Reel Britannia

Reel Britannia - a very British podcast about very British movies...with just a hint of professionalism. The latest episode in our Hammer horror retrospective - and it's time for some genuine gothic shocks with Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee The Curse of Frankenstein (1957) In prison and awaiting execution, Dr. Victor Frankenstein recounts to a priest what led him to his current circumstance. He inherited his family's wealth after the death of his mother when he was still only a young man. He hired Paul Krempe as his tutor and he immediately developed an interest in medical science. After several years, he and Krempe became equals and he developed an interest in the origins and nature of life. After successfully re-animating a dead dog, Victor sets about constructing a man using body parts he acquires for the purpose including the hands of a pianist and the brain of a renowned scholar. As Frankenstein's excesses continue to grow, Krempe is not only repulsed by what his friend has done but is concerned for

Welcome to Reel Britannia-a very British podcast about very British movies ...with just a hint of professionalism.   Last Holiday (1950) When ordinary middle-class salesman George Bird (Alec Guinness) is diagnosed with a rare and fatal illness, he decides to spend his few remaining days in luxury. Cashing in his savings, he buys a fancy new wardrobe and poses as a wealthy businessman at a posh seaside resort. Unexpectedly, the dying man's luck begins to change during his holiday, from winning at gambling to establishing friendships with his fellow guests, most notably Sheila Rockingham (Beatrice Campbell).   "I want some more information from you Mr Bird - tomorrow perhaps. Don't run away or drop dead, will you?" You can find this and all our previous episodes at: Amazon Music Apple Podcasts Libsyn Player FM Podtail Owltail ListenNotes Follow us on Twitter @rbritanniapod Join us over at our Facebook Group ….we’d love to chat with you email: reelbritannia@gmail.com   #podcast  #britmovie #reelbrit

Welcome to Reel Britannia-a very British podcast about very British movies ...with just a hint of professionalism. The Cruel Sea (1953) Despite his guilt over a recent harrowing sea battle in which many of his men were lost, Lt. Cmdr. George Ericson (Jack Hawkins) is assigned to helm the new H.M.S. Compass Rose with the help of steadfast seaman Lt. Lockhart (Donald Sinden). When the small vessel is sent to escort convoys of ships fighting German U-boats in the North Atlantic, the mettle of the novice crew is tested by the weather, the turbulent sea and enemy attacks -- one of which nearly destroys the Compass Rose.   This is a story of the Battle of the Atlantic, the story of the ocean, two ships, and a handful of men. The men are the heroes; the heroines the ships. The only villain is the sea, the cruel sea that man has made more cruel. You can find this and all our previous episodes at: Amazon Music Apple Podcasts Libsyn Player FM Podtail Owltail ListenNotes Follow us on Twitter @rbritanniapod

Welcome to Reel Britannia-a very British podcast about very British movies ...with just a hint of professionalism. Carry On Regardless (1961)   Bert Handy, proprietor of the Helping Hands agency - promising to provide assistance for any task, big or small - is in a quandry. Accompanied only by his elderly secretary Miss Cooling, he's in desperate need of employees to provide said assistance, but to date even an advert in The Times hasn't proven successful! Meanwhile at the labour exchange, there's a dire shortage of jobs (never mind interesting ones), so when a motley crew get wind of Helping Hands' need for staff, they can't get there quick enough - and Bert hires all seven of them on the spot. Work quickly builds up at the agency: from pet walking to translation services; modelling to cleaning; hosting and queue-place-saving, even Handy himself has to get to work. However, with the increasing workload come an increasingly odd set of assignments; and when Miss Cooling's careful organisational system is throw

Welcome to Reel Britannia-a very British podcast about very British movies ...with just a hint of professionalism. Sightseers (2012) A tale of gruesome murders, growling dogs…and giant pencils Ben Wheatley’s dark and violent comedy-drama stars Alice Lowe and Steve Oram whose initially innocent tour of the British countryside turns into a disturbing odyssey.   “He's not a person, he's a Daily Mail reader!”   You can find this and all our previous episodes at: Amazon Music Apple Podcasts Libsyn Player FM Podtail Owltail ListenNotes Follow us on Twitter @rbritanniapod Join us over at our Facebook Group ….we’d love to chat with you email: reelbritannia@gmail.com     #sightseers #benwheatley #podcast #horror #comedy #britmovie #reelbritannia   Thanks for listening Scott and Steven

Welcome to Reel Britannia-a very British podcast about very British movies ...with just a hint of professionalism. The third in our series of Hammer horror movies this week and the return of Brian Donlevy in Quatermass 2 (1957) Quatermass 2 “Professor Bernard Quatermass (Brian Donlevy), in his attempts to convince the British government to colonize the moon, learns that thousands of meteorites are landing in the same location on Earth. When his colleague Marsh (Bryan Forbes) joins him in a quest to uncover the truth, they discover a government complex built around the landing spot. When Marsh goes missing, Quatermass attempts to rescue him -- and discovers the truth behind an alien invasion conspiracy and cover-up.  “Marsh, your face! There was something on your face! Are you alright? Let me take a look. You know, for a moment, I could have sworn I saw something that looked like a big black bubble.”   You can find this and all our previous episodes at: Amazon Music Apple Podcasts Libsyn Player FM Podtail O

Welcome to Reel Britannia-a very British podcast about very British movies ...with just a hint of professionalism. It’s our ‘COVID delayed Christmas episode’….but is it a Christmas movie? Steven says yes, Tony says no, Scott doesn’t care either way as it is cracking movie from 1961 starring Peter Cushing and Andre Morell from the legendary Hammer studios: Cash On Demand (1961) “This tense and hugely entertaining heist thriller is a Hammer take on A Christmas Carol, which pits miserly and fastidious bank manager (Peter Cushing in sparkling form) against debonair robber André Morell, as a plot to rob a bank on Christmas Eve unfolds in almost real time. Reuniting Cushing and Morell, who had just played Holmes and Watson for Hammer in The Hound of the Baskervilles (and co-starred in the BBC's controversial 1954 adaptation of George Orwell's 1984), this ingenious suspenser is now regarded by many as one of Hammer’s best films.” “I detest brutality. I want bank robberies to be smoother and more sociable.” You can

Welcome to Reel Britannia-a very British podcast about very British movies ...with just a hint of professionalism. A special episode this week where Scott is joined by his fellow co hosts of the Stinking Pause podcast, Paul and Charlie to chat about mobsters, Marbella, and monkeys with Beatles haircuts. Sexy Beast (2000) “Ex-villain Dove (Ray Winstone) has served his time behind bars, and is blissfully retired to a Spanish villa paradise with a wife he adores. But the idyll is shattered by the arrival of his nemesis Don Logan (Ben Kingsley), who is intent on persuading Gal to return to London for one last big job. Desperate not to sacrifice his enchanted existence, Dove is drawn into a shocking and explosive battle of wills with Logan, risking everything to protect the woman he loves.” “But quite frankly your attitude appalls me. It's not what you're saying. It's all this stuff you're not saying. Insinnuendos.” (Incidentally….try finding a decent quote from this film that hasn’t got swearing in it!) You can

Welcome to Reel Britannia-a very British podcast about very British movies ...with just a hint of professionalism. Eighties Caledonian comedy this week with a tale of modern day highland highwaymen Join Scott and Steven as they chat about Restless Natives (1985) “A humorous tale of 'underemployed' Scots Ronnie and Will, who live in the majestic city of Edinburgh. Tired of having no money and tempted by the untapped wealth of the international tourists who swarm through their city, Ronnie and Will hatch a plot to achieve fame and fortune.” “Guns are for LASSIES! Nobody seems to put the BOOT in any more!” You can find this and all our previous episodes at: Amazon Music Apple Podcasts Libsyn Player FM Podtail Owltail ListenNotes Follow us on Twitter @rbritanniapod Join us over at our Facebook Group ….we’d love to chat with you email: reelbritannia@gmail.com #britmovie #reelbritannia #podcast #movie #bigcountry #scotmovie Thanks for listening Scott and Steven

Welcome to Reel Britannia-a very British podcast about very British movies ...with just a hint of professionalism. The second feature in our British horror movie double bill this weekend – the classic ‘Dead Of Night’ (1945) Architect Walter Craig, seeking the possibility of some work at a country farmhouse, soon finds himself once again stuck in his recurring nightmare. Dreading the end of the dream that he knows is coming, he must first listen to all the assembled guests’ own bizarre tales. “Just room for one inside, sir.” You can find this and all our previous episodes at: Amazon Music Apple Podcasts Libsyn Player FM Podtail Owltail ListenNotes Follow us on Twitter @rbritanniapod Join us over at our Facebook Group ….we’d love to chat with you email: reelbritannia@gmail.com #halloween #britmovie #reelbritannia #deadofnight Thanks for listening Scott, Steven and Anthony

Welcome to Reel Britannia-a very British podcast about very British movies ...with just a hint of professionalism. The first of two classic British horror movies for you this Halloween weekend and the second in our Hammer Horror retrospective Join Scott, Steven and Mark as they chat about ‘X The Unknown’ from 1956. With a script by Jimmy Sangster, a score by James Bernard and a cast featuring Dean Jagger, Edward Chapman, Leo McKern and Anthony Newley, it is a genuine classic from the early days of Hammer horror. British commandos on manoeuvres become ill with mysterious symptoms and horrific burns. Dr. Adam Royston (Dean Jagger), an atomic scientist from a nearby research station, suspects lethal radiation ... but is mystified by the cause. At a nearby hospital, the phenomenon reappears and engulfs more innocent people, including a hospital orderly whose skin melts away from his body! Dr. Royston speculates that the unknown is on a quest to absorb radiation and expand in size and range as it claims more and

Welcome to Reel Britannia-a very British podcast about very British movies ...with just a hint of professionalism. This week, Scott and Steven and Tony continue their tribute to the legendary Sean Connery with, of course, a Bond film. Join us we chat about painted ladies, pernicious headwear and Pussy Galore in Goldfinger (1964) James Bond (Sir Sean Connery) is back and his next mission takes him to Fort Knox, where Auric Goldfinger (Gert Fröbe) and his henchman are planning to raid Fort Knox and obliterate the world economy. To save the world once again, Bond will need to become friends with Goldfinger, dodge killer hats, and avoid Goldfinger's personal pilot, the sexy Pussy Galore (Honor Blackman). She might not have feelings for Bond, but will 007 help her change her mind? “My dear girl, there are some things that just aren't done, such as drinking Dom Perignon '53 above the temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit. That's just as bad as listening to the Beatles without earmuffs!” You can find this and all ou

Welcome to Reel Britannia-a very British podcast about very British movies ...with just a hint of professionalism. This week, Scott, Steven and Tony take a look at the big screen adventures of this country’s finest troop of wartime warriors Join us we chat about Dad’s Army, The Movie from 1971 starring Arthur Lowe, John le Mesurier and the cast one of the greatest ever UK TV sitcoms in their finest hour. When World War Two breaks out, the small seaside town of Walmington-on-Sea finds itself less than ably defended by the elderly and inept members of Captain Mainwaring's home guard unit. Put on manoeuvres by a visiting Major-General, Mainwaring's men manage to bungle one task after another. However, when a group of Germans from a scout plane take the Mayor hostage at the church hall, the clueless soldiers might still have a chance of saving the day! “We're the Local Defence Volunteers, and I'm their appointed commander, Captain Mainwaring, and I must ask you to keep your hands off my privates!” You can find t

Welcome to Reel Britannia-a very British podcast about very British movies ...with just a hint of professionalism. At last, with our 100th episode celebrations out the way, Scott and Steven are joined once again by Mark from The Good The Bad and the Odd podcast, and author of ‘Quatermass In Television And Movies’, for the first movie in our long awaited Hammer horror retrospective. Join us we take a look at The Quatermass Xperiment (1955) starring Brian Donlevy, and featuring Lionel Jeffries, Jack Warner, Thora Hird and Sam Kydd. In the countryside of London, a rocket crashes on a farm and Professor Bernard Quatermass and Scotland Yard Inspector Lomax arrive in the spot. The rocket was launched by Prof. Quatermass with the astronauts Victor Carroon, Greene and Reichebheim; however only Carroon is found very sick in the cabin. He is transported to a private clinic to stay under observation despite the protests of his wife Mrs. Judith Carroon. She bribes a nurse to bring Carroon to her and she finds that he is

Welcome to Reel Britannia-a very British podcast about very British movies ...with just a hint of professionalism. A very special episode this week as we celebrate our 4th birthday as well as our 100th episode. Joining us is our good friend Anthony from the Glass Onion: On John Lennon podcast to chat about one of the greatest British movies of all time Join us we take a look at The Third Man (1949) starring Joseph Cotton, Trevor Howard and Orson Welles Pulp novelist Holly Martins travels to shadowy, postwar Vienna, only to find himself investigating the mysterious death of an old friend, black-market opportunist Harry Lime—and thus begins this legendary tale of love, deception, and murder. Thanks to brilliant performances by Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, and Orson Welles; Anton Karas's evocative zither score; Graham Greene’s razor-sharp dialogue; and Robert Krasker’s dramatic use of light and shadow, The Third Man, directed by the inimitable Carol Reed, only grows in stature as the years pass. “Don't be so glo

Welcome to Reel Britannia-a very British podcast about very British movies ...with just a hint of professionalism. In the latest episode, Scott and Steven review the third in our season of movies starring one of nation’s favourite and best loved entertainers. Join us we take a look at Man of the Moment from 1955 starring Norman Wisdom A lowly filing clerk in a Whitehall ministry, Norman, finds himself propelled to head of the office when both of his superiors are away, one ill and one on leave. Meanwhile, developments around the Pacific have put Tawaki - a small, independent island nation - at the centre of world affairs: its unique geology makes one of its outlying islands the perfect location for a world power to establish a new strategic outpost. Many have been making representations to the island's Queen, but so far she has yet to make a decision. Hoping to impress the British case upon her, the ministry dispatches a delegation to an international conference in Geneva - and they are in need of a filing c

Welcome to Reel Britannia-a very British podcast about very British movies ...with just a hint of professionalism. In the latest episode, Scott and Steven review the debut feature from British director, Steve McQueen – a compelling and unforgettable portrayal of life within The Maze prison at the time of the 1981 hunger strike. Join us we take a look at Michael Fassbender as Bobby Sands in Hunger (2008) “Focusing on the 1981 hunger strikes by Republican prisoners in Northern Ireland. Bobby Sands is one of a group of prisoners who first “took to the blanket” with a “dirty protest” in pursuit of their claims for recognition as political prisoners. Sands then became the first one of the group to embark on a hunger strike that was to end in his death.” “I'm clear of the reasons Dom. I'm clear of all the repercussions. I will act and I will not stand by and do nothing.” You can find this and all our previous episodes at: Apple Podcasts Libsyn Player FM Podtail Owltail ListenNotes Follow us on Twitter @rbritanniap

Welcome to Reel Britannia-a very British podcast about very British movies ...with just a hint of professionalism. In the latest episode, Scott and Steven are joined by Booze from the Sweet Feathery Jesus podcast to chat about bald heads, bathtubs, and beans. Join us we take a look at Mick Jagger and James Fox in Performance (1970) “After killing a rival in self-defence, hoodlum Chas (James Fox) must flee both from the law and from his boss, Harry Flowers. He eventually moves into a house owned by Turner (Mick Jagger), a former rock star who lives with female companions Pherber (Anita Pallenberg) and Lucy (Michele Breton). Chas and Turner initially clash, but Turner becomes fascinated with Chas' life as a criminal. Through drugs and a series of psychological battles with Turner, Chas emerges a different man.” “You're a comical little geezer. You'll look funny when you're fifty.” You can find this and all our previous episodes at: Apple Podcasts Libsyn Player FM Podtail Owltail ListenNotes Follow us on Twi

Welcome to Reel Britannia-a very British podcast about very British movies ...with just a hint of professionalism. In the latest episode, Scott and Steven are joined once again by Mark from The Good The Bad and the Odd podcast for a tale featuring interplanetary peril, petrified forests and Peter Cushing Join us we take a look at Doctor Who and the Daleks (1965) “When Dr. Who shows his time machine TARDIS to the clumsy Ian, who is boyfriend of his granddaughter Barbara, he accidentally transport them and Dr. Who's granddaughter Susan to somewhere in space and time. They explore the spot and see a city; Dr. Who fakes a leak in the fluid and they go to the city to seek mercury to refill the component. They are captured by the Daleks and soon they learn that a war between Daleks and Thals has destroyed the planet. Further they are exposed to radiation and only the Thals have the antidote. The Daleks send Susan to find the cure and she meets the Thal Alydon that has the antidote and wants to negotiate with the D

Welcome to Reel Britannia-a very British podcast about very British movies ...with just a hint of professionalism. In the latest episode, Scott is joined by Steven to chat about a movie featuring fading communities, Thatcher and flugelhorns. Join us we take a look at Brassed Off (1996) “In existence for a hundred years, Grimley Colliery Brass band is as old as the mine. But the miners are now deciding whether to fight to keep the pit open, and the future for town and band looks bleak. Although the arrival of flugelhorn player Gloria injects some life into the players, and bandleader Danny continues to exhort them to continue in the national competition, frictions and pressures are all too evident. And whose side is Gloria actually on?” “The truth is, I thought it mattered - I thought that music mattered. But does it bollocks? Not compared to how people matter.” You can find this and all our previous episodes at: Apple Podcasts Libsyn Player FM Podtail Owltail ListenNotes Follow us on Twitter @rbritanniapod J