Sony has just launched its new free-to-air movie channel in the UK, one that’s dedicated to classic films, and during this period of lockdown we can all catch up, or watch for the first time, an old favourite.
SONY MOVIES CLASSIC, is all about celebrating “quality cinema from the ‘40s to the Noughties”. And the titles they have lined up for launch are some of the best.
Gandhi, Kramer vs. Kramer, Oliver!, Easy Rider, Antony And Cleopatra and From Here to Eternity.
The original trailer for Kramer is so good, very ‘of the era’ and makes you want to watch the movie. Incredibly it’s over 40 years old now but is still as relevant today as it was back then.
It tells the wrenching story of a divorce and custody battle from the point of view of the adults. The movie, which starred Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep, won numerous awards, among them the OSCAR for best picture.
Before we look at more of the movies you can expect to see, for free, we spoke to movie critic ANDREW COLLINS.
Andrew is not only a writer and broadcaster with so much more than movies to his credit. He created and wrote the Radio 4 sitcom Mr Blue Sky. His TV writing work includes EastEnders and the sitcoms Grass and Not Going Out (which he initially co-wrote with Lee Mack).
But we’re tracked him down to talk about his passion for films and with the new Sony Movies Classic offering a month filled with cinema greats, we wondered what makes a ‘Movie Classic?’
There are so many classics to enjoy this month, everything from The African Queen, Duck Soup, A Man For All Seasons, Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, The Loneliness Of The Long Distance Runner, and our particular favourite – Play Misty For Me.
This early Clint Eastwood is over 50 years old, but we guarantee you’ll be gripped from start to finish. It’s a psychological thriller, although it’s got some horror elements to it. As well as starring, Play Misty was Clint Eastwood, in his directorial debut. Jessica Walter and Donna Mills co-star.
Clint Eastwood plays the role of a radio DJ being stalked by an obsessed female fan. The film was a huge critical and financial success, with Jessica Walter earning praise for her first major film role. Take a look at the trailer and you’ll see why.
SONY MOVIES CLASSIC is available now on Freeview 50, Freesat 303, Sky 319 and Virgin 424.
And if you’re looking for a good read during the next few weeks of home time, we can highly recommend Andrew’s book ‘Where Did It All Go Wight.’ Click on the picture below for more.
