7 - 13 JAN 2023

So, the Avatar sequel has already passed the $1 billion threshold. Just as well since, apparently, James Cameron has said that it needs to take $2 billion to turn a profit! It reminded me of a conversation with Alec Orme a few years ago, when I suggested that, eventually, the norm would be blockbusters plus live events and little else. I think that day has come a little closer.
MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS (2018) Sunday 8 January 10.00-11.55pm BBC 2                
I saw this at the Radway, when we could still catch medium budget films that tell a decent story based on events of significance. Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie do well enough, but at the time I felt that some of the modernist trappings were unnecessary. Even so, you will enjoy it – as long as you don’t compare it to Glenda Jackson and Vanessa Redgrave’s work in the early 1970s.  
BABY THE RAIN MUST FALL (1965) Monday 9 January 12.35-2.30pm TP (Channel 82)      
This is one of Steve McQueen’s least-known films, which is a shame. He gives a sincere, affecting performance as an ex-con returning to a small Texas town; Lee Remick is also very good as his wife and the small-town milieu is well presented.
THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL (1951) Friday 13 January 6.40-8.30pm TP (Ch 82)
Probably the best sci-fi film of the 1950s – and certainly light years ahead of its 2008 update – has Michael Rennie’s messenger trying to dissuade Planet Earth from hitting the self-destruct button. As I have alluded to in previous postings, it still annoys me when Robert Wise is thought of, first and foremost, as the director of The Sound of Music!  And, remember, in case fiction should ever become fact: Klaatu barada nikto!