Other 07

NORTH SEA HIJACK (1980)
The ultimate Roger Moore film, and his answer to The Rock, plays like a very British Die Hard on an oil rig, as Moore's triumphant Rufus Excalibur ffolkes ("two small ffs") takes on Anthony Perkins' frosty terrorist gang for the fate of the oil business. Moore owns the screen, despite strong performances from Perkins and James Mason as the admiral of the fleet, and the fun he has playing the bearded, cat-loving, woman-hating, misogynist counterterrorism expert, whether decked out in a tweedy Inverness cape or a vermilion frog suit, is a joy to watch.
A stirring soundtrack by Michael J Lewis and expert direction from Andrew V McLaglen (who also helmed The Wild Geese) help make this a true British action classic. Moore read the galley proofs of the source novel Esther, Ruth & Jennifer at the behest of author Jack Davies, no doubt a clever ruse to get the actor excited about the character. Given the contextlessly oblique title Ffolkes in the US, this never quite broke out beyond Europe which is a real pity as there were plans for a series.
THE MAN WHO HAUNTED HIMSELF (1970)
When I first met Roger, it was to record a DVD audio commentary for this then-forgotten 1970 classic. He had mentioned his fondness for the film which had slipped into late-night TV obscurity in interviews, so it's arrival on DVD afforded an opportunity to get him (and executive producer Bryan Forbes) into a studio to share their memories. The arrival of this DVD two decades ago catapulted the film to its now cult status, not least because a major star like Roger got behind and contributed to the release on a format then in its infancy.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 2024-Ausgabe von Best of British.
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Grand Designs
Sandra Blemster looks at how the work of William Morris continues to resonate

POSTCARD FROM NORFOLK
With his Austin Cambridge long consigned to the great garage in the sky, Bob Barton enjoys a scenic journey by bus through Nelson's County

The Serious Side of Ken Dodd
Philip Williams and David Williams look back on the comedian's prolific and fruitful recording career

The Sport of Kings (and Queens)
Michael Montagu looks back on the history of Royal Ascot and Henley Royal Regatta

The Sound of Silver
Barry Collings on the rediscovery of the rare single Lost Summer Love

The Need for Steed
Chris Hallam remembers The Avengers star Patrick Macnee

Stairway to Success
Chris Hallam celebrates the acting and writing talents of Upstairs, Downstairs co-creator Jean Marsh

Question time
Send us your questions and we'll track down the answers

DOON THE CLUB
John Stoker recounts the perils faced by comedians in the working men’s clubs of the north-east

THE CHARITY THAT BEGAN WITH HOMES
William Sutton’s legacy founded The Sutton Trust. David E Norris recounts its groundbreaking work