Henry Fonda earned his first Oscar nomination for his indelible turn as Tom Joad who becomes head of his family of Oklahoma tenant farmers in John Ford’s 1940 masterpiece “The Grapes of Wrath’ based on John Steinbeck’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. And 44 years later, his two-time Oscar-winning daughter Jane Fonda had her “Grapes of Wrath” moment in the ABC Mother’s Day movie, “The Dollmaker.”
Based on Harriette Arnow’s 1954 novel of the same name, the three-hour drama set in the final two years of World War II, finds Fonda playing the indomitable Gertie Nevels, a caring, loving and uneducated mother of five. A sharecropper in Kentucky, Gertie dreams of owning her own farm and has saved enough money to buy one. Her husband (Levon Holm) isn’t much of a farmer but is good at fixing machines. When he gets a job as a mechanic at a factory in Detroit,...
Based on Harriette Arnow’s 1954 novel of the same name, the three-hour drama set in the final two years of World War II, finds Fonda playing the indomitable Gertie Nevels, a caring, loving and uneducated mother of five. A sharecropper in Kentucky, Gertie dreams of owning her own farm and has saved enough money to buy one. Her husband (Levon Holm) isn’t much of a farmer but is good at fixing machines. When he gets a job as a mechanic at a factory in Detroit,...
- 5/13/2024
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Note: this article contains detailed discussions of sexual assault.
Norman Lear's seminal sitcom "All in the Family" was known for bringing laughs and thought-provoking discussions, but a 1977 episode entitled "Edith's 50th Birthday" was an outlier. Instead of a comedy, the two-parter felt like a horror show, one with a gravely serious topic: rape. In it, family matriarch Edith Bunker (Jean Stapleton) survives a harrowing, extended assault attempt by a stranger and is forced to muddle through the aftermath of intense trauma. It's a dark point for the series, but it's one that show creator Lear said elicited the strongest live-action response of any moment in the show's nine-season run.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 2017, Lear (who died at the age of 101 in 2023) was asked to recall the biggest audience uproar in the show's history. "I never heard a bigger sound on television than when Edith got...
Norman Lear's seminal sitcom "All in the Family" was known for bringing laughs and thought-provoking discussions, but a 1977 episode entitled "Edith's 50th Birthday" was an outlier. Instead of a comedy, the two-parter felt like a horror show, one with a gravely serious topic: rape. In it, family matriarch Edith Bunker (Jean Stapleton) survives a harrowing, extended assault attempt by a stranger and is forced to muddle through the aftermath of intense trauma. It's a dark point for the series, but it's one that show creator Lear said elicited the strongest live-action response of any moment in the show's nine-season run.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 2017, Lear (who died at the age of 101 in 2023) was asked to recall the biggest audience uproar in the show's history. "I never heard a bigger sound on television than when Edith got...
- 3/31/2024
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
Kate Middleton‘s cancer announcement revealed intimate details regarding her health. The Princess of Wales shared her diagnosis, treatment plan, how her family has dealt with the shocking news, and a timeline of when she may return to public life. However, in the middle of sharing news regarding her devastating diagnosis, Kate uttered six hopeful words, which became more important than any other in her statement, claims a royal commentator.
The Princess of Wales gives hope to royal watchers in 6 words
In a video that ran just over two minutes long, Kate Middleton gave hope to royal watchers in light of her devastating cancer diagnosis. Within her statement, the Princess of Wales carefully chose six words that foretold her future within the institution.
Daniela Elser of News.com.au editorialized Kate’s March 22 video. She shared her thoughts regarding the most crucial part of the clip, words hidden in a statement regarding her three children.
The Princess of Wales gives hope to royal watchers in 6 words
In a video that ran just over two minutes long, Kate Middleton gave hope to royal watchers in light of her devastating cancer diagnosis. Within her statement, the Princess of Wales carefully chose six words that foretold her future within the institution.
Daniela Elser of News.com.au editorialized Kate’s March 22 video. She shared her thoughts regarding the most crucial part of the clip, words hidden in a statement regarding her three children.
- 3/25/2024
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Woody Allen’s Coup de Chance premiered at the Venice International Film Festival last September, and THR reports that MPI Media Group will release the movie in the U.S. on April 5th, followed by a Digital/VOD release on April 12th.
The film is Woody Allen’s 50th theatrically released movie and has already made the rounds in many European markets. The official synopsis reads: “Fanny and Jean have everything of the ideal couple: fulfilled in their professional life, they live in a magnificent apartment in the beautiful districts of Paris and seem to be in love as on the first day. But when Fanny crosses, by chance, Alain, a former high school friend, she is immediately capsized. They see each other again very quickly and get closer and closer.” The film stars Lou de Laâge (The Mad Woman’s Ball) as Fanny, Niels Schneider (Sybil) as Alain and...
The film is Woody Allen’s 50th theatrically released movie and has already made the rounds in many European markets. The official synopsis reads: “Fanny and Jean have everything of the ideal couple: fulfilled in their professional life, they live in a magnificent apartment in the beautiful districts of Paris and seem to be in love as on the first day. But when Fanny crosses, by chance, Alain, a former high school friend, she is immediately capsized. They see each other again very quickly and get closer and closer.” The film stars Lou de Laâge (The Mad Woman’s Ball) as Fanny, Niels Schneider (Sybil) as Alain and...
- 2/13/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Last week, The Hollywood Reporter reported that cinephiles were sharing “samizdat” links to Woody Allen’s latest film Coup de Chance from a French-to-Dutch-to-English translation, and New Yorkers were attending clandestine screenings at an East Village bar/event space. Today, THR can exclusively report that those who wish to see the 88-year-old’s latest project, which debuted at the Venice Film Festival in early September to (mostly) positive reviews, can do so without slinking around or needing secret codes.
MPI Media Group will release the picture, Allen’s 50th theatrically released feature film as a director, for North American markets on April 5, 2024. A digital/VOD release will follow on April 12.
The movie, shot in France in French, stars Lou de Laâge (Respire, The Mad Woman’s Ball) as a self-aware trophy wife who reconnects with an old chum from the Lycée Français in New York, played by Niels Schneider (Heartbeats,...
MPI Media Group will release the picture, Allen’s 50th theatrically released feature film as a director, for North American markets on April 5, 2024. A digital/VOD release will follow on April 12.
The movie, shot in France in French, stars Lou de Laâge (Respire, The Mad Woman’s Ball) as a self-aware trophy wife who reconnects with an old chum from the Lycée Français in New York, played by Niels Schneider (Heartbeats,...
- 2/12/2024
- by Jordan Hoffman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
John Cleese has adapted three episodes of Fawlty Towers into a play, which will premiere in the West End in May.
Fawlty Towers is often, quite rightly, cited as one of the best sitcoms ever made. Starring John Cleese, Prunella Scales, Andrew Sachs and Connie Booth, it was written by Cleese and Booth who, according to the DVD commentaries, took six weeks to plot and write each episode.
The show was based on a real hotel the Monty Python team stayed at, with Basil Fawlty based on its proprietor Donald Sinclair, after whom Cleese later named his character in Rat Race.
According to the British Comedy Guide, Cleese has adapted three episodes for the stage as a play which will premiere at the Apollo Theatre in the West End in June. Caroline Jay Ranger will direct.
The episodes are The Hotel Inspector and The Germans from Series 1 and Communication Problems...
Fawlty Towers is often, quite rightly, cited as one of the best sitcoms ever made. Starring John Cleese, Prunella Scales, Andrew Sachs and Connie Booth, it was written by Cleese and Booth who, according to the DVD commentaries, took six weeks to plot and write each episode.
The show was based on a real hotel the Monty Python team stayed at, with Basil Fawlty based on its proprietor Donald Sinclair, after whom Cleese later named his character in Rat Race.
According to the British Comedy Guide, Cleese has adapted three episodes for the stage as a play which will premiere at the Apollo Theatre in the West End in June. Caroline Jay Ranger will direct.
The episodes are The Hotel Inspector and The Germans from Series 1 and Communication Problems...
- 2/5/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
The Fawlty Towers revival continues apace.
Not content with rebooting the TV series with Rob Reiner, John Cleese has now penned a stage adaptation of three episodes of the 40-year-old BBC series, which is widely considered one of the best British shows of all time.
Fawlty Towers: The Play is based on three episodes: “The Hotel Inspectors,” “The Germans” and “Communication Problems,” and will merge the three into one. One of the episodes, “The Germans,” has caused a stir in recent years as a character repeatedly uses the N-word in reference to members of the West Indies cricket team. It was briefly taken down from UKTV’s streaming service four years ago before being reinstated.
Cleese said he has “assembled a top-class group of comedy actors” and written “one huge finale” to the play.
It was originally staged in Australia but is now coming to London’s West End Apollo Theatre,...
Not content with rebooting the TV series with Rob Reiner, John Cleese has now penned a stage adaptation of three episodes of the 40-year-old BBC series, which is widely considered one of the best British shows of all time.
Fawlty Towers: The Play is based on three episodes: “The Hotel Inspectors,” “The Germans” and “Communication Problems,” and will merge the three into one. One of the episodes, “The Germans,” has caused a stir in recent years as a character repeatedly uses the N-word in reference to members of the West Indies cricket team. It was briefly taken down from UKTV’s streaming service four years ago before being reinstated.
Cleese said he has “assembled a top-class group of comedy actors” and written “one huge finale” to the play.
It was originally staged in Australia but is now coming to London’s West End Apollo Theatre,...
- 2/2/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The American Broadcasting Company aired its iconic series ABC Movie of the Week from 1969 to 1975. In the intro of Michael Karol’s book The ABC Movie of the Week Companion: A Loving Tribute to the Classic Series, the author called the anthology show “influential” for baby-boomers. Karol then went on to quote a press release from Barry Diller; ABC’s vice president at the time said the network was trying to “broaden the base of familiar television anthologies and movies-for-television” and how a 90-minute format would “do justice to that special echelon of story ideas, which don’t quite work in the standard one-and two-hour television program forms.” The concept also entailed working with production companies outside of their own (ABC-Circle Films), including frequent collaborator Spelling-Goldberg. And as many fans of vintage American tele-cinema will agree, one of Spelling-Goldberg’s, not to mention ABC’s most memorable TV-movies from that...
- 12/21/2023
- by Paul Lê
- bloody-disgusting.com
Writer/actor Felicia Day made the trek to the 2023 San Diego Comic-Con in support of her fantasy adventure audio series Third Eye, debuting on Audible on October 5, 2023. The seven-hour audio series stars Day as Laurel Pettigrew, a not-so-ordinary San Francisco resident who was supposed to rid the world of the evil Tybus. Unfortunately, Laurel couldn’t fulfill her destiny.
Audible offers this description: “Now, instead of being a legendary hero, Laurel’s the resident pariah of the magic realm. And what’s worse, the dark wizard Tybus swooped in, took over the realm, and forced all supernatural creatures to live under his tyrannical rule. He’s even stripped away the magical powers of those who refused to join his wicked cause. Yeah, everyone hates her. Well, everyone except her two roomies—Sybil, the sassiest diva of a fairy, who could throw shade with the flick of a wing. And Frank,...
Audible offers this description: “Now, instead of being a legendary hero, Laurel’s the resident pariah of the magic realm. And what’s worse, the dark wizard Tybus swooped in, took over the realm, and forced all supernatural creatures to live under his tyrannical rule. He’s even stripped away the magical powers of those who refused to join his wicked cause. Yeah, everyone hates her. Well, everyone except her two roomies—Sybil, the sassiest diva of a fairy, who could throw shade with the flick of a wing. And Frank,...
- 10/3/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Audible, Inc., the leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, today announced a new scripted science-fiction comedy Third Eye, written and created by actor, producer, writer and streamer, Felicia Day and featuring author Neil Gaiman (The Sandman) as The Narrator. Set to premiere on October 5, the Audible Original produced alongside Clamor, stars Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings), LilyPichu (Offline TV), Wil Wheaton (Ready Player One), London Hughes (_T_he Netflix Afterparty), Danny Pudi, Alan Tudyk (Resident Alien), Hudson Yang (Fresh off the Boat), and Christopher Judge (God of War). Post-production for the Audible Original will be handled by Mumble Media, a worker-owned podcast production cooperative.
Third Eye tells the story of Laurel (Felicia Day), a “Chosen One” wizard still grappling with the fallout of failing a decade earlier in her fight with the ultimate evil Tybus (Christopher Judge). Day will write and star in the project, as our...
Third Eye tells the story of Laurel (Felicia Day), a “Chosen One” wizard still grappling with the fallout of failing a decade earlier in her fight with the ultimate evil Tybus (Christopher Judge). Day will write and star in the project, as our...
- 7/4/2023
- Podnews.net
Charm City #1: "The Baltimore police are baffled when a Ravens cheerleader is found floating in the Inner Harbor with an arcane symbol carved onto her corpse. And only Alyssia Singer, music blogger at the Baltimore Sun, knows what it means: that a serial killer is targeting Baltimore's underground witching community. Alyssia-an excommunicated witch who no longer uses magic-must decide: take the case and confront her estranged family and long buried demons... or risk more bodies piling up..."
Written by Josh Eiserike, art by Scott Van Domelen (Scout’s Smoketown), colors by Lorenzo Palombo and edited by Joshua Malkin.
Charm City #1 retails at $4.99 and is due in stores and at ScoutComics.com on July 19th. Previews code MAY231978.
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Former Dread Central Editor-In-Chief Releases 2nd Extreme Horror Novel with Septum: A Deeper Than Hell Paraquel: "Most people who have heard of Joshua Millican know him as the Editor-in-Chief of Dread Central...
Written by Josh Eiserike, art by Scott Van Domelen (Scout’s Smoketown), colors by Lorenzo Palombo and edited by Joshua Malkin.
Charm City #1 retails at $4.99 and is due in stores and at ScoutComics.com on July 19th. Previews code MAY231978.
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Former Dread Central Editor-In-Chief Releases 2nd Extreme Horror Novel with Septum: A Deeper Than Hell Paraquel: "Most people who have heard of Joshua Millican know him as the Editor-in-Chief of Dread Central...
- 6/14/2023
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Elle Fanning and Sarah Paulson are to star in 'I Am Sybil'.The pair have boarded the movie that is to be co-written and directed by Mirrah Foulkes.The picture is to explore the true story behind the cultural-sensation case of Sybil, one of the first mainstream cases of dissociative identity disorder (formerly known as multiple personality disorder), which raised questions in the public consciousness around identity and mental health.Sybil was a pseudonym given to art teacher Shirley Mason in a 1973 work of non-fiction by Flora Rheta Schreiber – which assessed her treatment for multiple personality disorder by psychologist Connie Wilbur.The film will draw on Debbie Nathan's 2011 book 'Sybil Exposed: The Extraordinary Story Behind the Famous Multiple Personality Case', one of several texts that disputes Schreiber's account of the case.Sources say that Fanning will play Mason with Paulson starring as Wilbur in the movie.The story...
- 6/6/2023
- by Joe Graber
- Bang Showbiz
Two of the most enigmatic actresses of our time, Elle Fanning and Sarah Paulson, will lead Mirrah Foulkes’ new film project, I Am Sybil. Foulkes directs from a script she co-wrote with Jen Silverman, recreating the true story of Sybil, one of the first widely recognized cases of dissociative identity disorder (formerly called multiple personality disorder).
Sybil was the name given to Shirley Mason, who, in a study conducted by Flora Rheta Schreiber, examined Mason’s treatment for Mpd by psychologist Connie Wilbur. The forthcoming film draws inspiration from Debbie Nathan‘s 2011 novel Sybil Exposed: The Extraordinary Story Behind the Famous Multiple Personality Case, examining flaws in Schreiber’s findings.
We don’t know who Fanning and Paulson play in Foulkes’ film project, but sources say Fanning plays Mason while Paulson plays Wilbur. I Am Sybil is not the first cinematic retelling of Mason’s story. Sally Field and Joanne Woodward...
Sybil was the name given to Shirley Mason, who, in a study conducted by Flora Rheta Schreiber, examined Mason’s treatment for Mpd by psychologist Connie Wilbur. The forthcoming film draws inspiration from Debbie Nathan‘s 2011 novel Sybil Exposed: The Extraordinary Story Behind the Famous Multiple Personality Case, examining flaws in Schreiber’s findings.
We don’t know who Fanning and Paulson play in Foulkes’ film project, but sources say Fanning plays Mason while Paulson plays Wilbur. I Am Sybil is not the first cinematic retelling of Mason’s story. Sally Field and Joanne Woodward...
- 6/5/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Created by Alice Birch and inspired by the 1988 film by David Cronenberg, “Dead Ringers” gives us two main characters for the price of one. Rachel Weisz plays Beverly Mantle and Elliot Mantle, a pair of identical twin gynecologists with an unhealthy attachment to each other. But while they may be on a path of self-destruction, their dysfunction could pay off at the Emmys, which love actors playing multiple roles.
Sally Field (“Sybil”) and Toni Collette (“United States of Tara”) both won for playing characters with dissociative identity disorder — colloquially known as multiple personality disorder. More recently Mark Ruffalo (“I Know This Much is True”) took home a trophy for playing troubled twins. And in daytime, Erika Slezak (“One Life to Live”) famously won six Emmys, including prizes for playing her character’s alternate personalities.
See‘Dead Ringers’ reviews: Rachel Weisz and Jennifer Ehle are highlights of ‘unhinged,’ ‘handsomely mounted’ limited...
Sally Field (“Sybil”) and Toni Collette (“United States of Tara”) both won for playing characters with dissociative identity disorder — colloquially known as multiple personality disorder. More recently Mark Ruffalo (“I Know This Much is True”) took home a trophy for playing troubled twins. And in daytime, Erika Slezak (“One Life to Live”) famously won six Emmys, including prizes for playing her character’s alternate personalities.
See‘Dead Ringers’ reviews: Rachel Weisz and Jennifer Ehle are highlights of ‘unhinged,’ ‘handsomely mounted’ limited...
- 4/28/2023
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Classic sitcom Fawlty Towers is set to be rebooted by John Cleese and his daughter, Camilla Cleese.
The Monty Python’s Flying Circus actor, who starred in the original series as irascible hotel owner Basil Fawlty, is making the new series in collaboration with Spinal Tap filmmaker Rob Reiner.
Both Cleese and his daughter will write and star in the revival, which is currently in development.
According to Deadline, the series will “explore how Cleese’s over-the-top, cynical and misanthropic Basil Fawlty navigates the modern world”.
“John Cleese is a comedy legend. Just the idea of working with him makes me laugh,” Reiner said.
As well as Reiner, Michele Reiner, Derrick Rossi, and Matthew George will all serve as executive producers.
Speaking to the outlet, John Cleese praised George’s “understanding of the ‘creative process’” and claimed that their initial meeting had yielded “one of the best creative sessions I...
The Monty Python’s Flying Circus actor, who starred in the original series as irascible hotel owner Basil Fawlty, is making the new series in collaboration with Spinal Tap filmmaker Rob Reiner.
Both Cleese and his daughter will write and star in the revival, which is currently in development.
According to Deadline, the series will “explore how Cleese’s over-the-top, cynical and misanthropic Basil Fawlty navigates the modern world”.
“John Cleese is a comedy legend. Just the idea of working with him makes me laugh,” Reiner said.
As well as Reiner, Michele Reiner, Derrick Rossi, and Matthew George will all serve as executive producers.
Speaking to the outlet, John Cleese praised George’s “understanding of the ‘creative process’” and claimed that their initial meeting had yielded “one of the best creative sessions I...
- 2/28/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
John Cleese has issued an “apology” for rebootingFawlty Towers with his daughter, Camilla Cleese.
It was recently announced that the Monty Python’s Flying Circus actor – who starred in the original series as hotel owner Basil Fawlty – is making the reboot in collaboration with Spinal Tap filmmaker Rob Reiner.
Cleese, 83, and Camilla, 39, will write and star in the revival, which is currently in development.
The actor told fans that the forthcoming series – which follows Basil discovering he has a secret daughter and struggling to navigate the modern world – won’t be an “anti-woke nightmare”. He also ruled out BBC hosting the series.
News of the reboot divided fans of the original series, with many critics urging that Fawlty Towers should be left alone.
Cleese responded to the criticism with a sarcastic apology posted to Twitter on Monday (20 February).
“I must apologise,” he wrote. “I had no idea that the idea...
It was recently announced that the Monty Python’s Flying Circus actor – who starred in the original series as hotel owner Basil Fawlty – is making the reboot in collaboration with Spinal Tap filmmaker Rob Reiner.
Cleese, 83, and Camilla, 39, will write and star in the revival, which is currently in development.
The actor told fans that the forthcoming series – which follows Basil discovering he has a secret daughter and struggling to navigate the modern world – won’t be an “anti-woke nightmare”. He also ruled out BBC hosting the series.
News of the reboot divided fans of the original series, with many critics urging that Fawlty Towers should be left alone.
Cleese responded to the criticism with a sarcastic apology posted to Twitter on Monday (20 February).
“I must apologise,” he wrote. “I had no idea that the idea...
- 2/20/2023
- by Annabel Nugent
- The Independent - TV
Fawlty Towers co-creator and actor, Connie Booth has said she didn’t know the show was getting a reboot.
The former actor – who played Polly in the show – claims she found out about the news the same way as anyone else, by reading it “in the papers”.
Last week, John Cleese announced he would be rebooting the classic sitcom with his daughter, Camilla Cleese.
The Monty Python’s Flying Circus actor, who starred in the original series as hotel owner Basil Fawlty, is currently working on the new series in collaboration with Spinal Tap filmmaker Rob Reiner.
Both Cleese and his daughter will write and star in the revival, which is currently in development.
The original series starred Connie Booth – Cleese’s then-wife who co-created the series – along with Prunella Scales as Basil’s wife Sybil and the late Andrew Sachs as hotel employee Manuel.
The new series will not...
The former actor – who played Polly in the show – claims she found out about the news the same way as anyone else, by reading it “in the papers”.
Last week, John Cleese announced he would be rebooting the classic sitcom with his daughter, Camilla Cleese.
The Monty Python’s Flying Circus actor, who starred in the original series as hotel owner Basil Fawlty, is currently working on the new series in collaboration with Spinal Tap filmmaker Rob Reiner.
Both Cleese and his daughter will write and star in the revival, which is currently in development.
The original series starred Connie Booth – Cleese’s then-wife who co-created the series – along with Prunella Scales as Basil’s wife Sybil and the late Andrew Sachs as hotel employee Manuel.
The new series will not...
- 2/14/2023
- by Megan Graye
- The Independent - Music
John Cleese has said his surprise revival of Fawlty Towers won’t be returning to its original home on the BBC because the UK broadcaster would not give him sufficient editorial freedom.
The 83-year-old British comedy icon said the revived series, which is in the works at Rob Reiner’s Castle Rock Entertainment, would find a new home as he writes scripts with his daughter Camilla Cleese.
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Asked if he wanted to work with the BBC, he said: “No, because you wouldn’t get the freedom.”
He told Gb News, the right-leaning British news channel, that the series will take the central character of...
The 83-year-old British comedy icon said the revived series, which is in the works at Rob Reiner’s Castle Rock Entertainment, would find a new home as he writes scripts with his daughter Camilla Cleese.
Related Story ‘Fawlty Towers’ Reboot In The Works With John Cleese, Camilla Cleese & Rob Reiner’s Castle Rock Entertainment Related Story Volodymyr Zelensky Surprises BBC Ukraine Journalist With Hug During Historic UK Visit Related Story Former Ymu Business Exec Joins Rebranded Digital Content Indie Cowshed Collective
Asked if he wanted to work with the BBC, he said: “No, because you wouldn’t get the freedom.”
He told Gb News, the right-leaning British news channel, that the series will take the central character of...
- 2/9/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Basil Fawlty is coming back, folks! Quite resoundingly disproving the commonly made claim that it “couldn’t be made in this day and age”, the legendary British comedy series Fawlty Towers is gearing up for a contemporary reboot that’s set to chronicle the continuing misadventures of everybody’s favourite miserly misanthrope.
Despite only running for two series and 12 episodes, Fawlty Towers has endured for over 40 years as the quintessential British sit-com. Now, John Cleese’s Castle Rock Entertainment. Cleese, whose daughter Camilla Cleese will be starring alongside him as Basil’s long-lost daughter in the revival, will also be on writing duties for the show.
Although plot details are largely being kept under wraps for Fawlty’s return, we do know that the show will explore how Basil functions in the rapidly-changing modern world as he sets about opening and running a new boutique hotel with his estranged child.
Despite only running for two series and 12 episodes, Fawlty Towers has endured for over 40 years as the quintessential British sit-com. Now, John Cleese’s Castle Rock Entertainment. Cleese, whose daughter Camilla Cleese will be starring alongside him as Basil’s long-lost daughter in the revival, will also be on writing duties for the show.
Although plot details are largely being kept under wraps for Fawlty’s return, we do know that the show will explore how Basil functions in the rapidly-changing modern world as he sets about opening and running a new boutique hotel with his estranged child.
- 2/8/2023
- by Jordan King
- Empire - TV
A new duo is moving into Fawlty Towers.
Original series creator and star John Cleese and his daughter Camilla Cleese are developing a revival of the classic British comedy, which they will write and star in, our sister site Variety reports.
More from TVLineTVLine Items: Bear Star Visits Abbott, Brady Sets Fox Sports Start and MoreTVLine Items: Flash Sets Three Returns, Jay-Z Joins Grammys Lineup and MoreTVLine Items: Superstore Reunion on Auto, Hit-Monkey Renewed and More
Fawlty Towers, which aired two six-episode seasons on the BBC in the 1970s, featured John Cleese as Basil Fawlty, the owner of the show’s titular hotel,...
Original series creator and star John Cleese and his daughter Camilla Cleese are developing a revival of the classic British comedy, which they will write and star in, our sister site Variety reports.
More from TVLineTVLine Items: Bear Star Visits Abbott, Brady Sets Fox Sports Start and MoreTVLine Items: Flash Sets Three Returns, Jay-Z Joins Grammys Lineup and MoreTVLine Items: Superstore Reunion on Auto, Hit-Monkey Renewed and More
Fawlty Towers, which aired two six-episode seasons on the BBC in the 1970s, featured John Cleese as Basil Fawlty, the owner of the show’s titular hotel,...
- 2/7/2023
- by Vlada Gelman
- TVLine.com
One of the most acclaimed comedy series of all time is returning to TV more than four decades later. “Fawlty Towers,” the beloved British sitcom starring John Cleese, is getting a revival, with the “Monty Python” star set to return.
The show is being developed at Castle Rock Entertainment, with Matthew George, Rob Reiner, Michele Reiner, and Derrick Rossi executive producing for the studio. Cleese will write and star in the revival with his daughter, Camilla Cleese.
“What I like about Matt is that, unlike many producers, he really ‘gets’ the creative process,” Cleese said in a statement announcing the project. “When we first met, he offered an excellent first idea, and then Matt, my daughter Camilla, and I had one of the best creative sessions I can remember. By dessert we had an overall concept so good that, a few days later, it won the approval of Rob and Michele Reiner.
The show is being developed at Castle Rock Entertainment, with Matthew George, Rob Reiner, Michele Reiner, and Derrick Rossi executive producing for the studio. Cleese will write and star in the revival with his daughter, Camilla Cleese.
“What I like about Matt is that, unlike many producers, he really ‘gets’ the creative process,” Cleese said in a statement announcing the project. “When we first met, he offered an excellent first idea, and then Matt, my daughter Camilla, and I had one of the best creative sessions I can remember. By dessert we had an overall concept so good that, a few days later, it won the approval of Rob and Michele Reiner.
- 2/7/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Basil Fawlty is back. A reboot of John Cleese’s British comedy sensation Fawlty Towers is in the works and Rob Reiner’s Castle Rock Entertainment is developing.
More than 40 years after the second and final season drew to a close, Monty Python star Cleese is set to write and star alongside daughter Camilla Cleese, in news that will bring joy to a generation of British comedy fans.
The new series will explore how Cleese’s over-the-top, cynical and misanthropic Basil Fawlty navigates the modern world. Plot details are largely being kept under wraps but the development will bring the story forward to explore Basil’s relationship with a daughter he has just discovered he had, as the pair tempt fate and team up to run a boutique hotel.
The Cleeses have joined with Reiner’s Castle Rock on the development, with Reiner, Michele Reiner, Derrick Rossi and Matthew George exec producing.
More than 40 years after the second and final season drew to a close, Monty Python star Cleese is set to write and star alongside daughter Camilla Cleese, in news that will bring joy to a generation of British comedy fans.
The new series will explore how Cleese’s over-the-top, cynical and misanthropic Basil Fawlty navigates the modern world. Plot details are largely being kept under wraps but the development will bring the story forward to explore Basil’s relationship with a daughter he has just discovered he had, as the pair tempt fate and team up to run a boutique hotel.
The Cleeses have joined with Reiner’s Castle Rock on the development, with Reiner, Michele Reiner, Derrick Rossi and Matthew George exec producing.
- 2/7/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Sally Field is to be honored with the SAG’s highest tribute, the SAG Life Achievement Award, which will be presented to the Oscar-winning actress at the 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony, streaming live on Netflix’s YouTube channel on Sunday, February 26. SAG-AFTRA made the announcement on Tuesday, January 17, with the organization’s president Fran Drescher stating, “Sally is an amazing actor with an enormous range and an uncanny ability to embody any character. I joyfully watched her early career when she portrayed Gidget and the Flying Nun and then, in ever more challenging roles, as Sybil and Norma Rae. She never stopped being extraordinary, including as recently as Winning Time in which she was simply sublime as Jessie Buss.” “She has an enduring career because she is authentic in her performance and always projects likability and humanity – she just connects,” Drescher continued. “That’s part of...
- 1/17/2023
- TV Insider
Sally Field will be honored at the 2023 SAG Awards with the ceremony’s coveted Life Achievement Award, the Screen Actors Guild announced Tuesday.
As the union’s top honor, the award comes in recognition of Field’s career achievement and humanitarian accomplishment.
Coincidentally, with Field’s latest studio project, starring in the upcoming sports comedy “80 for Brady,” the two-time Oscar winner follows in the footsteps of costars and previous SAG Life Award honorees Rita Moreno, who was honored in 2013, and Lily Tomlin, who was honored in 2016.
Also Read:
Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Rita Moreno and Sally Field Hit Palm Springs Film Festival for ’80 for Brady’ Premiere
“Sally is an amazing actor with an enormous range and an uncanny ability to embody any character. I joyfully watched her early career when she portrayed Gidget and the Flying Nun and then, in ever more challenging roles, as Sybil and Norma Rae,...
As the union’s top honor, the award comes in recognition of Field’s career achievement and humanitarian accomplishment.
Coincidentally, with Field’s latest studio project, starring in the upcoming sports comedy “80 for Brady,” the two-time Oscar winner follows in the footsteps of costars and previous SAG Life Award honorees Rita Moreno, who was honored in 2013, and Lily Tomlin, who was honored in 2016.
Also Read:
Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Rita Moreno and Sally Field Hit Palm Springs Film Festival for ’80 for Brady’ Premiere
“Sally is an amazing actor with an enormous range and an uncanny ability to embody any character. I joyfully watched her early career when she portrayed Gidget and the Flying Nun and then, in ever more challenging roles, as Sybil and Norma Rae,...
- 1/17/2023
- by Benjamin Lindsay
- The Wrap
Multi-award-winning actor Sally Field has been named the 58th recipient of SAG-AFTRA’s highest tribute: the SAG Life Achievement Award for career achievement and humanitarian accomplishment.
Field will be presented with the honor at the 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony, which will be broadcast live on Netflix’s YouTube channel, YouTube.com/Netflix, Sunday, February 26 at 8 p.m. Et / 5 p.m. Pt from the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.
“Sally is an amazing actor with an enormous range and an uncanny ability to embody any character,” said SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher. “I joyfully watched her early career when she portrayed Gidget and the Flying Nun and then, in ever more challenging roles, as Sybil and Norma Rae. She never stopped being extraordinary, including as recently as Winning Time in which she was simply sublime as Jessie Buss.
“She has an enduring career because she is authentic in...
Field will be presented with the honor at the 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony, which will be broadcast live on Netflix’s YouTube channel, YouTube.com/Netflix, Sunday, February 26 at 8 p.m. Et / 5 p.m. Pt from the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.
“Sally is an amazing actor with an enormous range and an uncanny ability to embody any character,” said SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher. “I joyfully watched her early career when she portrayed Gidget and the Flying Nun and then, in ever more challenging roles, as Sybil and Norma Rae. She never stopped being extraordinary, including as recently as Winning Time in which she was simply sublime as Jessie Buss.
“She has an enduring career because she is authentic in...
- 1/17/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Sally Field will receive the 2023 SAG Life Achievement Award at the 29th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Feb. 26.
The award is giving annually to an actor who exhibits the “finest ideals of the acting profession.” Field, a two-time Oscar winner, has also received a SAG Award, three Emmys, two BAFTA Awards, the New York Film Critics prize, the National Board of Review Award, the Los Angeles Film Critics Award and the National Society of Film Critics honor, among many more.
In 2012, the actress was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and in 2015 received the National Medal of Arts from President Obama. Additionally, she received the Kennedy Center Honor in 2019.
Her career credits include Places in the Heart, Norma Rae, Lincoln, Smokey and the Bandit, Absence of Malice, Kiss Me Goodbye, Steel Magnolias, Forrest Gump, An Eye for an Eye, Mrs. Doubtfire, Hooper, Stay Hungry and Hello,...
The award is giving annually to an actor who exhibits the “finest ideals of the acting profession.” Field, a two-time Oscar winner, has also received a SAG Award, three Emmys, two BAFTA Awards, the New York Film Critics prize, the National Board of Review Award, the Los Angeles Film Critics Award and the National Society of Film Critics honor, among many more.
In 2012, the actress was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and in 2015 received the National Medal of Arts from President Obama. Additionally, she received the Kennedy Center Honor in 2019.
Her career credits include Places in the Heart, Norma Rae, Lincoln, Smokey and the Bandit, Absence of Malice, Kiss Me Goodbye, Steel Magnolias, Forrest Gump, An Eye for an Eye, Mrs. Doubtfire, Hooper, Stay Hungry and Hello,...
- 1/17/2023
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Virginie Efira, the prolific actor of “Benedetta” who emceed last year’s Cannes Film Festival, will receive the French Cinema Award during the Unifrance Rendez-Vous, a week-long showcase of French movies.
The honorary award will pay tribute to the local and international success of Efira, who was born in Belgium but has become one of France’s most popular and bankable actors. Her recent credits include Alice Winocour’s “Revoir Paris” which played at Cannes, and Rebecca Zlotowski’s “Les enfants des autres” which competed Venice. Both movies were successful at the French box office and sold around the world. Efira has seen her career take off since working with Justine Triet for “Victoria” and “Sybil,” and Paul Verhoeven for “Elle” and “Benedetta.” She has been delivering consistently strong performances in films by some of the most exciting directors in France, from Zlotowski to Winocour, Triet, Regis Roinsard and Serge Bozon.
The honorary award will pay tribute to the local and international success of Efira, who was born in Belgium but has become one of France’s most popular and bankable actors. Her recent credits include Alice Winocour’s “Revoir Paris” which played at Cannes, and Rebecca Zlotowski’s “Les enfants des autres” which competed Venice. Both movies were successful at the French box office and sold around the world. Efira has seen her career take off since working with Justine Triet for “Victoria” and “Sybil,” and Paul Verhoeven for “Elle” and “Benedetta.” She has been delivering consistently strong performances in films by some of the most exciting directors in France, from Zlotowski to Winocour, Triet, Regis Roinsard and Serge Bozon.
- 1/5/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Jessica Brown Findlay was a nightmare flatmate. At least, that’s what she remembers of her time as a student, just a few years before a role in Downton Abbey changed her life. Back then, there were no thoughts of having the perfect property, or making lifelong unbreakable bonds with the people you lived with – if it had a bed, it had a chance. “You had to make quite big compromises because there weren’t specific student digs in London,” she says. “You just had to find a group of people in a space with somewhere to sleep and make it work.” Still, the soon-to-be actor was adamant that she’d make the space she was paying extortionate rent for, her own – whether she had the go-ahead of her housemates or not. “I need to make myself at home within a day or two,” she continues. “I put everything up on walls,...
- 11/28/2022
- by Nicole Vassell
- The Independent - TV
Joanne Mitchell has racked up more than thirty screen acting credits over the course of a career that goes back thirty years – and Deadline reports that she is now making her feature directorial debut with a psychological horror film called Sybil! Filming is underway in Belgrade, with Rebecca Calder (Wrath of Man) starring alongside James Fleet (Four Weddings and a Funeral), Sacharissa Claxton (Sandman), Rupert Proctor (Notting Hill), Robyn Rainsford (Letters to April), and Jay Taylor (Red Tails).
Mitchell crafted the story for Sybil with Tracey Sheals, and even directed a 12 minute short version of the concept a few years ago. Dominic Brunt (the 2021 thriller Evie) has written the screenplay for the feature version of Sybil, which will be a twisted tale of a lonely mortician and her macabre quest for the perfect family. The Mortician’s life can be a lonely one. But there are always opportunities for love and revenge.
Mitchell crafted the story for Sybil with Tracey Sheals, and even directed a 12 minute short version of the concept a few years ago. Dominic Brunt (the 2021 thriller Evie) has written the screenplay for the feature version of Sybil, which will be a twisted tale of a lonely mortician and her macabre quest for the perfect family. The Mortician’s life can be a lonely one. But there are always opportunities for love and revenge.
- 11/18/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Described as a psychological thriller, Deadline reports today that Joanne Mitchell (The Outing) is on board to direct Sybil, an upcoming movie that’s centered on a lonely mortician.
Rebecca Calder (Love Me Do), James Fleet (Four Weddings and a Funeral), and Sacharissa Claxton (Sandman) will star in Sybil, which was written by Dominic Brunt.
Deadline previews, “The flick is billed as a twisted tale of a lonely mortician and her macabre quest for the perfect family. The Mortician’s life can be a lonely one. But there are always opportunities for love and revenge, the synopsis reads.”
Rupert Proctor (Notting Hill), Robyn Rainsford (Letters to April), and Jay Taylor (Red Tails) will also star. Joanne Mitchell and Tracey Sheals came up with the original story.
“We have an extraordinarily talented cast and crew to bring the bizarre and macabre world of Sybil to life,” said Mitchell. “I love the psychology behind the horror genre,...
Rebecca Calder (Love Me Do), James Fleet (Four Weddings and a Funeral), and Sacharissa Claxton (Sandman) will star in Sybil, which was written by Dominic Brunt.
Deadline previews, “The flick is billed as a twisted tale of a lonely mortician and her macabre quest for the perfect family. The Mortician’s life can be a lonely one. But there are always opportunities for love and revenge, the synopsis reads.”
Rupert Proctor (Notting Hill), Robyn Rainsford (Letters to April), and Jay Taylor (Red Tails) will also star. Joanne Mitchell and Tracey Sheals came up with the original story.
“We have an extraordinarily talented cast and crew to bring the bizarre and macabre world of Sybil to life,” said Mitchell. “I love the psychology behind the horror genre,...
- 11/17/2022
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Exclusive: Joanne Mitchell (The Outing) has signed on to direct the psychological horror Sybil, starring Rebecca Calder (Love Me Do), James Fleet (Four Weddings and a Funeral), and Sacharissa Claxton (Sandman).
Written by Dominic Brunt, Joanne Mitchell, and Tracey Sheals based on an original story by Sheals, the flick is billed as a twisted tale of a lonely mortician and her macabre quest for the perfect family. The Mortician’s life can be a lonely one. But there are always opportunities for love and revenge, the synopsis reads.
The pic is produced by Zoe Stewart (Hush) with Cataslyst Studios’ Holly Levow, Mark Pennell, and Paul Kampf. Principal Photography recently began in Belgrade. The cast is rounded out by Rupert Proctor (Notting Hill), Robyn Rainsford (Letters to April), and Jay Taylor (Red Tails).
“We have an extraordinarily talented cast and crew to bring the bizarre and macabre world of Sybil to life,...
Written by Dominic Brunt, Joanne Mitchell, and Tracey Sheals based on an original story by Sheals, the flick is billed as a twisted tale of a lonely mortician and her macabre quest for the perfect family. The Mortician’s life can be a lonely one. But there are always opportunities for love and revenge, the synopsis reads.
The pic is produced by Zoe Stewart (Hush) with Cataslyst Studios’ Holly Levow, Mark Pennell, and Paul Kampf. Principal Photography recently began in Belgrade. The cast is rounded out by Rupert Proctor (Notting Hill), Robyn Rainsford (Letters to April), and Jay Taylor (Red Tails).
“We have an extraordinarily talented cast and crew to bring the bizarre and macabre world of Sybil to life,...
- 11/17/2022
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
The beloved drama series “Downton Abbey” now has a second feature film (“Downton Abbey: A New Era”) ready to rake in a fortune. It’s been over a decade since it burst upon the television scene, so we’ve recently revisited the wonderful world of the British historical drama to rank the greatest 25 episodes in the photo gallery above. It’s true that this series is a melodrama, perhaps even a glorified soap opera. But its central theme is change, and how real-life historic events, as well as personal joys and crises, affect the fictional aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in England during the pivotal years 1912-1926.
The six seasons of “Downton” begins with the sinking of the “Titanic” in April of 1912, and the impact it has on the Crawley family, who has presided over the estate for generations. Several stories swirl at once, with dramas surrounding both the...
The six seasons of “Downton” begins with the sinking of the “Titanic” in April of 1912, and the impact it has on the Crawley family, who has presided over the estate for generations. Several stories swirl at once, with dramas surrounding both the...
- 5/20/2022
- by Susan Pennington and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
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