National Lampoon's European vacation 1985

Starring: Chevy Chase

An American family determines to see Europe

This just never works. I guess it was supposed to be one hilarious romp going from country to country. The only time I really laughed was during the Bavarian folk dance in Germany. Chevy Chase is so often hilarious and has great comic timing but even he seemed off key. A real shame although Eric Idle was priceless!   4/10

Sexton Blake and the hooded terror 1938

Starring: George Curzon

A millionaire is unmasked as the head of a criminal gang.

Yet another top detective who lives in Baker Street. Reasonable enough, it bowls along at a healthy ppace. I liked Blake's side-kicks who added just the correct amount of light heartedness.     5/10

Darling 1965

Starring: Julie Christie


An ambitious young woman deserts her journalist mentor for a company director, an effeminate photographer and an Italian prince.

More interesting than entertaining. Julie Christie is very good as the girl-about-town/model and Dirk Bogarde is always good value. Probably cutting edge in its day and very 60's. Utterly un-PC with talk of negros and how homosexuality is rife. The fact that at one poiny Julie Christie's character is referred to as 'Princess Diana' is more poignant than the film makers would ever know.                   4/10 

A streetcar named Desire 1951

Starring: Vivien Leigh

A reprssed southern widow is raped and driven mad by her brutal brother-in-law

A classic play which probably sits better on the stage than the screen. However, the setting is excellent, the lighting and soundtrack is suitably moody and all the actors act their socks off. Not really for me but lots to be admired.             4/10