Don't Touch That Dial! (What are you watching?)

[Jazzy]

Good show!

[[deleted user]]

I finished reading Martin Chuzzlewit last night. Tonight I'm watching the 1994 BBC adaptation of the novel. Very good so far!

[Jazzy]

I'm not sure if i've seen that one or not, but those BBC adaptions are always a treat!

[Jazzy]

99p DVD from Oxfam - this Danish film
Flammen & Citronen


Flame & Citron (Danish: Flammen & Citronen) is a 2008 historical drama film co-written and directed by the Danish director Ole Christian Madsen. The film, a fictionalized account based on historical events, stars Thure Lindhardt and Mads Mikkelsen as two Danish resistance movement fighters nicknamed Flammen and Citronen, during the Nazi occupation of Denmark in World War II. Attracted by the story of the pair since he was twelve, Madsen spent eight years along with co-writer Lars K. Andersen researching historical archives to produce it.

Madsen's idea was to bring attention to the story of Flammen and Citronen as he felt it had been neglected or misrepresented. The most expensive Danish film produced to that date, it was co-produced by German companies because initially there was no interest in producing the film in Denmark. Portraying the protagonists as morally ambiguous characters, the director tried to depict war as a complicated experience that goes beyond a good versus evil dichotomy. With visual and narrative references borrowed from film noir and the French film Army of Shadows, Flame & Citron also explores themes of love, betrayal, and the emotional aspects of relationships.

The film was released in Denmark on 28 March 2008 to positive reviews. The most-watched film in the country that year, it was praised mostly for the actors' performances, dramatic style, and depiction of war and its moral dilemmas. Considered an art film by some critics, the film was compared, both favorably and negatively, to Army of Shadows and other war films; it also sparked a debate over its historical accuracy. Additionally, it was nominated for both domestic and international film awards.

[Karin]

Jazzy wrote: "It was the actress in the newer one who decided to be ginger and everyone thought it a good idea."

Tthe actress in the FIRST one was a redhead in the role, Angharad Rees, and I am sure this is why the actress in the newer one opted to be a redhead. Quite a number of people who watched the first one but who never read the books would be put off by a dark haired Demelza.

Also, in the first one the actress looked young enough that they had her start off as a child with cropped hair and started off that way. I can't find a photo of that, however.

Here is a photo someone put together featuring the two actresses from about 40 years apart:

[Jazzy]

very nice! I haven't seen the first one, sadly.

[Lynn]

Doreen wrote: "Binge watching the old House series with Hugh Laurie."

We did the same a few years back. It was very good.

[Lynn]

Karin wrote: "Chad wrote: "We started watching Poldark recently. Has anyone read any of the books?"

Yes, I read them when I was young. My parents let us watch the original Poldark series (both seasons) with the..."

I read the first three books of the series sometime in the last 5 years. I also watched the most recent version of Poldark - with the red-head. I enjoyed them all. I liked the first three books of the series, but haven't returned to the rest yet. The first three were in my library, back before closures. I think there were many, many books in that series.

[Karin]

Jazzy wrote: "very nice! I haven't seen the first one, sadly."

Perhaps you can find it on DVD or for free online. I was able to rewatch my favourite version of Pride and Prejudice with David Rintoul and Elizabeth Garvey on Amazon Prime (no longer there, though). Somewhere on Amazon there is a brilliant side-by-side comparison of this one with the Colin Firth one. One of the things she said is that Austin purists tend to prefer the David Rintoul one (that's me! but also for other reasons.)

I realize I am not in the popular crowd for this, but even though I like his acting in some things, I am not a huge fan of Colin Firth nor his looks. I enjoyed him in "Mama, Mia!" but was really happy that, even though he can't sing, she opted for the character played by Pierce Brosnan.

[Jazzy]

I can't say I'm a huge fan of Colin Firth either, but he was bloody brilliant in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy! I'd always thought oh he's alright, but that was a cracker!

[Jazzy]

Karin wrote: "Perhaps you can find it on DVD or for free online..."
Thanks Karin, I'll keep an eye out for it!

[Jazzy]

I'm watching a silent Laurel and Hardy film, With Love and Hisses (1927).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OYbg...

[Jazzy]

I'm watching another silent Laurel and Hardy film -
Putting Pants on Philip (1927)


Putting Pants On Philip is a silent short film starring British/American comedy duo Laurel and Hardy. Made in 1927, it is their first "official" film together as a team. The plot involves Laurel as Philip, a young Scot newly arrived in the United States, in full kilted splendour, suffering mishaps involving the kilt. His uncle, played by Hardy, is shown trying to put trousers on him.


The duo appeared in a total of 107 films between 1921 and 1950. The idea for the film was Stan Laurel's and was based on a story recounted by a friend while Laurel worked in music hall. Archivist William K. Everson described the film as "one of the real gems of comedy from the late 1920s, and perhaps the most individual of all the Laurel and Hardy comedies, though not necessarily the funniest."



Like most of their films, it is shot in Culver City, California.

[Robin P]

Binge rewatching Season 1 of Sanditon, since Season 2 starts here tomorrow. The lead actress is so adorable.

[Chad]

Watching the first season of Stranger Things. It’s really fun and geared towards my age group (born in 1976). I can’t believe we hadn’t watched it before. We’re liking it very much.

[Chad]

My wife and I watched the first episode of Game of Thrones today and we’re not digging it. Are we the only people on earth who are not interested in this series?

[Jazzy]

My neighbour next door but one is in it, however I never saw past the part where the young girl sails away.

[Jazzy]

I'm watching the Netflix film of The Pale Blue Eye: A Story of Murder with Christian Bale and it's really good, so i'm gonna get the book!

[Pam]

Jazzy - My husband and I started watching Pale Blue Eye a few nights ago but he kept falling asleep so I turned it off. I liked what I saw. We’ll have to finish it when he’s more awake!

Chad - I enjoyed the Game of Thrones tv series. I had read all of the books, though. But, I’ve lost interest in reading the last book, if it’s ever finished! He waited too long. I loved Stranger Things!

The show I’ve been waiting for is season 3 of All Creatures Great and Small. I think it premieres tonight. I’m also watching the new season of Emily in Paris. It’s silly and fluffy but it’s a nice break from the real world!

[Jazzy]

I mostly watch international films - spies, crime, murder mysteries, sci-fi, etc.

[Cosmic]

Jazzy wrote: "I mostly watch international films - spies, crime, murder mysteries, sci-fi, etc."

Have you seen The 39 Steps? The book is better. They are not really the same.

[Emily]

for the past week or two i’ve been watching The Sopranos. i’ve been enjoying it

[Jazzy]

Cosmic wrote: "Jazzy wrote: "I mostly watch international films - spies, crime, murder mysteries, sci-fi, etc."

Have you seen The 39 Steps? The book is better. They are not really the same."

Oh yes, I've seen all 4 versions! Which one did you see?

[Cosmic]

Jazzy wrote: "Cosmic wrote: "Jazzy wrote: "I mostly watch international films - spies, crime, murder mysteries, sci-fi, etc."

Have you seen The 39 Steps? The book is better. They are not really the same."

Oh y..."

Only the https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_3...

I didn't know about the others. Thank you!!

[Jazzy]

Hitch always took liberties with re-arranging the story, he inserted visual clues and absolutely brilliant.

[Cosmic]

It was the movie Holden Caulfield took his sister to ten times. It was Salinger's favorite.

[Chad]

I started watching the PBS “Around the World In 80 days”. I read the book last year. I have to say that it’s very entertaining. There is a pretty girl added (of course) but it somewhat follows the novel. I recommend it.

[Chad]

We have been watching Midsomer Murders and they are so much fun! They have been a sort of white noise machine in my house for the past couple of months. Both my wife and I love them and I understand that they were initially based on novels. I haven’t looked into the novels yet but the show (particularly the early seasons) are just great. Plus, the series has gone on for so long that you get to go through the timeline of cellphone and internet integration into everyday life that people my age and older experienced.

[Jazzy]

I love Midsommer Murders, I've been watching the Father Brown Series, but nearly finished. aw, I'm gonna miss it!

Have you seen Endeavour? I like that one too.

[Chad]

Jazzy wrote:

Have you seen Endeavour? I like that one too."

I love Endeavor! Very well done. We watched that before watching any of the Midsomer series. We watched every episode of Endeavor at least twice (in the background of life). We take great pleasure now in recognizing actors from that series appearing in Midsomer Murders decades younger. Isn’t it amazing how much more handsome and beautiful we all were decades ago? Both are great fun! Endeavor is definitely much more….sophisticated? Updated? They are both great.

[Chad]

We started watching A Touch of Frost. We are up to episode three of the first season. It’s really good. All this was going on while I was in high school and no one told me.

[Jazzy]

I love A Touch of Frost!
I've just watched a blu ray of The In-Laws with Peter Falk and Alan Arkin and all the specials.

PS I'm so sorry nobody told you! But you can catch up now.

Have you seen Endeavor?

[Chad]

I love Endeavor! I also love Peter Falk, as Columbo or anything else. He really seemed to be a sweet man.

[Jazzy]

oh and i recently re-watched Life on Mars, with the charming John Simm. It just gets better and better.

[Chad]

I’ve not seen Life on Mars. I’ll have to check it out.

[Jazzy]

Chad wrote: "I’ve not seen Life on Mars. I’ll have to check it out."

Make sure it is the British version. The one from the US was dire!

[Chad]

I googled it and just by the images alone it seems like one that we would like. I’ll keep you posted.

[Lynn]

Jazzy wrote: "oh and i recently re-watched Life on Mars, with the charming John Simm. It just gets better and better."

We watched Life on Mars years ago. My children even got the DVD set for me to make sure I could see all the episodes. Yes, it was very good.

[Lynn]

Jazzy wrote: "Chad wrote: "I’ve not seen Life on Mars. I’ll have to check it out."

Make sure it is the British version. The one from the US was dire!"

Did the US version even finish the story? I remember hearing it would air but never watched even one episode.

[Lynn]

What we are watching now are older medical series. We just watched the last few seasons of "The Good Doctor". Currently we are watching a much older series "St. Elsewhere". I had looked for it on streaming services for a few years and it finally appeared on Disney plus!

In March/April/May I watched a Canadian series called "Being Erica" which I enjoyed.

How do I watch TV? There are many days when the television is not turned on at all. Currently my interests are cooking videos on YouTube and a few news shows - but I tend to watch live broadcasts of events or speeches, not one of the big news channels. Then we will watch one series straight through. My husband if he is around and I will watch 2 or 3 episodes at night before bed. I also prefer a series that is finished or close to finishing with 6 or 7 years of episodes.

[Chad]

Lynn, It’s interesting that you put a season limit on shows that you like to watch. If I’m reading you correctly then I definitely agree. Shows get tired and quality takes a nosedive after they have been a hit and the producers know that they can just throw any sub par mess out there and people will watch it.
We started watching Life on Mars, Jazzy and it’s definitely up our alley. Our favorite character is not the main but rather his boss. Great stuff and a great soundtrack.

[Luffy Sempai]

I've watched Back to the Future 2 and Howl's Moving Castle this week.

[Luffy Sempai]

Lynn wrote: "What we are watching now are older medical series. We just watched the last few seasons of "The Good Doctor". Currently we are watching a much older series "St. Elsewhere". I had looked for it on s..."

I don't watch TV at all. I watch on my smartphone. I like the convenience. Even with something that looks better on a bigger screen, such as sports, I watch it on my phone.

[Luffy Sempai]

I'm now going to watch Great Teacher Onizuka. I saw it when I was a teen but now I have it on DVD.

I also watched episodes 126-130 of One Piece.

[Luffy Sempai]

Lynn wrote: "Jazzy wrote: "Chad wrote: "I’ve not seen Life on Mars. I’ll have to check it out."

Make sure it is the British version. The one from the US was dire!"

Did the US version even finish the story? I ..."

Well I am still waiting for one more season of Alf.

[Jazzy]

I buy the blu rays and always watch on my telly. My eyesight couldn't see the film on a smartphone and I need the subtitles as well!

[Luffy Sempai]

Blurays are awesome. They are not as obsolete as CDs, you know? I think it's tres mondaine of you to enjoy your vids your way.

[Jazzy]

I love St. Elsewhere! Ed Begley Jr. was in it as a young man! Now we can watch him on Young Sheldon as an old man.

And Gene Hunt - always a winner. He went on to be in the sequel to Life on Mars called Ashes to Ashes, and his name is synonymous with a certain rude word for a female body part. But you gotta love him.