The Cinematic Sausage - A Podcast about film, not offal in a long tube ......

Its Christmas!And time for one of our festive specials with long suffering guest Martin Holmes, he of the ‘Vision on Sound’ radio show (every Sunday night FAB radio international… 7pm GMT ….end of plug)3 years agoWe reviewed both the black and white Quatermass films, last year we kept the cold in with the masterpiece that is ‘The Spy That Came In From The Cold’, so keeping up the cheerful theme, this year we went with an ecological apocalypticthriller.The 1960s black and white corker ‘The Day The Earth Caught Fire’, introducing Edward Juddand starring the irrepressible Leo McKern’Set in a Fleet Street newsroom and on the streets of London, we trace the beginning of the end (perhaps) of the whole of mankind. Surprisingly caused by the stupidity of 2 ofthe world’s superpowers as they test detonate their nuclear bombs.The tension builds up to a do or die conclusion. See society slowly falling apart and witness the heroic part a spilt screen Morris Minor plays in this 60s masterpiece. Directed and written by the great Val Guest, it’s a must view for those who enjoy their sci-fi disaster films on the realistic side. Merry Christmas to you all

In this edition of the podcast, I’m joined unexpectedly by broadcaster Martin Holmes, who provides a fascinating insight into the intricacies of the plot and the brilliance of Forsyth’s storytelling.Together, we discuss the enduring appeal of this espionage thriller, its meticulous attention to detail, and theway it has influenced the genre over decades.As the conversation unfolds, Martin delves into the layersof Forsyth’s characters, exploring how their moral ambiguities and calculated decisions influence the pace and timing. We reflect on the timelessness of the film’sthemes, such as the delicate balance between power and vulnerability, and marvel at Forsyth's ability to craft suspense that resonates across generations.Welcome to The Day of the Jackal

It’s 1971 and the dastardly Professor Moriarty hides in plain sight in the middle of New York City. Enter our timeless hero, the consulting Detective Sherlock Holmes, readying himself to do battle once again with his arch enemy. But things are not as they seem and the world of many a vulnerable soul is about to face their ultimate challenge, that of the corrosive effects of ‘Grief’ Starring the great George C. Scott in a role that seems totally out of kilter for him, but yet strangely fits him like a glove. He plays a man destroyed by the grief of the unexpected passing of his wife. He leads the hunt for Moriarty through several bizarre and sometime bewildering set pieces, before ultimately facing his nemesis with his trusty Dr. Watson by his side. "They Might Be Giants," is directed by Anthony Harvey and was released in 1971, is a film that delves into the complexities of the human psyche through the lens of a whimsical yet poignant narrative. The film also delves into the nature of reality, challenging viewers to consider the thin line between sanity and madness.

It’s the Cinematic Sausage’s Festive podcast, and as is the tradition broadcaster and artist *Martin Holmes joins me to look up some festive cheer. So, to really cheer everyone up, we’ve cast an eye over the world of espionage and found possibly the bleakest and darkest representation of a 1960s spy drama, John Le Carre’s ‘The Spy That Came In From The Cold’ (1965) Bottles of whisky at the ready as we join Alec Leamas a burnt-out handler from West Germany as he returns to London to face his fate. A right Mundt (honestly that’s his name) has been executing British spies in the East and London is slightly miffed at the fact. Returning home Leamas is offered a desk job, refusing this ‘Control’ asks him to stay out in the cold a little longer. After assaulting Bernard Lee (‘M’ from the Bond Films) Leamas played by Richard Burton (on top of his game doesn’t even begin to describe his performance) falls in love whilst working in a library. He gets picked up by a very dubious Michael Horden and so begins the descent into the darker under belly of espionage. Double agents, defections and moral philosophy culminates in fateful appointment with the Berlin wall (wrong side) This film has everything a 1960s ‘Bond’ film doesn’t have, realism. Set in the backdrop of the 1960s, there’s free love (pajamas supplied), Rain!!, (God, does it rain),squalid bedsits, and a magnetic story line. So, for an antidote to the falseness of the bright lights and festive fake good cheer, this film is dark, brutal and honest. Thank you for all your support dear listener Merry Christmas everyone!   *Martin Holmes hosts the Vision on Sound Radio Show- Sundays 7pm (GMT)- FAB radio international

I’m Warren H Cummings In this edition of the Podcast, I’m joined once again by regular reviewer the Shi Yeti himself, Paul Chandler. So why not pull up a headstone and make yourself uncomfortable as we enter Bedlam itself. We have a good old natter about the Amicus anthology film ‘Asylum’, from 1972. Talk about why our mums love horror films, Charlotte Rampling’s noughties and killer DHL parcels. So stuck for something to watch this Halloween eve? You could do a whole lot worse than take up residency in the ‘Asylum’ *Paul Chandler is appearing by kind permission of the Shy Life Podcast and Yeti Uncle John. Available on all good podcasting platforms. Enjoy, and happy Halloween everyone