National Cinema

The author recalls her spartan life in a National Children’s Home and the pain of being abandoned by the mother she adored. Her misery made her determined to succeed and when, as a teenager, she left home and moved to London, she found work as a model. But it was as an actress that she was to make her name, in such films as “Saturday Night and Sunday Morning”, “The Entertainer” and “Alfie”. Professional success assured, Shirley Anne Field was having fun. She remembers dinners with David Niven, Frank Sinatra and Warren Beatty and tells of her friendships with Steve McQueen, Dudley Moore and Albert Finney and of her marriage to racing-driver Charlie Crichton-Stuart. But the hurt of her childhood was never far from the surface and after receiving a telephone call in 1978, telling her that her mother was alive and wanted to see her, she finally found the love and comfort for which she had always yearned.

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This is the sequel to the author’s successful memoir “Slightly Foxed” and takes her story on from 1971, when her husband died. She writes of her loneliness as well as happier times doing charity work. Many famous artists are mentioned, including her sons Edward, James and Robert.

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Illustrated with many previously unpublished photographs, this tribute to actor Dirk Bogarde covers his appearances in film, theatre and television listed role by role in chronological order, linked by a running commentary and quotes from critics of the day. Bogarde has worked with directors as diverse as Joseph Losey, John Schlesinger and Visconti. Robert Tanitch has written extensively on film and the theatre. His previous titles include photographic biographies of Laurence Olivier, Peggy Ashcroft and John Gielgud.

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David Sherwin was Lindsay Anderson’s closest collaborator in Hollywood. This book offers an affectionate insight into the character of Anderson, one of the greatest figures in post-war British film and theatre.

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It’s nearly 35 years since the film Quadrophenia hit the world’s cinema screens. Jimmy the Mod’s search for identity against the backdrop of the May Bank Holiday riots of the 1960’s, is regarded as the finest example of a British “youth” movie and a warmly remembered timepiece for a generation. Set against the backdrop of the Mods and Rockers riots of 1964, the film took its lead from The Who’s classic rock opera of 1973. With a stellar cast including Phil Daniels, Leslie Ash, Toyah Wilcox and Police front man Sting, the film launched a whole generation of Britain’s finest actors. Even in 2013, the word Quadrophenia still resonates as a buzzword for youthful exuberance and Modernist imagery. As the generation that first saw it now approach their fifties with teenagers of their own, Quadrophenia has become a glorious benchmark for their own youthful excesses, hopes, dreams and nostalgia. To critics, admirers and casual observers, it’s intriguing: what makes a 30 plus year-old film like Quadrophenia still appealing? And similarly, why do people return to it time and time again? For the first time, QUADROPHENIA….A WAY OF LIFE explores the making of Britain’s great cult film and its subsequent influence on popular culture. With interviews with principal cast members, director Franc Roddam, scriptwriter Martin Stellman and other involved in the creation of the film, this is the definitive account of Britain’s greatest youth movie. Although most would credit Quadrophenia as a “Mod” film, it displays more of the fury of the late 1970’s than 1960’s post-war austerity. Nonetheless, this slightly surreal, timeless atmosphere the film exudes, adds to its charm. Ultimately, Mod and 1960’s references aside, Quadrophenia is a classic “boy meets girl, loses girl” parable; a theme which is perennially identifiable with.

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Ralph Richardson was a contradictory genius who remains a legendary power and presence dominated stage and screen for over 50 years. Richardson eschewed most of the romantic heroes that made his two friends, Olivier and Gielgud, famous; he was the only one of the three thought capable of playing the ordinary man. In his search for the man behind the actor’s make-up, the author has talked to Ralph Richardson’s friends and colleagues. From their memories and Richardson’s own words, John Miller has woven a portrait which shows Richardson in all his complexity and reveals the inner drive which took him, against the odds, to the heights of public and critical acclaim. John Miller also disentangles the real from the apocryphal stories of the eccentricity that contributed to the Richardson legend, discovering most to be true and finding new ones. Sir Ralph believed in keeping the secrets of his art from the public, but those secrets he did show to his fellow players are now told in this biography.

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The definitive guide to the history and location of Britain’s most famous cult movies, from A Hard Day’s Night to Trainspotting, with dozens of new interviews, unseen photographs, maps and film sites – and how to find them.

“You’re a big man, but you’re in bad shape”; “I demand to have some booze!”; “Choose Life…”

A Hard Day’s Night, If, Performance, A Clockwork Orange, Get Carter, The Wicker Man, Quadrophenia, Withnail & I, Naked, Trainspotting…

In the 1990s an industry has grown up around certain British cult movies – soundtracks, videos, internet sites and fully-fledged cinema reissues. The makers of these films have become icons of cool, revered throughout the worlds of film, music and fashion. But what makes these films into lifestyles? Your Face Here will tell you why and how.

Ali Catterall and Simon Wells have talked to writers, filmmakers and eyewitnesses, and scouted dozens of location sites to create the definitive history of and guide to over thirty years of British cult movies. Fully illustrated.

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