mathewowen

I saw this film before I saw James Cameron's film 'Titanic' and although I was gripped by the different stories taking place in the film (eg. The Astor maid recognising nanny Alice Cleaver who supposedly murdered her own baby, which was true in real life), the film had a very cheap tinge to it. You have to accept that it was made on a small budget since signs of this crop up everywhere. Main examples are the sets - They are all too claustrophobic and gloomy that they overshadow any pity you have for the actual ship. And the sinking sequence is very disappointing.

However, the acting is perfect. Catherine Zeta Jones is extremely convincing and she and Peter Gallagher go very well together. George C Scott is, as you'd expect, very fitting as Captain Smith, yet it all seems too gloomy, even in scenes where you can tell that the director wants some excitement, and the antics of scoundrel Tim Curry and the stowaway are quite tiring. However, all in all, not too bad.

Emmerdale, shown by the UK viewing figures, is extremely popular, and rightly so. It perfectly creates the right atmosphere existing in country villages to this day (I should know). The highlight of it all is Samantha Giles, who plays the colourful and quite humorous Bernice Thomas, the landlady of the village's boozer, the Woolpack. Where you want humour, a scene springs up with the antics of the Dingle family. Where you want some drama, there are scenes on the Emmerdale Farm and in the nearby Home Farm: It gives a wide special spectrum, entertaining all in the process.

Don't miss it!

The story is presented well thanks to superb acting, especially from the convincing Alan Cumming as 'Rooster' Hannigan. (You'd never think it seeing him in the film, but he's actually got a strong Scottish accent).

The songs are well-choreographed and the orchestration is marvellous. The ultimate song is one left from the 1982 version: 'N.Y.C.' where all the atmosphere is captured in one shot.

The only real fault is that Kathy Bates isn't very gin-soaked or ahteable even as Miss Hannigan.

This film was made for TV, and yet you wouldn't think it. Granted some of the sets have a studio feel to them, in particular the mansion, you forget about this as the dancing and story sweep away your imagination.

The best advice I can give you on watching this film is to not, as I have done here, continuously compare and contrast this to the 1982 version, as this will deter you from enjoying the full effect of a movie that captures the Broadway atmosphere.

All who value a good musical with fantastic orchestration are gonna like this movie!