Sparky
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Post by Sparky on May 24, 2019 6:34:54 GMT
I quite enjoyed the later Special Branch episodes (those made by Euston Films); a couple of the stories were a little tedious; though on the whole it wasn't that bad.
After watching the Euston series; I managed to catch some episodes of the Series 1/Studio shot era from around 1969 - and I couldn't get in to them, the whole pace was a heck of a lot slower.
It kind of gives you an idea of what "Sweeney" could have looked like had it been made as intended - in the studio - with a couple of film inserts (restricted to 4minutes worth each programme).
I suppose, SB was intended as a studio show; but was later decided to move it on to the streets to take it in a different direction. It worked well.
You also see quite a bit more of Colet Court too...
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Post by Dirty Epic on May 24, 2019 10:58:50 GMT
Has anyone caught the repeats of "Special Branch" on Forces TV? I caught a couple of episodes from the 1973/4 series - sadly - whatever versions they were showing looked like they had been dragged out of a skip. Far different from the DVD releases.
I've only seen a odd one as for some reason can't get Forces TV on my Freeview right now but the one I saw 'Sounds Sinister' didn't seem any different quality wise from the DVD. I think they've had an edit job on them Forces as I'm sure a few bits were cut to squeeze in the dreaded extra ad-break.
I've said it before the 'Euston' series although nowhere near as good as The Sweeney wasn't bad and Mower and Swell were generally very good as Craven and Haggerty too. The Thames series feels a bit Crossroads/Cell Block H for me without their redeeming features although it has moments and is worth watching/having for completeness.
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Sparky
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Post by Sparky on May 26, 2019 10:17:25 GMT
I have the original Thames series on SB on DVD - to complete the collection.
I think the Euston Films series of "Special Branch" influenced the way "Sweeney" was made - though instead on concentrating on heavy plots, and lengthy dialogue - "Sweeney" preferred the easier plots, short speech and dialogue - and as much Action as was realistically possible within the budget and time constraints.
A lot of viewers seemed to slate the later series of "SB" - I thought it was pretty good - considering the budget they had, timescale to make it, and the black cloud of industrial relations with Unions hanging over it all.
Forces TV is available via our Freeview - then every now and again; the signal is dreadful and/or the channel will vanish. This happens with a handful of other 1/2 reasonable channels (sods law). This has happened since they built the new "tempory" TV Transmitter at Emley Moor. Incidentally, the main concrete tower mast was closed down in December last year for a major overhaul.
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Three Litre
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Post by Three Litre on May 26, 2019 10:52:54 GMT
I have the original Thames series on SB on DVD - to complete the collection.
I think the Euston Films series of "Special Branch" influenced the way "Sweeney" was made - though instead on concentrating on heavy plots, and lengthy dialogue - "Sweeney" preferred the easier plots, short speech and dialogue - and as much Action as was realistically possible within the budget and time constraints.
A lot of viewers seemed to slate the later series of "SB" - I thought it was pretty good - considering the budget they had, timescale to make it, and the black cloud of industrial relations with Unions hanging over it all.
Forces TV is available via our Freeview - then every now and again; the signal is dreadful and/or the channel will vanish. This happens with a handful of other 1/2 reasonable channels (sods law). This has happened since they built the new "tempory" TV Transmitter at Emley Moor. Incidentally, the main concrete tower mast was closed down in December last year for a major overhaul. Yes, that's what made Sweeney an attractive watch, or one feature, the action sequences and (for the time) the tough nature of it. Not that it compares with what you see now on tv. I'll try and watch more of SB over the next few weeks.
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Post by D.C. Burtonshaw on May 26, 2019 18:19:35 GMT
I have the Euston Special Branch of both series of on DVD, and agree many of the comments. One of the comments made on Sweeney episode with the commentary, was they had to do something better than SB, as "that was a load of rubbish", although I thought that was a bit unfair.
If you look at it as a different sort of British police series of the 70's, it stands up well, although some eps in the later 1973 filmed series had more action. The locations are just as gritty as The Sweeney in places with some shots of long gone London round the docklands etc, recognisable actors of the era, (many later made appearances in The Sweeney) and filming in proper building rooms instead of wobbly set pieces like in the earlier 1969-70 series (which I have too).
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Sparky
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Post by Sparky on May 27, 2019 8:21:33 GMT
I have the Euston Special Branch of both series of on DVD, and agree many of the comments. One of the comments made on Sweeney episode with the commentary, was they had to do something better than SB, as "that was a load of rubbish", although I thought that was a bit unfair.
If you look at it as a different sort of British police series of the 70's, it stands up well, although some eps in the later 1973 filmed series had more action. The locations are just as gritty as The Sweeney in places with some shots of long gone London round the docklands etc, recognisable actors of the era, (many later made appearances in The Sweeney) and filming in proper building rooms instead of wobbly set pieces like in the earlier 1969-70 series (which I have too).
Yes - I have seen heard this! It think a lot of the "Load of Rubbish" and such comes more from Ian Kennedy-Martin; and may stem from his fall out with Ted Childs and Euston Films.
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Post by Steve Austin on Jun 5, 2019 20:05:55 GMT
I watched "Machine Gun McCain" on TPTV last night. I thought it poor and not even Britt Ekland & Ennio Morricone could save it. The premise was good, essentially a mob heist film but just about every actor was dubbed, by the same man by the sound of it.
Anyone else seen this one?
I do like TPTV and admire that fact that they don't chase the ratings and play a lot of forgotten films, not their fault that not every mob film is a "The Godfather".
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Cartman
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Post by Cartman on Jun 5, 2019 20:16:41 GMT
Not seen that one, Steve, no. TP does show some obscure and forgotten films, and it is sometimes a bit hit and miss, but always worth checking out.
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Post by Steve Austin on Jun 5, 2019 20:32:32 GMT
It had potential Cartman but I don't think enough time was spent on the heist element. It was colourful and had that late 60s/early 70's feel to the cinematography not to mention Ennio's soundtrack. It also had Peter Falk & John Cassavetes but, but.... As with most TPTV films it will probably by shown again so you'll no doubt get to see it.
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Post by Charles Bronson on Jun 6, 2019 0:07:31 GMT
Talking about 'Machinegun McCain' with Peter Falk. I've not seen that one and dont think I'll bother now but I've seen a few of Peter’s other films lately. I liked 'The Brinks Job' I thought it was really funny., and I've just watched 'The Cheap Detective' which wasnt great but very amusing.
I really didn't realise how many films Peter had mad till recently. I'm going to try and get hold of 'The Inlaws' which I've heard is a funny film.Thats according to a chat show host, who was interviewing Peter at the time.
It certainly is a good thing that the T.P. channel is showing films like this, as we dont get much chance to see them on the main channels.
Charles.
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