Tag Archives: BBC

MEMORY LANE: On being British

By Ray Bennett (November 1999) LONDON: We British cherish our loonies and it it’s no surprise that the House of Lords has lasted so long. Only last week, a bill was passed in the House of Lords than deprives hereditary … Continue reading

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Martin Shaw’s ‘George Gently’ to air in US on public TV

By Ray Bennett British period TV police drama “George Gently” will air for the first time on US television on public television stations across the country early next year. It stars Martin Shaw from the cult 1970s action series “The … Continue reading

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TIFF FILM REVIEW: Michael Winterbottom’s ‘The Trip’

By Ray Bennett TORONTO – Michael Winterbottom’s listless foody travelogue “The Trip” is made up of highlights from a six-part BBC-TV series that has yet to air but if these are the best bits then no one will mind waiting. … Continue reading

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TV REVIEW: Judi Dench, Eileen Atkins in ‘Cranford’

By Ray Bennett LONDON – As pretty as an English village green in summer and as bracing as a winter’s meadow brook, the BBC-TV’s new five-part period drama “Cranford”, which starts on Sunday, is an instant classic. Starring some of … Continue reading

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TV REVIEW: Joanne Whalley in ‘Life Line’

By Ray Bennett Beautiful British actress Joanne Whalley (pictured with Ray Stevenson) makes an all too rare appearance tonight in a two-part BBC tale of the supernatural titled “Life Line.” It’s a shame no producer offered her career a lifeline … Continue reading

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The BBC to broadcast ‘Live Earth’ concert around the world

By Ray Bennett The BBC will be host broadcaster of “Live Earth — The Concert For a Climate In Crisis,” set to take place at the new Wembley Stadium in London July 7. Headliners will include the Black Eyed Peas, … Continue reading

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TV REVIEW: Bill Nighy, Emily Blunt in ‘Gideon’s Daughter’

By Ray Bennett LONDON – No one does preoccupied better than Bill Nighy and playing to his strength as a serenely detached public relations guru just about saves writer/director Stephen Poliakoff’s ponderous story of family alienation, “Gideon’s Daughter.” The film … Continue reading

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MUSIC REVIEW: George Fenton and ‘Blue Planet’ in Hyde Park

By Ray Bennett LONDON – They call Hyde Park the lungs of London and on Sunday evening there, 10,000 people took a collective deep breath and metaphorically plunged into the ocean depths to experience the marvels of “The Blue Planet.” … Continue reading

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