pm on BBC Two for an evening filled with laughter, music, and the enduring legacy of one of...
- 12/19/2023
- by Posts UK
- TV Everyday
Documentary about the monster-hunting frenzy at Loch Ness in the 1970s and 80s is full of intrigue and eccentric characters
Here’s one for Nessie enthusiasts and cryptozoologists everywhere: a documentary about the monster-hunting frenzy at Loch Ness in the 1970s and 80s. “It was a race! It was zoological Mount Everest!” remembers one hunter. Someone else recalls reading that discovering the Loch Ness monster would be bigger than the moon landing. There’s even an old clip of David Attenborough on Michael Parkinson’s chat show discussing – with not a trace of scepticism – the search for a creature lurking in the deep dark waters.
What strikes you seeing Loch Ness in the film – as it does in real-life – is what a whopper it is: 23 miles long and over 700ft at its deepest point. The monster hunters who made the pilgrimage to the Highlands in the 70s split broadly into two types,...
Here’s one for Nessie enthusiasts and cryptozoologists everywhere: a documentary about the monster-hunting frenzy at Loch Ness in the 1970s and 80s. “It was a race! It was zoological Mount Everest!” remembers one hunter. Someone else recalls reading that discovering the Loch Ness monster would be bigger than the moon landing. There’s even an old clip of David Attenborough on Michael Parkinson’s chat show discussing – with not a trace of scepticism – the search for a creature lurking in the deep dark waters.
What strikes you seeing Loch Ness in the film – as it does in real-life – is what a whopper it is: 23 miles long and over 700ft at its deepest point. The monster hunters who made the pilgrimage to the Highlands in the 70s split broadly into two types,...
- 11/8/2023
- by Cath Clarke
- The Guardian - Film News
Stars: Mark Claney, Aimee Richardson, Dan Leith, Siobhan Kelly, Libby McBride, Jay Lowey, Antoinette Morelli, David Fleming | Written and Directed by Dominic O’Neill
Haunted Ulster Live is part homage to, and part parody of the BBC’s infamous Ghostwatch. For those unfamiliar with it, it was a 1992 Halloween special hosted by Michael Parkinson and presented as a live broadcast from a haunted house. Unfortunately, many viewers didn’t know it wasn’t the real thing and the BBC ended up fielding over 1,000,000 from concerned viewers. An early entry in the mockumentary/found footage genre it’s also the precursor of films like Kild TV, Deadstream, and The Cleansing Hour.
It’s Halloween night in 1998, TV veteran Gerry Burns and children’s TV presenter Michelle Kelly along with radio DJ Declan broadcasting live from the attic of an allegedly haunted house. They’re joined by the home’s owner Sarah, her daughter Rose,...
Haunted Ulster Live is part homage to, and part parody of the BBC’s infamous Ghostwatch. For those unfamiliar with it, it was a 1992 Halloween special hosted by Michael Parkinson and presented as a live broadcast from a haunted house. Unfortunately, many viewers didn’t know it wasn’t the real thing and the BBC ended up fielding over 1,000,000 from concerned viewers. An early entry in the mockumentary/found footage genre it’s also the precursor of films like Kild TV, Deadstream, and The Cleansing Hour.
It’s Halloween night in 1998, TV veteran Gerry Burns and children’s TV presenter Michelle Kelly along with radio DJ Declan broadcasting live from the attic of an allegedly haunted house. They’re joined by the home’s owner Sarah, her daughter Rose,...
- 11/7/2023
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
Be sure to lock your doors when you get home this Halloween, for a sinister, unearthly presence willing be walking the streets this All Hallow’s Eve.
We don’t mean actual ghosts, obviously, we’re talking about all those precocious costumed youths in shoddily applied face paint having the audacity to knock on your door demanding some of the multipack of snack-size sweets you got from Tesco on the way home from work. Bought them for trick-or-treaters? Pffft. Those Haribo were all for you, and you know it.
So embrace the darkness (and the sugar), draw the curtains, and shut out the world ready to scare yourself silly with these classic British TV ghost stories.
Whistle and I’ll Come to You (1968)
A classic in the ghost story genre, this deeply atmospheric and unnerving production is Jonathan Miller’s adaptation of the 1904 M. R. James tale “Oh Whistle, and I’ll Come to You,...
We don’t mean actual ghosts, obviously, we’re talking about all those precocious costumed youths in shoddily applied face paint having the audacity to knock on your door demanding some of the multipack of snack-size sweets you got from Tesco on the way home from work. Bought them for trick-or-treaters? Pffft. Those Haribo were all for you, and you know it.
So embrace the darkness (and the sugar), draw the curtains, and shut out the world ready to scare yourself silly with these classic British TV ghost stories.
Whistle and I’ll Come to You (1968)
A classic in the ghost story genre, this deeply atmospheric and unnerving production is Jonathan Miller’s adaptation of the 1904 M. R. James tale “Oh Whistle, and I’ll Come to You,...
- 10/16/2023
- by Lauravickersgreen
- Den of Geek
Bloody Disgusting has learned this afternoon that legendary broadcaster Michael Parkinson has passed away at the age of 88. A statement from his family reads, “After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family.”
Dubbed “the king of the intelligent interview” in a tribute tweet from Eddie Izzard today, Michael Parkinson was best known as the host of “Parkinson,” a long-running British talk show for BBC One (and later ITV) that began in 1971. The show featured conversational interviews with various celebrities, with guests over the decades including the likes of Anthony Hopkins, Bing Crosby, Cher, Clint Eastwood, David Bowie, Denzel Washington, Elton John, Gene Wilder, John Lennon, Madonna, Ozzy Osbourne, Robin Williams, Tom Cruise, and Tom Hanks.
The series ran on BBC One from 1971-1982 and 1998-2004, and on ITV from 1987-1988 and 2004-2007. The final episode of “Parkinson” aired...
Dubbed “the king of the intelligent interview” in a tribute tweet from Eddie Izzard today, Michael Parkinson was best known as the host of “Parkinson,” a long-running British talk show for BBC One (and later ITV) that began in 1971. The show featured conversational interviews with various celebrities, with guests over the decades including the likes of Anthony Hopkins, Bing Crosby, Cher, Clint Eastwood, David Bowie, Denzel Washington, Elton John, Gene Wilder, John Lennon, Madonna, Ozzy Osbourne, Robin Williams, Tom Cruise, and Tom Hanks.
The series ran on BBC One from 1971-1982 and 1998-2004, and on ITV from 1987-1988 and 2004-2007. The final episode of “Parkinson” aired...
- 8/17/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Michael Parkinson, the iconic British host of a self-titled talk show who regularly interviewed the world’s biggest celebrities, died Thursday “in the company of his family,” BBC reported.
In a statement, Parkinson’s family said, “After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family. The family request that they are given privacy and time to grieve.”
“Parkinson,” his long-running talk show, was on-air from 1971 to 1982, and then again from 1998 to 2007.
His career spanned seven decades, in which he interviewed Paul McCartney, Muhammad Ali, Madonna, Helen Mirren, Elton John – by his own estimation, Parkinson has interviewed over 2,000 stars.
Parkinson was born in South Yorkshire, England, and began his career as a journalist for the Manchester Guardian and the Daily Express. During the 1960s, Parkinson moved over to TV presenting, where he hosted BBC1’s “Twenty-Four Hours.” His own show...
In a statement, Parkinson’s family said, “After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family. The family request that they are given privacy and time to grieve.”
“Parkinson,” his long-running talk show, was on-air from 1971 to 1982, and then again from 1998 to 2007.
His career spanned seven decades, in which he interviewed Paul McCartney, Muhammad Ali, Madonna, Helen Mirren, Elton John – by his own estimation, Parkinson has interviewed over 2,000 stars.
Parkinson was born in South Yorkshire, England, and began his career as a journalist for the Manchester Guardian and the Daily Express. During the 1960s, Parkinson moved over to TV presenting, where he hosted BBC1’s “Twenty-Four Hours.” His own show...
- 8/17/2023
- by Natalie Korach
- The Wrap
Michael Parkinson, the British chat show king who was confirmed dead on Thursday, will be remembered as one of the outstanding interviewers of his generation. During his show’s 36-year run across the BBC and ITV, Parkinson sat down with some of the biggest stars of our time, attracting acclaim and sometimes controversy. Scroll on for some of his most memorable moments.
Muhammad Ali
Parkinson had three significant encounters with the greatest boxer of all time, the first of which took place in 1971. The interview, in which Ali reflected on his skill in front of the camera and in the ring, was organized before a time when publicists heavily policed celebrity talk show appearances. On hearing Ali was in the UK to promote a soft drink, Parkinson’s producer snagged the boxer on a trip to a bottling factory for a “news interview.” In reality, Parkinson and a studio audience were eagerly waiting.
Muhammad Ali
Parkinson had three significant encounters with the greatest boxer of all time, the first of which took place in 1971. The interview, in which Ali reflected on his skill in front of the camera and in the ring, was organized before a time when publicists heavily policed celebrity talk show appearances. On hearing Ali was in the UK to promote a soft drink, Parkinson’s producer snagged the boxer on a trip to a bottling factory for a “news interview.” In reality, Parkinson and a studio audience were eagerly waiting.
- 8/17/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
British talk show host legend Michael Parkinson has died at age 88, the BBC said Thursday. He interviewed some of the world’s biggest stars, including Muhammad Ali, Elton John, Madonna and Helen Mirren, on his long-running chat show.
Parkinson famously also graced the cover of the 1973 Paul McCartney and Wings album Band on the Run, along with the band and such other celebrities as actors James Coburn and Christopher Lee.
“After a brief illness, Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family,” the BBC said. “The family request that they are given privacy and time to grieve.”
The Guardian once called Parkinson “the great British talkshow host”
The first Parkinson show launched on BBC television in 1971 with American jazz singer Marion Montgomery as his first guest to begin an 11-year run. He and his show returned to the U.K. public broadcaster...
Parkinson famously also graced the cover of the 1973 Paul McCartney and Wings album Band on the Run, along with the band and such other celebrities as actors James Coburn and Christopher Lee.
“After a brief illness, Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family,” the BBC said. “The family request that they are given privacy and time to grieve.”
The Guardian once called Parkinson “the great British talkshow host”
The first Parkinson show launched on BBC television in 1971 with American jazz singer Marion Montgomery as his first guest to begin an 11-year run. He and his show returned to the U.K. public broadcaster...
- 8/17/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Michael Parkinson, the English broadcaster who hosted the long-running talk show “Parkinson,” has died, the BBC reported Thursday. He was 88.
In a statement to the BBC, Parkinson’s family said: “After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family. The family request that they are given privacy and time to grieve.”
Parkinson hosted his eponymous talk show from 1971 to 1982 on BBC1, and then again from 1998 to 2007. In 2004, “Parkinson” moved from BBC1 to ITV. Over the course of the show’s run, Parkinson interviewed guests like Paul McCartney, Muhammad Ali, George Michael, Madonna, Fred Astaire, Orson Welles and Mel Gibson. By his own estimation, Parkinson interviewed 2,000 celebrities during his career.
Born in the village of Cudworth in South Yorkshire, England, Parkinson began his career as a journalist working for the Manchester Guardian and Daily Express. He also spent two years in the British Army,...
In a statement to the BBC, Parkinson’s family said: “After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family. The family request that they are given privacy and time to grieve.”
Parkinson hosted his eponymous talk show from 1971 to 1982 on BBC1, and then again from 1998 to 2007. In 2004, “Parkinson” moved from BBC1 to ITV. Over the course of the show’s run, Parkinson interviewed guests like Paul McCartney, Muhammad Ali, George Michael, Madonna, Fred Astaire, Orson Welles and Mel Gibson. By his own estimation, Parkinson interviewed 2,000 celebrities during his career.
Born in the village of Cudworth in South Yorkshire, England, Parkinson began his career as a journalist working for the Manchester Guardian and Daily Express. He also spent two years in the British Army,...
- 8/17/2023
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Legendary UK broadcaster and chat show host Michael Parkinson has died aged 88, according to his family.
A statement from his family to the BBC read: “After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family. The family request that they are given privacy and time to grieve.”
The British broadcaster was an evergreen on UK screens in a career spanning seven decades, and he interviewed the world’s biggest stars on his long-running chat show.
High-profile guests included Muhammad Ali, Elton John, Madonna, Helen Mirren and Billy Connolly.
Parkinson received radiotherapy treatment for prostate cancer in 2013, but got the all-clear from doctors two years later.
BBC Director General Tim Davie called him “the king of the chat show” and said he had “defined the format for all the presenters and shows that followed.”
“He interviewed the biggest stars of the...
A statement from his family to the BBC read: “After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family. The family request that they are given privacy and time to grieve.”
The British broadcaster was an evergreen on UK screens in a career spanning seven decades, and he interviewed the world’s biggest stars on his long-running chat show.
High-profile guests included Muhammad Ali, Elton John, Madonna, Helen Mirren and Billy Connolly.
Parkinson received radiotherapy treatment for prostate cancer in 2013, but got the all-clear from doctors two years later.
BBC Director General Tim Davie called him “the king of the chat show” and said he had “defined the format for all the presenters and shows that followed.”
“He interviewed the biggest stars of the...
- 8/17/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
British entertainment has lost a truly unique talent. From drag to dogs, gameshows to the gay scene, trailblazer Paul O’Grady was one of our very best. Millions of us who’ve savoured his effervescent screen presence over the past 35 years have been left heartbroken by the news that he has died aged 67. O’Grady’s versatile career as a comedian, TV presenter, radio DJ and theatre performer means that there are few Britons whose lives he hasn’t touched. It’s not hyperbole to suggest that he attained national treasure status.
I first became aware of O’Grady – although I didn’t know that was his name back then – on the stand-up comedy circuit during the Nineties. As his drag queen alter ego Lily Savage, he was a roof-raising riot. With near the knuckle gags (“Me and my husband have an open marriage. I’m hopin’ he’ll f*** off...
I first became aware of O’Grady – although I didn’t know that was his name back then – on the stand-up comedy circuit during the Nineties. As his drag queen alter ego Lily Savage, he was a roof-raising riot. With near the knuckle gags (“Me and my husband have an open marriage. I’m hopin’ he’ll f*** off...
- 3/29/2023
- by Michael Hogan
- The Independent - TV
You have to watch what you say if you’re famous these days. This week, Wednesday star Jenna Ortega has been both lauded and criticised for an interview she gave with Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast. Speaking about Netflix’s record-breaking Addams Family adaptation, she described aspects of the original script as not “making sense”, claiming that she “became almost unprofessional” and “started changing lines” while on set. “I can’t watch my work, but I can go home from set and say, ‘The scene that we shot today felt good,’” Ortega said. “[On] Wednesday there was not a scene in that show that I went home and was like, ‘Ok, that should be fine.’”
Her comments drew the ire of some: suffice to say, she is not the most popular figure on screenwriting Twitter at the moment. Pushing back against others’ work on set is one thing. Discussing it...
Her comments drew the ire of some: suffice to say, she is not the most popular figure on screenwriting Twitter at the moment. Pushing back against others’ work on set is one thing. Discussing it...
- 3/11/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
Paul McCartney won over music fans around the world with his genius-level songwriting skills. Kenny Lynch was not one of them. At least not immediately. The British entertainer once called Paul and John Lennon idiots, but that didn’t prevent him from working with Macca a decade later for the Wings album Band on the Run.
Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney, Denny Laine, and several British celebrities on the cover of the Wings album ‘Band on the Run’ | Pa Images via Getty Images Paul McCartney and John Lennon were ‘bloody idiots’ according to Kenny Lynch
The Beatles wrote enduringly popular tunes. Albums such as Rubber Soul, Revolver, and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Clubs Band are stuffed with all-time classics. Many of those hits came from Paul and John since they were the dominant songwriters in the band.
Yet, in 1963, they needed time to grow as songwriters.
They asked for Lynch...
Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney, Denny Laine, and several British celebrities on the cover of the Wings album ‘Band on the Run’ | Pa Images via Getty Images Paul McCartney and John Lennon were ‘bloody idiots’ according to Kenny Lynch
The Beatles wrote enduringly popular tunes. Albums such as Rubber Soul, Revolver, and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Clubs Band are stuffed with all-time classics. Many of those hits came from Paul and John since they were the dominant songwriters in the band.
Yet, in 1963, they needed time to grow as songwriters.
They asked for Lynch...
- 2/20/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
A new Channel 5 documentary, Jeremy Clarkson: King of Controversy, has told the story of how Clarkson ended up punching Piers Morgan at an awards show in 2004.
The programme, which aired on Sunday night (29 January), was released in the wake of Clarkson’s scathing column about Meghan Markle, which led to widespread condemnation and the formerTop Gear presenter apologising.
The column quickly became the most complained-about article in history at Ipso (Independent Press Standards Organisation).
Channel 5’s documentary demonstrates how the TV personality, 62, has often made headlines for all the wrong reasons.
It delves into the story of how Clarkson physically attacked Morgan at the 2004 British Press Awards in London.
In the programme, Ken Gibson, former motoring editor at The Sun, recalled being at the awards ceremony with Clarkson, which Morgan was attending as the then editor of The Mirror.
Gibson explained that The Mirror had published some stories “which...
The programme, which aired on Sunday night (29 January), was released in the wake of Clarkson’s scathing column about Meghan Markle, which led to widespread condemnation and the formerTop Gear presenter apologising.
The column quickly became the most complained-about article in history at Ipso (Independent Press Standards Organisation).
Channel 5’s documentary demonstrates how the TV personality, 62, has often made headlines for all the wrong reasons.
It delves into the story of how Clarkson physically attacked Morgan at the 2004 British Press Awards in London.
In the programme, Ken Gibson, former motoring editor at The Sun, recalled being at the awards ceremony with Clarkson, which Morgan was attending as the then editor of The Mirror.
Gibson explained that The Mirror had published some stories “which...
- 1/30/2023
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
On Halloween night 1992, the BBC switchboard became inundated with an estimated one million phone calls related to a now-infamous TV broadcast. Convincingly filmed as a live news report—even featuring recognizable BBC presenters Michael Parkinson, Sarah Greene and Mike “Smitty” Smith—Ghostwatch convinced a wide swath of the British populace (reportedly including Parkinson’s own mother) that a real-life possession was unfolding in front of their eyes, and that a demonic entity was being channeled through their own screens. Though programmed as part of the network’s narrative anthology series Screen One, many viewers tuned into the program after the identifiable drama banner […]
The post Gender Biases, Ghoulish Visages and “Jazzy” Broaches: Director Lesley Manning on Ghostwatch 30 Years On first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Gender Biases, Ghoulish Visages and “Jazzy” Broaches: Director Lesley Manning on Ghostwatch 30 Years On first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 12/16/2022
- by Natalia Keogan
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
On Halloween night 1992, the BBC switchboard became inundated with an estimated one million phone calls related to a now-infamous TV broadcast. Convincingly filmed as a live news report—even featuring recognizable BBC presenters Michael Parkinson, Sarah Greene and Mike “Smitty” Smith—Ghostwatch convinced a wide swath of the British populace (reportedly including Parkinson’s own mother) that a real-life possession was unfolding in front of their eyes, and that a demonic entity was being channeled through their own screens. Though programmed as part of the network’s narrative anthology series Screen One, many viewers tuned into the program after the identifiable drama banner […]
The post Gender Biases, Ghoulish Visages and “Jazzy” Broaches: Director Lesley Manning on Ghostwatch 30 Years On first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Gender Biases, Ghoulish Visages and “Jazzy” Broaches: Director Lesley Manning on Ghostwatch 30 Years On first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 12/16/2022
- by Natalia Keogan
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Is it even Christmas if you haven’t rewatched Love Actually for the twelve-thousandth time? It’s become a yearly tradition for some to revisit this classic Richard Curtis romantic comedy, reminding ourselves of the questionable early noughties fashion, the sometimes problematic storylines, the lobster-heavy nativity play and the image of Bill Nighy as rock has-been Billy Mack grinding his nether regions up against poor, undeserving Michael Parkinson’s face. And, of course, to raise a glass to the late, great Alan Rickman, even though his character is a bit of a wrong’un.
The urge to watch Love Actually became even stronger in 2022, when ABC announced it was airing a brand-new documentary The Laughter and Secrets of Love Actually: 20 Years Later, a nostalgic two-hour reunion featuring Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Laura Linney, Bill Nighy and Thomas Brodie-Sangster.
Sure, we’ve all got a copy of the DVD somewhere, but...
The urge to watch Love Actually became even stronger in 2022, when ABC announced it was airing a brand-new documentary The Laughter and Secrets of Love Actually: 20 Years Later, a nostalgic two-hour reunion featuring Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Laura Linney, Bill Nighy and Thomas Brodie-Sangster.
Sure, we’ve all got a copy of the DVD somewhere, but...
- 11/30/2022
- by Lauravickersgreen
- Den of Geek
Good Morning Britain has aired Michael Sheen’s rousing speech to the Wales squad ahead of their match against England.
Wales will be playing England on Tuesday night (29 November) in the group stages of the World Cup for the first-ever home nations clash at the tournament.
On Tuesday’s episode of Gmb, the programme broadcasted footage of Sheen’s address to the Welsh squad from earlier this year.
In September, the Damned United star gave an impassioned speech to the football team during a visit to their training facility.
Sheen’s visit followed after his impromptu monologue on Sky’s A League of their Own went viral. Host Romesh Ranganathan had asked the actor to improvise the sort of message he would give to the Wales squad.
Wales manager Rob Page praised the on-air moment and said that the Wales squad would like to meet Sheen in person.
The speech,...
Wales will be playing England on Tuesday night (29 November) in the group stages of the World Cup for the first-ever home nations clash at the tournament.
On Tuesday’s episode of Gmb, the programme broadcasted footage of Sheen’s address to the Welsh squad from earlier this year.
In September, the Damned United star gave an impassioned speech to the football team during a visit to their training facility.
Sheen’s visit followed after his impromptu monologue on Sky’s A League of their Own went viral. Host Romesh Ranganathan had asked the actor to improvise the sort of message he would give to the Wales squad.
Wales manager Rob Page praised the on-air moment and said that the Wales squad would like to meet Sheen in person.
The speech,...
- 11/29/2022
- by Annabel Nugent
- The Independent - TV
For over fifty years, Robert De Niro has stood atop the acting profession. The man behind countless iconic roles, who has made his mark on cinema history starring in some of the greatest films of all time, De Niro has had the sort of career that young actors dream of. His accolades include two Oscars, a Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award, and even the Presidential Medal of Freedom. There's no denying that De Niro's career has been nothing short of marvelous.
De Niro's success has not been by luck or accident. He's an extremely skilled performer, capable of portraying a great range of characters, from a ruthless mafia boss in "Goodfellas" to an obsessive wannabe comedian in "The King of Comedy." No matter the role, De Niro has a way of putting on extremely layered and complex performances. His acting is so respected that entire books have been written about it.
De Niro's success has not been by luck or accident. He's an extremely skilled performer, capable of portraying a great range of characters, from a ruthless mafia boss in "Goodfellas" to an obsessive wannabe comedian in "The King of Comedy." No matter the role, De Niro has a way of putting on extremely layered and complex performances. His acting is so respected that entire books have been written about it.
- 11/24/2022
- by Matt Rainis
- Slash Film
Leigh Francis has said that Craig David needs to “move on” from their Bo Selecta row.
The TV personality – who uses the comedy name Keith Lemon – has been criticised in the past for the stunt in which he wore a rubber mask with exaggerated features intended to resemble the “7 Days” singer.
Francis impersonated a number of different celebrities on Bo Selecta, which ran on Channel 4 from 2002 to 2009.
David was one of those celebrities, and recently opened up about how the show affected him, calling it “bullying” and “racist”.
“He was highlighting characteristics he felt would trigger us personally,” David told The Times, saying “Every sketch felt personal.”
“It felt like a vendetta and when it got a following, it became something that affected me. People would shout at me on the street and I felt the same feeling I had when I was bullied at school. Leigh Francis had...
The TV personality – who uses the comedy name Keith Lemon – has been criticised in the past for the stunt in which he wore a rubber mask with exaggerated features intended to resemble the “7 Days” singer.
Francis impersonated a number of different celebrities on Bo Selecta, which ran on Channel 4 from 2002 to 2009.
David was one of those celebrities, and recently opened up about how the show affected him, calling it “bullying” and “racist”.
“He was highlighting characteristics he felt would trigger us personally,” David told The Times, saying “Every sketch felt personal.”
“It felt like a vendetta and when it got a following, it became something that affected me. People would shout at me on the street and I felt the same feeling I had when I was bullied at school. Leigh Francis had...
- 11/23/2022
- by Megan Graye
- The Independent - TV
Sir Michael Parkinson has expressed his disdain towards Fifa president Gianni Infantino during a discussion about the current state of football.
The sporting organisation has faced significant criticism recently, much of it being linked to the decision to hold the World Cup in Qatar.
Among issues raised about the tournament taking place in the country include the mistreatment of migrant workers and the criminalisation of homosexuality.
During an appearance on Wednesday’s edition (23 November) of Good Morning Britain, Sir Michael discussed his new memoir, My Sporting Life.
When asked who he’d like to interview if given the chance, the 87-year-old broadcaster named the boss of Fifa as someone who he had no interest in conversing with.
“No, he’s beyond redemption. Let him go away and wither,” he quipped, before adding: “What’s happened to football?”
Hosts Richard Madeley and Susanna Reid encouraged him to expand on his view,...
The sporting organisation has faced significant criticism recently, much of it being linked to the decision to hold the World Cup in Qatar.
Among issues raised about the tournament taking place in the country include the mistreatment of migrant workers and the criminalisation of homosexuality.
During an appearance on Wednesday’s edition (23 November) of Good Morning Britain, Sir Michael discussed his new memoir, My Sporting Life.
When asked who he’d like to interview if given the chance, the 87-year-old broadcaster named the boss of Fifa as someone who he had no interest in conversing with.
“No, he’s beyond redemption. Let him go away and wither,” he quipped, before adding: “What’s happened to football?”
Hosts Richard Madeley and Susanna Reid encouraged him to expand on his view,...
- 11/23/2022
- by Nicole Vassell
- The Independent - TV
Michael Parkinson has shared his opinion on the interviews from his old talk show.
The broadcaster, who is 87, was invited on to BBC Breakfast on Thursday (4 November) where he talked about his new book, which was written by his son.
During the interview, Parkinson was asked about his talk show, which he presented from the years 1971 to 1982, and then again from 1998 to 2007.
Parkinson, who is widely considered to be one of the best talk show hosts of all time, was asked by Naga Munchetty: “Do you get sick of seeing the TV clips?”
He replied: “Do I get sick of it? Absolutely. I don’t recognise the person.”
Elaborating, he replied: “It’s a disguise, this is a disguise. All of it. You’re not yourself at all. It changes you. No matter how considerate you might be of the problems of being famous, it changes you, and it’s bound to.
The broadcaster, who is 87, was invited on to BBC Breakfast on Thursday (4 November) where he talked about his new book, which was written by his son.
During the interview, Parkinson was asked about his talk show, which he presented from the years 1971 to 1982, and then again from 1998 to 2007.
Parkinson, who is widely considered to be one of the best talk show hosts of all time, was asked by Naga Munchetty: “Do you get sick of seeing the TV clips?”
He replied: “Do I get sick of it? Absolutely. I don’t recognise the person.”
Elaborating, he replied: “It’s a disguise, this is a disguise. All of it. You’re not yourself at all. It changes you. No matter how considerate you might be of the problems of being famous, it changes you, and it’s bound to.
- 11/5/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Michael Parkinson has shared his opinion on the interviews from his old talk show.
The broadcaster, who is 87, was invited on to BBC Breakfast on Thursday (4 November) where he talked about his new book, which was written by his son.
During the interview, Parkinson was asked about his talk show, which he presented from the years 1971 to 1982, and then again from 1998 to 2007.
Parkinson, who is widely considered to be one of the best talk show hosts of all time, was asked by Naga Munchetty: “Do you get sick of seeing the TV clips?”
He replied: “Do I get sick of it? Absolutely. I don’t recognise the person.”
Elaborating, he replied: “It’s a disguise, this is a disguise. All of it. You’re not yourself at all. It changes you. No matter how considerate you might be of the problems of being famous, it changes you, and it’s bound to.
The broadcaster, who is 87, was invited on to BBC Breakfast on Thursday (4 November) where he talked about his new book, which was written by his son.
During the interview, Parkinson was asked about his talk show, which he presented from the years 1971 to 1982, and then again from 1998 to 2007.
Parkinson, who is widely considered to be one of the best talk show hosts of all time, was asked by Naga Munchetty: “Do you get sick of seeing the TV clips?”
He replied: “Do I get sick of it? Absolutely. I don’t recognise the person.”
Elaborating, he replied: “It’s a disguise, this is a disguise. All of it. You’re not yourself at all. It changes you. No matter how considerate you might be of the problems of being famous, it changes you, and it’s bound to.
- 11/4/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
I was still dressed as a mummy when I sat down to watch TV after trick-or-treating on Halloween night in 1992. I was a skinny lad, so binding my limbs tightly in bandages made me look more like a weird spindly white insect than King Tut. Self-conscious of this, I wore my Adidas bench coat over the costume, which completely ruined the effect.
I couldn't tell you what my costume was 12 months earlier or the following year, but Halloween of '92 remains so clear in my mind because that was the night of "Ghostwatch." I loved anything related to the supernatural, so I just couldn't wait: The BBC was conducting a live paranormal investigation into poltergeist activity! It was a big event heavily publicized in the run-up to Halloween, and 11 million viewers tuned in that night. The next day the whole country was talking about it.
"Ghostwatch" wasn't a real live ghost hunt,...
I couldn't tell you what my costume was 12 months earlier or the following year, but Halloween of '92 remains so clear in my mind because that was the night of "Ghostwatch." I loved anything related to the supernatural, so I just couldn't wait: The BBC was conducting a live paranormal investigation into poltergeist activity! It was a big event heavily publicized in the run-up to Halloween, and 11 million viewers tuned in that night. The next day the whole country was talking about it.
"Ghostwatch" wasn't a real live ghost hunt,...
- 10/31/2022
- by Lee Adams
- Slash Film
Fans are unlikely to care that there’s hardly enough new material to justify a re-release of this 2017 documentary – Michael was just too good
The impression you’re mostly likely to come away with about George Michael after watching this documentary is that despite the fame, the tabloid hoo-has and the personal crises, he could still take the piss out of himself. You see it in the clips here from his 1998 interview with Michael Parkinson after being caught in a public loo with an undercover police officer in Beverly Hills. He wasn’t doing shame. Michael tells Parky that his mum would have been proud that he’d made it on to the show: “though not that it took me getting my willy out,” he giggles.
The Parkinson interview is one of a handful of additions to a documentary that’s already been aired on TV in 2017, now beefed up for cinema release.
The impression you’re mostly likely to come away with about George Michael after watching this documentary is that despite the fame, the tabloid hoo-has and the personal crises, he could still take the piss out of himself. You see it in the clips here from his 1998 interview with Michael Parkinson after being caught in a public loo with an undercover police officer in Beverly Hills. He wasn’t doing shame. Michael tells Parky that his mum would have been proud that he’d made it on to the show: “though not that it took me getting my willy out,” he giggles.
The Parkinson interview is one of a handful of additions to a documentary that’s already been aired on TV in 2017, now beefed up for cinema release.
- 6/22/2022
- by Cath Clarke
- The Guardian - Film News
Comedian, actor, artist, writer, musician and presenter, Billy Connolly (“Mrs. Brown”), will be honored with the BAFTA Fellowship at this year’s Virgin Media BAFTA TV Awards.
The fellowship is the highest accolade bestowed by BAFTA in recognition of an individual’s contribution to film, television or games across their career. Previous TV honorees include Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders, Jon Snow, Bruce Forsyth, Joanna Lumley, Melvyn Bragg, Michael Palin, Trevor MacDonald, David Attenborough, Julie Walters, Ray Galton, Alan Simpson, Katie Adie and Joan Bakewell.
In 1995, Connolly won the BAFTA Scotland entertainment category for “Billy Connolly’s World Tour of Scotland.” He has since received five BAFTA nominations, and has been presented with a BAFTA special award in 2002 and the BAFTA Scotland outstanding contribution to television and film in 2012.
Connolly left school at 15 and began a career as a musician and also started a folk duo with Gerry Rafferty called The Humblebums.
The fellowship is the highest accolade bestowed by BAFTA in recognition of an individual’s contribution to film, television or games across their career. Previous TV honorees include Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders, Jon Snow, Bruce Forsyth, Joanna Lumley, Melvyn Bragg, Michael Palin, Trevor MacDonald, David Attenborough, Julie Walters, Ray Galton, Alan Simpson, Katie Adie and Joan Bakewell.
In 1995, Connolly won the BAFTA Scotland entertainment category for “Billy Connolly’s World Tour of Scotland.” He has since received five BAFTA nominations, and has been presented with a BAFTA special award in 2002 and the BAFTA Scotland outstanding contribution to television and film in 2012.
Connolly left school at 15 and began a career as a musician and also started a folk duo with Gerry Rafferty called The Humblebums.
- 5/3/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
CBS late-night hosts Stephen Colbert and James Corden shared stories of making their shows under quarantine as well as during a momentous time in American history.
The Late Late Show host Corden joined The Late Show and opened up how his show has changed over the last five years.
“I’m on my own in my garage. The other side is a curtain with a fridge freezer which is covered in so many blankets because of the noise. So, if anyone ever needs to get anything out of the fridge freezer, you have to ask yourself ‘do we really need it or would it be quicker to go to the store and buy it?’. That’s where we’re at right now,” the Brit said.
Colbert admitted, “These shows, even at the best of times, are a little like riding a flaming toboggan down a hill blindfolded, they go so...
The Late Late Show host Corden joined The Late Show and opened up how his show has changed over the last five years.
“I’m on my own in my garage. The other side is a curtain with a fridge freezer which is covered in so many blankets because of the noise. So, if anyone ever needs to get anything out of the fridge freezer, you have to ask yourself ‘do we really need it or would it be quicker to go to the store and buy it?’. That’s where we’re at right now,” the Brit said.
Colbert admitted, “These shows, even at the best of times, are a little like riding a flaming toboggan down a hill blindfolded, they go so...
- 6/23/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
After the long, slow death of the Beeb’s flagship Film show, a radical rethink is needed if the public broadcaster’s claims it takes movies seriously are to be believed
BBC to replace long-running Film review show
For the Film programme, it’s been a long goodbye. The BBC’s flagship film show for TV has been on its deathbed for a long time now. Running for only a few months a year, with a rotating and sometimes rather desultory-looking list of presenters, it has had a variable and very late time slot. Indeed, its own producers were sometimes left in the dark by BBC executives about what exactly was the plan for a programme that still had a devoted following.
Its glory days, by common consent, were in the 70s, 80s and 90s when it was hosted by the avuncular, rumpled, lovable – and extremely knowledgable – Barry Norman, who...
BBC to replace long-running Film review show
For the Film programme, it’s been a long goodbye. The BBC’s flagship film show for TV has been on its deathbed for a long time now. Running for only a few months a year, with a rotating and sometimes rather desultory-looking list of presenters, it has had a variable and very late time slot. Indeed, its own producers were sometimes left in the dark by BBC executives about what exactly was the plan for a programme that still had a devoted following.
Its glory days, by common consent, were in the 70s, 80s and 90s when it was hosted by the avuncular, rumpled, lovable – and extremely knowledgable – Barry Norman, who...
- 12/28/2018
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Documentary with wonderful footage of the Russian ballet dancer and defector deftly captures the times he lived through
Co-directors (and siblings) Jacqui and David Morris’s immaculate documentary about Rudolf Nureyev is more than just essential viewing for anyone interested ballet and dance. Like any great biography, it casts a light through its prismatic subject, whose unique story refracts out colourful strands touching on art, politics, history, identity and so much more. It helps that Nureyev, the title subject and one of the last century’s greatest dancers and performers, was such an extraordinarily magnetic figure, likened several times by interviewees here to a panther, all savage beauty and muscular grace.
It’s lucky he just so happened to have come of age in a time when he could be filmed so much, not just performing on stage, but also talking to TV interviewers such as Dick Cavett and Michael Parkinson,...
Co-directors (and siblings) Jacqui and David Morris’s immaculate documentary about Rudolf Nureyev is more than just essential viewing for anyone interested ballet and dance. Like any great biography, it casts a light through its prismatic subject, whose unique story refracts out colourful strands touching on art, politics, history, identity and so much more. It helps that Nureyev, the title subject and one of the last century’s greatest dancers and performers, was such an extraordinarily magnetic figure, likened several times by interviewees here to a panther, all savage beauty and muscular grace.
It’s lucky he just so happened to have come of age in a time when he could be filmed so much, not just performing on stage, but also talking to TV interviewers such as Dick Cavett and Michael Parkinson,...
- 9/21/2018
- by Leslie Felperin
- The Guardian - Film News
Drama written, directed by team behind controversial BBC documentary Ghostwatch.
Toby Kebbell has been cast as twin brothers in sci-fi film Extrasensory from Genesius Pictures.
Lesley Manning directs from an original screenplay by Bafta-winning writer Stephen Volk.
The duo worked together on Ghostwatch, the infamous drama-mockumentary presented by Michael Parkinson that received over 30,000 complaints when it aired on BBC1 in 1992.
Kebbell plays twin brothers who are recruited for a top-secret experiment by Soviet Russia to test the power of telepathic communication.
Harry Gregson Williams (The Martian, Prometheus) will write the score. Produced by Debbie Gray (Northern Soul) and Myf Hopkins, former head of production at Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, Extrasensory has been developed with and is supported by Film Cymru Wales.
Shooting will commence in late October 2017.
Genesius has also announced that Elbow front man Guy Garvey and I Am Kloot’s Peter Jobson have written the score for upcoming comedy drama The More You Ignore Me, starring...
Toby Kebbell has been cast as twin brothers in sci-fi film Extrasensory from Genesius Pictures.
Lesley Manning directs from an original screenplay by Bafta-winning writer Stephen Volk.
The duo worked together on Ghostwatch, the infamous drama-mockumentary presented by Michael Parkinson that received over 30,000 complaints when it aired on BBC1 in 1992.
Kebbell plays twin brothers who are recruited for a top-secret experiment by Soviet Russia to test the power of telepathic communication.
Harry Gregson Williams (The Martian, Prometheus) will write the score. Produced by Debbie Gray (Northern Soul) and Myf Hopkins, former head of production at Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, Extrasensory has been developed with and is supported by Film Cymru Wales.
Shooting will commence in late October 2017.
Genesius has also announced that Elbow front man Guy Garvey and I Am Kloot’s Peter Jobson have written the score for upcoming comedy drama The More You Ignore Me, starring...
- 5/12/2017
- by orlando.parfitt@screendaily.com (Orlando Parfitt)
- ScreenDaily
Many TV shows have cause nightmares, but BBC mockumentary “Ghostwatch” sparked several cases of post-traumatic stress and reportedly led one viewer to commit suicide. Now the terrifying TV special that was banned in the U.K. is being streamed for U.S. viewers via Shudder, Yahoo News reported. The 90-minute drama originally aired under the guise of a real-life investigation and featured well-known TV personalities including Michael Parkinson (above, middle). Also Read: Etan Patz's Killer Pedro Hernandez Sentenced to 25 Years-to-Life The predecessor to horror hits such as “Blair Witch Project” supposedly investigated a haunted house as the TV crew aimed...
- 4/19/2017
- by Debbie Emery
- The Wrap
Patrick Stewart would look strange with hair. After all, his baldness is his iconic feature.
And while he agrees these days, he felt mortified when he began losing his hair at 19.
In an interview he gave to the BBC in 2007, Stewart, currently starring in Logan, said he had a horrendous comb-over, which even changed the way he walked because he didn't want to bring attention to his thinning hair.
"I wore hats all the time, caps, especially if it was windy," Stewart told Michael Parkinson.
The day he finally accepted his baldness — although he would still wear a toupee...
And while he agrees these days, he felt mortified when he began losing his hair at 19.
In an interview he gave to the BBC in 2007, Stewart, currently starring in Logan, said he had a horrendous comb-over, which even changed the way he walked because he didn't want to bring attention to his thinning hair.
"I wore hats all the time, caps, especially if it was windy," Stewart told Michael Parkinson.
The day he finally accepted his baldness — although he would still wear a toupee...
- 3/24/2017
- by Ryan Parker
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It’s hard to imagine a film more timely than Gavin Hood’s “Eye in the Sky,” which follows a high-ranking British military officer — Helen Mirren as the conflicted Colonel Katherine Powell — who is tasked with directing a top-secret drone operation. The tension-filled film sees Powell and her subordinates often struggling with the decisions they have to make while in pursuit of a band of terrorists in Kenya, a mission that is made all the more complicated when they are asked to target a kill zone that includes various innocent bystanders, including a young girl.
And, Mirren, as ever, is more than happy to discuss the kind of topical questions the film raises — and so much more — when asked about them. At a luncheon held in the film’s honor today at Manhattan’s Le Bernardin restaurant, Mirren and director Gavin Hood participated in a twenty minute chat moderated by...
And, Mirren, as ever, is more than happy to discuss the kind of topical questions the film raises — and so much more — when asked about them. At a luncheon held in the film’s honor today at Manhattan’s Le Bernardin restaurant, Mirren and director Gavin Hood participated in a twenty minute chat moderated by...
- 10/18/2016
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Women the world over have to deal with sexism but women in Hollywood tend to have to deal with it in a much more public way. Dame Helen Mirren has never been quiet when it comes to issues of sexism and equality but a 1975 interview proves it. Mirren is a treasure who will soon be seen in Fast 8 and the Winchester Mystery House film. She has a long acting history but I can't say I've ever seen footage of her doing interviews at a younger age until now. YouTuber Caesonia's channel posted the videos from the British talk show Parkinson, with host Michael Parkinson, back in 2008 and somehow Entertainment Weekly just discovered them. When referencing her time with the Royal Shakespeare Company (one of the most serious and illustrious acting institutions), Parkinson noted she was "once described as the 'sex queen' of that company," adding "the critics spend as...
- 8/23/2016
- by Jill Pantozzi
- Hitfix
Helen Mirren is no stranger to the sexism of the film industry, having worked in film and television since the mid-’60s. Now that an uncomfortable 1975 interview between a young Mirren and host Michael Parkinson has resurfaced, there’s video evidence showing just how long she’s been combating it. The video features Parkinson asking Mirren a barrage of sexist questions and her firmly taking him to task. Watch the full interview below.
Read More: Helen Mirren Stands Up For a Future Full of Women Directors
In the interview, Parkinson first introduces the actress as a “sex queen” and then quotes a number of theater critics who focus on her sensuality and “sluttish eroticism.” He then brings her onstage and asks her almost immediately if her “equipment” (read: breasts) hinders her in the pursuit of being a serious actress. “Because serious actresses can’t have big bosoms, is that what you mean?...
Read More: Helen Mirren Stands Up For a Future Full of Women Directors
In the interview, Parkinson first introduces the actress as a “sex queen” and then quotes a number of theater critics who focus on her sensuality and “sluttish eroticism.” He then brings her onstage and asks her almost immediately if her “equipment” (read: breasts) hinders her in the pursuit of being a serious actress. “Because serious actresses can’t have big bosoms, is that what you mean?...
- 8/23/2016
- by Vikram Murthi
- Indiewire
A video of Helen Mirren outwitting a sexist interviewer in 1975 has recently gone viral. Helen Mirren Deals With Sexism In 1975 Mirren, who was 30-years-old in 1975, sat down with British talk show host Michael Parkinson to discuss her acting. However, Parkinson, straight from introduction, steered the conversation towards her sexuality and what he […]
The post Helen Mirren Shuts Down Sexist Host In Unearthed 1975 Interview appeared first on uInterview.
The post Helen Mirren Shuts Down Sexist Host In Unearthed 1975 Interview appeared first on uInterview.
- 8/23/2016
- by Chelsea Regan
- Uinterview
In case there was any doubt that Helen Mirren was cooler than you, all you need to do is watch a recently unearthed interview with the actress from 1975. In the interview (below), Mirren is speaking with host Michael Parkinson, who asks Mirren oh-so subtly about her — ahem — body of work as an actress. “Do you find that in fact, what could best be described as your equipment hinders you in the pursuit of being a successful actress?” Parkinson asks. Also Read: That Time Gretchen Carlson Walked Off 'Fox & Friends' Over Sexism Mirren proceeds to get quite a kick out of.
- 8/23/2016
- by Joe Otterson
- The Wrap
Dame Helen Mirren’s first talk show interview is a marvel to watch for at least a dozen different reasons. Host Michael Parkinson’s flagrant sexism in the 1975 interview was a paltry turnout as it stood, but it was rendered pitiful considering how Mirren handled herself in the face of it—with all the grace of the royalty she’s played both onscreen and onstage. “You are, in quotes, a series actress,” Parkinson said early on in the interview after introducing her with a theater critic’s quote that called her “especially telling in sluttish eroticism.” “In quotes? What do you mean in quotes? How dare you,” Mirren replied. Parkinson went even further, asking about whether her “equipment” hinders her in her career or detracts from her performance. Mirren pressed him to explain what he meant by the term until he finally said “figure.” She challenged his suggestion that a...
- 8/23/2016
- backstage.com
A more than four decade old interview with Helen Mirren has resurfaced online and proves she is a B-o-s-s. In the clip, a 30-year-old Mirren casually spars with British talk show host Michael Parkinson. Not only did he introduce the famed actress by quoting a number of sexist descriptions such as: “sex queen”. Related: Helen […]...
- 8/23/2016
- by Shakiel Mahjouri
- ET Canada
Kenny Baker, the British actor who portrayed the fan-favorite “Star Wars” character R2-D2, has died at the age of 81 after a long illness.
“It was expected, but it’s sad nonetheless,” his niece Abigail Shield told The Guardian. “He had a very long and fulfilled life. He brought lots of happiness to people and we’ll be celebrating the fact that he was well loved throughout the world. We’re all very proud of what he achieved in his lifetime.”
Baker wasn’t expected to survive puberty, Shield added: “Being a little person in those times, they didn’t have a very good life expectancy. He did extremely well in his life. He was very ill for the last few years so we had been expecting it. He had been looked after by one of his nephews, who found him on Saturday morning.”
Read More: Kenny Baker Death: Friends and ‘Star Wars’ Co-Stars Mourn
Baker,...
“It was expected, but it’s sad nonetheless,” his niece Abigail Shield told The Guardian. “He had a very long and fulfilled life. He brought lots of happiness to people and we’ll be celebrating the fact that he was well loved throughout the world. We’re all very proud of what he achieved in his lifetime.”
Baker wasn’t expected to survive puberty, Shield added: “Being a little person in those times, they didn’t have a very good life expectancy. He did extremely well in his life. He was very ill for the last few years so we had been expecting it. He had been looked after by one of his nephews, who found him on Saturday morning.”
Read More: Kenny Baker Death: Friends and ‘Star Wars’ Co-Stars Mourn
Baker,...
- 8/13/2016
- by Liz Calvario
- Indiewire
Muhammad Ali appeared on British talk show host Michael Parkinson’s show four times. His first visit was in 1971, where he famously asked “Why is Jesus white?” Ali was one of the first black celebrities to openly speak about race. Ali visited “The Tonight Show” in 1972 to promote his match with Bob Foster. He ended up charming Johnny Carson, demonstrating his wit was as fast as his fists. Ali returned to Parkinson’s show in 1974, where he again articulated his thoughts on race and religion. Decades later, Parkinson would remember Ali his most “remarkable” guest. Ali surprised Sylvester Stallone during the.
- 6/4/2016
- by Lawrence Yee
- The Wrap
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Why are movie publicists so keen to plonk their stars on Graham Norton's sofa? Because of this...
When it comes to the UK film junket circuit, publicists inevitably get limited time with the talent involved in a major movie. Thus, when Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice comes along later this month, the demands on Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill in particular will not be small. They’ll be expected to attend the film’s premiere, do a press conference, and do interviews with selected outlets.
And then there’s a strong chance they’ll end up on Graham Norton’s sofa.
I’ve been following Graham Norton’s chat shows since his earlier work on Channel Four, and his manner with his guests has rarely left me ever less than entertained while watching his programme. But I do think that The Graham Norton Show is something special,...
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Why are movie publicists so keen to plonk their stars on Graham Norton's sofa? Because of this...
When it comes to the UK film junket circuit, publicists inevitably get limited time with the talent involved in a major movie. Thus, when Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice comes along later this month, the demands on Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill in particular will not be small. They’ll be expected to attend the film’s premiere, do a press conference, and do interviews with selected outlets.
And then there’s a strong chance they’ll end up on Graham Norton’s sofa.
I’ve been following Graham Norton’s chat shows since his earlier work on Channel Four, and his manner with his guests has rarely left me ever less than entertained while watching his programme. But I do think that The Graham Norton Show is something special,...
- 3/8/2016
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
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Around the release of Star Wars: A New Hope, the late Sir Alec Guinness talked about working with George Lucas - and his 2.5%(ish).
The late Sir Alec Guinness infamously grew less tolerant of Star Wars and its fanbase towards the end of his life, and his excellent diaries are well worth a read to explore that more. But back in 1977, he gave the following interview to Michael Parkinson, on the latter's chat show, that we thought you might like to see.
In it, he talks about being won over to the project by George Lucas, having originally not been keen on the idea of doing a sci-fi film. Furthermore, he chats about his percentage of the takings, and his concerns with the dialogue he found within the original draft of the screenplay...
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Around the release of Star Wars: A New Hope, the late Sir Alec Guinness talked about working with George Lucas - and his 2.5%(ish).
The late Sir Alec Guinness infamously grew less tolerant of Star Wars and its fanbase towards the end of his life, and his excellent diaries are well worth a read to explore that more. But back in 1977, he gave the following interview to Michael Parkinson, on the latter's chat show, that we thought you might like to see.
In it, he talks about being won over to the project by George Lucas, having originally not been keen on the idea of doing a sci-fi film. Furthermore, he chats about his percentage of the takings, and his concerns with the dialogue he found within the original draft of the screenplay...
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- 1/19/2016
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
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Jokers, circus masters and demonic dolls. Which TV characters terrify you? Den Of Geek asked its writers that very question…
The subconscious is a terrible place; dark, mysterious and peopled by spectres from the past. As a bit of a laugh then, we sent our writers journeying into theirs and asked them to drag out any TV terrors they found lurking in the shadows.
Some television fears had been ensconced there since childhood, others were more recent tenants. Some were morally terrifying; human beings with icy hearts capable of atrocities, others were simply… atrocities.
Join us as we count down in order of terror from the sort-of-creepy to the downright terrifying, the 50 TV characters that, for whatever reason, give our writers chills. It’s by no means an exhaustive list, so feel free to fill in gaps by adding your own peculiar television nightmares below…
50. Charn -...
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Jokers, circus masters and demonic dolls. Which TV characters terrify you? Den Of Geek asked its writers that very question…
The subconscious is a terrible place; dark, mysterious and peopled by spectres from the past. As a bit of a laugh then, we sent our writers journeying into theirs and asked them to drag out any TV terrors they found lurking in the shadows.
Some television fears had been ensconced there since childhood, others were more recent tenants. Some were morally terrifying; human beings with icy hearts capable of atrocities, others were simply… atrocities.
Join us as we count down in order of terror from the sort-of-creepy to the downright terrifying, the 50 TV characters that, for whatever reason, give our writers chills. It’s by no means an exhaustive list, so feel free to fill in gaps by adding your own peculiar television nightmares below…
50. Charn -...
- 10/29/2015
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Alice Eve stars in new short film Lithgow Saint - inspired by the excruciating encounter between Helen Mirren and Michael Parkinson in the mid-seventies and the prevalent prurient attitude towards women at that time.
The provocative piece - directed by Alice's brother Jack Eve and co-starring Jason Isaacs - sees Alice playing fictional actress Amelia Adams, who calls out Isaacs's lewd talk-show host Lithgow Saint for his sexist questioning.
It's intended to encourage conversations about existing inequalities between men and women, with Alice Eve telling Digital Spy: "I think we've come a long away [since then] - the fact that the conversation is now so alive and so topical is fantastic.
"At the same time we've still got a long way to go - women still on the whole get paid 17% less than men and that's across the board, nurses included, which is kind of mind-boggling. And there are lots of areas...
The provocative piece - directed by Alice's brother Jack Eve and co-starring Jason Isaacs - sees Alice playing fictional actress Amelia Adams, who calls out Isaacs's lewd talk-show host Lithgow Saint for his sexist questioning.
It's intended to encourage conversations about existing inequalities between men and women, with Alice Eve telling Digital Spy: "I think we've come a long away [since then] - the fact that the conversation is now so alive and so topical is fantastic.
"At the same time we've still got a long way to go - women still on the whole get paid 17% less than men and that's across the board, nurses included, which is kind of mind-boggling. And there are lots of areas...
- 10/22/2015
- Digital Spy
Sir Michael Parkinson has branded the BBC ''barmy'' for firing Jeremy Clarkson. The TV legend has slammed the broadcaster for getting rid of the 'Top Gear' host and believes the show will never work with BBC Radio 2 presenter Chris Evans, who was recently announced as the star to take over from Jeremy. He said: ''They were barmy to sack him in the first place and equally barmy to try to replace him and no one can. It's a different kind of show but don't try to pull together the same team and pretend to be the same. ''It's absurd. You can't replace...
- 7/4/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
Sir Michael Parkinson has branded the BBC ''barmy'' for firing Jeremy Clarkson. The TV legend has slammed the broadcaster for getting rid of the 'Top Gear' host and believes the show will never work with BBC Radio 2 presenter Chris Evans, who was recently announced as the star to take over from Jeremy. He said: ''They were barmy to sack him in the first place and equally barmy to try to replace him and no one can. It's a different kind of show but don't try to pull together the same team and pretend to be the same. ''It's absurd. You can't replace...
- 7/2/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
Gold has ordered a new biography series about comedians - with a difference.
The Interviews - a six part series - will focus on a different star in each episode by using their appearances on British chat shows.
Kenneth Williams, The Two Ronnies, Les Dawson, Oliver Reed, Spike Milligan, Peter Cook and Dudley Moore will each feature in an instalment of The Interviews, with Dawn French providing a voiceover for the series.
As well as using footage with interviewers such as Michael Parkinson, Terry Wogan, Melvyn Bragg, Jonathan Ross, Graham Norton, Michael Aspel, Des O'Connor and Mavis Nicholson, the series will use clips from personal documentary interviews and radio specials.
Gold's commissioning editor Iain Coyle described the series as a "compelling show that perfectly captures the personalities of our comedy legends".
"The Interviews is a unique way of doing biography through chat show appearances, as the guests' stories are told straight from the horse's mouth,...
The Interviews - a six part series - will focus on a different star in each episode by using their appearances on British chat shows.
Kenneth Williams, The Two Ronnies, Les Dawson, Oliver Reed, Spike Milligan, Peter Cook and Dudley Moore will each feature in an instalment of The Interviews, with Dawn French providing a voiceover for the series.
As well as using footage with interviewers such as Michael Parkinson, Terry Wogan, Melvyn Bragg, Jonathan Ross, Graham Norton, Michael Aspel, Des O'Connor and Mavis Nicholson, the series will use clips from personal documentary interviews and radio specials.
Gold's commissioning editor Iain Coyle described the series as a "compelling show that perfectly captures the personalities of our comedy legends".
"The Interviews is a unique way of doing biography through chat show appearances, as the guests' stories are told straight from the horse's mouth,...
- 4/1/2015
- Digital Spy
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