Drama Smörgåsbord - Disc 14

Drama Smörgåsbord - Disc 14

A Sense Of Freedom was shown on Scottish TV in 1979 and is

"based on the autobiography of the same name – tells the turbulent story of Scotland’s most notorious criminal, Jimmy Boyle (David Hayman). Once seen, never forgotten, this brutal film vividly depicts Boyle’s vicious life as a gangster on the streets of Glasgow, and subsequent nightmarish journey through the prison system. Hayman is magnificent in the central role – his initially calm, chilling exterior slowly dissolving into uncontrollable rage and despair, as his liberty and dignity are stripped away. Painfully true to the grim subject matter, McDougall’s stark script is a tormented primal scream, the echo of which Mackenzie – just prior to making The Long Good Friday – skilfully ensures will resonate indefinitely. Also featuring an evocative score by Rory Gallagher, and memorable cameo appearances from Fulton Mackay (Local Hero, Porridge) and Alex Norton (Braveheart), McDougall and Mackenzie’s final collaboration is a violent, harrowing masterpiece of Scottish cinema that easily ranks alongside the finest British thrillers of the 1970s and 80s."

Arthur's Hallowed Ground (Channel 4 in 1984)
"A directing debut for octogenarian Freddy Young (David Lean's triple Oscar-winning photographer). The hallowed ground in question is a cricket ground. And Arthur (Jimmy Jewel, aged 74 at the time of filming) is the groundsman. For 45 years, Arthur has toiled to create the perfect cricket pitch. He's fiercely protective of his pride and joy, to the extent that the hallowed turf's appearance is more important to him than its purpose.

His obduracy is alienating the club authorities. New assistant, Henry (Vas Blackwood), struggles to establish a relationship with his intimidating boss. But slowly he wears away at Arthur's leathery surface to reveal the old man's tender affections. A very good cast delivers a gentle comedy, as charming and English as an afternoon spent watching your village team."
Other familiar faces in this film include Jean Boht, David Swift, Michael Elphick, Sam Kelly.

Mrs. Reinhardt is a BBC Play of the Month from 1981 starring Helen Mirren as
"as the recently separated Mrs. Reinhardt, who meets a charming American during her trip to the south of France. Having fled from her adulterous husband with a necklace as the only thing of value, Mrs. Reinhardt is finding her new situation at a secluded hotel in Brittany most satisfying. Even better, during an outing she meets a young American named Steve (Brad Davis), whose brash personality lifts her spirits. They begin a passionate affair, but when his demeanour suddenly changes, Mrs. Reinhardt must face yet again the crumbling of her illusion of bliss."

She's Been Away was a 1989 BBC film starring
"Dame Peggy Ashcroft, who won two awards at the Venice International Film Festival for her performance, as did Geraldine James, in a moving story of the unexpected friendship forged between an elderly woman released from a mental hospital after 60 years, and her nephew's pregnant wife with whom she comes to live. Brought reluctantly together when the care home is shut down, the pair find a common purpose which has hilarious and risky consequences for those around them."

The Country Party, a 1977 BBC Play for Today, about a former stockbroker that now runs a country restaurant. His daughter decides to spring a surprise on him in an attempt to change his life for the better.
A number of familiar faces in this one including a young Linda Robson and Pauline Quirke years before Birds of a Feather. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0675300/