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The Skull, a review by addicted2dvd

The Skull (1965/United Kingdom) IMDb |Wikipedia |Trailer | Legend Films Director: Freddie Francis Writing: Robert Bloch (Story By), Milton Subotsky (Screenwriter) Length: 83 min. Rating: NR Video: Widescreen 2.35:1 Audio: English: Dolby Digital: Mono Subtitles:

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Stars:
Peter Cushing as Christopher Maitland
Patrick Wymark as Marco
Jill Bennett as Jane Maitland
Nigel Green as Inspector Wilson
Patrick Magee as Police Surgeon
Peter Woodthorpe as Travers

Plot:
This two-disc collection is filled with suspense and terror as it features classic, bone-chilling tales from two of the biggest horror powerhouse producers: Hammer Studios and Amicus Productions. The Skull weaves a chilling tale surrounding the real-life terrors of the Marquis de Sade. Featuring outstanding performances by Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, this tale introduces Dr. Christopher Maitland (Cushing) who purchases the infamous skull of the Marquis de Sade, a decision that he was warned against by his good friend - and previous skull owner - Matthew Phillips (Lee). The question is whether or not Dr. Maitland will live to regret his decision.

Extras:

• Scene Access

While it did have it's moments... I just couldn't get into this one. Actually found it a little on the weird side. But to be fair when we watched this film I was already tired and dozing in and out of sleep for the first half of the movie so I could have missed something important.



Scorecard:
TV Eps: 23
Movies: 15

(From Month Long Horror/Halloween Marathon on October 15th, 2014)

Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit, a review by Tom

Title: Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit
Year: 1990
Director:
Rating: 15
Length: 163 Min.
Video: Full Frame 1.33:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital 1
Subtitles: English

Stars:


Plot:
A POIGNANT, COMIC AND TOTALLY ORIGINAL COMING-OF-AGE STORY ADAPTED FOR THE BBC BY JEANNETTE WINTERSON FROM HER WHITBREAD PRIZE-WINNING NOVEL.

Jess is the adopted daughter of a deeply religious woman. Growing up isolated and insulated in the north of England in the 1970's, Jess is told she's part of a larger plan. Her mother keeps her away from "Breeding Grounds" like schools, preferring to train her to spread God's word "to all the heathens in the hot countries." Jess eventually attends school, but continually feels like an outcast due to her religious beliefs. Her small town life changes when she meets Melanie, a beautiful sixteen-year old, and she experiences love at first sight. As the two draw closer, Jess's mother sees the devil at work and determines to exorcise the demons from her daughter.

Faced with the ire of Pastor Finch and his congregation, Jess realizes that she must soon decide between following her own heart or the path set out for her by others.

Awards:
Extras:
Interviews
Scene Access

Overall an okay mini-series. I liked the second episode the best of the three. I didn't enjoy it as much as the later BBC mini series I have reviewed in this thread ("Fingersmith" and "Tipping the Velvet").
The old ladies reminded me very much of Monty Python when they are doing their old ladies drag. Especially in the beginning of the first episode

Rating:

(From Lesbian Movie Marathon on May 14th, 2010)

Pete's Pilots, a review by addicted2dvd

Highway to Heaven
Jonathan Smith isn't your average helpful handyman. He's an angel with a mission from God, or "the Boss" as he likes to call him. Accompanied by ex-cop Mark Gordon, whose troubled life Jonathan once helped turn around, he travels the world, guiding the lost and suffering back toward the HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN.

Whether helping a young boxer pressured to throw a fight or a veteran's Eurasian daughter feel welcome in America, Jonathan finds a way to bring a little grace and love into the lives of those he touches. And when necessary, he helps things along with a little angel power.

Starring Michael Landon and Victor French, all 24 uplifting episodes from the first season of this family favorite are now available on DVD for the first time.

Highway to Heaven (Part 1)
Working as the new handyman at a retirement home, Jonathon brings pep and vigor into the dreary lives of its residents. However, a nurse's brother, Mark Gordon, doesn't trust the newcomer.

Highway to Heaven (Part 2)
With the retirement home on the verge of ruin, Jonathon reveals his true identity to Mark. It will take some heavenly high jinks to save the day.

My Thoughts:
Another show that I used to always enjoy back in the day.  A kind series... and this show is my favorite work of Micheal Landon's. Yes I always preferred this over Little House on the Prairie. The 2 part pilot is a very good introduction to the 2 main characters of the series. Not only is this a warm and touching drama... it also offers some laughs. One of my favorite scenes in the pilot is where Jonathon (the angel) sees Mark (his soon to be friend) getting beat up in the alley behind the bar. When he runs over to help.... he gets a right cross. Of course it don't effect him... he just looks at the guy and smiles. So then he is hit with a left cross. And to this his reaction is to pick the guy up into the air... look him in the face and say "I turned the other cheek"... and then throws him far across the alley.  So yes... this series does have some fun in it as well. Unfortunately I only have the first season at this point... but I would love to get some more season sets of this show.

My Rating:

(From Pete's Pilots on February 5th, 2010)