musical-2

IMDb member since May 1999
    Lifetime Total
    250+
    Lifetime Filmo
    150+
    Lifetime Plot
    1+
    Lifetime Bio
    1+
    Lifetime Trivia
    1+
    IMDb Member
    24 years

Reviews

Let's Get Married
(1960)

Light comedy drama with the musical Anthony Newley!
Originally meant to be a drama, but rewritten for comedy and several songs, this movie has dated badly due to the attitudes of today. Remember when you view this movie that back in the late fifties and early sixties having a baby whilst being a single girl was frowned upon. However Newley and Bernie Winters make the most of a mediocre script whilst Anne Aubrey looks and acts her socks off. To be enjoyed as a period piece or as a fan of the talented Mr Newley at the start of his adult career in the movies. Paul Goodhead - President of the Anthony Newley Appreciation Society Worldwide.

The Man Inside
(1958)

Superb British answer to The Third Man?
This is a modest British adventure thriller which was hoped would hit the world market at a time when this kind of picture was in vogue. A jewellers book keeper steals a priceless diamond and is trailed by various factions half across Europe. Interesting vehicle for Anthony Newley who was given a more meatier role than his usual light musical comedy roles as taxi driver Ernesto. The all star cast includes the very British Nigel Patrick, Sid James (before his Carry On days), and a guest appearance by Donald Pleasence. Palance and Ekberg gave this British movie the American market interest. Richard Bennett's brilliant theme is akin to The Harry Lime Theme from The Third Man. Written by John Gilling (later of Hammer film fame). A rare movie, not released on video nor seen on TV for many years. Paul Goodhead - President Anthony Newley Society Worldwide.

Stop the World: I Want to Get Off
(1966)

Great musical, not so great film!
You simply cannot put a couple of cameras in an orchestra pit and film "Stop the World", yet this is exactly what they have done. Starring Newley's stand-in and later replacement when he took the show to Broadway. Tanner tries hard but Tony Newley he ain't! Millie Martin does a little better as Evie but the whole thing makes you yearn for the brilliance that was Anthony Newley. Paul Goodhead - President of the Anthony Newley Appreciation Society Worldwide. (Officially recognised by the family/estate of Anthony Newley).

Killers of Kilimanjaro
(1959)

Glossy, all action adventure.
Robert Taylor plays an engineer commissioned to build the first East African railway, who sets out from Mombasa with Anthony Newley and Anne Aubrey as Hooky and Jane to find the best route and hopefully find word to the disappearence of Jane's father and fiance who were previously involved with the same venture. The best light comedy/drama role ever for Newley, Aubrey looking as glamourous as ever and Taylor adding the Hollywood gloss. Dated but glorious. Paul Goodhead - President of The Anthony Newley Appreciation Society.

The Abominable Dr. Phibes
(1971)

Price at his best!
Vincent Price was never better than performing outrageous horror charectors, with his tongue firmly in cheek with an artistic, camp, flair! In a comic book sense this is a classic, with the climax of seeing the charred remains of Phibes' (Price) face from behind the mask he created himself, a sheer joy to behold. Extremely enjoyable, rent it, no buy it..... now!

The Cockleshell Heroes
(1955)

Enjoyable film true story history.
Excellent account of the ten "canoe commandoes" story, who faced fantastic hazards to complete their mission. But only two survivors returned. Good cast of players, specifically Trevor Howard and Anthony Newley, (pre "Stop the World" fame and before his big film break in "Idle On Parade"). Made by Broccoli who later churned out the impressive James Bond films. This is one for the Sunday afternoon thrill!

Dusty Bates
(1947)

Early Newley in Saturday morning childrens serial.
Gloriously dated five part serial, starring Anthony Newley in his first big role. Its all here, smugglers, hidden gems, "get the kid", cliffhangers et all! Even at this young age you can see the start of the enormous talent of Anthony Newley, a much under-rated actor/singer/entertainer in Britain, who was more appreciated in the USA. This is British cinema of the day, not always the best but keeping the industry rolling. Very rare now but for historians and film buffs an interesting treat! Paul Goodhead - President of The Anthony Newley Appreciation Society.

The Garbage Pail Kids Movie
(1987)

What do you expect with a trading card plot?
I viewed this only because of the very short appearence of Anthony Newley the owner of the shop (at the time he was gathering short roles because of his commitment to the musical "Chaplin".) Watched alone I thought it to be embarrassing and poor, but, watched with a five year old son, well. He laughed and thought it great (well kids that age love f**ting, nose picking and other crudities)and the movie took on a different avenue! Still not the best but it is a semi-cult film! Paul Goodhead - Anthony Newley Appreciation Society President.

The Lady Is a Square
(1959)

Dated but entertaining light musical comedy.
Frankie Vaughan as a young singer (surprise!) who falls in love with a young Janette Scott, but Mummy (Neagle) is more your classical admirer not your popular vocalist type! Excellent, experienced support from Wilfrid Hyde White and the fabulous Anthony Newley, who gets to dance with Anna Neagle on stage at the late lamented Talk of the Town in the movies close. Worth a visit to see the start of many great entertainers careers.

Don't Ever Leave Me
(1949)

Early outing for Petula Clark & Anthony Newley.
An old lag is released from prison and stays with his grandson, returning to his criminal ways by kidnapping the daughter of a theatre actor. Bored with home life she welcomes the adventure and blackmails the lag and his grandson into continuing the plan. Tony Newley's character of a juvenile delinquent entering the plan is a delight. Good support from Anthony Steel and Jimmy Hanley. (Look out to for Dora Bryan who was uncredited!) Dated but enjoyable light musical comedy! Adapted from the play "The Wide Boy" by Tony Armstrong. Paul Goodhead - Anthony Newley Appreciation Society President.

Sweet November
(1968)

Bittersweet love story, with a difference.
A real "feel good" movie with a very moving ending! Newley and Dennis are matched perfectly (but did not get on with each other behind the camera, Ms Dennis apparently didn't always behave like a lady!)and show off their acting talents to the full. Good support from Theodore Bikel. The ending title song was written by Bricusse and Newley and sung by the inimitable Mr Newley! Great movie, keep the hankies at the ready! Paul Goodhead - Anthony Newley Appreciation Society (President).

The Old Curiosity Shop
(1975)

Musicalized version of the Dickens novel.
Produced by the Readers Digest in England, this film was released in the UK as "Quilp". Anthony Newley is brilliant as the hunchbacked Daniel Quilp with excellent support from Micheal Horden and the lovely Sarah Varney. Early appearance too for Peter Duncun (later of Blue Peter tv fame) as Kit. Newley also wrote the songs for the production, the highlights being "Sport of Kings" sung by Newley and "Happiness Pie" sung by Varney and David Warner. Enjoyable on all sides, but released after the age of the musical, hence its critical dislike.

Jazz Boat
(1960)

Light musical comedy.
Dated but extremely enjoyable light pop vehicle for Anthony Newley, who since "Idle On Parade" had become a big name not only in acting but in the pop charts too. Newley stars with his good friend Bernie Winters, pretending to be a big time crook to impress him. Bernie in turn tells "The Gang" who want "in" with Newley, who has nick named himself as "the Cat". Also stars Ted Heath and his music and the lovely Anne Aubrey, who's short cinematic career showed more promise than she was allowed to provide! Dance sequences choreographed by Lionel Blair (with sister Joyce in the cast too!) Sheer delight! Enjoy and wallow in nostalgia!

Idol on Parade
(1959)

Early pop comedy that made Newley a teen idol!
This movie was intended as a spoof of Elvis' entry to the army with Newley playing an "idol" called Jeep Jackson. The great British public took the film seriously however and overnight Anthony Newley, former child actor became a fully fledged adult actor/pop singer. The film is a delightful comedy in the same vein as Carry On Sergeant with the added bonus of four musical numbers performed by Newley. Look out for many star faces who later had very successful careers of their own - Sid James, Bernie Winters and Harry Fowler! Pure nostalgia enjoy! Posted by Paul Goodhead - President of the Anthony Newley Appreciation Society.

The Small World of Sammy Lee
(1963)

Big screen version of successful BBC play.
Made and released in 1963, this film gave Newley a real meaty role instead of the light comedy, musical roles he was usually cast in. The original BBC play was a one man, one scene event, but the full Soho, London locations gave the film a more murky, underworld feel and you really felt for Sammy Lee, although you realised he was his own worst enemy! Beautifully photographed in black and white, atmospheric and with Newley at his acting best. Well worth a viewing. Excellent support from Wilfred Brambell (Steptoe) as Newley/Sammy's dresser, and Julia Foster putting in a suitable innocent performance as the love interest who has fallen for Sammy's charms (lies).

Can Heironymus Merkin Ever Forget Mercy Humppe and Find True Happiness?
(1969)

Mecca for Newley fans!
Very odd ball, very sixties and in 1999 very cult! This film was Newley's 8 and a half! A very over ambitious project that even Newley admits is flawed, but for fans of the man a marathon film. The score is one of Newley's best. The highlight being "I'm All I Need" sung by Newley in a kaftan on a mountain top, when God decides not to give Merkin a reply to his questions on life. Incidently Connie Kresi who played Mercy Humppe, was the Playboy girl of the year (69) and the magazine featured over 10 pages of preview pictures and interviews. A very rare movie but definitely worth a visit!

See all reviews