Enchanted Serenity of Period Films

INDEX to Period Dramas, Costumes & More!

2011-10-03T22:50:00.005-04:00

Welcome to Enchanted Serenity's new homepage!

At the present time, I will not be updating the site but invite new visitors and fans of period drama to make use of the index below. There are over 1400 posts on here so if you're wondering if a drama or actor is featured, you might like to try the Google searchbar on the right titled "Looking for something?"

LIST OF FILMS
(Main index to 270+ dramas that have been featured in greater detail)

"TOP 30" and "TOP 150" Period Dramas

1000 PERIOD DRAMAS SORTED BY HISTORICAL ERA

BBC PERIOD DRAMAS

MUSICALS

WATCH ONLINE
View period dramas on Youtube, other websites...

FASHION
(Galleries of oodles of period costumes, links to resources, etc)

WEDDING GALLERY

ART
Gallery featuring artwork of: Winterhalter, Dicksee, Leighton, Waterhouse,
Bouguereau, Fragonard, Annie Liebovitz and more...

Inspirational Films

Hall of Fame

It's all Relative

(explores the family connections of actors in period dramas)

Period Motivational Posters
(tweaking P&P, North & South, and others...)

Look-alikes
Having fun looking at those actors that could pass as relatives...

And more can be found in
JUST FOR FUN

What time is it?

With Gratitude, I Bid Thee Farewell

2011-10-01T11:22:00.003-04:00

When I began posting about my favourite period dramas on Enchanted Serenity almost 4 years ago, I had no idea of the adventure that lay ahead of me. What started out as a simple way for me to collect information of beloved dramas and find out more about upcoming films has developed into so much more. It has been wonderful to interact with others who also love period dramas, fashion, literature, art, etc. - all things from the days of old! In fact, there are so many who share these interests that it is difficult to find the time to pay a visit to their blogs and stay updated! My apologies!

As much as I love period dramas and the connection I've felt with those who share this passion, I have for some time now felt convicted that I need to step back from the blog. I’ve tried to curtail the time I spend exploring the past so that I can attend to real life in the present but after praying about it, I feel peaceful about my decision to ‘retire’ for the time being.

Enchanted Serenity will not be taken down. If it is found to be useful, I would love for fans of period drama to continue to use the information gathered. For the time being, I will continue to update the Facebook page "Period Movies" regarding upcoming films.

Thank you to all who have stopped by, commented and e-mailed! It has been so comforting and a delight to know that those of us who love this genre of films are not alone!

Cheers!
Cheryl / Charleybrown

Period Dramas Sorted by Historical Era

2011-09-29T20:50:00.008-04:00

Looking for a period drama to watch?
Here are over 1100 films, sorted by era...

Ancient Period Dramas (4000 B.C - 500)
(such as: Jesus of Nazareth, Ben Hur, Troy,
The Ten Commandments, The Nativity Story and Cleopatra)

Medieval Period Dramas (500-1500)
(such as: Lord of the Rings, King Arthur, Tristan and Isolde,
The Princess Bride, A Knight's Tale and Robin Hood)

Renaissance Period Dramas (1400-1600)
(such as: Ever After, Shakespeare in Love, 1492, Elizabeth and The Other Boleyn Girl)

Baroque Period Dramas (1600-1750)
(such as: Pirates of the Caribbean, Le Roi Soleil, The Three Musketeers,
Vatel, Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister, Lost in La Mancha)

Georgian Period Dramas (1714-1830)
(such as: The Aristocrats, Amazing Grace, Marie Antoinette,
John Adams, The Duchess and The Scarlet Pimpernel)
[Note: Jane Austen adaptations listed specifically in Regency era below]

Regency Period Dramas (1811-1820)
(such as: Pride and Prejudice, Bright Star, Persuasion,
Emma, and Sense and Sensibility)

Victorian Period Dramas (1837-1901)
(such as: The Young Victoria, Daniel Deronda, Little Women, Little House on the Prairie,
The Buccaneers, North and South, The Inheritance and Mrs. Brown)
[Considering that Queen Victoria's reign was so long,
this is the largest group of films sorted by era including almost 300 period dramas!]

Edwardian Period Dramas (1901-1914)

(such as: Downton Abbey, The Lost Prince, The Importance of Being Earnest,
Titanic, My Fair Lady, Anne of Green Gables)

Post-Edwardian Period Dramas (1915-1960s)
(such as: The Ladies in Lavender, The Remains of the Day, The Magic of Ordinary Days,
The Sound of Music, The Painted Veil, Foyle's War)

The above is solely a visual list of movies from each era.
The Film Index lists those period films which have been featured in greater detail.

Please keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list. I have included mainly those that I've seen myself and/or those that are suitable for most audiences. I know that plenty of you have favourite dramas that might be missing from this list (sorry!) but I've tried to include a good selection of the quantity of period films available out there!
(Many are available to watch online.)

Downton Abbey Christmas Special

2011-09-29T06:46:00.000-04:00

2 hour episode will air Christmas Day on ITV

From newly released Press Pack:
Hugh Bonneville got to dance with Phyllis Logan at the Servant’s Ball and recounts with much hilarity the dance lessons, “Myself and Phyllis took to it like a duck to water, and in fact we had an off screen dancing competition and it was clear from the outset we would win Strictly Come Downton.” But did he tread on any toes? “Well I think toes are overrated and indeed Phyllis is now out of intensive care and is looking forward to a fully fit 2012.” But the couple he did enjoy watching were Rob James-Collier and Maggie Smith. “They were a sight to behold, it was a joy - poetry in motion.”

Disappointing news for some fans, Lady Sybil and Branson will not be seen in the Christmas special as Jessica Brown Findlay and Allen Leech are not listed in the cast list.

Post-Edwardian Films - Gallery 3 of 3

2011-09-27T17:51:00.001-04:00

This is the final instalment of period dramas sorted by era which covers all the great films that take place during the war years (WW1 and WW2) and beyond including those that take us up to the Sixties. [over 200 films from the 20th century]

POST-EDWARDIAN PERIOD DRAMAS (1915 - 1960s)

Part 1 [A to H] ... Part 2 [I to S]... Part 3 [T to W]

Post-Edwardian Films - Gallery 2 of 3

2011-09-25T17:50:00.001-04:00

POST-EDWARDIAN PERIOD DRAMAS (1915 - 1960s)
Part 1 [A to H] ... Part 2 [I to S]... Part 3 [T to W]

More period dramas sorted by era

I Capture the Castle (2003) – 1930s
In Love and War
Infinity (1996)
Into the Storm
Introducing Dorothy Dandridge (1999)
Inventing the Abbotts (1997)
Jeeves and Wooster
JFK (1991)
Joyeux Noel
Julie & Julia 1950
Kane and Abel
La Vie en Rose (1997)
Ladies in Lavender 1930s
Land Girls - BBC series with Nathaniel Parker
Land Girls - Rachel Weisz, Catherine McCormack, Anna Friel
Liberty Heights (1999)
Like Water for Chocolate
Longitude
Looking for Miracles (1990)
Love in a Cold Climate
M*A*S*H (1972)
Magic of Ordinary Days ww2
Malcolm X (1992)
Mapp and Lucia
Memoirs of a Geisha ww2
Michael Collins
Million Dollar Babies 1930s
Miss Marple - various
Mr. and Mrs. Loving
Mr. Holland's Opus 1960s
Mrs. Miniver
Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle (1994)
My Boy Jack ww2
Narnia ww2
October Sky (1999)
Once Upon a Time... When We Were Colored (1995)
Paradise Road ww2
Partition (2007) 1947
Passage to India (1984)
Passchendaele
Pearl Harbor (2001)
Places in the Heart (1984)
Poirot
Pollock (2000)
Quiz Show (1994)
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Ray (2004)
Reds 1917
Remains of the Day (1993) 1930s
Saving Private Ryan ww2
Schindler's List ww2
Seabiscuit (2003)
Secretariat (2010)
Seven Years in Tibet (1997)
Shadowlands 1950s
Simon Birch (1998)
Small Island
Song of Bernadette (1943)
Songcatcher 1907
South Riding 1930s
South Solitary (2010) 1927
Stand by Me (1986)
Sunshine (1999)
Sweet Land (2005)

Post-Edwardian Films - Gallery 1 of 3

2011-09-23T19:52:00.005-04:00

POST-EDWARDIAN PERIOD DRAMAS (1915 - 1960s)
Part 1 [A to H] ... Part 2 [I to S]... Part 3 [T to W]

See more period dramas sorted by era

84 Charing Cross Road (1987)
A Bear named Winnie ww1
A Beautiful Mind 1940
A League of Their Own (1992)
A Love Divided (1999) –1950s
A Month in the Country (1987)
A River Runs Through It (1992)
A Very Long Engagement
African Queen
All the King’s Men
All the Pretty Horses 1940s
Amelia (2009)
An Education 1961
Anne Frank: The Whole Story
Annie
Atonement 1935
Australia (1989)
Ballet Shoes 1930s
Berlin 36 (2009)
Bertie and Elizabeth (2002) 1930s
Big Fish (2003)
Boardwalk Empire (2010)
Bobby Jones : Stroke of Genius (2004)
Brideshead Revisited 1920s-40s
Captain Corelli’s Mandolin ww2
Capturing Mary
Changeling (2008) - 1928
Chariots of Fire 1924
Charlotte Gray (2001) – WW2
Chicago (2002)
Chocolat (2000)
Chronicles of Narnia
Cinderella Man (2005)
Circle of Friends
Cold Comfort Farm
Corinna, Corinna 1959
Death Defying Acts (2007)
De-Lovely (2004)
Driving Miss Daisy 1948
Easy Virtue (2008)
Edward and Mrs. Simpson (1978)
Enemy at the Gates 2001 ww2
Enigma
Evening (2007)
Evita 1940s
Falling for a Dancer (1998) 1930s
Forever Young (1992)
Foyle’s War
Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)
From Time to Time (2009) – WW2/Regency
Gallipoli
Georgia O’Keefe (2009)
Get Low 1930s
Glorious 39
Gosford Park
Grey Owl 1930
Hemingway vs. Callaghan (2003)
Hoosiers (1986)
Hope and Glory (1987)
Houdini (1998)

Baroque Films (1600-1750)

2011-09-22T21:38:00.010-04:00

Here's the next installment of period dramas sorted by era
which brings us back to the Baroque Era (1600-1750).

Black Robe (1991)
Charles II: The Power & the Passion (2003)
Children of the New Forest (1999)
Cinderella (1997)
Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister (2001)
Cromwell (1970)
Cutthroat Island (1995)
Don Quixote (2000)
Girl With a Pearl Earring (2003)
Lady and the Highwayman (1989)
Le Roi Soleil (2007)
Lorna Doone
Lost in La Mancha
Moliere (2007)
Peter the Great (1986)
Pirates of the Caribbean
Robinson Crusoe (1996)
Shogun (1980)
The Crucible (1996)
The Four Musketeers (1975)
The Man in the Iron Mask (1998)
The Musketeer (2001)
The New World (2005) 1600s
The Return of the Musketeers (1989)
The Scarlet Letter (1995)
The Serpent's Kiss (1997)
The Three Musketeers (1993, 2011)
Three Sovereigns for Sarah (1985)
Treasure Island (1997)
Vatel (2000)

Downton Abbey: images from episodes 2 and 3

2011-09-21T20:19:00.004-04:00

Here are a selection of photos from upcoming episodes of Downton Abbey's second season. More added to gallery here.
Source: Spoiler TV

PBS Masterpiece launches official site for Downton Abbey

2011-09-19T22:29:00.005-04:00

For those in North America who wish to find out more about the upcoming second season, and have been unable to access the behind-the-scene videos on ITV (UK), be sure to check out PBS Masterpiece "Downton Abbey"!

Good news - Season 1 will be repeated in December 2011 in anticipation of Season 2 beginning Jan. 8, 2012. And Season 2 will be shown in its entirety!

SEASON ONE
Dec. 18 2011 - Episodes 1&2 (180 min)
Dec. 25, 2011 Episode 3 (90 min)
Jan. 1, 2012 Episode 4 (90 min)

SEASON TWO
Jan. 8, 2012 Episode 1 (120 min)
Jan. 15, 2012 Ep. 2 (60 min)
Jan. 22, 2012 Ep. 3 (60 min)
Jan. 29, 2012 Ep. 4 (60 min)
Feb. 5, 2012 Ep. 5 (60 min)
Feb. 12, 2012 Ep. 6 (120 min)
Feb .19, 2012 Ep. 7 (120 min)

Visit PBS for videos, photos, and extra features!

Downton Abbey reigns at the Emmys!

2011-09-18T22:50:00.002-04:00

Updated: The results are in!!
Congratulations to Downton Abbey winning 6 out of 11 categories nominated for the Emmys!!

Here are the 11 categories:

***Outstanding Miniseries Or Movie
Congrats to Gareth Neame, Rebecca Eaton, Julian Fellowes, Nigel Marchant and Liz Trubridge!

*** Outstanding Cinematography For A Miniseries Or Movie
Congrats to David Katznelson!

***Outstanding Costumes For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Special
Congrats to Susannah Buxton!!

***Outstanding Directing For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Dramatic Special
Congrats to Brian Percival!!

***Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Miniseries Or A Movie
Congrats to Maggie Smith!!

*** Outstanding Writing For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Dramatic Special
Congrats to Julian Fellowes!!

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Miniseries Or A Movie
Elizabeth McGovern as Cora, Countess of Grantham
[Kate Winslet won for Mildred Pierce]

Outstanding Casting For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Special
[Mildred Pierce won - really??]

Outstanding Art Direction For A Miniseries Or Movie
[Mildred Pierce won]

Outstanding Sound Editing For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Special
[Pillars of the Earth won]

Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing For A Miniseries Or A Movie
[The Pillars of the Earth won]

See all the details at the official site for The Emmys

Downton Abbey returns with a bang!!

2011-09-18T21:30:00.005-04:00

Thank you Julian Fellowes for your brilliant writing!

And thank you to the awesome cast for bringing to life such wonderful characters that have found their way into our hearts. Loved the first episode of the second season of Downton Abbey!

My favourite moment: Matthew and Mary's emotional reunion!

Downton Abbey breaking records!

2011-09-17T07:24:00.009-04:00

I recall when I first posted about Downton Abbey a year and a half ago and it felt like I was the only one eagerly awaiting this new series! Fast forward to the advent of its second season and I don't think anyone could have predicted the level of success and popularity that Julian Fellowes' Edwardian drama has achieved!

Who knew that a period drama could be in the Guinness Book of World Records? Downton Abbey is now listed as the most critically acclaimed show on television. It scored 92 out of 100 on website Metacritic, which aggregates critical reviews from around the world, making it the highest-scoring reviewer-rated show of 2010.

And now Amazon.uk has announced that Downton Abbey's first series has become the highest selling TV drama box set of all time. "Sales of the DVD box set after just one series have made the British drama more popular than all of the big-hitting American TV dramas as well as long-standing British TV favourites.” It has surpassed previous topsellers such as Seinfeld, Friends, Fawlty Towers and Blackadder. [Telegraph]

Downton Abbey returns tomorrow night on ITV!

View: more images from season 2 have been added to gallery

Photos: Radio Times

More information on Downton Abbey
More information on Season 2

Video: Behind scenes of FROM TIME TO TIME

2011-09-17T06:53:00.006-04:00

FROM TIME TO TIME was the directorial debut of Julian Fellowes with a cast that includes Alex Etel (Cranford), Maggie Smith, Dominic West, Timothy Spall, Eliza Bennett, Carice van Houten, Hugh Bonneville, Harriet Walter, Pauline Collins, Christopher Villiers, Elisabeth Dermot Walsh

Now available on DVD

Great cast, great film!

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - Trailer

2011-09-16T18:10:00.005-04:00

Upcoming film with a stellar cast that includes:
Judi Dench,
Maggie Smith,
Tom Wilkinson,
Bill Nighy,
Penelope Wilton,
Celia Imrie
& Dev Patel

and directed by John Madden!

More information here

"The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" follows a group of British retirees who decide to "outsource" their retirement to less expensive and seemingly exotic India. Enticed by advertisements for the newly restored Marigold Hotel and bolstered with visions of a life of leisure, they arrive to find the palace a shell of its former self. Though the new environment is less luxurious than imagined, they are forever transformed by their shared experiences, discovering that life and love can begin again when you let go of the past.

Release: March 2012

The Awakening - trailer

2011-09-16T18:00:00.000-04:00

Rebecca Hall, Dominic West and Imelda Staunton star in this haunted thriller set post - World War I.

Video: Downton Abbey featured on BBC

2011-09-14T17:40:00.006-04:00

This morning's BBC Breakfast show featured Downton Abbey's 2nd season (behind the scenes, interviews with some of the cast and a look at the opening scene).
Thanks to misfolly for uploading the videos!

Just a reminder this is NOT a BBC production (as many still assume). It was good of them to feature the competition!

Shown below in 2 parts.

Dan Stevens in an interview for PBS done this past summer
discussing Matthew's romance with Mary
(I've found it fascinating how after last season fans have been split down the middle
regarding their desired outcome just as Stevens mentions in the interview)

Listen to the full version of the new song written for Season 2
Did I Make the Most of Loving You?
(written by John Lunn, performed by Mary Jess)

September 11 - We Will Not Forget

2011-09-10T20:39:00.003-04:00

Remembering the lives that were lost on September 11th, 2001
their families and friends who were left behind
and praying for a world where love triumphs over hatred.

"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13

[painting is No Greater Love by Ron DiCianni]

Downton Abbey - Fellowes' own family history & Thomas talks of war

2011-09-10T13:34:00.007-04:00

~ September 18th ~
Return of Downton Abbey on ITV in UK
AND
Emmy awards in USA with 11 nominations

Woe to Emmy voters if they do not hand the award to Dame Maggie Smith.
She deserves it if only for "Best Performance in a Swivel Chair", let alone her witty one-liners and habit of stealing every scene she's in!

Recent Articles:
Julian Fellowes: My family inspired Downton Abbey
He said at one point one of the returning characters is asked how "things are going in the war" and he can only reply: "Do you know the thing is I just can't talk about it"...
read entire article at The Telegraph

Downton Abbey: The Great War
"DOWNTON Abbey star Rob James-Collier admits he was shocked when he researched the latest twist in his TV career...The nightmare 1916 world of The Somme is about as far from genteel Downton as you can get. And there, among the muddied and bloodied faces, are ex-Manchester solicitor and heir Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens) and Thomas Barrow, played by Rob."
Downton's historical advisor Alastair Bruce shared his personal insight with cast members of his time spent in the Falklands War. “It’s a conversation I’ll never forget,” recalls Rob. “The most amazing, exhilarating and sad conversation I’ve ever had in my life. It helped me immensely to get in the mindset. It couldn’t not. "
read entire article on Life with Wylie

Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe to star in LES MISÉRABLES!

2011-09-10T08:22:00.005-04:00

Enfin!!

Tom Hooper, Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe

Announcement from official site:
"Working Title's live-action film adaptation of Cameron Mackintosh's hit stage musical LES MISERABLES by Boublil and Schonberg will directed by Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech) and written by William Nicholson. Universal Pictures are releasing the film worldwide.

The stage version of LES MISERABLES holds the record as the longest running musical in the world. To date is has been seen by nearly 60 million people in 42 countries and 21 languages. Last year, it celebrated it’s 25th anniversary.

Cameron Mackintosh commented, “Even though I have dreamt about making the film of LES MISERABLES for over 25 years, I could never have imagined that we would end up with the dream director Tom Hooper and the dream cast of Hugh Jackman [Jean Valjean] and Russell Crowe [Inspector Javert]. Not only were they born to play these roles vocally but they thrillingly inhabit this great score. Producing this film with Eric Fellner, Working Title and Universal Pictures is indeed a dream come true and I can’t want to hear the people sing at my local cineplex.”

Unofficial reports for casting possibilities:
Geoffrey Rush (Thernadier)
Helena Bonham Carter (Mme. Thenardier)
Anne Hathaway (Fantine)
Hayden Panettiere, Miranda Cosgrove, Lucy Hale, and Emma Watson for the roles of Eponine and Cosette

US release date is set for December 7, 2012.

Thanks to chocolaticing for the update!
As much as I'm not typically a fan of Russell Crowe, I was rooting for him to get this role once I heard that Alfie Boe was no longer being considered. I'm excited to have Tom Hooper behind the wheel and eager to see how Hugh Jackman inhabits Valjean! Finally, this musical is on its way!

Previous updates on film

New faces in Downton Abbey's second season

2011-09-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

Here are some of the new cast members that will be joining the second season of Downton Abbey...

TOP: Nicholas Blatt as Brookes

Christine Lohr as Mrs Bird (returning character)
Clare Calbraith as Jane Moorsum
Michael Cochrane (unspecified)
BOTTOM: Tom Feary-Campbell as Captain Smiley
Trevor White as Patrick Gordon
Lachlan Nieboer as Lieutenant Edward Courtenay
Kevin McNally (husband of Phyllis Logan (Mrs. Hughes) will play father of soldier)

Other minor characters...

Cassandra Chivers (nurse)
Claudia Glynn (housemaid)
Gwendolen Chatfield (feather girl)
Jack Pollock (hall boy)
James Brennan (wounded soldier)
James Canavan (ex-soldier)
Jenny Patrone (nurse)
Jeremy Clyde (listed in Imdb)
Julian Wadham (listed in Imdb)
Lucy Scarfe (kitchen maid)
Paul Copley (listed in Imdb)
Richard Hansell (medical officer)

Actors previously mentioned

Maria Doyle Kennedy (The Tudors) as Vera Bates (wife of John Bates)

Iain Glen (Spooks, Wives & Daughters) as Sir Richard Carlisle
Zoe Boyle (Sons of Anarchy) as Miss Lavinia Swire
Cal Macaninch (Wild At Heart, Holby Blue) as Lang, a new valet
Amy Nuttall (Emmerdale Farm, Hotel Babylon) as new housemaid Ethel
Daniel Pirrie is listed as Major Bryant (3 episodes)

[Cast in Christmas Special]
Nigel Havers will play Lord Hepworth
Sharon Small will play Marigold Shore
(maid to Lady Rosamond played by Samantha Bond)

Source: casting company, IMDb

More information on Season 2

New 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy' Trailer

2011-09-09T21:00:00.002-04:00

via Rope of Silicon

More information on TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY

Downton Abbey - new press & photos

2011-09-09T19:56:00.007-04:00

Jessica Fellowes, the author of The World of Downton Abbey, has written some articles behind the scenes of the show. There's also an articled in The New Times and others listed below.

NY Times: Behind the Scenes with the creator of Downton Abbey

The cast and crew reveal the secrets of filming Downton

Is there anything more thrilling than a new frock? The magnificent outfits that are the show's other big stars

The upper and lower classes had very different love lives - but passion their knew no boundaries

Look who's coming to dinner! As the horror of war descends, new faces – and fresh scandal – shake the foundations of Downton to their core...

While the men are away at war, the women left behind - both above and below stairs - find independence and new opportunities

'It's great to have you back!' - Jan Moir on the return of ITV’s blockbuster costume drama

Photos: NY Times, London Evening Standard, Daily Mail

See: more photos of Season 2

More information on season 2 of Downton Abbey

Video: Behind the scenes of 'The Three Musketeers"

2011-09-08T20:10:00.002-04:00

A peek at the making of THE THREE MUSKETEERS starring Matthew Macfadyen, Ray Stevenson, Luke Evans, Logan Lerman, Orlando Bloom, Christoph Waltz, Mads Mikkelsen, Juno Temple, Freddie Fox, James Cordon, Gabriella Wilde and Milla Jovovich

More info

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy: video of Gary Oldman

2011-09-08T19:36:00.005-04:00

Featurette for Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy takes a look at the film with emphasis on the character George Smiley, played by Gary Oldman.

Article: "The secret of my Smiley? Gary Oldman reveals how he took on a legendary role"

Moviefone: Oldman wants to direct Colin Firth in his next film: "I can't say what it is, but it's a remake," Oldman told Esquire magazine, "and when I worked with Colin I thought: here's the guy to do it with."

Poster: Rope of Silicon
Video: Trailer Addict

More information on TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY

Downton Abbey: More video previews of Season 2!

2011-09-06T18:50:00.006-04:00

For those of us outside the UK, here are some of the preview videos that were posted on ITV's website. The anticipation continues to build for the second season of Downton Abbey!
(Sept 18 in UK, Jan. 8 in North America)

Official Downton Abbey S2E1 Preview (ITV 2011)

Downton Abbey S2 Extras: The Sisters Crawley (ITV 2011)

Downton Abbey S2 Extras: The Nasties (ITV 2011)

See additional videos...
Video: The Impact of War
Video: All Change at Downton
(thanks to misfolly for posting!)

More information on Season 2

Downton Abbey - profile of Brendan Coyle in 2nd season

2011-09-04T19:34:00.005-04:00

BRENDAN COYLE [Bates, Lord Grantham’s valet]

"He has that mixture of cuddly and dangerous."
~ described by Julian Fellowes

From the start Fellowes knew Coyle was the actor to play Bates. “I wrote John Bates for Brendan,” says writer Julian Fellowes. “I knew he had the capacity to suggest a character's bitter and painful past without doing much to indicate it. Above all, he never asks for sympathy as an actor, and consequently he gets it. Emma [Kitchener, his wife] had the idea of Bates being lame and I saw at once that this would enhance the character because it would make him more vulnerable and yet give him even more reason to reject sympathy.” [article 2010]

Bates, Fellowes proposes, became the show's secret weapon because of the actor playing him. ''You need interesting actors...I wrote that part for Brendan because I saw him in an adaptation of North and South. He just stood out. He has that mixture of cuddly and dangerous. I knew, I said, if we can get him to play Bates, Bates will work.'' [Sunday Times Culture, thanks to Judy!]

[Spoiler alert]
In the last series, a scandal erupted that threatened his position and his burgeoning love affair with the head housemaid Anna (played by Joanne Froggatt). At the start of this second series, life seems a lot more promising for Bates. Brendan explains, “On the face of it, things couldn’t be rosier for him. From his mother, Bates has inherited a house and a sum of money, which is quite unusual for a man of his background.

“His relationship with Anna is also in full bloom, and they are planning to get married. He’s back to be valet to Lord Grantham. The path seems very smooth. What could possibly go wrong?” But, adds Brendan, “Very quickly Bates’s world is turned upside down by the arrival of his wife Vera (brilliantly played by Maria Doyle Kennedy.) Suddenly, all obstacles are in his way. “The arrival of his wife is catastrophic. Bates is prepared to do everything and anything to throw off the chains of a very unhappy marriage. He spends all his inheritance in trying to free himself, but still she will not let him go.”

Brendan, who has starred in such hit dramas as Lark Rise to Candleford, and North & South, outlines the very tricky relationship between Bates and his wife. "Vera is not a pantomime villain, but she has this tremendous power and a stranglehold over him and who does not want to see him happy.” “Of course, the marriage breakdown is not all her fault – it takes two people to cause an unhappy marriage. It is a very interesting, very layered relationship. It makes for a really powerful storyline.”

Fans of the first series latched onto the relationship between Bates and Anna. Brendan reckons that is because, “It really took time to develop. Because of the social mores of the time, it had to build very slowly. Viewers took great pleasure in watching that. They liked waiting for the satisfaction rather than rushing it as people do nowadays.

It was Brendan who goes on to detail the impact of Vera’s return on the beleaguered Anna. “Poor Anna! She reacts with her characteristic dignity and grace. She has terrific grace. That is a very hard quality to convey, but Joanne brings that to the part beautifully. Anna has a steely determination and is absolutely determined not to let go of Bates.

Source: Milk Publicity
More info on Downton Abbey

New trailers for Season 2 of Downton Abbey!

2011-09-03T20:36:00.009-04:00

Here's a look at Downton Abbey's television ad that appeared today on ITV
giving us a sneak peek at what's ahead for the upcoming season!

Song: Scala and Kolacny Brothers - With or Without You

Thanks to everyone for uploading the videos!

More information on season 2

Susannah Buxton - Downton's Costume Designer

2011-09-03T20:02:00.003-04:00

Designing for Downton - Costume Designer Susannah Buxton chats about choosing the wardrobe for Downton Abbey

"On Downton, about a third of everything the actors wear is made from scratch. There was press criticism that some of the wardrobe was hired, but it would be insanely expensive to make every item, as some fabrics don’t even exist anymore – but you can find them in an original dress. I refashioned a £5,000 gown made for Nicole Kidman in a feature film 10 years ago to fit Michelle Dockery [Mary]. I couldn’t possibly have made that dress – we couldn’t afford the jet beading."
[read entire article]

Recycled Costumes has posted a few examples of outfits worn for Downton Abbey previously seen other period dramas, in this case, A Room with a View.
See also:
Michelle Dockery's dress worn in Finding Neverland
Michelle Dockery's necklace worn previously

[Thought I'd already posted this but it got lost in my drafts of posts.]

Phenomenon of Downton (video from ITV)

2011-09-03T12:10:00.005-04:00

Video includes:
Julian Fellowes, Phyllis Logan, Brendan Coyle, Michelle Dockery, Joanne Froggatt, Jim Carter, Elizabeth McGovern, Hugh Bonneville and Zoe Boyle.

Thanks to misfolly for uploading for those of us outside the UK!

Deconstructing Downton Abbey: A Masterclass

2011-09-03T10:35:00.004-04:00

Neil Midgley of The Telegraph hosted a discussion "Deconstructing Downton Abbey: A Masterclass" which features Lord Julian Fellowes (writer) , Joanne Froggatt (actress), Gareth Neame (producer) and Laura Mackie (ITV director of drama). [54 minutes]

Downton Abbey - images from 1st episode of new season

2011-09-03T10:00:00.002-04:00

Countdown to the second season of Downton Abbey on ITV is only 2 weeks away! (Sept. 18)
Thanks to Evangeline of Edwardian Promenade who found these images at Spoiler TV and a detailed description of the first episode. Spoiler beware!

SHORT SYNOPSIS of Episode 1 (the non-spoilerish one)
The Great War unsettles life at Downton and Isobel's surprising news about Matthew rocks the family further. New maid, Ethel ruffles O'Brien's feathers and Bates returns with life changing news for Anna.

More information on Season 2 of Downton Abbey
(which is an ITV production although many assume it's put out by the BBC)

Photos: Nick Briggs

Titanic: Blood and Steel (2012)

2011-09-02T22:54:00.007-04:00

Get ready for plenty of dramas and specials regarding The Titanic next year with the 100th anniversary of its sinking. James Cameron is re-releasing The Titanic in 3D, Julian Fellowes is writing the screenplay for Titanic, a new miniseries for ITV and the BBC [*see below] has joined in with their own series, Titanic: Blood and Steel which focuses on the building of the ship. I'm certain we will see other specials regarding this famous vessel pop up as well.
[*Update: BBC, which is not the producer, have said they will not be broadcasting the series]

Actors Chris Noth, Neve Campbell, and Derek Jacobi have joined the cast of the 12-part mini-series which includes Ophelia Lovibond, Billy Carter, Massimo Ghini, Branwell Donaghey, Martin McCann, Kevin Zegers, Joely Richardson and Liam Cunningham.

The sprawling mini-series centers on the design of the ship, how it was built, and the financial compromises which ultimately lead to its untimely demise. Chris Noth will portray financier J.P. Morgan, with Neve Campbell portraying a journalist covering the ship's first voyage to New York City. Derek Jacobi will play Lord William Pirrie, chairman of the Harland and Wolff company which built the Titanic.

Ciaran Donnelly is directing Titanic: Blood and Steel from a screenplay by Matthew Faulk, Mark Skeet, and Stefano Voltaggio, based on an idea by creator Fabrizio del Noce.

Source: Movieweb

From Variety:
LONDON -- Thanks to the popularity of glossy big-budget period fare, Ireland's Howth Castle, a short drive from downtown Dublin, will finally find its place in film -- alongside the Titanic.

The last time the imposing castle was used in a film set was back in 1977; its mock gothic architecture looked perfect for a vampire movie, but the picture went over-budget and was never completed.

This time around, there's no danger of the film's coin running out -- despite the grim European economy, and the fact that the driving force behind the show is an Italian producer-distributor; "Titanic: Blood and Steel," a 12-part miniseries timed to coincide with the centenary of the ship's disastrous maiden voyage next April, is backed by more than $30 million of co-production finance, tax credits and presales, and is the biggest production seen this side of the Irish Sea since HBO's "Game of Thrones."

TV projects of this scale and ambition, especially one devoted to what is an Anglo-American story involving the most widely known civilian nautical disaster of the 20th century, are usually driven by either U.S. or U.K. money, or a mix of both. On "Titanic," however, it is continental Europeans who have invested in the skein.

The idea is to parlay what appears to be a healthy appetite in the global market for high-end period sagas, especially those set in the 20th century, be they "Downton Abbey," "Boardwalk Empire" or even "Pan-Am" -- which may not be flying high in the U.S., but is solidly business-class overseas.

"The chief investors are Italy, Germany and Spain," explains De Angelis Group managing director Andrea Zoso, the Rome-based company that developed "Titanic" and is lead producer and rights holder.

Approximately three-quarters of the financing was provided by Italian pubcaster RAI, Germany's Tandem Communication and broadcaster Antena 3 in Spain, with presales and tax credits making up the rest.

Other partners include Los Angeles-based 3 Arts, Blighty's Artists Studio, Gaul's Marathon Group, Ireland's Epos Films and the Irish Film Board. Distribution is being handled by Tandem Communications and 3 Arts in the U.S., with Zodiak handling the rest of the world excluding Italy, Germany and Spain.

"We are not exactly re-inventing the wheel in terms of how we financed the series," Zoso says, "but it is an unusual business model for an international TV production."

Insofar as no licensing deals have been signed in either the U.S. or the U.K., the risks might be higher, but the rewards are potentially greater.

Continental European co-producers appear more willing to allow Des Angelis to take the bulk of the back end, as well as to have creative control, than a U.S. or a British partner would be, according to Zoso.

Zoso says there was a determination that no more than three main protagonists would be involved in order to avoid too much horse-trading among the multiple production partners over matters like casting. He says the Germans were entirely relaxed over such matters, but that RAI insisted on an Italian female lead, while a cameo featuring a Spanish journalist was written in to keep Antenna 3 happy.

"This is not a pan-European show, but an international co-production aimed at English-speaking markets," emphasizes Nicola De Angelis, co-executive producer of the project.

Inasmuch as the mini's story is set before the Titanic's launch, De Angelis says the project has more or less no overlap with James Cameron's 1997 Oscar winner.

"It is a fascinating narrative, because at the center of the story is the American Dream, and the idea of people leaving Europe, including Italians who had emigrated to Ireland, to start a new life in America," De Angelis adds, calling the show an action-based period drama. "There is political and business intrigue, sectarian problems between Catholics and Protestants, labor unrest and the beginning of women's emancipation."

De Angelis says that period drama sells better internationally than do contemporary stories, because modern-day fare is too culturally specific.

With an Irish director ("The Tudors'?" Ciaran Donnelly), English writers (Matthew Faulk and Mark Skeet) and a multinational cast (Americans Chris Noth and "Gossip Girl's" Kevin Zegers, Brit Derek Jacobi, Canadian Neve Campbell and Italian Alessandra Mastronardi), the film is certainly aiming for wide appeal.

Another international touch: A 90% replica of the Titanic was created in an abandoned arms factory in Serbia, scouted by production designer Tom Conroy ("The Tudors," "Camelot"). And standing in for the boardroom at Harland and Wolff, the Belfast-based builder of the ocean liner -- none other than one of the Howth Castle's grand salons.

Conroy sees the story as being more universal than that of "Downton Abbey." "I hope people will get a sense of the life of the time," he says.

The mini ends as the passengers embark on that fateful day in the spring of 1912, but De Angelis hopes that isn't the finish for the company's association with the Titanic theme; already in development is another 12-parter, taking up the story of the inquiries into why the ship sank so easily and what fate had in store for some of the survivors.

That miniseries would face stiff competition from a retelling of the Titanic voyage made by U.K. web ITV and prebought by ABC in the U.S. Its creator? Julian Fellowes, on a roll thanks to "Downton Abbey."

New preview scene from Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

2011-09-02T21:19:00.005-04:00

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, based on novel by Le Carré, stars Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy, Mark Strong, Colin Firth, Stephen Graham, Roger Lloyd-Pack, Benedict Cumberbatch, David Dencik, John Hurt and Ciaran Hinds

New preview scene courtesy of Rope of Silicon

More information

Love Begins (2011) - trailer

2011-09-02T20:22:00.005-04:00

Love Begins, a prequel to the Love Comes Softly series,

will air on the Hallmark Channel on September 17, 2011.

Synopsis: "Clark Davis’ (Wes Brown) adventurous dreams of seeing the world are put into jeopardy after he and a friend start a fight which damages a local cafe. Through a plea deal with the Sheriff (Jere Burns) and café owner Millie (Nancy McKeon), Clark works off his sentence as a farmhand for the Barlow sisters, Ellen (Julie Mond) and Cassie (Abigail Mavity).

Older sister Ellen doesn’t understand Cassie’s friendly nature with Clark; she agreed to the Sheriff’s offer only because the farm has become too much to maintain alone. Clark is slowing winning Ellen over, but suddenly suffers a traumatic head injury in a fall. After Ellen nurses him back to health, her former fiancé returns to win her back. Will Clark travel on or stay behind where love begins?"

View trailer
More information on Hallmark's website

Downton Abbey - Did I Make the Most of Loving You?

2011-09-02T06:39:00.008-04:00

Mary-Jess discusses singing the theme song to the upcoming series 2 of Downton Abbey.

The soundtrack is available Sept 19 and includes songs from season 1.

Mary-Jess official site
Soundtrack listed on Amazon.uk

Seven Days in Utopia

2011-09-01T18:05:00.002-04:00

Released in selected theatres today...
(I thoroughly enjoyed Get Low which featured both Robert Duvall and Lucas Black and now they're both featured in this inspirational film.)

Film description:
"When Luke Chisolm (Lucas Black) has a catastrophic meltdown at a mini tour golf tournament, he is left broken and bitter. He is at the end of his rope. Embarrassed, he drives off from the tournament down the back roads of Texas and begins to analyze the destruction he is so desperate to leave behind. It is apparent that this is a defining moment in Luke’s life. His golf game is in turmoil and as a result, his relationship with his caddy/father is seemingly strained beyond repair. It seems as if Luke’s life is spinning out of control and he doesn’t know how to stop it.

Just when he thought it couldn’t get any worse, Luke soon wrecks his car at a fork in the road and finds himself stuck in a small town called Utopia, Texas….far from home.

Dazed and despaired, it is here in Utopia that Luke meets a man who will change his golf game and his life forever…Johnny Crawford (Robert Duvall). Johnny asks Luke to stay for seven days and embark on a journey that he will not soon forget.

Over the next week while he is stranded in Utopia, Luke learns more about golf, life and faith than he ever bargained for.

(Shown on right: Lucas Black, Robert Duvall, Deborah Ann Woll, Melissa Leo)

Utopia is indeed a place of mythical proportion. But make no mistake about it….Utopia, Texas is real and its teachings are profound and everlasting. Join Luke on his journey in Utopia as he discovers his purpose through actions such as fly fishing, painting and flying planes. Follow him as he explores relationship with the likes of Sarah Hawkins (Deborah Ann Woll), Lily (Melissa Leo), Jake (Brian Geraghty) and Mabel (Kathy Baker). The lessons of Johnny Crawford and the values of Utopia, Texas effect Luke in a way he never thought possible.

Only in Utopia can you enter one day with the weight of the world on your shoulders and leave a week later ready to conquer life. Only in Utopia can you find love and your sense of purpose all over again. Johnny is no ordinary teacher and this is no ordinary town."

Official Site

Buck (2011)

2011-08-29T22:28:00.004-04:00

~ There's no wisdom worth having that isn't hard won ~

"Your horse is a mirror to your soul, and sometimes you may not like what you see. Sometimes, you will.” So says Buck Brannaman, a true American cowboy and sage on horseback who travels the country for nine grueling months a year helping horses with people problems.

BUCK, a richly textured and visually stunning film, follows Brannaman from his abusive childhood to his phenomenally successful approach to horses. A real-life “horse-whisperer”, he eschews the violence of his upbringing and teaches people to communicate with their horses through leadership and sensitivity, not punishment.

Buck possesses near magical abilities as he dramatically transforms horses – and people – with his understanding, compassion and respect. In this film, the animal-human relationship becomes a metaphor for facing the daily challenges of life. A truly American story about an unsung hero, BUCK is about an ordinary man who has made an extraordinary life despite tremendous odds."
Awards
Winner - Audience Award, Sundance Film Festival 2011
Winner - Audience Award, Full Frame Film Festival 2011
Winner - Best Documentary, Crossroads Film Festival 2011

Source: Buck the Film on Facebook
Official Site

Release dates: check official site for theatres

Little Boy (2012)

2011-08-25T16:17:00.003-04:00

English actors Emily Watson and Ben Chaplin will star in the movie “Little Boy,” to be produced by Eduardo Verástegui (shown on right) at Baja Film Studios, where “Titanic” was filmed.

Budgeted at $24 million, Little Boy is a family drama set in small-town America in the early days of WWII. The film revolves around an 8-year-old with developmental problems. His only friend is his father, and with his departure to war, the troubled boy is forced to confront the cruelty of schoolmates and others. Jakob Salvati plays the lead child role.

Production will begin in Baja California at the end of August and will open in theaters sometime in 2012. The film will also shoot in Rosarito beach, Ensenada, Tijuana and Tecate.

“Things will happen in this adventure that will make you reflect and laugh, and whose powerful ending will touch your heart,” said the producer. “It’s a story for grownups told from a boy’s perspective.”

Tom Wilkinson is also reported to be in talks to join the cast.

Source

Cristiado - trailer

2011-08-25T15:54:00.005-04:00

Cristiada is "a chronicle of the Cristeros War (1926-1929), which was touched off by a rebellion against the Mexican government's attempt to secularize the country. The film follows the stories of ordinary people from across the country who choose to stand up for their freedom. Caught up in a full-fledged civil war, they all must decide how far they are willing to go and what they're willing to risk."

Starring: Andy Garcia, Eva Longeria, Peter O'Toole, Oscar Isaac, Santiago Cabrera, Ruben Blades, Catalina Sandino, Eduardo Verastegui, and Nestor Carbonell

More details on Cristiada
Official site

Richard Armitage's birthday message to fans

2011-08-25T09:48:00.005-04:00

Richard Armitage celebrated his 40th birthday on August 22nd, 2011 and sent this message to his fans via RichardArmitageOnline.

Dear Friends,

I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you for all the kind gifts which have been sent to me over the last few weeks, for my birthday; so many gifts, cards and emails of good wishes from all over the world. (Poland, Ukraine, Japan, Russia, Germany, Korea, Itlay, USA, Canada, Netherlands and all over the UK)

I will be so 'well read', drunk, fat, warm and sweet smelling thanks to your generosity.

I am particularly excited to let you know that the "Just Giving" donations to our four charities has reached an amazing £11,933! In addition to donations to Oxfam and Christchurch Earthquake appeal, which I find both thoughtful and moving.

I am afraid there may be some delay in remitting thank you letters and any requests for signing photos, as I am in New Zealand for the rest of the year, but am working on a system to remedy this.

So middle age has arrived and apparently 'life now begins'. I look forward to the next chapter, there is nowhere I would rather be at this moment than exploring "Middle Earth" with my new family of Dwarves, Elves, Men, Wizard and Hobbit. What a gift to be here, in this place, at this time. I can't wait to share it with everyone. I am a very fortunate man.

Much love
RA

Photo credit: Elsa Quarsell

The Lady (2011) - teaser trailer

2011-08-23T19:51:00.004-04:00

The Lady, a biopic of Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. Starring Michelle Yeoh and David Thewlis. More details posted earlier.

Synopsis: The Lady is the extraordinary story of Aung San Suu Kyi and her husband, Michael Aris. It is also the story of the peaceful quest of the woman who is at the core of Burma's democracy movement. Despite distance, long separations, and a dangerously hostile regime, their love endures until the very end. It's a story of devotion and human understanding set against a backdrop of political turmoil that continues today. The Lady was written over a period of three years by Rebecca Frayn. Interviews with key figures in Aung San Suu Kyi's entourage enabled her to reconstruct for the first time the true story of Burma‟s national heroine.

Watch video: Director Luc Besson's discusses film

Dimensions: A Line, A Loop, A Tangle of Threads (2011)

2011-08-22T22:32:00.002-04:00

Dimensions, a period drama/time travel film will debut at the Cambridge Film Festival in September. It features Henry Lloyd-Hughes and Camilla Rutherford among others.

It is the directorial debut of husband and wife directing duo, Ant Neely & Sloane U.Ren, who describe the film as "a cross between H.G. Wells. Time Machine and A Beautiful Mind".

Description from film's blog:
‘It’s dark in here. Pitch black. Silent. This is where it all began and where it all ends. Perhaps, though, it isn’t as simple as that. We see our lives, the moments from our birth to our death, as a straight line - never bending, never curving. Those are old ideas though and now it is time for you to discard them and imagine more. It’s time to open your eyes to the possibility that time isn’t a simple ruler, ticking off the moments between the beginning and the end. Time is a line, a loop, a tangle of threads, a sculpture of dazzling complexity.’

Stephen is a brilliant young boy who lives in England, in what appears to be the 1920s - but nothing in Stephen’s life is quite as it seems. His world is turned upside down upon meeting a charismatic and inspirational professor at a garden party, who demonstrates to Stephen and his friends what life would be like if they themselves were merely one, or two, dimensional beings. He then proceeds to explain that by manipulating other dimensions, time travel may actually be possible.

As Stephen’s life unfolds, events lead him to dedicate himself to turning the Professor’s theories of time travel into reality. Jealousy, love, obsession, temptation and greed surround him, influencing his fragile mind and the direction of his work.

View images of cast

Photos: copyright of film producers
Visit dimensionsthemovie.com

IMDb

Peace Like a River (2012)

2011-08-22T22:05:00.001-04:00

Tate Taylor, director of The Help, is now turning his efforts to adapting Peace Like a River, based on the 2002 book by Leif Enger.

GoogleBooks: Hailed as one of the year's top five novels by Time, and selected as one of the best books of the year by nearly all major newspapers, national bestseller Peace Like a River captured the hearts of a nation in need of comfort. "A rich mixture of adventure, tragedy, and healing..."

The Playlist: The novel follows the story of an asthmatic young boy who joins his family in a search for his brother, who escaped police custody after having gunned down two thieves that broke into the family home. Set in 1962 Minnesota, the novel deals with many of the era’s social problems and controversies, and won critical praise upon its release.

ANONYMOUS - new trailer and movie photos

2011-08-17T18:12:00.002-04:00

This new trailer shares additional scenes from the upcoming "Anonymous", starring Rhys Ifans as De Vere, Earl of Oxford who some believe to be the authentic author of the works attributed to William Shakespeare.

The film makes its debut
September in Toronto (tiff)
(Wider release in October 2011)

New images from movie below...

Earl of Oxford (Rhys Ifans, Jamie Campbell Bower)

Queen Elizabeth I (Vanessa Redgrave and daughter Joely Richardson)

William Shakespeare (Rafe Spall)
Earl of Southampton (Xavier Samuel)
Ben Jonson (Sebastian Armesto)

Lord William Cecil (David Thewlis)
Sir Robert Cecil (Edward Hogg)
Earl of Essex (Sam Reid)

More photos posted here

More information on ANONYMOUS
Photos: Official Site

Mirkwood - upcoming film based on J.R.R. Tolkien

2011-08-17T16:31:00.002-04:00

Steve Hillard has signed a deal with EMO Films to develop and secure financing for a film version of his novel Mirkwood, which centers around a fictional version of The Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien. [THR]

Description: “Mirkwood,” named after a forest that appears in many of Tolkien’s works, fictionalizes the accounts of his days spent as a code breaker in World War II. The novel mostly focuses on what would happen if Tolkien’s creations took literal shape in his everyday life. Hillard has been involved in a legal battle with the Tolkien estate for quite some time regarding the fictionalization of the famed author’s life as portrayed in the book. Hillard apparently argued that the book is a work of literary criticism, and he settled with the Tolkien estate, but must include a disclaimer on his book that reads, “This is a work of fiction which is neither endorsed nor connected with The J.R.R. Tolkien Estate or its publisher.” [The Playlist]

Effie (2012)

2011-08-17T09:39:00.003-04:00

Emma Thompson has written the screenplay for Effie, the period biopic of Euphemia Gray who was married to the art critic John Ruskin in 1850s London, and later fell in love with his protegé John Millais.

CAST:

Effie - Dakota Fanning
John Ruskin - Greg Wise
John Everett Millais - Tom Sturridge
Ruskin's parents - Derek Jacobi and Julie Walters
Lady Elizabeth Eastlake - Emma Thompson
Sir Charles Eastlake - Edward Fox

Filming is expected to begin this October in London, Scotland and Venice

Source: Deadline via Comingsoon.net

The Woman in Black (2012) - trailer

2011-08-17T08:19:00.001-04:00

Here's the first full-length trailer for The Woman in Black
starring Daniel Radcliffe in this ghost story written by Susan Hill.

Release date: February 2012

More details

Book trailer: Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey

2011-08-17T08:05:00.012-04:00

The current lady of the house, the 8th Countess of Highclere Castle has authored Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey: The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle about the life of the 5th Countess Almina Victoria Maria Alexandra Wombwell (1877-1969).

"Lady Fiona Carnarvon became the chatelaine of Highclere Castle - the setting of the hit series Downton Abbey - eight years ago. In that time she's become fascinated by the rich history of Highclere, and by the extraordinary people who lived there over the centuries.

One person particularly captured Fiona's imagination - Lady Almina, the 5th Countess of Carnarvon.

Almina was the illegitimate daughter of banking tycoon Alfred de Rothschild. She was his only daughter and he doted on her. She married the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, at 19, with an enormous dowry.

At first, life at Highclere was a dizzying mix of sumptuous banquets for 500 and even the occasional royal visitor. Almina oversaw 80 members of staff - many of whom came from families who had worked at Highclere for generations.

[Image on right - Lady Carnarvon, 1900,
Image on left - Lord and Lady Carnarvon, 1921]

But when the First World War broke out, life at Highclere changed forever.

History intervened and Almina and the staff of Highclere were thrown into one of the most turbulent times of the last century. Almina was forced to draw on her deepest reserves of courage in order to ensure her family, the staff and the castle survived.

This is the remarkable story of a lost time. But Highclere remains and in this book, Fiona weaves Almina's journey and those of her family into the heritage and history of one of England's most exquisite Victorian castles."

Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey
published by Hodder & Stoughton - available Sept 29, 2011.

Book description: Hodder & Stoughton

Winnie (2011)

2011-08-17T04:44:00.000-04:00

"This film reveals the enigma that is Winnie Mandela. A sensitive depiction, Winnie portrays her life's journey amidst the unwavering love between her and Nelson Mandela, and their unfaltering commitment to the struggle for democracy in South Africa. Winnie takes the audience on an epic voyage of understanding — painting a vivid portrait of one of the world's most remarkable women."
Starring: Jennifer Hudson, Terrence Howard, Elias Koteas and Wendy Crewson.

The film makes its debut at tiff in September

Song featured in trailer for THE HELP

2011-08-14T21:02:00.007-04:00

I'm not the only one wanting to know which song was used in the trailer for THE HELP!

It's called "Change the World" sung by Taylor Dayne.

Written by Stacy & David Wilde - official site

The entire song has just been posted on Youtube...

It's not on the official soundtrack but can be purchased on Itunes (USA only)

"The Help" opens with a bang!

2011-08-13T10:38:00.001-04:00

The Help has joined the elite club of only 15 movies that have received an A+ rating from moviegoers on CinemaScore. Scanning the other movies on that list, I'm pleased to see most of them are movies that I have loved!
[See list]

Here's a short video where cast members (Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer and Bryce Dallas Howard) answer questions from fans.

Cast members answer questions

Re-post: Katie Couric has an hour-long video feature on The Help including an extensive interview with author Kathryn Stockett. I've been meaning to watch it and hadn't found the time since finishing the book until now. Part of the interview brought tears to my eyes as I'm already sentimental about the book, its topic and how it is shedding light on the ugliness of racism.

Watch video

This movie has not been without controversy. Some African Americans have been urging people to boycott the film which I'm puzzled by since the book highlights the injustice that they endured back in the 1960s while most of the white characters in the books are shown in a negative light, highlighting their racism and ignorance. After reading the book, I am thankful that we've made progress with racism and equality and fervently hope that we will continue to erase the racism and injustice that still exists today.

More information on THE HELP

The Personal History of Rachel Dupree

2011-08-12T21:44:00.008-04:00

Viola Davis, who is receiving early accolades for her role in The Help, has picked up the rights to “The Personal History of Rachel DuPree” written by Ann Weisgarber.

Description from The Playlist:
The story follows the titular Rachel, who falls for the son of a boardinghouse owner who agrees to marry her on one condition: she must give up her 160 acres from the Homestead Act so he can double his spread. Fast forward to 1917 and living with her husband on a ranch in the west—as one of the few black families in the area—a pregnant Rachel struggles to keep her family fed while her proud husband refuses to move from the land, which is a source of a pride, to better care for her and her children.

Official website of Ann Weisgarber

Three Musketeers - music video "When We Were Young"

2011-08-12T20:46:00.003-04:00

British pop group Take That have recorded the official theme song "When We Were Young" for the upcoming swashbuckler The Three Musketeers.

Spoiler Alert for scenes from film shown in video

More info on THE THREE MUSKETEERS

The Three Musketeers - official site launched

2011-08-09T20:08:00.003-04:00

Mention has been made that this version of The Three Musketeers would be akin to Sherlock Holmes with Robert Downey Jr. and visiting the official website (which has been launched today) makes me think that the two films do indeed have a similar feel!

~ The Royal Court ~

~ The Villains ~

~ The Three Musketeers and D'Artagnan ~

VISIT OFFICIAL SITE

More information posted on THE THREE MUSKETEERS

The Odd Life of Timothy Green (2011)

2011-08-09T19:27:00.004-04:00

Looks sweet!

Synopsis from Disney: "Academy Award–nominated director/writer Peter Hedges (“Dan in Real Life,” "What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?") brings enchantment to the screen with “The Odd Life of Timothy Green,” an inspiring, magical story about a happily married couple, Cindy and Jim Green (Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton), who can’t wait to start a family but can only dream about what their child would be like. When young Timothy (CJ Adams) shows up on their doorstep one stormy night, Cindy and Jim—and their small town of Stanleyville—learn that sometimes the unexpected can bring some of life’s greatest gifts.

Trailer for 'The Flying Machine'

2011-08-09T19:14:00.003-04:00

Take to the skies in The Flying Machine, a spectacular adventure combining 3D stop-motion animation, live action and the music of Fryderyk Chopin. Academy Award winning Hugh Welchman and famed pianist Lang Lang introduce Chopin to new audiences in this modern fairy tale. Featuring: Heather Graham

Photos: tiff

Interviews for 'The Help'

2011-08-08T20:34:00.009-04:00

This highly anticipated film will have wider release in theatres this week! Rope of Silicon has even suggested 5 Reasons that 'The Help' is an early contender for this year's Oscars!

Here's an interview from Comingsoon.net which features a cast that includes Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Bryce Dallas Howard, Octavia Spencer, Jessica Chastain, Allison Janney and Sissy Spacek, as well as director Tate Taylor and the author Kathryn Stockett.

Synopsis: Set in Mississipi during the 1960's, The Help focuses on an oft-unsung side of the civil rights movement and the bond between African American maids and the children that they help raise. When an aspiring reporter (Stone) returns to her childhood home and doesn't like what she sees, she convinces a neighbor's maid, Aibileen (Davis), to help her put together a memoir that threatens to put the truth up against some societal boundaries - potentially at a significant cost.

More information on THE HELP

View more movie stills here

Anyone else like the song used on the trailer? Although I love the song written for the film written by Mary J. Blige, I'm so disappointed that Change the World is not on the soundtrack. You can listen to the songs here.

Like this quote by Minnie (played by Octavio Spencer):
“She’s got so many azalea bushes, her yard’s going to look like ‘Gone With the Wind’ come spring. I don’t like azaleas and I sure didn’t like that movie, the way they made slavery look like a big happy tea party. If I’d played Mammy, I’d of told Scarlett to stick those green draperies up her white little pooper. Make her own damn man-catching dress.”

Video: Gentlemen of Period Drama

2011-08-07T08:53:00.000-04:00

Here's a great montage video created by DreamyViper featuring clips
from a variety of period dramas highlighting some of our favourite gents!

List of movies, in order shown:
Beau Brummell : This Charming Man
Pride and Prejudice 1995
Abduction Club
Lost in Austen
The Tudors
Merlin
The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby
Vanity Fair (BBC)
Lorna Doone
Amazing Grace
Under the Greenwood Tree
Sherlock Holmes
Elizabeth
Hornblower
Becoming Jane
Wives and Daughters
An Ideal Husband
Casanova (BBC)
North and South
Brideshead Revisited 2008
The Painted Veil
The Illusionist
Sense and Sensibility 1995
Mansfield Park 2007
Kate and Leopold
Somewhere in Time
A Room with a View
Emma 1996
Downton Abbey
Mansfield Park 1999
Daniel Deronda
Sleepy Hollow
The Count of Monte Cristo
Excalibur
Emma 1996 (TV)
Sharpe's Sword
The Importance of Being Earnest
First Knight
The Incredible Journey of Mary Bryant
The Shadow in the North
Little Women
Sense and Sensibility 2008
Emma 2009
The Tide of Life
Jane Eyre 2006
Bram Stoker's Dracula
Persuasion 2007
Angel
Dorian Gray
The Other Boleyn Girl
Elizabeth : The Golden Age

New images for The Three Musketeers

2011-08-06T17:53:00.007-04:00

Here are new photos from
THE THREE MUSKETEERS due out in October 2011.
More photos found at The Fan Carpet.

Cast includes: Ray Stevenson, Luke Evans, Matthew Macfadyen, Christoph Waltz, Logan Lerman, Mads Mikkelsen, Milla Jovovich, Juno Temple

Just Henry (2011)

2011-08-06T07:48:00.002-04:00

From ITV: Rising star, Josh Bolt (Nowhere Boy, The Be All and End All), will lead a prestigious cast including; Elaine Cassidy (A Room with a View, Felicia's Journey), Dean Andrews (Marchlands, Ashes to Ashes), Stephen Campbell Moore (He Knew He Was Right, Thorne, Ben Hur), Barbara Flynn (Miss Potter, The Forsyte Saga, Cranford), and BAFTA nominated actress Shelia Hancock (The Buccaneers, Bedtime, Moving On), in ITV1’s new drama Just Henry.

(Bolt, Cassidy, Moore, Hancock, Flynn, Andrews)

Adapted by Michael Chaplin (creator of Grafters and Monarch of the Glen), from Michelle Magorian’s critically acclaimed novel, Just Henry tells an engaging story about one boy’s discovery that will alter his family life forever.

Set in post-Second World War Britain Henry is growing up in a fraught and unsettled household that includes his mother Maureen (Cassidy), stepfather, Uncle Bill, (Andrews) and his paternal grandmother (Hancock).

Henry is a troubled young man who suffers bad nightmares which everyone puts down to the aftermath of living through a war and the fact that he’s never really got over his father’s death or his mother’s remarriage.

In his last year of school and about to become an adult Henry’s grandmother has encouraged him to show a disinterest in his education because his father, Joseph Dodge (Campbell Moore), thought it was a waste of time.

When his father’s war medal for bravery gets posted through the door Henry wants to know more about the circumstances of his father’s death, something his mother has always preferred him not to know too much about.

At school, Henry keeps himself to himself but when he gets a new teacher, Mrs Beaumont (Flynn), who encourages his passion for film, he slowly starts to see the world differently. She wants him to show more compassion towards his classmate Paul Jeffries (Perry Millward - Monroe, Christopher and his Kind), a very talented writer and the son of a deserter who’s ostracised for that very reason. Together with Grace Ellis (Charlie May-Clark - South Riding), a new student who can’t read but has an exquisite singing voice, they are tasked with presenting a school project about cinema and are forced to spend time together. That is until Henry’s research leads him to believe that the man who killed his father was none other than Jeffries father!

Whilst visiting his father’s grave a man introduces himself to Henry as his dad – Dodge. Overwhelmed with happiness Henry doesn’t think to question the facts of his death. But things just don’t add up. If Dodge isn’t in that grave who is?

Grace has come to care too much for Henry to let his dad manipulate him and is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery. With the help of Mrs Beaumont she seeks the help of the police but will it be too late for all involved?

Just Henry also stars John Henshaw (Red Riding, Looking for Eric, Confessions of a Diary Secretary), an ex-soldier and now the Commissionaire at the Plaza Cinema. Pooky Quesnel (Scott & Bailey, Five Days, Criminal Justice) plays Paul’s mother Mrs Jefferies.

“Just Henry is a really heart-warming script which follows the journey of one boy’s discovery that will change his life, family and friends forever. It’s rich with detail from the post war era and has a very sympathetic and engaging young character at its heart. The 90 minute film will be a wonderful treat for the Christmas schedule.” said Laura Mackie, ITV.

Produced by Paul Frift (Instinct, Crooked House, Room at the Top) and directed by David Moore (Monroe, Merlin, Sweeney Todd) for ITV Studios, Just Henry will be filmed on location in Leeds throughout August and will be scheduled this Christmas on ITV1.

Updated trailer for Anonymous (2011)

2011-08-05T19:55:00.003-04:00

A few new scenes added to this trailer but it's looking even darker than I originally anticipated.
Anonymous stars Rhys Ifans as Edward De Vere who some suggest is the real author of the works attributed to William Shakespeare. Read more here...

New trailer for Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

2011-08-04T19:51:00.002-04:00

Here's the updated international trailer for Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy based on LeCarré's novel.
Starring: Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Strong, Tom Hardy, Ciarán Hinds and Toby Jones

More info here

Downton Abbey: Video interview with Sybil and Branson

2011-08-03T18:49:00.002-04:00

Posting this for fans of Lady Sybil and Branson...

Jessica Brown Findlay and Allen Leech chat with Radio Times reporter

Also posted to Youtube, a short video with cast reactions
to 11 Emmy nominations...

More on Downton Abbey II