Podcast
Reel Britannia
Hosted by Scott · EN
A very British podcast about very British movies...with the occasional hint of professionalism
16episodes
Episodes
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Episode 191 - The L Shaped Room (1962)
Feb 2801:04:46Tap to summarizeEpisode 191 - The L Shaped Room (1962) "You've had eight over the eight, you lovely bit of crumpet, you!" Directed by Bryan Forbes and based on the novel by Lynne Reid Banks, The L-Shaped Room is a quintessential example of British "kitchen sink" realism. The film tells the poignant story of Jane Fosset (played by Leslie Caron in a BAFTA-winning performance), a young French woman who arrives in London unmarried and pregnant—a precarious social position in the early 1960s. Seeking anonymity, Jane moves into a bug-ridden boarding house in Notting Hill. Her room, grim and L-shaped, becomes the center of her new life among a community of social outcasts. Her neighbors include Mavis, an aging vaudeville performer; Johnny, a black jazz musician facing prevalent racism; and distinctively, Toby (Tom Bell), a struggling, cynical writer. The core of the narrative focuses on the tentative, blossoming romance between Jane and Toby. As they find solace in one another amidst the squalor, Jane grapples with whether to undergo an abortion or keep the child. However, the relationship is built on a fragile foundation of silence; Jane hides her pregnancy from Toby, fearing rejection. When the truth inevitably surfaces, Toby's struggle to accept another man's child exposes the limitations of his love and the harsh moral judgements of the era. Ultimately, the film is a sensitive character study rather than a traditional romance. It tackles then-taboo subjects—illegitimacy, race, and sexuality—with remarkable nuance. The story concludes on a bittersweet note of independence: Jane chooses to keep her baby but leaves the L-shaped room and Toby behind, departing not as a victim, but as a woman who has found the strength to face the future on her own terms.
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Episode 190 - Carry On Cabby (1963)
Feb 1501:03:38Tap to summarizeEpisode 190 - Carry On Cabby (1963) "I wonder if I've got the right soap? I can't remember if it was green for oily skin or oily for green skin." "Carry On Cabby" is widely celebrated as one of the most heartwarming and narrative-driven treasures in the famous franchise. Stepping away from the purely episodic sketches of its predecessors, this 1963 classic delivers a genuinely sweet romantic comedy that stands the test of time. It is a delightful battle of the sexes that combines wit, charm, and a surprising amount of emotional depth. The story centers on workaholic Charlie Hawkins, played by the legendary Sid James, who runs the gritty "Speedee Taxis." When Charlie begins to neglect his home life, his wife Peggy—portrayed by the wonderful Hattie Jacques—decides to teach him a lesson he will never forget. She secretly uses his money to launch a rival company, "Glam Cabs." Suddenly, Charlie faces stiff competition from a fleet of shiny new Fords driven by stunning women, turning the streets of London into a hilarious battleground. What makes this film truly special is the undeniable magic between the leads. Sid James and Hattie Jacques are at their absolute best, portraying a married couple with a warmth that grounds the wackiness. The humor is infectious, moving from the cheeky banter of the "Glam Cab" drivers to the slapstick failures of Charlie's men as they attempt to sabotage the competition. Beyond the laughs, the movie serves as a vibrant time capsule, offering viewers a nostalgic glimpse of 1960s London in all its retro glory. Ultimately, love conquers all in a chaotic, horn-honking finale, proving that this is one ride you don't want to miss!
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Episode 189 - You Only Live Twice (1967)
Jan 2501:24:18Tap to summarizeEpisode 189 - You Only Live Twice (1967) "I must say, you have a lot of energy for a dead man, Mister Bond." Get ready for the ultimate 1960s spy spectacle! You Only Live Twice (1967) isn't just a movie; it is a massive, colourful adventure that takes Sean Connery's James Bond to the vibrant landscapes of Japan for one of his most ambitious missions ever. From the opening moments, the film radiates a distinct, larger-than-life energy that defined the "blockbuster" era of the franchise. The film is a masterclass in escapism. Bond trades his usual Aston Martin for "Little Nellie," a heavily armed, pocket-sized autogyro that leads to one of the most thrilling and inventive aerial dogfights in cinema history. The action is fast, fun, and filled with the classic 007 swagger that fans adore. However, the true showstopper is the scale of the villainy. We finally see the face of Bond's arch-nemesis, Ernst Stavro Blofeld (complete with the iconic white cat), hiding out in what is arguably the greatest movie set ever built: a massive, hollowed-out volcano rocket base! The climax is pure adrenaline, featuring a literal army of ninjas repelling down into the volcano to stop World War III. With Nancy Sinatra's dreamy, beautiful title track setting the mood and Ken Adam's breathtaking set designs stealing the show, You Only Live Twice is a triumph of imagination. It is campy, explosive, and wildly entertaining—Bond at his absolute biggest and boldest.
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Episode 188 - Just My Luck (1957)
Jan 1101:07:10Tap to summarizeEpisode 188 - Just My Luck (1957) "Choose Your Entertainment With "WISDOM"!!" Just My Luck (1957) is a sparkling slice of postwar British comedy that captures both the optimism and the charm of its era. Starring the ever-appealing Norman Wisdom as Norman Hackett, a humble jeweller's apprentice with big dreams, the film follows his hapless but heartfelt attempts to turn his fortunes around. Norman, eternally late and forever in trouble at work, is secretly besotted with glamorous shop assistant Anne (delightfully played by Jill Dixon). When he overhears that she's a fan of racing, he decides to risk everything by placing a series of bets—turning a simple flutter into a full-blown adventure. What follows is a joyful run of misunderstandings, slapstick chaos and bursts of romantic idealism, all propelled by Wisdom's trademark physical comedy and irrepressible energy. He tumbles, stumbles, and careens through life with that winning mix of innocence and determination that made him Britain's favourite underdog. The climax at the racetrack—where Norman's luck finally turns in spectacular fashion—delivers a perfectly timed payoff that leaves audiences smiling. Behind the laughter, Just My Luck shows the craftsmanship of director John Paddy Carstairs, who had honed Wisdom's screen persona across several Ealing-flavoured comedies. Shot at Pinewood Studios, the film's brisk pacing, colourful sets, and lively orchestral score give it a polish that stands out among the decade's feel-good comedies. On release, it proved another box-office hit for Wisdom, confirming his status as the British everyman who could make misfortune look hilarious. Critics admired its warmth and verve, and audiences adored its blend of humour, heart, and a touch of fantasy—the notion that sheer enthusiasm might be enough to change one's destiny. Buoyant, bright, and brimming with optimism, Just My Luck remains a charming reminder that sometimes fortune really does favour the foolishly brave.
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Episode 187 - Hammer Britannia 022 - The Curse Of The Mummy's Tomb (1964)
Jan 800:57:21Tap to summarizeEpisode 187 - Hammer Britannia 022 - The Curse Of The Mummy's Tomb (1964) "He's living in the past! This is 1900, you have to think modern." Dust off your fez and grab your torch! If you're in the mood for a splendidly spooky adventure that oozes 1960s charm, look no further than Hammer's 1964 classic, The Curse of the Mummy's Tomb. This film is a pure, unadulterated slice of gothic fun, a wonderful reminder of a time when movie monsters were tragic, heroes were dashing, and curses were, well, very literal. The story kicks off in the grand tradition: a team of intrepid (and slightly reckless) archaeologists unearths the tomb of the Egyptian prince Ra-Antef. Despite the usual ominous warnings etched on the walls, they crate up their findings and ship them off to London, guided by the bombastic American showman, Adam Beauchamp (played with wonderful gusto by Fred Clark). Beauchamp's plan? A sensational, profit-making roadshow! Of course, the mummy has other ideas. It's not long before the ancient guardian is re-animated and stalking the foggy streets of London, exacting a methodical and wonderfully theatrical revenge on his desecrators. What makes this movie such a joy isn't bone-chilling terror, but its incredible atmosphere and earnestness. It's a film that fully commits to its premise. The sets are a colorful delight, from the treasure-filled tomb to the lavishly decorated London drawing rooms that are about to be rudely interrupted by a 4,000-year-old party crasher. The mummy itself, when finally revealed in its full, bandaged glory, is a fantastic piece of classic monster design. The cast is clearly having a wonderful time. Terence Morgan is the perfect, square-jawed hero, while Ronald Howard provides the necessary archaeological gravitas. But it's Fred Clark's performance as the quintessential "Ugly American" promoter that steals the show, chewing scenery with an infectious energy. The Curse of the Mummy's Tomb is the perfect cinematic comfort food. It's a fast-paced, colourful, and thrilling adventure that never takes itself too seriously. It doesn't aim to haunt your nightmares; it aims to entertain you for 80 minutes with a ripping good yarn. This and previous episodes can be found everywhere you download your podcasts Bonus content available at: patreon.com/ReelBritanniaPodcast Follow us on Twitter @rbritanniapod Thanks for listening Scott and Steven
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Episode 079 - Whisky Galore (1949)
Jul 12, 2020Tap to summarizeWelcome to Reel Britannia-a very British podcast about very British movies ...with just a hint of professionalism. In the latest episode, Scott is joined by Steven to chat about unskilled soldiery, Scottish accents and shipwrecked spirits. Join us we take a look at the Ealing Comedy classic, Whisky Galore – featuring John Gregson, James Robertson Justice and Gordon Jackson During World War II, the tiny Scottish island of Todday runs out of whisky. When the freighter S.S. Cabinet Minister runs aground nearby during a heavy fog, the islanders are delighted to learn that its cargo consists of 50,000 cases of whisky. When officious English commanding officer Captain Waggett (Basil Radford) demands return of the liquor, shopkeeper Joseph Macroon (Wylie Watson) and his daughters Peggy (Joan Greenwood) and Catriona (Gabrielle Blunt) spearhead an island rebellion. "It's a well known fact that some men were born two drinks below par." You can find this and all of our previous episodes at: Apple Podcasts Libsyn Player FM Podtail Owltail ListenNotes Follow us on Twitter @rbritanniapod Join us over at our Facebook Group ….we'd love to chat with you email: reelbritannia@gmail.com Thanks for listening Scott and Steven
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