Strap in for a riotous romp through colonial absurdity — where stiff upper lips quiver, secret rebel plots unravel, and the fate of the empire may well rest on the integrity of one's underpants
"This film is based on a recently discovered manuscript by one William Cobbler, which reveals that Henry VIII did in fact have two more wives. Although it was first thought that Cromwell originated the story, it is now known to be definitely all Cobbler's...from beginning to end!"
Andrew Cobby recalls a classic British wartime movie which saw the early appearance of an actress who would go on to be a much loved and ever-present star of the small screen
A humble stockroom worker aspires to be a window dresser at a top London store. His efforts cause calamity and mayhem. Norman Wisdom's screen debut almost single-handedly saved the Rank Organisation from financial ruin
A very British film with very British attitudes - Andrew Coby's notes on the film he always watches when it's on television
When Cockney sailor Charlie returns home after two years away, he discovers that his wife Maggie has moved on—and in with another man. This bittersweet drama, full of colourful and unforgettable characters made a star out of Barbara Windsor
A vicious gang of crooks plan to steal the wages of a local factory, but their carefully laid plans go wrong. Payroll is a cautionary tale of dishonour among thieves, adultery, deception, murder and all the other things we’re taught not to do at school
A recently released convict takes a driving job at a haulage company only to become unwittingly involved in violence and corruption
US actress Barbara Bates, who appeared in a 1962 episode of 'The Saint' had a short, troubled and tragic life which she ended herself. Andrew Cobby looks back on two of her later movies which often get an airing on British television
Vampires, Werewolves, Mummy's and all manner of creepy crawlies and magnificent monsters. Welcome to the studio that dripped blood.
The splendidly spiffing exploits of Enid Blyton's intrepid adventurers as they save the day from dastardly scoundrels. Made for Saturday morning picturegoers, two full adventures are available on DVD
The film that Eric Morecambe convinced a television company to drop. Aired only after Eric's death - was it as bad as he feared? Brian Slade reassesses Night Train to Murder
Morecambe and Wise had already been written off as failures with their first series in the 1950s, and with three failed movies that didn't win over the critics the boys might well have been robbed of the comedy gold that followed in the 1970s...
As much a part of a traditional British Christmas as turkey and tinsel, Morecambe and Wise made 26 editions of their show as well as seven specials for Thames Television. Now, for the first time, their complete Thames output is available on DVD
A new BBC DVD release uncovers over four hours of never before released material of Britain's best loved comedy duo - a piece of television history restored
Gerry Anderson products dominated the toy shelves in the 1960s. Thunderbirds proved to be the most successful, and following this huge success toy manufacturers were not about to pass up another opportunity when Captain Scarlet arrived...
Formerly known as the Museum of Television & Radio, the Paley Center for Media in New York harbours a collection of over 160,000 programmes ranging across more than 95 years of television and radio history
Like many famous entrepreneurs of his day, there were a number of comments attributed to Lew Grade. They became known as Gradisms