No one to see the chequered flag
figures released have shown have shown viewership for the Formula One World Championship has decreased by 8.6 million viewers. Some have blamed this on it being the first year in which all but one race (the British Grand Prix) is shown live on the Sky subscription service. One aspect that kept the fall in viewership being not as steep was the fact that British driver Lewis Hamilton won the title for the third year in a row.
Tuesday, 31 December 2019
Monday, 30 December 2019
Not his words
Tonight Channel 5 is showing a documentary called Peter Kay in His Own Words. However the comedian has tweeted that he has no part in the programme. Kay in 2018 cancelled an UK tour for personal reason and since then he has kept out of the public eye. The Programme tonight is made up of old interviews.
Tonight Channel 5 is showing a documentary called Peter Kay in His Own Words. However the comedian has tweeted that he has no part in the programme. Kay in 2018 cancelled an UK tour for personal reason and since then he has kept out of the public eye. The Programme tonight is made up of old interviews.
Sunday, 29 December 2019
Christine being grilled
Tonight on BBC 1 sees the start of an drama The Trial of Christine Keeler. It tells the true story of Christine Keeler whose affair with high ranking government minister John Profumo would cause a national crisis. The events had also formed the basis for the 1989 film Scandal starring Joanne Whalley as Keeler, Ian McKellan as Profumo and John Hurt as Keeler's friend Stephen Ward. To promote the film Hurt and Keeler herself went onto the Wogan chat show which as Terry Wogan was away at the time was being presented by Sue Lawley. In a rather combative interview Lawley asks very personal questions of Keeler who seems rather awkward answering them.
You can see the interview on Youtube
Tonight on BBC 1 sees the start of an drama The Trial of Christine Keeler. It tells the true story of Christine Keeler whose affair with high ranking government minister John Profumo would cause a national crisis. The events had also formed the basis for the 1989 film Scandal starring Joanne Whalley as Keeler, Ian McKellan as Profumo and John Hurt as Keeler's friend Stephen Ward. To promote the film Hurt and Keeler herself went onto the Wogan chat show which as Terry Wogan was away at the time was being presented by Sue Lawley. In a rather combative interview Lawley asks very personal questions of Keeler who seems rather awkward answering them.
You can see the interview on Youtube
Saturday, 28 December 2019
No chance of a meow
It has been reported that Universal Pictures will not be mounting an Oscar campaign for Cats. The film version of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical has had an rocky with both public and critics. It's fate probably started when the teaser trailer was greeted with horror due to it's use of CGI over practical customers to turn actors in felines. Despite having as it's director Tom Hopper who directed the Oscar winning The King's Speech and a cast that includes Judi Dench, Ian McKellan and Taylor Swift, Cats will go down as one of the most notorious cinematic failures of recent years.
It has been reported that Universal Pictures will not be mounting an Oscar campaign for Cats. The film version of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical has had an rocky with both public and critics. It's fate probably started when the teaser trailer was greeted with horror due to it's use of CGI over practical customers to turn actors in felines. Despite having as it's director Tom Hopper who directed the Oscar winning The King's Speech and a cast that includes Judi Dench, Ian McKellan and Taylor Swift, Cats will go down as one of the most notorious cinematic failures of recent years.
Friday, 27 December 2019
Thursday, 26 December 2019
Monday, 23 December 2019
TV ratings 22-12-2019
The new radical take on A Christmas Carol was watched by 4.7m viewers. This new version has caused a fuss by including swear words. Earlier the final episode of the first series of His Dark Materials was seen by 4.1m. A second series has been commissioned so unlike the attempt to turn Philip Pullman's novels into a blockbuster franchise the TV series has cleared the first hurdle.
The new radical take on A Christmas Carol was watched by 4.7m viewers. This new version has caused a fuss by including swear words. Earlier the final episode of the first series of His Dark Materials was seen by 4.1m. A second series has been commissioned so unlike the attempt to turn Philip Pullman's novels into a blockbuster franchise the TV series has cleared the first hurdle.
Sunday, 22 December 2019
Saturday, 21 December 2019
We Xmas No 1 and no one cares
LadBaby are celebrating their second Xmas No 1running with I Love Sausage Rolls but when once this might have generated headlines the public will just shrugged it off. Once the battle to claim the top spot garnered massive public for example for those watching the Top of the Pops repeats from 1988 on BBC 4 Cliff Richard's Mistletoe and Wine beat out Especially For You by Jason Donovan and Kylie Minouge which caused headlines to be written. However nowadays the result of the year's contest will barely warrant a mention. So what happened? There are 2 main reasons for this. The first can be laid at the foot of Simon Cowell and his discoveries from X-Factor. Between 2005-14 7 of the Xmas No 1s were by X-Factor winners thus giving a predictability that drove off any interest. The second reason is the decline of physical methods to listen to music. The past few years have seen the growth of the likes I-Tunes and Spotify at the expense of more physical means like CDs and tapes though vinyl once thought to be dead has enjoyed a minor comeback. The idea of people rushing to shops to buy singles is pretty much gone. Weather interest in the race ever comes back is anyone guess.
LadBaby are celebrating their second Xmas No 1running with I Love Sausage Rolls but when once this might have generated headlines the public will just shrugged it off. Once the battle to claim the top spot garnered massive public for example for those watching the Top of the Pops repeats from 1988 on BBC 4 Cliff Richard's Mistletoe and Wine beat out Especially For You by Jason Donovan and Kylie Minouge which caused headlines to be written. However nowadays the result of the year's contest will barely warrant a mention. So what happened? There are 2 main reasons for this. The first can be laid at the foot of Simon Cowell and his discoveries from X-Factor. Between 2005-14 7 of the Xmas No 1s were by X-Factor winners thus giving a predictability that drove off any interest. The second reason is the decline of physical methods to listen to music. The past few years have seen the growth of the likes I-Tunes and Spotify at the expense of more physical means like CDs and tapes though vinyl once thought to be dead has enjoyed a minor comeback. The idea of people rushing to shops to buy singles is pretty much gone. Weather interest in the race ever comes back is anyone guess.
Friday, 20 December 2019
DVD commentary to listen to part 4
John Cleese's commentary on the Fawlty episode The Psychiatrist offers us some interesting facts and thoughts. Cleese had his friend Nicky Henson (whose death was announced this week) play the role of a Lothario who Basil id obnoxious to beuse he feared that some who did not know him would take offence. The scene where Sybil lists her mothers large number of phobias was inspired by Cleese's own mother. Cleese expresses his admiration for the actor playing the titular character as due to an injury he had suffered before the episode went into production had to work through great pain. Cleese also admits to taking a fancy to 3 female guest stars. Worth a listen to hear the thoughts of a comic genius.
John Cleese's commentary on the Fawlty episode The Psychiatrist offers us some interesting facts and thoughts. Cleese had his friend Nicky Henson (whose death was announced this week) play the role of a Lothario who Basil id obnoxious to beuse he feared that some who did not know him would take offence. The scene where Sybil lists her mothers large number of phobias was inspired by Cleese's own mother. Cleese expresses his admiration for the actor playing the titular character as due to an injury he had suffered before the episode went into production had to work through great pain. Cleese also admits to taking a fancy to 3 female guest stars. Worth a listen to hear the thoughts of a comic genius.
Thursday, 19 December 2019
Am I fired or not?
ITV have moved to deny reports that I has axed Jonathan Ross's Saturday night chat show. Ross moved to ITV he was infamously sacked by the BBC after a prank phone call he and Russell Brand pulled on Andrew Sachs provoking an outcry with Brand claiming to have had sex with Sachs granddaughter. ITV have said the show will return.
ITV have moved to deny reports that I has axed Jonathan Ross's Saturday night chat show. Ross moved to ITV he was infamously sacked by the BBC after a prank phone call he and Russell Brand pulled on Andrew Sachs provoking an outcry with Brand claiming to have had sex with Sachs granddaughter. ITV have said the show will return.
Wednesday, 18 December 2019
Flight of equality
At the PDC World Darts Championship when Fallon Sherock beat Ted Everts in the first round making her first Woman to win a match at the event. 2 places are set aside for Female players at 96 competitor strong field. The other Female player lost her first round match. Many people will be watching if Fallon goes further.
At the PDC World Darts Championship when Fallon Sherock beat Ted Everts in the first round making her first Woman to win a match at the event. 2 places are set aside for Female players at 96 competitor strong field. The other Female player lost her first round match. Many people will be watching if Fallon goes further.
Monday, 16 December 2019
TV ratings 15-12-2019
5m viewers tuned into BBC 1 to see Ben Stokes star player of England's Cricket World winning team take home the 2019 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. Whereas on ITV 1.7m viewers watched the final of X-Factor: The Bands. This contrasts with 2011 when BBC SPOTY was moved from it's traditional Sunday home in order to avoid a clash with that year's X-Factor Final. .The future of X-Factor has been much debated with it's position of ratings titan very much downgraded.
5m viewers tuned into BBC 1 to see Ben Stokes star player of England's Cricket World winning team take home the 2019 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. Whereas on ITV 1.7m viewers watched the final of X-Factor: The Bands. This contrasts with 2011 when BBC SPOTY was moved from it's traditional Sunday home in order to avoid a clash with that year's X-Factor Final. .The future of X-Factor has been much debated with it's position of ratings titan very much downgraded.
Sunday, 15 December 2019
Best of Minder
George Cole plays wheeler dealer Arthur Daley who is always in getting into some kind of trouble. First is up to boxer turned jailbird Terry McCann as played by Denis Waterman who also famously sang the theme and then Arhur's nephew Ray played by Gary Webster, Here are the ten best episodes.
1. Poetic Justice. Innit?
Arthur finds himself on jury duty much to the dismay of DS (Patrick Malahide) Chislom whose case it is. Playing 2 of Arthur's fellow jury members are Gwynth (Cassandra in Only Fools and Horses) Strong and John (EastEnders) Bardon.
2. Dead Men Do Tell Tales
Arthur and Terry find themselves looking after a dead body of a diamond smuggling mule. Guest starring Suzi Qutro as a singer (obviously) as a singer Terry is dating and Derek (Bernard in Yes Minister) Fowlds as an undertaker
3. The Last Video Show
Ian McShane plays a big time crook who has a comprising video of the policeman (Brian Blessed in a rare clean shave showing) after him. But when the video goes miss Arthur and Terry find themselves in the middle of the search for it.
4. Goodbye Sailor
Arthur ropes in Terry and Ray Winstone's Arnie into his tobacco smuggling scam. However when it means going out to sea, Arthur finds that he is missing his sea legs.
5. Rocky 8 and a half
Terry gets back into the boxing ring to face the fighter he took a dive only to be sent to prison. Arthur of course has his eye on making some money off the fight.
6. From Fulham with Love
Arthur tries to broaden his operations when a Russian cargo ship docks. However is as always the case nothing goes to plan
7. Opportunity Knocks and Bruises
Arthur takes charge of a slot machine only to find it is part of a money laundering. Ray has to deal with the crooks who want their money back.
8. Gunfight at the OK Laundrette
The shows first episode. Terry finds himself in a hostage situation and Arthur of course sees a chance to make some money off it.
9. Bring me the Head of Arthur Daley
An imprisoned crook blames Arthur for his situation and sets into motion a plan to repay the favour. However Arthur and Ray discover the crook's ire misplaced.
10. The Cruel Canal
Believing road transport to have had it's day Arthur decides to use a river. But as is always the case things do no go to plan.
George Cole plays wheeler dealer Arthur Daley who is always in getting into some kind of trouble. First is up to boxer turned jailbird Terry McCann as played by Denis Waterman who also famously sang the theme and then Arhur's nephew Ray played by Gary Webster, Here are the ten best episodes.
1. Poetic Justice. Innit?
Arthur finds himself on jury duty much to the dismay of DS (Patrick Malahide) Chislom whose case it is. Playing 2 of Arthur's fellow jury members are Gwynth (Cassandra in Only Fools and Horses) Strong and John (EastEnders) Bardon.
2. Dead Men Do Tell Tales
Arthur and Terry find themselves looking after a dead body of a diamond smuggling mule. Guest starring Suzi Qutro as a singer (obviously) as a singer Terry is dating and Derek (Bernard in Yes Minister) Fowlds as an undertaker
3. The Last Video Show
Ian McShane plays a big time crook who has a comprising video of the policeman (Brian Blessed in a rare clean shave showing) after him. But when the video goes miss Arthur and Terry find themselves in the middle of the search for it.
4. Goodbye Sailor
Arthur ropes in Terry and Ray Winstone's Arnie into his tobacco smuggling scam. However when it means going out to sea, Arthur finds that he is missing his sea legs.
5. Rocky 8 and a half
Terry gets back into the boxing ring to face the fighter he took a dive only to be sent to prison. Arthur of course has his eye on making some money off the fight.
6. From Fulham with Love
Arthur tries to broaden his operations when a Russian cargo ship docks. However is as always the case nothing goes to plan
7. Opportunity Knocks and Bruises
Arthur takes charge of a slot machine only to find it is part of a money laundering. Ray has to deal with the crooks who want their money back.
8. Gunfight at the OK Laundrette
The shows first episode. Terry finds himself in a hostage situation and Arthur of course sees a chance to make some money off it.
9. Bring me the Head of Arthur Daley
An imprisoned crook blames Arthur for his situation and sets into motion a plan to repay the favour. However Arthur and Ray discover the crook's ire misplaced.
10. The Cruel Canal
Believing road transport to have had it's day Arthur decides to use a river. But as is always the case things do no go to plan.
Thursday, 12 December 2019
Wednesday, 11 December 2019
Where is Boris?
After his non turning up for a grilling by Andrew Neill Prime Minister Boris Johnson has done for 2 more high profile interviews. First he did not do an interview for Jeremy Vine's BBC Radio 2 show. Vine pointed out that he and his predecessor in the slot Jimmy Young had interviewed many of the UK's political leaders down the decades. One exception being Theresa May who Vine says was uncomfortable with doing interviews unlike the man who would take over from as Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.. The latest no show came when Johnson was supposed to be interviewed on Good Morning Britain when he was on a tour of a food plant. However the Prime Minister did not turn with the excuse that he was in a fridge! It will be tomorrow when we get the first idea of how the votes are gone.
After his non turning up for a grilling by Andrew Neill Prime Minister Boris Johnson has done for 2 more high profile interviews. First he did not do an interview for Jeremy Vine's BBC Radio 2 show. Vine pointed out that he and his predecessor in the slot Jimmy Young had interviewed many of the UK's political leaders down the decades. One exception being Theresa May who Vine says was uncomfortable with doing interviews unlike the man who would take over from as Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.. The latest no show came when Johnson was supposed to be interviewed on Good Morning Britain when he was on a tour of a food plant. However the Prime Minister did not turn with the excuse that he was in a fridge! It will be tomorrow when we get the first idea of how the votes are gone.
Tuesday, 10 December 2019
Scrooge again
Screening on BBC 1 this Xmas is another version of A Christmas Carol.. This version starring Guy Pearce is being played as the darkest take on the Charles Dickens. Oddly this is the first time in 40 (barring Doctor Who and Blackadder specials that have taken the text as pretext for their own purposes) years!
Monday, 9 December 2019
Sunday, 8 December 2019
After the contest
In the space of a week the two biggest beauty contests are being held, Miss World and Miss Universe. over the years critics have said such events demean women however an number of contestants have gone on to greater things. Here 3 of them.
Halle Berry
Representing the USA in the 1986 Miss World contest Halle finished 6th. Halle has gone on to an impressive combing box hits like the X-Men series and James Bond film Die Another with an Oscar winning role in Monster's Ball.
Helena Christen
Before becoming one of the 1990s top super models Helena represented her native Denmark in the 1986 Miss Universe beauty contest. However she did not make the final stages of the contest.
Gal Gadot
Gal was rather surprised that she won Miss Israel and going to the 2004 Miss Universe contest. However a relaxed attitude to meant that she did not place. However Gal has had the last laugh with a high profile film including playing Wonder Woman.
In the space of a week the two biggest beauty contests are being held, Miss World and Miss Universe. over the years critics have said such events demean women however an number of contestants have gone on to greater things. Here 3 of them.
Halle Berry
Representing the USA in the 1986 Miss World contest Halle finished 6th. Halle has gone on to an impressive combing box hits like the X-Men series and James Bond film Die Another with an Oscar winning role in Monster's Ball.
Helena Christen
Before becoming one of the 1990s top super models Helena represented her native Denmark in the 1986 Miss Universe beauty contest. However she did not make the final stages of the contest.
Gal Gadot
Gal was rather surprised that she won Miss Israel and going to the 2004 Miss Universe contest. However a relaxed attitude to meant that she did not place. However Gal has had the last laugh with a high profile film including playing Wonder Woman.
Friday, 6 December 2019
Acting politics
Sunday night on BBC 1 sees the screening of an new drama Elizabeth is Missing. It marks the first TV acting role in 27 years for Glenda Jackson. For much of those years Glenda served as a MP. She is not the only actor to make the switch to the corridors of power.
Ronald Reagan
The most famous example is the star of such varied films as Bedtime for Bonzo and The Killers. Reagan first served as Governor of California between 1967-75 before becoming President of the USA in 1980. His tenure saw the end of the Cold War.
Arnold Schwarzenngger
The star of such action blockbusters as Predator, The Running Man and Total Recall would become Governor of California in 2003. Arnie signed into law a cap on greenhouse gas admissions the first in US history.
Clint Eastwood
Forever known for his playing numerous tough guys like Dirty Harry ran for mayor of his home town of Carmel. The reason being the then current mayor giving him hassle over offices he was building on property he owned. Clint won.
Sunday night on BBC 1 sees the screening of an new drama Elizabeth is Missing. It marks the first TV acting role in 27 years for Glenda Jackson. For much of those years Glenda served as a MP. She is not the only actor to make the switch to the corridors of power.
Ronald Reagan
The most famous example is the star of such varied films as Bedtime for Bonzo and The Killers. Reagan first served as Governor of California between 1967-75 before becoming President of the USA in 1980. His tenure saw the end of the Cold War.
Arnold Schwarzenngger
The star of such action blockbusters as Predator, The Running Man and Total Recall would become Governor of California in 2003. Arnie signed into law a cap on greenhouse gas admissions the first in US history.
Clint Eastwood
Forever known for his playing numerous tough guys like Dirty Harry ran for mayor of his home town of Carmel. The reason being the then current mayor giving him hassle over offices he was building on property he owned. Clint won.
Thursday, 5 December 2019
Wednesday, 4 December 2019
I don't want to win by myself
Over the years awards in different field have caused fury with their results however this year's Turner Prize for Art proved eye raising for entirely different reason. All 4 of this year's nominees together wrote a letter to the prize judges to jointly award the prize and which they did. Winners of the Turner Prize include Damien Hirst, Grayson Perry and Oscar winning film maker Steve McQueen.
Over the years awards in different field have caused fury with their results however this year's Turner Prize for Art proved eye raising for entirely different reason. All 4 of this year's nominees together wrote a letter to the prize judges to jointly award the prize and which they did. Winners of the Turner Prize include Damien Hirst, Grayson Perry and Oscar winning film maker Steve McQueen.
Tuesday, 3 December 2019
An new studio
Sky have announced plans to build an new studio facility at Elstree. The new studio would not house productions of Sky and it's owner Comcast but those of other companies. Currently Elstree houses both EastEnders and Holby City. Elstree has a long list of famous films made there such as Where Eagles Dare, Star Wars, The Shing and Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Sky have announced plans to build an new studio facility at Elstree. The new studio would not house productions of Sky and it's owner Comcast but those of other companies. Currently Elstree houses both EastEnders and Holby City. Elstree has a long list of famous films made there such as Where Eagles Dare, Star Wars, The Shing and Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Monday, 2 December 2019
Sunday, 1 December 2019
Marr bites back
If Prime Minister Boris Johnson thought ducking out of an interview with Andrew Neil would make his campaign any easily he was wrong. Appearing on Andrew Marr's Sunday AM on BBC 1. Obviously stung by the implicating that he was a softer touch than Neil, Marr went on an aggressive line of questioning even accusing Johnson of chuntering because of his constant talking. Johnson has still yet to confirm if he will be interviewed by Neill.
If Prime Minister Boris Johnson thought ducking out of an interview with Andrew Neil would make his campaign any easily he was wrong. Appearing on Andrew Marr's Sunday AM on BBC 1. Obviously stung by the implicating that he was a softer touch than Neil, Marr went on an aggressive line of questioning even accusing Johnson of chuntering because of his constant talking. Johnson has still yet to confirm if he will be interviewed by Neill.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)