American Gothic 1988  R, 89 min.
Genre: Horror / Thriller
Director: John Hough
Cast: Rod Steiger, Yvonne De Carlo, Sarah Torgov, Mark Lindsay Chapman, Fiona Hutchison, Michael J. Pollard, William Hootkins, Terry Kelly, Mark Ericksen, Caroline Barclay
The number of vacationers on a remote island dwindles as psychotic family members (Rod Steiger and Yvonne De Carlo) kill off the tourists–one at a time.
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Biggles 1986   PG, 95 min.
Genre: Adventure / Sci-Fi
aka: Biggles: Adventures in Time
Director: John Hough
Cast: Neil Dickson, Peter Cushing, Alex Hyde-White, Fiona Hutchison, Marcus Gilbert, William Hootkins, Daniel Flynn, James Saxon, Francesca Gonshaw, Alan Polonsky
1980s' entrepreneur Jim Ferguson (Alex Hyde-White) suddenly finds himself back in World War I. It turns out that he has a "time twin," British war pilot Biggles (Neil Dickson). Since each such twin is obligated to help the other when needed, Jim helps Biggles destroy a German super weapon. 1 User Review
| User Review |
| | Good spirited fun that doesn't take itself too seriously | C-McK 02/26/2007 | Bringing Capt. W.E. Johns' fictional flying ace to the big screen was the intention of writers Kent Walwin and John Groves, and with John Hough's direction, they partially achieved this.
What followed was 89 mins (according to the DVD) of fast paced adventure with many twists and turns. This charming film offers much for film buffs who are partial to subtexts and imagery but gives a neat blend of chocks away hocum with science fiction romp. It is an unusual premise for Biggles to be involved in time travel but it works nicely.
Without going into microscopic depth, the film has a promenant Good Vs Bad element, a sinister plot,absolutely exhilerating ariel footage created especially for the film, a touching if brief love story and has a young and talented cast with the ever watchable and brilliant Peter Cushing in what was to be his last film.
Actor Alex Hyde White (son of late British actor Wilfred Hyde White) is the main character but it is Neil Dixon who shines as Biggles, giving the character his "pip-pip, chocks away " cheeriness and creates a solid character. Peter Cushing's Air Commadore William Raymond remains out of the central action but he is pivitol in the plot and his scenes are a treat to watch ( when he meets Biggles in present day, he has tears in his eyes when he says "How I've missed you, old friend"-utterly superb).
A little info regarding the other actors - Francesca Gonshaw (who plays Biggles' love interest, Marie) was at the time appearing in BBC comedy 'Allo 'Allo from the pilot in 1982 to the end of series 3 in 1986-7 as a french waitress at Cafe Rene. It is my belief that the reason she left the show (to join Howards' Way) was due to fear of type casting. In 'Allo 'Allo her character was called Maria, and her character in "Biggles" is strangely called Marie. It is a shame that Miss Gonshaw has not been seen on television or film since 1990, an actress of considerable beauty and acting ability has now dissappeared from TV radar. Sad.
Daniel Flynn, who plays Ginger is the brother of Gerome Flynn currently appears in The Bill as Super Int. Heaton. Flynn is an actor who has a great deal of talent and has managed to keep in the running with work on TV.
I could go on but all this info is available on IMDB.com
"Biggles- Adventures in Time" is a film that should be watched with an open mind and with a sence of fun. I enjoyed watching it partially for its views of London in 1985 ( when the film was in production) but also for the "before they were half famous" look at the acting talent. Having the DVD in my possession, there are a number of features like the "Making Of" documentary , TV slots at the time and actor Biographies which give insight to the fact that this film was intended to rival Raiders of the Lost Ark, Gremlins and Ghostbusters (according to an interview with Dixon on the DVD), and the fact that the film premier was attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales gives the impression that the makers thought it would be a blockbuster- far from it, I'm afraid.This is what I mean about the writer and director "partially "succeeding.
My advice to you is this - if you are interested, find a copy of the film and watch it. use your own judgement and offer your own opinion. That is what I did and am about to add a full stop to my review, hope you do the same. |
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| 1. American Gothic (1988)
2. Biggles (1986)
aka: Biggles: Adventures in Time
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