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Reviews
Mitch (1984)
Mitch 1984...John Thaw & so much more!
The ever reliable John Thaw slows down the pace somewhat since his action-packed days in The Sweeney for the title role in this watchable London Weekend Television series about a likeable Fleet Street crime reporter and the different stories he covers.
As a bloke Mitch is tough, honourable and intelligent...full of principles, and respected by his colleagues. For a Fleet Street reporter he's well-intentioned and liked by most, especially the down-to-earth everyday-folk.
The character was devised by former Daily Mirror journalist Donald Zec and writer Roger Marshall. I believe this series was filmed in early 1982, but was inexplicably left over until late '84. It's laidback style is in stark contrast to John Thaws earlier successful ITV drama 'The Sweeney', Mitch probably has more in common with BBC's equally successful 'Shoestring'.
As usual John Thaw really is excellent in every aspect, and naturally it is him who leads the series in the right direction, & he's involved in most scenes, supporting cast members like David Calder are excellent too. With talented writers like Roger Marshall & Tony Hoare involved you know you're in good hands (especially if you enjoyed The Sweeney, Minder etc & early episodes of The Bill).
This series ran for 10 episodes, and as is often the case some episodes are stronger than others and some have aged better over the years. Watching it now seems more appealing when viewing on dark-nights after 10pm, it somehow adds to the atmosphere & vibe of each showing of Mitch (I think episodes originally aired after News At Ten at that time of the year in the UK when the night's start drawing-in).
As an actor with such a deservedly fine reputation John Thaw showcases his versatility & depth in Mitch, he famously went on in the 1980s to explore other different roles in Home to Roost, Cry Freedom and arguably his joint signature role of Inspector Morse. Whatever telly programmes he appeared in (Mitch included) it was always top-notch stuff not just down to his inimitable acting talents but he did have a knack of picking winners and being an integral part of classic British TV Shows that were excellent successful and have stood the test of time. I must confess I'm a massive fan of TV from the 1970s & 1980s, as it was definitely an era when the British produced superb & compelling TV Programmes. Most of which still stands-up today. I personally feel the 70s & 80s were much grittier with more character & consequently were more interesting times compared to nowadays and TV obviously reflects this. If you're a fan too of 70s/80s TV especially The Sweeney or anything similar I'd definitely recommend Mitch, there's certainly something charming & intriguing about its appeal...stick with it though as it is laidback and can be a slow-burner but still-waters run deep.
The Wrong Arm of the Law (1963)
Best Of British Cops & Robbers, with notable contributions from Aussie Cops/Robbers!
"The Wrong Arm of the Law" is one of the best & most likeable British comedies from the early 1960's, the film provides Peter Sellers with another wonderful leading role as sharp-dressed & droll gang-leader 'Pearly' Gates, who also masquerades convincingly as "Monsieur Jules", a slightly camp French haute couturier to rich but very gullible ladies. 'Pearly' Gates amusingly leads a double-life as he's also one of London's most well-known criminal kingpins, regularly organising robberies for his mob, hilariously none of his gang-members are the sharpest tools in the shed but naturally always provide a laugh or two.
Lately, Pearly and the other crooks are experiencing continuous problems, after successfully pulling off their usual heists but then only to be instantly ambushed by a trio of "policemen" who are always more interested in the stolen goods than making any arrests. Of course, these "coppers" are actually crooks themselves, led by talented Australian actor Bill Kerr. It takes a while for Pearly and the other gang leaders to figure out what is actually occurring here, not to mention an embarrassed Scotland Yard who put scene-stealing Lionel Jeffries (Inspector 'Nosey' Parker) on the case. Sellers and Jeffries decide to declare a "truce", and agree to co-operate in trying to catch these antipodean interlopers known as The I. P. O Mob (Impersonating a Police Officer). Both Jeffries and Sellers are brilliant together once again (having both appeared together in the wonderful "Two-Way Stretch" the previous year). Such a different pair of comedy actors but who bounced-off each other so well in both films.
This film is blessed with a witty script which provides many amusing scenes (particularly at the funfair). Fabulously written by the legendary Galton and Simpson. Several other British character actors add to the endless entertainment, the marvellous Bernard Cribbins is "Nervous O'Toole" another gang leader who provides so much to the film's hilarity. The prolific John LeMesurier is on hand as Scotland Yard's incredulous chief, unsure as to whether Sellers or Jeffries poses the greater threat to London. Look out for the fantastic scene where all the crooks have a "union meeting" which features Dennis Price in a wonderful cameo as "Educated Ernest" an intellectual crook. The stunning & elegant Nanette Newman also appears, her 'Mata Hari' type role turns out to be more important than it first appears. Overall, Director Cliff Owen keeps things well-paced, expertly uses various London locations and stages an excellent chase towards the end featuring Sellers' 1961 Aston Martin DB4 GT.
Essentially a fabulous comedy film that sustains more than enough interest for its whole duration and has many memorable laugh-out-loud moments. For me personally the ever reliable Peter Sellers is on top-form in "The Wrong Arm of the Law", he appeared in many witty wonderful & charming British comedies before Hollywood came calling and showcased his inimitable comic-genius talents to a larger audience. But in this top notch quintessentially British affair Mr Sellers receives so much fantastic support from such a wonderful ensemble cast. The casting and performances are absolutely spot-on, it's a classic caper that delivers in every aspect, and it never fails to entertain me personally for an hour & a half on every occasion, hopefully it's enduring appeal continues to entertain many others too (especially a more younger audience too)..10/10.