A compelling portrait of a man who can never escape his past.
‘The Tourist’ meets ‘Summertime’
One way of watching The Tourist is to think of it as being inspired by David Lean’s understated film Summertime. But not literally. Obviously.
Riding London’s cobbled streets
A bike ride that joins together London’s cobbled streets throws up unusual perspectives on the city.
We’re going to live for ever, maybe
Fame lives and dies on a handful of big songs. But it captures a moment when New York’s fortunes were turning up.
Whooping it up for the boys
Apollo 13: so wasteful, so frugal, so male.
The Rhapsody in Blue problem
Rhapsody in Blue was an immediate commercial and critical success when it was first played in 1924. But it’s caused problems for black music, and black musicians, ever since.
Putting on the style
Top Hat was Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers’ most successful film together. The dance sequences are outstanding, and it never takes itself too seriously.
Farewell my lovely, from page to screen
Chandler’s novel is vague about the plot. Scriptwriters have to work hard to make the story work on screen.
Looking for America
Elton John would have done OK anyway. But the secret of his global success is that he took Americana back to America.
Angels on earth
The Bishop’s Wife is a fine Christmas film that deserves to be better known. It’s enough to make you believe in angels.