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Reviews
Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky (2005)
A Masterpiece!
There isn't enough space here to write enough about how great this 'series' was (is). I've rated it as a 10 because it is simply faultless. The only time I've seen any TV quite this good is in some of Poliakoff's films...and, like them, don't be fooled by the slow pace of 20,000...for within these 3 episodes you will have time to get to know the characters and see how complex the stories that weave them all together are. Above all...way above all, is Sally Hawkins whose acting is off the scale. Her character's stories of love are absolutely wonderful and many of us who have been in similar situations will see how brilliant her acting, the script, the whole production are. Watch out for one scene in particular when she has a letter read out to her...watch her facial microexpressions closely and you will see acting at its very best...not even a word is spoken. If you don't like slow paced productions then you may not like this, but if you like fine acting and stories of characters and how they relate to one another, then you will find this one of the finest productions ever made.
Night Comes Too Soon (1948)
Hokey, but compelling
This film is hokey beyond belief. The action is so stilted and there are so many pregnant pauses. The leads seem to be acting like they are in a public information film. Valentine Dyall is always a great presence to watch, but in this film he is so limited by the awful direction. The film, as others have said, look waaaaay older than it actually is...it looks more like a very early 30s film and the soundtrack (which is inappropriate at times) sometimes sounds like it's from a Laurel & Hardy short. That said, there are some superb filmic ideas, and for all they are 'low budget' I thought they were really quite eerie. Someone could take this film now and create something as good as 'The Others'...but considering that won't happen, we are left with an odd but strangely compelling film.
Crown Court: Persimmons and Dishwashers: Part One (1973)
With menaces....and black comedy!
As is usual for the series, this is another great story, but is made all the better by a truly delightful script. There are some really funny moments...but don't worry, nothing so silly as to make a mockery of the programme per se, but a script that simply drops in one or two wonderful splutter moments just for the sake of it. The story also explains just how some protection rackets work...and the title of the story just helps to make this even funnier. All of this topped off by a wonderful performance from the brilliant Harry Fowler who plays a criminal who has turned to Christianity...or has he?!