The comedian plays a teacher who takes a job at a Nazi-sympathising Bexhill school on the cusp of the second world war
Eddie Izzard, comedy genius and heroic campaigner for the European cause, is bizarrely miscast in a deadpan-serious acting role for this weird, strained, second world war spy melodrama inspired by a stranger-than-fiction true story. The transgender star switches back here to what Izzard has playfully called “boy mode” for a boy’s-own-story in the style of John Buchan or Erskine Childers, or maybe one of Michael Palin’s Ripping Yarns, though with the jokes and comic self-awareness systematically removed. It’s a muddled, unrelaxed tale from Izzard as co-writer and co-producer, whose dramatic gears keep slipping, and which is never entirely sure where our sympathies should lie.
Related: Eddie Izzard: 'I'm just trying to create a space for myself'...
Eddie Izzard, comedy genius and heroic campaigner for the European cause, is bizarrely miscast in a deadpan-serious acting role for this weird, strained, second world war spy melodrama inspired by a stranger-than-fiction true story. The transgender star switches back here to what Izzard has playfully called “boy mode” for a boy’s-own-story in the style of John Buchan or Erskine Childers, or maybe one of Michael Palin’s Ripping Yarns, though with the jokes and comic self-awareness systematically removed. It’s a muddled, unrelaxed tale from Izzard as co-writer and co-producer, whose dramatic gears keep slipping, and which is never entirely sure where our sympathies should lie.
Related: Eddie Izzard: 'I'm just trying to create a space for myself'...
- 3/25/2021
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Tony Sokol Jan 22, 2020
Monty Python creator, writer and director Terry Jones threw away punchlines to refresh comedy.
Screenwriter, director, and author Terry Jones, a founding member of Monty Python, died at the age of 77, according to Variety. He had been suffering from frontotemporal dementia, which his son Bill revealed publicly in September 2016. The disease left the comedian unable to speak.
"Over the past few days his wife, children, extended family and many close friends have been constantly with Terry as he gently slipped away at his home in North London," Jones' family said in a statement. "We have all lost a kind, funny, warm, creative and truly loving man whose uncompromising individuality, relentless intellect and extraordinary humour has given pleasure to countless millions across six decades."
Terence Graham Parry Jones was born in North Wales on Feb. 1, 1942. He met his long-term collaborator Michael Palin while studying English at Oxford University.
Monty Python creator, writer and director Terry Jones threw away punchlines to refresh comedy.
Screenwriter, director, and author Terry Jones, a founding member of Monty Python, died at the age of 77, according to Variety. He had been suffering from frontotemporal dementia, which his son Bill revealed publicly in September 2016. The disease left the comedian unable to speak.
"Over the past few days his wife, children, extended family and many close friends have been constantly with Terry as he gently slipped away at his home in North London," Jones' family said in a statement. "We have all lost a kind, funny, warm, creative and truly loving man whose uncompromising individuality, relentless intellect and extraordinary humour has given pleasure to countless millions across six decades."
Terence Graham Parry Jones was born in North Wales on Feb. 1, 1942. He met his long-term collaborator Michael Palin while studying English at Oxford University.
- 1/22/2020
- Den of Geek
Terry Jones, one of the core members of Monty Python and director of three of the comedy troupe’s films, died Tuesday after a battle with a rare form of dementia, Ftd, the BBC reports. He was 77.
Jones’ agent confirmed his death, while his family also issued a statement. “We have all lost a kind, funny, warm, creative, and truly loving man whose uncompromising individuality, relentless intellect, and extraordinary humor has given pleasure to countless millions across six decades,” they said. “His work with Monty Python, his books, films, television programs,...
Jones’ agent confirmed his death, while his family also issued a statement. “We have all lost a kind, funny, warm, creative, and truly loving man whose uncompromising individuality, relentless intellect, and extraordinary humor has given pleasure to countless millions across six decades,” they said. “His work with Monty Python, his books, films, television programs,...
- 1/22/2020
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
After directing the Python films and creating such characters as the Virgin Mandy and the monstrous Mr Creosote, he went on to make Personal Services and The Wind in the Willows
• Terry Jones dies aged 77
• Jones’s legacy – a life in pictures
Terry Jones, who has died at the age of 77, was the Python with a sweetly open, guileless face and a rich voice that he often tortured into a high-pitched, strangulated warbling for his many “Hello, Mrs Smoker” drag roles. He was also the Python credited for inspiring the team’s consistent surrealist denial of conventional structure. It was Jones who took on the directing role for the Monty Python movies: sharing the credit with Terry Gilliam for Monty Python and the Holy Grail in 1975, but taking the helm on his own for their masterpiece, Monty Python’s Life of Brian, in 1979, and the rather more patchy Monty Python’s...
• Terry Jones dies aged 77
• Jones’s legacy – a life in pictures
Terry Jones, who has died at the age of 77, was the Python with a sweetly open, guileless face and a rich voice that he often tortured into a high-pitched, strangulated warbling for his many “Hello, Mrs Smoker” drag roles. He was also the Python credited for inspiring the team’s consistent surrealist denial of conventional structure. It was Jones who took on the directing role for the Monty Python movies: sharing the credit with Terry Gilliam for Monty Python and the Holy Grail in 1975, but taking the helm on his own for their masterpiece, Monty Python’s Life of Brian, in 1979, and the rather more patchy Monty Python’s...
- 1/22/2020
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Michael Palin will exec-produce series of radio specials containing never-before-released audio from Monty Python as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations for the iconic comedy troupe. They will play on the BBC in the U.K. and then go out in the U.S.
Palin and his fellow Pythons – John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and the late Graham Chapman – will have their film, TV and radio work showcased to celebrate their group hitting the half-century mark. BBC Radio will premiere five specials, produced by Palin, in September. They will then go out on Sirius Xm in the U.S.
“Join Michael to find out what John’s mother thought about her care home, the extra unpleasant things that were planned for Eric’s Brave Sir Robin, what exactly Terry Jones is so worried about, and why the infamous Fat Ignorant Bastards have never been more relevant to the world today,...
Palin and his fellow Pythons – John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and the late Graham Chapman – will have their film, TV and radio work showcased to celebrate their group hitting the half-century mark. BBC Radio will premiere five specials, produced by Palin, in September. They will then go out on Sirius Xm in the U.S.
“Join Michael to find out what John’s mother thought about her care home, the extra unpleasant things that were planned for Eric’s Brave Sir Robin, what exactly Terry Jones is so worried about, and why the infamous Fat Ignorant Bastards have never been more relevant to the world today,...
- 6/26/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Michael Palin Cbe has achieved that rare feat of being not only a man of multiple trades - actor, comedian, writer, presenter and political campaigner - but a master of them all.
Best known for being one sixth of iconic comedy group Monty Python, Palin has carved a hugely successful and varied career in showbusiness.
His achievements range from winning the BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor in 1989 for his role in A Fish Called Wanda, to travelling across the world in 80 days, to reuniting with his fellow Pythons for a hugely anticipated series of live Monty Python shows last year.
In the name of getting to know one of Britain's most famous men a little better, we headed to BAFTA HQ on Tuesday night (March 17) for the latest in BAFTA's live strand A Life in Television. Host David Walliams certainly extracted a host of fascinating facts about Palin's life (and...
Best known for being one sixth of iconic comedy group Monty Python, Palin has carved a hugely successful and varied career in showbusiness.
His achievements range from winning the BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor in 1989 for his role in A Fish Called Wanda, to travelling across the world in 80 days, to reuniting with his fellow Pythons for a hugely anticipated series of live Monty Python shows last year.
In the name of getting to know one of Britain's most famous men a little better, we headed to BAFTA HQ on Tuesday night (March 17) for the latest in BAFTA's live strand A Life in Television. Host David Walliams certainly extracted a host of fascinating facts about Palin's life (and...
- 3/19/2015
- Digital Spy
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) are to host a special evening dedicated to Michael Palin.
The Monty Python star will discuss his career at the 'Life in Television' event at BAFTA headquarters in London on Tuesday, March 17.
Palin will speak about his five-decade career, including projects on TV, film and stage and as a writer, performer and presenter.
Andrew Newman, Chair of the BAFTA Television Committee, said: "From Monty Python to Ripping Yarns to GBH to Around the World in 80 Days and beyond, Michael Palin has been a comedian, a writer, an actor and a factual presenter and has excelled at every one of them.
"We're excited to celebrate his remarkable career at this second event in our new 'BAFTA A Life in Television' strand. 'BAFTA A Life in Television' offers the chance to hear directly from unique talents and explore what makes them so special to British television.
The Monty Python star will discuss his career at the 'Life in Television' event at BAFTA headquarters in London on Tuesday, March 17.
Palin will speak about his five-decade career, including projects on TV, film and stage and as a writer, performer and presenter.
Andrew Newman, Chair of the BAFTA Television Committee, said: "From Monty Python to Ripping Yarns to GBH to Around the World in 80 Days and beyond, Michael Palin has been a comedian, a writer, an actor and a factual presenter and has excelled at every one of them.
"We're excited to celebrate his remarkable career at this second event in our new 'BAFTA A Life in Television' strand. 'BAFTA A Life in Television' offers the chance to hear directly from unique talents and explore what makes them so special to British television.
- 1/27/2015
- Digital Spy
Ian Ogilvy in his latest film, "We Still Kill the Old Way", now available on Blu-ray and DVD.
Ian Ogilvy: Saints, Sorcerers and Secret Agents
Cinema Retro's Mark Mawston recently caught up with the legendary Ian Ogilvy to discuss projects past and present.
Mark Mawston: Ian, your film career began in the mid 60’s with The She Beast, directed by Michael Reeves. You had a great relationship with him. How did that come about?
Ian Ogilvy: Well, when we were 15 years old we made a couple of amateur movies together after we were introduced by a mutual friend and we became great friends. I used to stay at his mother’s house with him in Norfolk and over two years we made these two little amateur movies. I then lost contact with him as I went off and did different things like attending drama school and he went...
Ian Ogilvy: Saints, Sorcerers and Secret Agents
Cinema Retro's Mark Mawston recently caught up with the legendary Ian Ogilvy to discuss projects past and present.
Mark Mawston: Ian, your film career began in the mid 60’s with The She Beast, directed by Michael Reeves. You had a great relationship with him. How did that come about?
Ian Ogilvy: Well, when we were 15 years old we made a couple of amateur movies together after we were introduced by a mutual friend and we became great friends. I used to stay at his mother’s house with him in Norfolk and over two years we made these two little amateur movies. I then lost contact with him as I went off and did different things like attending drama school and he went...
- 1/15/2015
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Surviving members of Flying Circus prove they are no dead parrots by announcing show at Playhouse Theatre in London
The parrot was, we were assured, no more. It was definitely an ex-parrot. But there is a glimmer of hope that it could fly again, after fans greeted the news that the full remaining Monty Python crew were set to re-form with dazed delight.
Monty Python fans from Buenos Aires to Bacup have reacted with joy after hearing that the five surviving members of the Flying Circus – John Cleese, 74, Terry Gilliam, 72, Terry Jones, 71, Eric Idle, 70, and Michael Palin, 70 – are set to re-form for a stage show, the details of which are due to be revealed on Thursday.
"Monty Python is set to be a flying circus all over again", John Cleese posted on Twitter, confirming the news that fans have been yearning for for more than a quarter of a century.
The parrot was, we were assured, no more. It was definitely an ex-parrot. But there is a glimmer of hope that it could fly again, after fans greeted the news that the full remaining Monty Python crew were set to re-form with dazed delight.
Monty Python fans from Buenos Aires to Bacup have reacted with joy after hearing that the five surviving members of the Flying Circus – John Cleese, 74, Terry Gilliam, 72, Terry Jones, 71, Eric Idle, 70, and Michael Palin, 70 – are set to re-form for a stage show, the details of which are due to be revealed on Thursday.
"Monty Python is set to be a flying circus all over again", John Cleese posted on Twitter, confirming the news that fans have been yearning for for more than a quarter of a century.
- 11/20/2013
- by Alexandra Topping, Maev Kennedy
- The Guardian - Film News
Game Of Thrones
This show is often called fantasy for people who don't like fantasy. That isn't quite right, as it suggests that it somehow waters down the fantasy elements – if anything it amps them up.
Put simply however, it's just great TV. It comes with the HBO stamp of quality, which generally means the people who make the show are given enough time and resources to do a decent job, then left alone to get on with it. Sounds simple, and indeed it is. Set in the seven mythical kingdoms of Westeros, the epic tale concerns a struggle for the throne by several families and factions. Go any more in depth and we'll soon be lost in muddle of strange names and places, and there isn't room here to give the intricacies and details any justice. But there is on weekly television, where the tale is stretched over 10 episodes...
This show is often called fantasy for people who don't like fantasy. That isn't quite right, as it suggests that it somehow waters down the fantasy elements – if anything it amps them up.
Put simply however, it's just great TV. It comes with the HBO stamp of quality, which generally means the people who make the show are given enough time and resources to do a decent job, then left alone to get on with it. Sounds simple, and indeed it is. Set in the seven mythical kingdoms of Westeros, the epic tale concerns a struggle for the throne by several families and factions. Go any more in depth and we'll soon be lost in muddle of strange names and places, and there isn't room here to give the intricacies and details any justice. But there is on weekly television, where the tale is stretched over 10 episodes...
- 3/3/2012
- by Phelim O'Neill
- The Guardian - Film News
Really, what's not to like about reissued rustic village shoot-'em-up, Went The Day Well?
Playing like some stiff-upper-lip, second world war, homefront version of John Milius's Red Dawn, it should delight us that Alberto Cavalcanti's Went The Day Well? is back in circulation once again. In its casting and its subversive storytelling, its 1942 setting offers a parallel universe wherein not only are the Nazis invading Britain and coldly massacring the Home Guard, but postwar TV battleaxes such as Thora Hird and Patricia Hayes are caught in cinematic amber as plucky young Land Girls vigorously sticking it to the filthy Boche (with axes, bayonets, rifles and household pepper). And the goose-stepping enemy are played by quintessentially English postwar actors, including Powell and Pressburger's phallocratic fave David Farrar and perpetual Pow Co James Donald, plus Alexander Korda's very own imperialist hero, Leslie Banks, as the head Nazi collaborator and local squire.
Playing like some stiff-upper-lip, second world war, homefront version of John Milius's Red Dawn, it should delight us that Alberto Cavalcanti's Went The Day Well? is back in circulation once again. In its casting and its subversive storytelling, its 1942 setting offers a parallel universe wherein not only are the Nazis invading Britain and coldly massacring the Home Guard, but postwar TV battleaxes such as Thora Hird and Patricia Hayes are caught in cinematic amber as plucky young Land Girls vigorously sticking it to the filthy Boche (with axes, bayonets, rifles and household pepper). And the goose-stepping enemy are played by quintessentially English postwar actors, including Powell and Pressburger's phallocratic fave David Farrar and perpetual Pow Co James Donald, plus Alexander Korda's very own imperialist hero, Leslie Banks, as the head Nazi collaborator and local squire.
- 7/3/2010
- by John Patterson
- The Guardian - Film News
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