Imitation of life 1959

Starring: Lana Turner

Glossy remake of an actress whose black maid has a tragic life because her daughter posses for white.

A melodramatic Hollywood saga. Brilliant acting by all the cast, but particularly Juanita Moore make this a compelling piece. The ageing process is realistically portrayed & you really feel a sense of time passing. The race issue is sensitively handled and makes you ashamed to be human. An epic movie, at the end, if you think back to the opening scene on the beach, it seems a lifetime away. 9/10

The Romantic Englishwoman 1975

Starring: Michael Caine

A discontented woman, holidaying at Baden Baden, falls in love with a stranger while her husband completes a novel on the same theme.

This is a movie that simmers beautifully under the surface, Berger & Jackson are spot on, unfortunately, Caine ruins many of his scenes by shattering the tension with his shouting in an annoying voice. Probably, better for a play rather than a movie. 5/10

Please Sir 1971

Starring: John Alderton

The masters and pupils of Fenn Street school go on an annual camp.

Dated, politically incorrect big screen version of this TV show. All the pupils look about 30 years old. Alderton & Derek Guyler have terrific comedy timing and it is worth watching for that. Generally uninspiring but did have some laugh out loud moments. 5/10