Svengali is a sound film from 1931 that stars John Barrymore in the title role and Marian Marsh as his protege and fondest desire, Trilby. The movie is based loosely on the novel, Trilby (1894) written by George Du Maurier.
Svengali is a masterful hypnotist,who places young Trilby under his influence. Following his commands she leaves behind her family in order to pursue a singing career on the concert circuit. What Trilby does not know, however, is that she can perform only upon the hypnotist's command. Svengali and Trilby are pursued by a young artist who is also madly in love with Trilby.
This is the first sound version of the story and remains the best. Barrymore's performance in the title role stands among his greatest film efforts.
Hi Folks. Superpup here, your tour guide of faintly embarrassing memories.
The favorite toy of little boys in the 1960s, GI Joe still endures. Is the little boy crying "Terrific battle!" or "Horrific Battle!" You be the judge.
Hi folks! Today's museum exhibit is the opening credits of the original "Astro Boy" series.
Astro Boy, known in Japan by his rightful name, Mighty Atom, is the creation of the "God of Manga" Osamu Tezuka (who also created Kimba the White Lion, and therefore The Lion King). First appearing in comics in 1952, "Astro Boy" first appeared on Japanese television in 1963 and made his way to the US shortly thereafter.
Christopher Lee, 87, has been knighted for his services to drama and to charity. Here's the full story from the BBC.
The next Doctor Who special, The Waters of Mars has been slated to air in the UK on BBC 1 Sunday, November 15th at 7PM GMT, and in the US on BBC America Saturday December 19th at 9 PM ET/PT. David Tennant is joined by actress Lindsay Duncan in this one-hour special written by Russell T. Davies and Phil Ford. After The Waters of Mars the Christmas holidays will see a two-part special that culminates in the Doctor's regeneration, and the end of David Tennant's run. Beginning in 2010 The Doctor will be played by Matt Smith.
Here's the latest trailer for The Waters of Mars:
Since the BBC looms large in today's column now might be a good time to remind readers of the glories of BBC RADIO 7. Radio 7 provides spoken word drama and comedy from the past and present to its listeners everyday. You can listen live via Radio 7's website, or you can browse through the programs that available on demand. Present highlights include Doctor Who (starring eighth Doctor Paul McGann), the Goon Show, Five Children and It, and The Drowned World. Click on the link or the logo and give a listen to a dying art form.
A restored copy of the 1927 film classic, Metropolis will premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival on February 12th of next year.
The new version is reportedly a recreation of the original 153 minute cut thought lost since its initial premiere.
The restoration became possible when a 16mm negative print of the original was discovered in a museum in Buenos Aires last years. Here's the full press release from the Berlinale.
And a final reminder: November 4th through the 11th the American Film Market gathers distributors and film makers from across the globe to do business in sunny Santa Monica.
Svengali is a sound film from 1931 that stars John Barrymore in the title role and Marian Marsh as his protege and fondest desire, Trilby. The movie is based loosely on the novel, Trilby (1894) written by George Du Maurier.
