Appreciating cinema and television as characterized and cherished by Renny Manne, host and author of this weekly program. Screen Gems is all about the wonder of narrative film and television, whether drama or comedy, tragedy or musical. It will not present ‘reviews’ as such, but will present ‘appreciations’ of the 20th Century’s most distinctive and influential collaborative art form – whether that Art was produced for a 72 foot ‘silver screen’ at the Bijou, or a 12 inch black and white 56 Philco.
Although a new movie of the series is in release, one must go back to the original BBC television series from 1981 to get close to the original work. This TV version starred Simon Jones as Arthur Dent, the actor the role was written for and Peter Jones as The Narrator, the actor who made the role. This is where it began ...and this is still where it lives. So take a journey to visit the original TV series of The Hitchhikers Guide To The galaxy.
With the release of the remake this month, it's only fitting that we go back and appreciate the classic that spawned it. The original film not only stands the test of time but is also a marvelous bridge from the Hollywood of old to the 'new' Hollywood. But most importantly it gives us another opportunity to marvel at the brilliance of Tracy and Hepburn at work ... and perhaps play. We'll never see the likes of them again.
In my opinion, this is the best Sci Fi series ever produced - which is especially interesting as this show was cancelled before the end of its first season on Fox TV, but still heading to the big screen later this year. A fitting testament to a Joss Whedon classic. This is Part Two of the program, focusing on the people and characters in front of the camera and behind the scenes.
In my opinion, this is the best Sci Fi series ever produced - which is especially interesting as this show was cancelled before the end of its first season on Fox TV, but still heading to the big screen later this year. A fitting testament to a Joss Whedon classic. This is Part One of the program, focusing on the series and the background to it's production.
Being one of the best films of the year, it was very disappointing that Spiderman 2 wasn't even nominated for any major academy awards ... Well, we can still appreciate how good it is.
Woody Allen continues to release a film every year, it's an output that hasn't been seen since the demise of the Hollywood Factory of the mid 20th century. To celebrate his new release later this month, we revisit one of his best films since the Annie Hall and Manhattan double duo.