Which British film classics wouldn't have been made today?

[Beaty1961]

I was thinking this afternoon about my favorite 1960s British films, and then thought that it was lucky they were made in the 60s as in today's climate they would have little chance of being made. For example, 'If...' or 'Poor Cow' or even 'The Charge of the Light Brigade'...

Which legendary British films do you think simply would not be made today?

[Cheeky Bob]

Originally Posted by Beaty1961 I was thinking this afternoon about my favorite 1960s British films, and then thought that it was lucky they were made in the 60s as in today's climate they would have little chance of being made. For example, 'If...' or 'Poor Cow' or even 'The Charge of the Light Brigade'... Which legendary British films do you think simply would not be made today?

Why would Poor Cow not be made today?

[batman]

A 'traditional' Carry on.... film full of double entendres and 'sexist' humour.

[Miss Guided]

Originally Posted by Beaty1961 I was thinking this afternoon about my favorite 1960s British films, and then thought that it was lucky they were made in the 60s as in today's climate they would have little chance of being made. For example, 'If...' or 'Poor Cow' or even 'The Charge of the Light Brigade'... Which legendary British films do you think simply would not be made today?

add to that.. Zulu and Whistle Down the Wind .... and any true Carry On - not these foolish hashes .. let them be.

[batman]

Originally Posted by Miss Guided and any true Carry On - not these foolish hashes .. let them be.

I must have an echo!

[Beaty1961]

Originally Posted by Cheeky Bob Why would Poor Cow not be made today?

Very good question - and I would agree, why not?

In the case of 'Poor Cow', I don't say that it wouldn't be picked up by British film financiers because of the themes or subject mater...In fact, it's very, very topical.

I think - and this is just my opinion - that 'Poor Cow' wouldn't be picked up - sadly - because the backers of British films would; a. As not being a 'sure fire' box office earner, and b. the backers would not see this as having an audience beyond Britain.

I don't believe this.

Part of the reason I ask the question is because I find it sad that British film has perhaps lost it's willingness to be provoking and controversial - popularity and success were not the primary concerns...Or more correctly, there don't seem to be backers out there who are willing to be 'patrons' - but rather want to be investors.

What do you think?

[Miss Guided]

You do.. it is me.me.. me.. me...

[batman]

Originally Posted by Miss Guided You do.. it is me.me.. me.. me...

I see .. see ... see .... see

[Moor Larkin]

Brief Encounter would be very different..............

............. apparently..........


Not her you fool!

[batman]

If Casino Royale (Daniel Craig version) had been the real first Bond film instead of a reboot, I wonder if the series would still be going in 46 years time from now.

[Cheeky Bob]

Originally Posted by Beaty1961 I think - and this is just my opinion - that 'Poor Cow' wouldn't be picked up - sadly - because the backers of British films would; a. As not being a 'sure fire' box office earner, and b. the backers would not see this as having an audience beyond Britain.

Well, first of all, Ken Loach is much more bankable now than he was in 1967 - and his films generally do better in mainland Europe than they do in Britain.

So I'd say that he'd probably have an easier time raising the money now than he did back in 1967 - and he's certainly been much more prolific in the last 20 years of his career than he was in the first 20.

[Beaty1961]

Originally Posted by Cheeky Bob Well, first of all, Ken Loach is much more bankable now than he was in 1967 - and his films generally do better in mainland Europe than they do in Britain. So I'd say that he'd probably have an easier time raising the money now than he did back in 1967 - and he's certainly been much more prolific in the last 20 years of his career than he was in the first 20.

(Hi Cheeky Bob - hope you don't mind if I propose a counter responce?)

My only reservation about your comments would be, in that case why aren't we seeing films like 'Poor Cow' in mainstream cinemas?

I think you are spot on about Ken Loach - 'It's a Free World' seems very much in the vein of 'Poor Cow', but who has seen it? Which cinema chains picked it up?

Apparently it was only given a 'limited' release in the UK!

Is it that audiences aren't generally open to social drama of this sort?

Thanks for a mature and constructive response, Cheeky Bob.

Steve

[Beaty1961]

Originally Posted by Moor Larkin Brief Encounter would be very different.............. ............. apparently.......... Not her you fool!

That's a very interesting idea, ML. How do you think it would be different?

-- I'll take a guess and say that the social taboos that was at the heart of the 'tragic' romance would not have been an issue these days. Is this what you meant?

(Glad you brought this film up - it's my mother favourite. :) )

[dylan]

The Drum (1938) - Plot summary See Steve's plot summary.


D.

[byebyebadman]

spring and port wine, here we go round the mulberry bush