DRACULA 1931 Horror Film English Version B/W 75 mins

The original Dracula starring Bela Lugosi as the Count. Directed by Tod Browning for Univeral Pictures and released 1931. Not much in the way of horror by todays standards although heavy on the atmosphere especially the countryside scenery and the castle. Though place yourself back in time to the 1930s and you'll get an idea of how it was viewed back then. The four stand out characters for me are Bela Lugosi as Count Dracula, Dwight Frye as Renfield, Edward Van Sloan as Professor Van Helsing and Charles Gerrard as Martin, Renfield's attendant at the sanatorium (he has the best comedy lines).

My favourite line from the film is when Dracula is showing Jonathan Harker the way up the staircase. He hears the wolves howling outside the castle turns to Harker and says, "listen to them, children of the night. What music they make." This was not my first time watching this film though it has been a long time. I did notice something I had missed before. In the book Bram Stoker's Dracula 1897 the ship that brought Dracula to Whitby, England was called the Demeter in the film this has been changed to the Vesta. Recently I discovered that at the same time this film was being produced a Spanish language version directed by George Melford and released the same year was also being made. Tod Browning shot his film during the day and George used the same sets and did his filming at night. This was made as part of Universal studios attempt to make films for foreign-language audiences, the Spanish version is also half an hour longer. This film was taken from my list to watch called Universal Horror Films.

JAMIE JOHNSON 2016 Children's Drama TV Series Season 1 - Episode 1

The series follows the self titled character as he negotiates life, a new school, issues at home and his main goal becoming a great footballer. Episode 1 Jamie copes badly with his parents break up and misses his dad. Starting a new school means making new friends as well as enemies and having to impress the football coach all at once.

The show features several cameo appearances from footballers past and present, including Gary Lineker, Steph Houghton, Raheem Sterling, Luis Suarez, Vincent Kompany and others. The series covered various everyday topics, such as bullying, sexism, cheating, blackmail, relationships, diabetes, homelessness, multiple sclerosis, racism, crime and homophobia. The plot is very loosely based on the storyline in the book series of the same name, written by author Dan Freedman, using some of the characters in the books. It also boasts an impressive soundtrack.

THIS LIFE 1996 TV Drama Series Season 1 - Episode 1

This series stuck in my head for 2 reasons Amita Dhiri and especially Daniela Nardini who brightened up my teenage years no end. Five 20 something law graduates embarking upon their careers while sharing a house in South London. Hardly draws your attention in does it, it's what goes on behind the scenes that keeps you interested. Although the series did not immediately take off it was mostly through word of mouth and a repeat showing that it went on to gain a cult status. The series is notable for its Britpop soundtrack and its depiction of casual sex and drug taking.

Edgar (Egg) and Milly have been dating since university, she is very ambitious while Egg just drifts along at his own pace. Anna and Miles had a one night stand at university she wants Miles back in her life but he is not so sure and this causes friction when she moves into the house. This leaves Warren who wants to be openly gay but struggles with his sexuality on a daily basis. The 1st episode as usual is all about introducing the main characters their relationships and how they interact with each other.

THE TEACHER 2021 TV Drama Mini Series 4 parts

Excellent this is all about one standout and ever improving actress Sheridan Smith who gives another very convincing performance. Sheridan plays the role of Jenna Garvey a caring English teacher in her late 30s who is very good at her job but not at managing her own chaotic lifestyle. Jenna likes to party a little too much which ultimately proves her downfall as when she drinks she suffers from blackouts and remembers nothing. After one such episode at the local club she arrives at school the following morning to find the other staff members blanking her out and the headmaster informs her of a serious accusation made of sexual misconduct with a pupil the night before. This throws everything up in the air as she has no recollection of what could or might have happened and so the story unfolds to its conclusion.

Also playing a teaching colleague of Jenna's is Kelvin Fletcher who formerly played Andy Sugden in the long running tv soap Emmerdale.

SQUARE EYES TV & FILMS

Starting from the 1st April 2022 this will be a weekly blog based on what I personally have been watching. The genres I enjoy vary and their will always be a good mixture of content. Some may stir memories of when you first saw a certain programme or maybe you'll see something long forgotten. Currently I have a list 51 pages long and growing all the time. It seems five are added for every three watched. Even if I had another two lifetimes left in me that would never be enough.

So remember to tune in and keep those square eyes open it's time to watch some tv. The blog will be updated every Sunday after for your viewing pleasure.