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
If purgatory is a small market town, surely that makes ‘Hell a City’, does it not?
Broadcaster Martin Holmes joins me as we walk the mean streets of Manchester, seeking out Stanley Baker in the iconic 1960s Hammer film, ‘Hell is a City’
The unlocking of the restraints of London centric locations, causes the impact of the Manchester cityscape to sear its DNA throughout this film, like the words ‘Blackpool’ through a stick of rock.
Join us on a journey of crime, sex, violence and Joby Blanchard’s accent. Stepping back in time to the black and white era of quality British crime noir.
From a robbery gone wrong, to the tossers’ gathering on the nearby moors. Pushing the boundaries of the repressed late 1950s this film sets the bar high for any proceeding crime drama.
*Martin Homes hosts the Vision on Sound radio show (a show about old television programmes) On FAB Radio International every Sunday night at 7pm GMT
In this edition I'm joined by Paul Chandler* (aka The Shy Yeti)
We hop aboard the 1970s London Underground bound for Russell Square.
For this has turned into the Bermuda Triangle of the tube system.
2 students on the last train exit their carriage and find a well dressed man unconscious on the stairs. They quickly seek help from the police but upon their return the man has disappeared.
So starts a gruesome set of events which will change their lives forever.
Starring: Donald Pleasance, Norman Rossington, David Ladd, Sharon Gurney and a fleeting appearance by Christopher Lee
Dare you ride the 'Death Line'?
*'The Shy Life' Podcast is available on all good platforms
Walter Matthau locks horns with army mercenary Robert Shaw, as 4 criminals pull off the greatest hi-jack in New York's history.
1 million dollars for the release of 16 hostages held under the streets of Manhattan on the dark, foreboding subway system.
I take a look at the 1974 film directed by Joseph Sargent
The Taking of Pelham 123
This November sees the 60th anniversary of BBC television’s science fiction serial ‘Doctor Who’.
Broadcaster Martin Holmes joins me as we gush and relive our childhood fear of Doctor Who’s greatest adversary on the big screen, the Daleks.
Released in 1965, Dr Who and the Daleks (in colour) starred world-renowned horror actor Peter Cushing playing against type but not down to the family audience. Bucking the trend of most children’s movies, it has a child star in Roberta Tovey who is engaging and not annoying and is supported by Roy Castle and Jennie Linden.
Join us for this jolly romp through the galaxy in our time travelling garden shed containing Heath Robinson’s spare parts. As we rustle our bags of popcorn and sup at our kia-Ora orange drinks. Reliving the magic of a time cinema has forgotten and when ‘Dalekmania’ was all the rage.
DR WHO AND THE DALEKS…...............so close you can feel their fire!
Also, why not join Martin on FAB Radio International on Sunday 19th November 2023 (1900hours GMT) for his show Vision on Sound.
He’s joined by special guest Stephen Hatcher as they discuss the historical legacy of ‘Doctor Who’ the television programme and its varied and enjoyable storylines.
If you miss the broadcast, you can download the podcast of the show at podcasters.spotify.com or check out ‘Vision On Sound’ on ‘X’ (formally Twitter)
Dr Who and the Daleks rights held by Studio Canal, all clips used in this article are under fair use. The complete film is available through most reliable DVD stockists worldwide.
I don’t want to be born.
It’s 1975, London and somewhere Joan Collins’ character is giving birth, ably assisted by Doctor Donald Pleasence. If that wasn’t a scary thought, the baby, well……………………doesn’t want to be born.
Take 3 future Dames of the British Empire, a forgotten actor and a demonic maniacal dwarf distributing unsubstantiated curses to a stripper who scorns his advances.
And you have the makings of a horror classic, but it doesn’t end up quite as expected!
Bizarre deaths, unintentionally comical dialog and ‘cod’ Italian accents are abundant.
Join my guest Paul Chandler (aka ‘The Shy Yeti’) as he leads us down the King’s Road in London, home to the evil baby, Nicholas.
For this is the story of the baby that didn’t want to be born.
Visit the homes of the rich and well heeled, rub shoulders with a seedy strip club owner, battle evil with a sarcastic nun, all to bring down the curse placed upon Joan Collins.
Ralph Bates, Eileen Atkins, Donald Pleasence and Joan Collins all star in this 70’s horror
‘It’s about erotic as making cheese on toast!’
G & S everyone, and welcome to the next edition of the Cinematic Sausage Podcast.
This time I’m joined by broadcaster Martin Holmes*, and he escorts us in double quick time to the very beginning of the ‘Carry On’ film franchise.
Martin pieces together a film of Conscription, Copulation and Kindness, and explores the format of post WW2 combat films that this film helped to shape.
He surprisingly highlights how Full Metal Jacket owes a big debit to Carry On Sergeant.
*Vision on Sound radio show- FAB Radio International channel 1, Every Sunday 1900hrs GMT
Yes, I’m back for a third season of delving into the film vaults of yesteryear.
This July marks the 30th anniversary of ‘Jurassic Park’ being released in the UK.
I know, 30 years!
I’m joined by Lisa Parker* from the ‘Round the Archives’ podcast, who leads the way through this amusement park disaster movie. Casting an eye over the film, explaining her childhood interest in wacking great big dinosaurs, and checking out some other big names that were considered for this film.
So, grab your popcorn and put your running shoes on as the ‘Raptors’ are coming!
‘Welcome to Jurassic Park’
*Lisa Parker & Andrew Trowbridge can be found regularly hosting a multifaceted podcast on all aspects of archive and forgotten television; ‘ROUND THE ARCHIVES’. Check them out on all good podcast platforms and on twitter.
Oh yes, after some kind words in my lugg hole from you dear listener, we are returning into the chaos that is the podcasting world
From Dinosaurs to Dastardly Murderers, to Comedy classics and Horror at its most absurd. Welcome back to the world of the Cinematic Sausage.
Coming Soon
A cheeky Valentines Day quickie, unscripted and improvised.
When you're unsure how to compliment your date night, why not choose one of my favorite romantic films; 'Somewhere In Time'
Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour and the wonderful Christopher Plummer. All from the writer who brought you the gremlin ripping Bill Shatner's plane apart in 'The Twilight Zone'
A love story that spans decades bridged by a picture, sealed with the love of two young people separated by time.
Happy Valentines Day everyone
In this edition I pay tribute to Ealing Film Studios, the quintessential British film marker.
In part One I take a look at the History of the ‘Studios on the Green’ and the fantastic films it produced.
Coming in Part Two I review the almost forgotten ‘Train of Events’ from 1949 starring Ealing stalwart Jack Warner
I hope you enjoy this edition.
In this second and final part of the Cinematic Sausage’s festive special, the wonderful Martin Holmes* returns to conclude our look at the evocative Black and White ‘Quatermass films’
We sneak a peek at what lurks within the mysterious domes built on the ruins of the former village of Winnerton Flats.
What are the social and political aspects of this 1950s sci-fi film that could be almost be a mirror image of the world of today?
Revisiting from beyond this planet style locations, to looking at how a Capstan full strength cigarette could have ward off an alien invasion.
This is Christmas and this is your festive edition of the Cinematic Sausage, and what could be more festive than an alien invasion and a toupee chasing competition.
All will become clear in our review of Quatermass 2 from Hammer films
*Martin Holmes is available to listen to each week on his radio show centered around old and recent television programmes- ‘Vision on Sound’. Available on the internet radio station FAB Radio International, every Sunday evening on channel 1 at 7pm (GMT)
This Christmas the world is heading towards a cataclysmic end.
A Parasitic vegetable monster with the power to affect Thoria Hurd’s legs, lays poised to launch its deadly spores over the whole of London. Mrs. Carroon screams her lungs raw, through the miracle of dubbing, and surprisingly Jack Warner plays a Policeman!
In the second instalment, oh yes theres more to come…………….
A sinister force is driving the development of a new town outside London, called Hemel Hempstead. Mysterious bulbous domes rest side by side each other in a large refinery somewhere in the Home Counties. What could be in those domes? And why is everyone playing ‘Hunt Brian Donlevy’s hair piece’. Oh yes, Sid James gets a good drilling at the bar!
Join Me and Martin Holmes; (Vision on Sound Radio Show/Round the Archives Podcast) as we delve into the first 2 Quatermass films and come to the defence of Brian Donlevy, discus Thoria Hurd’s dodgy pins and Quatermass’s correct choice of footwear.
This Christmas I bring to you; death, disaster, and a heroic scientist as we review the 2 Black & White Hammer Quatermass films.
I hope you enjoy our Christmas gift to you
*Martin appears on the Vision on Sound Radio Show which he hosts every Sunday at 1900 hrs. GMT on FAB Radio International (internet radio)Channel 1.
Welcome aboard ‘The Horror Express’
Made in the early 1970s and a regular on British television during the early 1980s and 90s often part of their late-night horror double bills.
This film stars Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, with a guest appearance by Telly Savalas. Based at the turn of the last century Christopher Lee discovers a frozen creature that could prove the missing link theory.
But nothing is as it seems, the creature within Lee’s packing crate is placed on the Trans-Siberian Express. This journey will be the last for some of its passengers, falling victim to an alien entity whose intentions aren’t as friendly as you would hope.
A Mind robbing alien, Zombie Cossacks, mysterious murders, and demonic possession all go to form this Spanish/British co production. The film that ‘Hammer’ wished it made.
So come join me on a journey through the frozen tundra of Siberia with no hope of rescue.
How time flies as we find ourselves heading at full throttle towards Halloween.
In this month’s ‘Cinematic Sausage’ I’m joined once again by the host of the ‘Shy Life’ podcast, Paul Chandler who introduces me to my first Italian giallo film.
‘Eyeball’ from 1975 is an exploitative, horror thriller from legendry Italian director Umberto Lenzi
A crazed killer stalks a coach load of tourists visiting the sights of Barcelona, removing their left eyeball as a souvenir.
So, join us for a look at this cheesy, horror with an international cult following.
Coming Soon:
Part 2 of my international horror film review concludes at the end of the month as I board the Spanish horror film, ‘The Horror Express’
Hell, hath no fury like a lorry driver's accelerator pedal.
In this edition of The Cinematic Sausage, I’m joined once again by regular contributor Martin Holmes* (Broadcaster/Artist) as he takes us through the aptly named ‘Hell Drivers’ from 1957, with the world’s most stellar cast list.
Stanley Baker, Patrick McGoohan, William Hartnell, Peggy Cummins, Sidney James, Gordon Jackson, Alfie Bass, Sean Connery (seriously) Herbert Lom all star in this gritty sometimes violent film about a band of misfit haulage drivers risking their lives just to make a crust.
So, sit back in your easy chair and let Martin and I do the driving, in this special edition.
If you would like to contribute to The Cinematic Sausage you can contact me through twitter @a_mivvi
I hope you enjoy this edition and come back again. Please do pass on the word as every little helps
Kind Regards
Warren
*Martin Holmes can be heard on the Vision On Sound radio show every Sunday evening at 7pm (GMT) on internet radio channel FAB Radio International. He is also a talented writer and illustrator, his bestselling illustrated book ‘Nosferatutu’ The Dancyr is available through Lulu Press and Amazon.
You can contact him on twitter @MAW_H
A brief examination of why the character of ‘Mr. Perks’ the porter in the film The Railway Children (1970) and Bernard Cribbins are so similar.
Bernard Cribbins 1928-2022