Reviews (1)

Chesney Hawkes Is Incredible
It doesn't get any better than Mr. Chesney Hawkes in the underrated, under appreciated, Buddy's SOng. His performance is riveting as well as the soundtrack which he wrote the songs too.

All in all, this movie is worth the $92 just to see Chesney's face on the big screen, the man is a god! ... Read more

Amazon.com

This television film based on the autobiographical novels of country veterinarian James Herriot predates the popular British TV series of the same name by several years. Shot on location in the picturesque Yorkshire countryside, it is utterly charming and features quite an illustrious cast. Academy Award-winning actor Sir Anthony Hopkins is terrific as the dedicated, exasperating Dr. Siegfried Farnon, who takes young Herriot, fresh out of a London veterinary college, on as his assistant.Herriot is appealingly played by Simon Ward (perhaps best known as the Duke of Buckingham in The Three Musketeers).The movie opens as Herriot arrives for an interview with Farnon.Dressed in his spotless Saville Row suit, Herriot is immediately swept along on a "horse call" and finds himself treating a messy injury.This is the life that Herriot always dreamed of!Like the series, the movie is a must for animal lovers.(Yes, Mrs. Pumphrey is here with her pampered lap dog, Tricky Woo.)It's also delightfully romantic, as it follows the courtship between Herriot and his bride-to-be, Helen (lovely Lisa Harrow).Droll British humor and authentic period detail cap off a thoroughly satisfying production. --Laura Mirsky ... Read more

Reviews (7)

PLEASE BUY THIS SO THEY WILL RELEASE MORE!!!
I love this series and watch it time and time again - so glad it is on DVD because I wore my audio tapes out.

A pleasurable film in its own right
To criticize this delightful film by comparing it to the beloved television series is fairly silly, since the series had the time and scope to flesh out the characters and allow them to develop in a way a single film cannot. The film version, admittedly compressing a leisurely and anecdotal book into a two-hour overview, nevertheless does a terrific job of capturing the pace and character of these amiable vets and their clients and the scenic Yorkshire countryside that made the books so appealing. The cast is altogether excellent. The television series, which comes out on DVD in May 2002, is not to be missed. This film is likewise pleasurable viewing.

Disappointing
I love the series, and only caught up to this British film after seeing all the available TV shows on video. The casting was fine, though the series actors are much better. My problem with this film are these: It is almost word for word from the first two episodes of the Series. Also...I don't think it was such a hot idea to make a film, as it only added up to a few stories told episodically. There was no single story line to sustain a film. It ends with James and Helen getting married and James seeing his nameplate on the door.
Hopkins was a very capable Farnon, though, Hardy is better. And Simon Ward was adequate. I love the books and Series, but I may sell this video at auction.

ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL!
This television movie based on the best selling autobiography of country veterinarian James Herriot came before the popular BBC television series. Simon Ward, Anthony Hopkins and Lisa Harrow star in this charming little tale about the new vet who moves a to Yorkshire farming community in the 1930's. Along the way he not only wins his neighbors over but also finds romance. Directed by Claude Whatham, this 1974 film does not have the depth of the television series, but you can clearly see why people would want more of the same on a more regular basis.

all creatures great and small
a beautifull film shot in north yorkshire starting with an arrival at york station shot of course in modern york station carfefull not to show any modern cars buses or cars ect the rest of the film is of a nieve london guy learning to slow down and be a vet in the country and of course meet his future wife and all petty problams with his partner no violance or fast cars just a good storey ... Read more

Description

Agatha Christie's Luke Williams sets out to investigate a series of murders in a small British town. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

After watching this murder is easy and likely
You know those made for TV programs that are written up the day before with no thought but to put something between commercials? Well this is one of them. They are just luck that Agatha Christy is dead already or they would be suspected in her heart attack.

This has all the element you need to make murder easy. Sick sophomoric background music courtesy of Gerald Fried who did the music for "Rescue from Gilligan's Island". A camera than can not focus on close-ups. Dialog that was pulled out of the hat. Arrows that point at the obvious (Well a camera that closes in and waits for you to see the obvious). The standard suspects are not even suspect enough. And that great statement "It is the last person you suspect"

When No One Suspects You ...
Bill Bixby stars as an American computer expert in England who meets Helen Hayes on a train on her way to Scotland Yard. It seems she's one of those murder obsessed old ladies living in one of those small, scandalous English villages who believes a murderer is on the loose and she knows who it is. She tells Bixby, "When no one suspects you, murder is easy." Bixby is incredulous, but when Hayes is killed in a hit-and-run accident immediately afterwards, he begins to wonder if the old girl wasn't really on to something. A trip to the village reveals she knew what she was talking about, and he sets out to find the murderer. Updating the Christie novel into the age of computers wasn't a great idea, and it jars with the basic story. Bixby and Lesley-Anne Down are O.K, but they are way out of their league in the presence of Olivia de Havilland as one of the villagers and Hayes in her gem of a cameo. The murder plot is interesting, and the climax is fun, but this TV movie is only moderately successful, and were it not for the work of its veteran actresses, it would hardly be memorable. They elevate it into something worth watching.

Mindless Trash
This is a real dissapointment. Nothing like the book ... Read more

Reviews (1)

THE QUIET ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE ERUPTS WITH VIOLENCE
Ali McGraw (The Winds of War, Love Story) and Billie Whitelaw (Frenzy) star as feuding siblings in a rivalry driven by greed and destined for destruction. A series of bizarre murders by a mysterious killer plunges a remote farming community into terror. Diane Baker (McGraw) is a women possessed with the desire to return to the glamour of the city. Her sister Margaret (Whitelaw) runs the family horsefarm. Diane despises farm life, but can't afford to leave...until she discovers that the farm can be sold for a large sum. When Margaret refuses to comply, Diane begins to fantasize about her death at the hands of the mysterious murderer. She realized the fantasy can easily become reality and carefully plots her sister's demise. But not everything comes out as planned once darkness falls in the woods. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Queen Elizabeth II allowed BBC cameras to trail her for a year of"unprecedented access," but don't expect to see any unguarded moments in this110-minute documentary. Set against the backdrop of the burgeoning Gulf War,the largely unnarrated video explores the life of the quiet, careful queenas she sits for portraits, discusses world affairs with her personalsecretary, and takes the grandchildren out for a pony ride at Balmoral.Viewers get a glimpse of life behind the pageantry as Windsor prepares forone of its many balls and the audio is left on as she makes the rounds with the 130 attending ambassadors, including one from Kuwait whose brother-in-lawhas just been murdered. The queen demonstrates an astounding ability forgraceful chit chat, which seems constantly required of her. Whether makingsmall jokes with Ronald and Nancy Reagan, talking to her portraitist about hisodd father, or meeting with the families of soldiers, she clearly makes aneffort to address each individual. There are no great revelations here, but fans of the royals will enjoy and cynics will come away with a grudgingrespect for the reserved queen. --Kimberly Heinrichs ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Elizabeth R - A Year in the Life
Excellent video! Very personal - inside view of the Queen and her family. Very candid scenes as well, not just the "staged for public viewing" as in other videos. Very much behind the scenes. Excellent and up to date. Quite well done. Perfect for the royal enthusiast as I am. Recommend to anyone!

A Magnificent Look at the Life of Her Majesty the Queen
This film, starring Elizabeth II, the current Queen of England is magnificent! When watching this film, you literally feel like you are in her presence and actually are in Buckingham Palace. You can't help but laugh when you see her Corgis dogs around her feet! This is a must see film for any royalist or royal lover! It gives the viewer an in depth and personal look at the Queen herself, her family, and the House of Windsor. Please, go and buy this film right now! And God save the Queen! ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A Glimpse Into What It Was Like .
This is one of my favourite movies of all time! Even though
i am a female i too used to dream of pop stardom. Being a
huge Beatles fan & being around when gorgeous sexy David
Essex came on the scene this film especially appeals to me. This movie as with it's sequel "Stardust" is not about
anyone person in particular but loosely based on elements
of many. Ringo & David are both superb. If you care at all
about The British invasion & or England this movie is a must. This movie is about the humble beginnings of a
furture rock legend. It is also of a certain exciting time
period. These people working low paying jobs at the seaside would later become our heroes.

Perhaps one of the most important rock and roll films...
"That'll be the Day" is an oustanding examination of a certain period and time: England in the 1950s, when rock and roll began to take hold on the country's youth. Filmed in 1972, the movie uses the gritty kitchen-sink realism that was popular in British films at the time. It doesn't boast much of a story, instead following the life of Jim McLain (David Essex), a restless British teenager who leaves home to work at a funfair. Along the way, he gets hooked on the idea of playing music, with a soundtrack of familiar oldies serving as the soundtrack to his life.

Not a lot happens in the film, but it captures the uneasiness and tension of the period of life when schooltime is over but you haven't settled into adulthood yet. Most intriguing about the film is the shady character of McLain, who is rather shallow and distant, but manages to still be appealing. Much of that is due to the oustanding performance of David Essex in his first starring role. This movie launched his recording career -- the classic "Rock On" was his only U.S. hit, but he's a major performer in his native country -- and he has an easy charisma which makes him likable even when playing an unpleasant fellow. Good work also from Ringo Starr (as Essex's older friend) and Keith Moon as a slightly-crazed drummer (what else?)

.... Also, trivia buffs should notice in chapter eight, Essex can be heard humming the melody of "Rock On," months before he had even recorded the song.

Not exactly rock and roll
Other than a brief, but tantalizing few scenes with Billy Fury, there isn't much charisma in the stars. I bought this dvd for the Billy Fury scenes. Billy is incredible. His image and performances are vital. Wish they'd had just footage of his performances as a bonus on the dvd. David Essex plays his role well, but the character is very unlikable. Ringo is excellent.

Disappointing
I really wanted to enjoy this film. I've always been very passionate about music, and always wanted to be a musician, myself. I purchased this DVD due to the reviews here and elsewhere, but I have to say I was disappointed.

The film is long..and boring. It is not a rock and roll film, per se. I was expecting that mid-way through the film, the character of Jim will have started a rock band and have played a major role in helping to bring about the British Invasion. Not so. This is just a story about a directionless young man who quits school, gets seasonal jobs to support himself, engages in cheap sex, watches (and does nothing) as his friend Mike (Ringo) gets beaten up by customers, comes home after two years, marries and has a kid, then leaves them and everyone else to embark on his rock and roll dream. END OF PICTURE.

The music is great and the film DOES have potential. But I think it would have been better served to have half of the movie reflect Jim's disillusionment and aimlessness, and the other half reflect what happened as a result of this. As it stands, watching this film is like going to the theatre, and having to leave just as the movie starts. You never get to see what becomes of Jim as he embraces his new-found "freedom". For that, I guess you have to see the sequel they mention.

I love David Essex in this movie. He's very cute and a good actor. Disappointing, however, was his character. He's not a very sympathetic "bloke"; rather, he's self-absorbed, deceitful and a cheat..and certainly not anyone you can depend upon in your time of need.

Ringo does a great turn and it's interesting to see him in this context. I am a big Beatle fan, and I enjoyed seeing him in something different and stretching his obvious acting abilities.

That said, I think this movie could have been much better. To add insult to injury, they listed "Rock On" as being in the movie, but nowhere do you hear it played in the film. Perhaps it was in the sequel, but then the makers of this film should not have deceived the public into thinking it is heard in the film, because it isn't.

Maybe a second viewing of this film will put things in better perspective for me, but for now, this is my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

Superior drama of the early days of British rock 'n roll
"That'll be the Day" is a small, well written and acted film made in 1973 that shares similar themes with the better known "Quadrophenia" made 5 years later. Side note: In "That'll be the Day," the Who's Keith Moon has a cameo as a drummer, and the Pete Townshend composition "Long Live Rock," is heard at a dance hall. Both films tell the story of young men in their late teens/early twenties in England who become disillusioned with their lives and most everything around them. In "Quadrophenia," Jimmy Cooper (Phil Daniels) quits his job and runs Ace Face's (Sting) scooter off the seaside cliffs, symbolically severing his ties with the "Mod" lifestyle. The future for Jimmy is uncertain at the end of "Quadrophenia." The ending of "That'll be the Day," however, is much less ambiguous as Jim MacLaine (David Essex) leaves his job and family (including his infant child) for the life of a rock star (further continued in the 1974 sequel "Stardust").

Like "Quadrophenia," "That'll be the Day" is not a musical, though it has plenty of music in it, including the likes of Richie Valens, the Everly Brothers, Dion, etc. The live bands at the dance halls, for the most part, play cover versions of American artists. The real rock stars in the film -- Essex, Ringo Starr, and Billy Fury and Keith Moon in small cameos -- all do an excellent acting job. Essex, in particular, is terrific as Jim and Ringo, as Jim's carny friend Mike, proves that he really can act in a serious role, given the right material (his work here will make you quickly forget about "Caveman"). Rosemary Leach, as Jim's mother, and Rosalind Ayres, as the wife he leaves, are also impressive. Even the small roles are well cast in this film. There's a great scene where young Jim breaks into a seaside arcade on his birthday and proceeds to get drunk. Along comes an English bobby on a bicycle. Rather than arresting him for breaking & entering and disorderly conduct, the compassionate policeman helps Jim home. It's a small, but wonderfully played scene by Ron Hackett as the policeman. Such are the performances throughout this film.

Anchor Bay, as usual, does a great job with the visual presentation of this film, but save for a trailer (shown, for some inexplicable reason, in three different sizes!), there are no extras. This is the type of film where a commentary from David Essex, or the film's director (Claude Whatham) or screenwriter (Ray Connolly) really would have added a lot for fans, in much the way that Director Franc Roddam's commentary added to the viewing experience of "Quadrophenia." If and when "Stardust" is ever released on DVD, let's hope that "the powers that be" will include a commentary track (hint: Director Michael Apted would be great).

Note: Despite it's PG rating, this is not a children's film. In addition to some unsavory characters and mild profanity, there is implied sex as well as a surprisingly graphic sex scene for a PG rated film (the MPAA ratings standards were much laxer in the early 1970s then they are now). Mercifully, there is no drug usage. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A Glimpse Into What It Was Like .
This is one of my favourite movies of all time! Even though
i am a female i too used to dream of pop stardom. Being a
huge Beatles fan & being around when gorgeous sexy David
Essex came on the scene this film especially appeals to me. This movie as with it's sequel "Stardust" is not about
anyone person in particular but loosely based on elements
of many. Ringo & David are both superb. If you care at all
about The British invasion & or England this movie is a must. This movie is about the humble beginnings of a
furture rock legend. It is also of a certain exciting time
period. These people working low paying jobs at the seaside would later become our heroes.

Perhaps one of the most important rock and roll films...
"That'll be the Day" is an oustanding examination of a certain period and time: England in the 1950s, when rock and roll began to take hold on the country's youth. Filmed in 1972, the movie uses the gritty kitchen-sink realism that was popular in British films at the time. It doesn't boast much of a story, instead following the life of Jim McLain (David Essex), a restless British teenager who leaves home to work at a funfair. Along the way, he gets hooked on the idea of playing music, with a soundtrack of familiar oldies serving as the soundtrack to his life.

Not a lot happens in the film, but it captures the uneasiness and tension of the period of life when schooltime is over but you haven't settled into adulthood yet. Most intriguing about the film is the shady character of McLain, who is rather shallow and distant, but manages to still be appealing. Much of that is due to the oustanding performance of David Essex in his first starring role. This movie launched his recording career -- the classic "Rock On" was his only U.S. hit, but he's a major performer in his native country -- and he has an easy charisma which makes him likable even when playing an unpleasant fellow. Good work also from Ringo Starr (as Essex's older friend) and Keith Moon as a slightly-crazed drummer (what else?)

.... Also, trivia buffs should notice in chapter eight, Essex can be heard humming the melody of "Rock On," months before he had even recorded the song.

Not exactly rock and roll
Other than a brief, but tantalizing few scenes with Billy Fury, there isn't much charisma in the stars. I bought this dvd for the Billy Fury scenes. Billy is incredible. His image and performances are vital. Wish they'd had just footage of his performances as a bonus on the dvd. David Essex plays his role well, but the character is very unlikable. Ringo is excellent.

Disappointing
I really wanted to enjoy this film. I've always been very passionate about music, and always wanted to be a musician, myself. I purchased this DVD due to the reviews here and elsewhere, but I have to say I was disappointed.

The film is long..and boring. It is not a rock and roll film, per se. I was expecting that mid-way through the film, the character of Jim will have started a rock band and have played a major role in helping to bring about the British Invasion. Not so. This is just a story about a directionless young man who quits school, gets seasonal jobs to support himself, engages in cheap sex, watches (and does nothing) as his friend Mike (Ringo) gets beaten up by customers, comes home after two years, marries and has a kid, then leaves them and everyone else to embark on his rock and roll dream. END OF PICTURE.

The music is great and the film DOES have potential. But I think it would have been better served to have half of the movie reflect Jim's disillusionment and aimlessness, and the other half reflect what happened as a result of this. As it stands, watching this film is like going to the theatre, and having to leave just as the movie starts. You never get to see what becomes of Jim as he embraces his new-found "freedom". For that, I guess you have to see the sequel they mention.

I love David Essex in this movie. He's very cute and a good actor. Disappointing, however, was his character. He's not a very sympathetic "bloke"; rather, he's self-absorbed, deceitful and a cheat..and certainly not anyone you can depend upon in your time of need.

Ringo does a great turn and it's interesting to see him in this context. I am a big Beatle fan, and I enjoyed seeing him in something different and stretching his obvious acting abilities.

That said, I think this movie could have been much better. To add insult to injury, they listed "Rock On" as being in the movie, but nowhere do you hear it played in the film. Perhaps it was in the sequel, but then the makers of this film should not have deceived the public into thinking it is heard in the film, because it isn't.

Maybe a second viewing of this film will put things in better perspective for me, but for now, this is my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

Superior drama of the early days of British rock 'n roll
"That'll be the Day" is a small, well written and acted film made in 1973 that shares similar themes with the better known "Quadrophenia" made 5 years later. Side note: In "That'll be the Day," the Who's Keith Moon has a cameo as a drummer, and the Pete Townshend composition "Long Live Rock," is heard at a dance hall. Both films tell the story of young men in their late teens/early twenties in England who become disillusioned with their lives and most everything around them. In "Quadrophenia," Jimmy Cooper (Phil Daniels) quits his job and runs Ace Face's (Sting) scooter off the seaside cliffs, symbolically severing his ties with the "Mod" lifestyle. The future for Jimmy is uncertain at the end of "Quadrophenia." The ending of "That'll be the Day," however, is much less ambiguous as Jim MacLaine (David Essex) leaves his job and family (including his infant child) for the life of a rock star (further continued in the 1974 sequel "Stardust").

Like "Quadrophenia," "That'll be the Day" is not a musical, though it has plenty of music in it, including the likes of Richie Valens, the Everly Brothers, Dion, etc. The live bands at the dance halls, for the most part, play cover versions of American artists. The real rock stars in the film -- Essex, Ringo Starr, and Billy Fury and Keith Moon in small cameos -- all do an excellent acting job. Essex, in particular, is terrific as Jim and Ringo, as Jim's carny friend Mike, proves that he really can act in a serious role, given the right material (his work here will make you quickly forget about "Caveman"). Rosemary Leach, as Jim's mother, and Rosalind Ayres, as the wife he leaves, are also impressive. Even the small roles are well cast in this film. There's a great scene where young Jim breaks into a seaside arcade on his birthday and proceeds to get drunk. Along comes an English bobby on a bicycle. Rather than arresting him for breaking & entering and disorderly conduct, the compassionate policeman helps Jim home. It's a small, but wonderfully played scene by Ron Hackett as the policeman. Such are the performances throughout this film.

Anchor Bay, as usual, does a great job with the visual presentation of this film, but save for a trailer (shown, for some inexplicable reason, in three different sizes!), there are no extras. This is the type of film where a commentary from David Essex, or the film's director (Claude Whatham) or screenwriter (Ray Connolly) really would have added a lot for fans, in much the way that Director Franc Roddam's commentary added to the viewing experience of "Quadrophenia." If and when "Stardust" is ever released on DVD, let's hope that "the powers that be" will include a commentary track (hint: Director Michael Apted would be great).

Note: Despite it's PG rating, this is not a children's film. In addition to some unsavory characters and mild profanity, there is implied sex as well as a surprisingly graphic sex scene for a PG rated film (the MPAA ratings standards were much laxer in the early 1970s then they are now). Mercifully, there is no drug usage. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A Glimpse Into What It Was Like .
This is one of my favourite movies of all time! Even though
i am a female i too used to dream of pop stardom. Being a
huge Beatles fan & being around when gorgeous sexy David
Essex came on the scene this film especially appeals to me. This movie as with it's sequel "Stardust" is not about
anyone person in particular but loosely based on elements
of many. Ringo & David are both superb. If you care at all
about The British invasion & or England this movie is a must. This movie is about the humble beginnings of a
furture rock legend. It is also of a certain exciting time
period. These people working low paying jobs at the seaside would later become our heroes.

Perhaps one of the most important rock and roll films...
"That'll be the Day" is an oustanding examination of a certain period and time: England in the 1950s, when rock and roll began to take hold on the country's youth. Filmed in 1972, the movie uses the gritty kitchen-sink realism that was popular in British films at the time. It doesn't boast much of a story, instead following the life of Jim McLain (David Essex), a restless British teenager who leaves home to work at a funfair. Along the way, he gets hooked on the idea of playing music, with a soundtrack of familiar oldies serving as the soundtrack to his life.

Not a lot happens in the film, but it captures the uneasiness and tension of the period of life when schooltime is over but you haven't settled into adulthood yet. Most intriguing about the film is the shady character of McLain, who is rather shallow and distant, but manages to still be appealing. Much of that is due to the oustanding performance of David Essex in his first starring role. This movie launched his recording career -- the classic "Rock On" was his only U.S. hit, but he's a major performer in his native country -- and he has an easy charisma which makes him likable even when playing an unpleasant fellow. Good work also from Ringo Starr (as Essex's older friend) and Keith Moon as a slightly-crazed drummer (what else?)

.... Also, trivia buffs should notice in chapter eight, Essex can be heard humming the melody of "Rock On," months before he had even recorded the song.

Not exactly rock and roll
Other than a brief, but tantalizing few scenes with Billy Fury, there isn't much charisma in the stars. I bought this dvd for the Billy Fury scenes. Billy is incredible. His image and performances are vital. Wish they'd had just footage of his performances as a bonus on the dvd. David Essex plays his role well, but the character is very unlikable. Ringo is excellent.

Disappointing
I really wanted to enjoy this film. I've always been very passionate about music, and always wanted to be a musician, myself. I purchased this DVD due to the reviews here and elsewhere, but I have to say I was disappointed.

The film is long..and boring. It is not a rock and roll film, per se. I was expecting that mid-way through the film, the character of Jim will have started a rock band and have played a major role in helping to bring about the British Invasion. Not so. This is just a story about a directionless young man who quits school, gets seasonal jobs to support himself, engages in cheap sex, watches (and does nothing) as his friend Mike (Ringo) gets beaten up by customers, comes home after two years, marries and has a kid, then leaves them and everyone else to embark on his rock and roll dream. END OF PICTURE.

The music is great and the film DOES have potential. But I think it would have been better served to have half of the movie reflect Jim's disillusionment and aimlessness, and the other half reflect what happened as a result of this. As it stands, watching this film is like going to the theatre, and having to leave just as the movie starts. You never get to see what becomes of Jim as he embraces his new-found "freedom". For that, I guess you have to see the sequel they mention.

I love David Essex in this movie. He's very cute and a good actor. Disappointing, however, was his character. He's not a very sympathetic "bloke"; rather, he's self-absorbed, deceitful and a cheat..and certainly not anyone you can depend upon in your time of need.

Ringo does a great turn and it's interesting to see him in this context. I am a big Beatle fan, and I enjoyed seeing him in something different and stretching his obvious acting abilities.

That said, I think this movie could have been much better. To add insult to injury, they listed "Rock On" as being in the movie, but nowhere do you hear it played in the film. Perhaps it was in the sequel, but then the makers of this film should not have deceived the public into thinking it is heard in the film, because it isn't.

Maybe a second viewing of this film will put things in better perspective for me, but for now, this is my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

Superior drama of the early days of British rock 'n roll
"That'll be the Day" is a small, well written and acted film made in 1973 that shares similar themes with the better known "Quadrophenia" made 5 years later. Side note: In "That'll be the Day," the Who's Keith Moon has a cameo as a drummer, and the Pete Townshend composition "Long Live Rock," is heard at a dance hall. Both films tell the story of young men in their late teens/early twenties in England who become disillusioned with their lives and most everything around them. In "Quadrophenia," Jimmy Cooper (Phil Daniels) quits his job and runs Ace Face's (Sting) scooter off the seaside cliffs, symbolically severing his ties with the "Mod" lifestyle. The future for Jimmy is uncertain at the end of "Quadrophenia." The ending of "That'll be the Day," however, is much less ambiguous as Jim MacLaine (David Essex) leaves his job and family (including his infant child) for the life of a rock star (further continued in the 1974 sequel "Stardust").

Like "Quadrophenia," "That'll be the Day" is not a musical, though it has plenty of music in it, including the likes of Richie Valens, the Everly Brothers, Dion, etc. The live bands at the dance halls, for the most part, play cover versions of American artists. The real rock stars in the film -- Essex, Ringo Starr, and Billy Fury and Keith Moon in small cameos -- all do an excellent acting job. Essex, in particular, is terrific as Jim and Ringo, as Jim's carny friend Mike, proves that he really can act in a serious role, given the right material (his work here will make you quickly forget about "Caveman"). Rosemary Leach, as Jim's mother, and Rosalind Ayres, as the wife he leaves, are also impressive. Even the small roles are well cast in this film. There's a great scene where young Jim breaks into a seaside arcade on his birthday and proceeds to get drunk. Along comes an English bobby on a bicycle. Rather than arresting him for breaking & entering and disorderly conduct, the compassionate policeman helps Jim home. It's a small, but wonderfully played scene by Ron Hackett as the policeman. Such are the performances throughout this film.

Anchor Bay, as usual, does a great job with the visual presentation of this film, but save for a trailer (shown, for some inexplicable reason, in three different sizes!), there are no extras. This is the type of film where a commentary from David Essex, or the film's director (Claude Whatham) or screenwriter (Ray Connolly) really would have added a lot for fans, in much the way that Director Franc Roddam's commentary added to the viewing experience of "Quadrophenia." If and when "Stardust" is ever released on DVD, let's hope that "the powers that be" will include a commentary track (hint: Director Michael Apted would be great).

Note: Despite it's PG rating, this is not a children's film. In addition to some unsavory characters and mild profanity, there is implied sex as well as a surprisingly graphic sex scene for a PG rated film (the MPAA ratings standards were much laxer in the early 1970s then they are now). Mercifully, there is no drug usage. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Highly recommended.
A 6 yr old "highly energetic" boy and a 9 year old "sophisticated" girl were both riveted by this beautiful film. Unique adventures, sympathetic characters and a fabulous location make this faithful rendering of Arthur Ransome's book a joy to watch. But be warned: I know kids who have been seriously inspired by this story!

ADVENTURE FUN FOR ALL AGES
As the mother of two eager boys, I am always on the lookout for quality films that will grip their attention. Claude Whatham's excellent direction of a superb cast in "Swallows and Amazons" brings all the excitement and camaraderie of Ransom's books to life with wit and humor. The only thing better than reading the books is watching this video! No formulaic stories with pulsating sound track and gyrating female figures -- this is just a great story well portrayed. A family film at its best! Hurrah and let's have more!

Super
My kids have enjoyed this video several times. Unlike many movies based on books, this one keeps the spirit and feel of the books by Arthur Ransome. We'd liked to see more of this series.

True to the book
I feared that the movie would be a "Disney-fied" version of the beloved book. But no, the movie was a delight, the casting excellent, and the story true to that in the book in look and deed.

A very English adventure story for children of all ages
I have watched this so many times with family and friends, including initially cynical teenagers, yet it still entertains superbly. Sailing, the English Lake district, childrens adventures, wonderful acting and you can still visit and stay at the farmhouse where the film was mainly shot - Bank Ground Farm, Coniston, Cumbria, England! ... Read more