Rob Roy and Her majesty....

[Alan H]

I watched "Rob Roy" this past weekend and very much enjoyed it. The story is fictional, created by Sir Walter Scott, but still and all, a whacking good tale. It was an excellent movie. The costumes were fantastic, as everyone suggested they would be. Highly recommended. It's a bit violent, it might not be too great for little kids.

Also, before the Japanese version of "Shall We Dance" which we also watched this weekend, I noticed a trailer for a Miramax film that seems to be an adaption of the Masterpiece Theatre's show "Her Majesty, Mrs. Brown". It looks like a great show, too.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/mbrown/

The male lead is a Scotsman, John Brown (played by Billy Connolly) who spends a lot of time kilted during the movie. Apparently it's basically a true story, and was the scandal of Queen Victoria's rule. Has anybody seen this movie or the PBS series? Recomended???

cheers.....

Alan

[Hamish]

Also, before the Japanese version of "Shall We Dance" which we also watched this weekend, I noticed a trailer for a Miramax film that seems to be an adaption of the Masterpiece Theatre's show "Her Majesty, Mrs. Brown". It looks like a great show, too.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/mbrown/

The male lead is a Scotsman, John Brown (played by Billy Connolly) who spends a lot of time kilted during the movie. Apparently it's basically a true story, and was the scandal of Queen Victoria's rule. Has anybody seen this movie or the PBS series? Recomended???

cheers.....

Alan

Yes, I have seen it a couple of times, Alan and I taped it last time it was on TV. It's a brilliantly acted film (without any of "Rob Roy's" violence!), and is beautifully filmed. In fact, all the exterior shots which were supposedly at Windsor Castle (still HM The Queen's home) were actually filmed at Arundel Castle, just a few miles from here.

The circumstances of the story are historical fact but precisely what the true nature of the relationship between the servant and his Queen were can only be imagined.

For all my dislike of Billy Connolly as a comedian, he is a first-rate actor in this film. Both he and Dame Judi Dench, as Queen Victoria, are quite superb.
You have to see it.

[Graham]

I agree, a wonderful film and not as violent as braveheart.

I own a copy on DVD and never tire of watching it.
The film (and Sir Wlater Scott's novel) were based a real character., but no doubt took a few liberties.
http://web.archive.org/web/200202140...ts/robroy.html

I agree Hamish, that was the only appearance of Billy Connolly that I've truly enjoyed on account of his fine acting and control of his tongue.

[Casey]

Hamish,

I must agree that this is one of the best acted films I have seen.

[GMan]

I keep telling everyone that it is a mighty fine film. Highly recommend it

[macwilkin]

I highly recommend both films -- but the best "kilted" movie, in my 'humble opinion, is still "Tunes of Glory", starring Sir Alec Guinness and John Mills. It is one not to be missed!

Cheers,

Todd

[Muddy]

I love both "Rob Roy" and "Mrs. Brown" and
own a copy of both. The always hillarious Billy Connolly
does some dang fine acting in the latter. He can pull off a "straight role" with aplomb.
I read somewhere online quite awhile back about
a rumour of some clergyman on his deathbed admitting
that he secretly married John Brown and Queen Vicky.
Truth or fiction? I don't know. I like to think it's true.....

[Graham]

Todd, I've tried to get hold of Tunes of Glory, but no joy. I think Amazon have it, but they are expensive with their shipping charges.

[Martin]

I agree, Mrs. Brown is an excellent film and not to be missed.

Even Billy Connolly is bearable, a rare occurrence indeed!

[Ugly Bear]

Never saw Mrs. Brown. But a good gauge for movies is rottentomatoes.com. They survey movie reviews to come up with a percentage of generally positive reviews. Mrs. Brown scored 93% positive. That's really, really good.

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mrs_brown/