Dec. 3, Sunday night movies; Four Weddings And A Funeral, Sense And Sensibility; on TCM in the USA

This should be a great time to relax, break out the popcorn and perhaps wrap a few gifts.
Or perhaps to enjoy some wine with a nice cheese tray.
Enjoy the double feature!

Just watched something on PBS, a Lucy Worsley program. Had something to do with the 12 nights of Xmas and or a Tudor Xmas. It was, of course, very good.

Sunday night is usually very good TV on PBS especially when they are fundraising which they are.

Edit: Program is called
Lucy Worsley's 12 Days of Tudor Christmas

bostonphil, that is one of my favorite programs with Lucy!
I'll check to see if it's on my TV schedule here on PBS Sunday night or any night this week.
"Lucy Worsley's 12 Days of Tudor Christmas" is excellent!

Strange customs and celebrations back then in Tudor England.
Interestingly, the tradition of the Christmas tree was brought to England by Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria.
It is a German tradition and not mentioned in the Lucy Worsley program, of course.

Thanks, Rebecca! Sadly, I only stream so I can't get TCM, but Four Weddings and a Funeral is also streaming on Amazon Prime along with Notting Hill (both free for Prime members).

And on Netflix, you can stream Love Actually (one of my all time favorites)! Christmas in London!!!

Bostonphil, the Lucy Worsley show was discussed in another thread from Rebecca. You can find lots of info about it and another PBS show about Tudor mysteries here: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/secrets-of-the-dead-the-princes-in-the-tower-on-pbs-nov-22-wednesday-in-the-usa

In the Wash. DC area there is a PBS UK channel that broadcasts UK TV shows all the time. We watch it a lot and we also subscribe to BritBox so my wife can watch her favorite show, Eastenders.

Love Actually was just on the Sundance channel this afternoon.

Mardee, I'm glad you can enjoy those movies another way besides on TCM!
Great movies you listed there!
Oh yes, Love Actually is a Christmas favorite!!

Sense And Sensibility is a favorite of mine, as I am a big fan of Emma Thompson and (the late great) Alan Rickman. Not to mention Kate Winslet.

jaimeelsabio, I am jealous! I wish I lived in your area so I could get that extra PBS station! Not to mention all the great cultural activities, museums and concerts in your area that I'd be going to on a regular basis!

Everyone must be in the British Christmas movie spirit! I just got a text last night from my daughter with a video she took of her TV screen - specifically Hugh Grant dancing- from Love Actually! She adores that picture! Too funny!

I just watched (for the first time)Last Christmas with Emilia Clark and Henry Golding. It was a goodvi don't feel like getting off the couch movie but don't think it will make my list of must watches likeLoveActually, Hone Alone and listening to Patrick Stewart read The Christmas Carol

Has anyone seen the "The Holiday" with Kate Winslet and Jude Law (plus Cameron Diaz and Jack Black)? I love that movie! Every time I see it, I have this strong desire to pack up and grab a flight to Surrey for the entire Christmas season.

Because I'm sure the movie is just like real life. 🤣🤣🤣

BTW, if anyone has been thinking about getting Britbox, they are having a Black Friday special that ends tomorrow (Dec. 3). 3 months for $10, which is a big drop from the $8.99 they charge per month. https://www.britbox.com/us/ As far as I know, this is a US deal - not sure if it's offered in Canada or elsewhere.

@Mardee, if my memory serves me correctly, in *Four Weddings . . . " there is a scene where there are some folk singers at one of the weddings, one of which is Nicola Walker in an early role. Cheers

I love Lucy Worsley. I think she has something new coming in January on PBS. Something has been getting "advertised" on PBS but I am always doing something else and it does not stick. But if I am correct, we will hear more.

Yesterday, I watched something on Prime about Mary, Queen of Scotts. It was very good. For me, it was a learning experience because I did not know that much about her. Although on Prime, it was older and created on PBS.

Ok so I have gotten away from Xmas but still sticking with British.

I am going to try to find the name of the movie that i saw yesterday. It had been a series on PBS but now was a very long movies, over three hours.

Edit: Gunpowder, Treason and Plot (BBC Series). on Prime. Very good in my opinion but I can not remember if there was anything Xmas in it.

Hey everyone; we have a great list started here!
Mardee, yes; "The Holiday" with Kate Winslet, Jack Black, Jude Law and Cameron Diaz is great!
The part of Kate Winslet's awful boyfriend--her boss in her office (always a bad combination)--is played by Rufus Sewell, an outstanding actor.
Yes it does make one want to get on a plane to go spend Christmas in an English cottage!

BostonPhil, I am also a big fan of Lucy Worsley! I hope she does have a new series of programs in the works for 2024! Can't wait!

"Yesterday, I watched something on Prime about Mary, Queen of Scotts." Interesting subject. You don't see many programs about her here on PBS.

"Gunpowder, Treason and Plot (BBC Series)."
In British history, the Gunpowder Plot was planned by Guy Fawkes, to blow up the Houses of Parliament in order to rid the nation of a Protestant king, King James I, and put a Catholic on the throne.
He and the rest of his gang were caught and executed.

Guy Fawkes Day is celebrated every year on the 5th of November.
There are fireworks in London on this night and a celebration.
It is also called Bonfire Night.
Many towns around England light a bonfire to celebrate the fact that the King survived the plot.
One town that has a huge bonfire and a parade is Lewes, in East Sussex.

Guy Fawkes was born in York, and his old home is now a hotel. I believe it is called The Guy Fawkes Inn, just a short walk from York Minster. When I was there, it was a very nice hotel.
Good place to stay when in York, if Covid didn't close it down!

Guy Fawkes Day does not celebrate the man himself, but celebrates his arrest and execution on that day.

I hope I'm not crashing a party here , but a few longtime favorites ( All on YouTube ) - These two films from the late forties " Quartet " , and " Trio " - These are stories by W. Somerset Maugham and brilliantly dramatized . While Trio came after Quartet , watch Trio first -https://youtu.be/SweR7qwEMxo?si=JI93rGsuiyYhOVqN Quartet - https://youtu.be/6-AFFU4wQDE?si=nqP_TSJWlQ1Bt3xC " Hobson's Choice " stars Charles Laughton , John Mills . and Brenda De Banzie an early masterpiece by director David Lean - https://youtu.be/ke1GLxTtzAs?si=7g_fgLdXZGs505TA

Thank you Steven! I love W. Somerset Maugham!

A great deal of the content we in Washington DC get on WETA UK is available to stream through PBS Passport. You can get access to Passport via a relatively modest monthly or annual contribution to your local PBS station. There's a lot on Passport (much of it from other European countries) that doesn't make it into the broadcast lineup. Many of those shows are part of the "Walter's Choice" grouping.

The Tubi and Pluto streaming channels also have a lot of worthwhile content, but you'll have to live with advertisements there.

Agree about Love Actually. Always an enjoyable watch.

Adding to movies regarding the Christmas holidays.

I enjoy:

1.) 1947’s The Bishops Wife with Cary Grant, David Niven and Loretta Young.

2.) 1951’s A Christmas Carol with Alastair Sim, the best film adaptation in my opinion.

3.) 1965’s a Charlie Brown Christmas specifically to enjoy Vince Guaraldi’s marvelous music

4.) Lastly, has nothing to do with Christmas but have been known to watch The Birdcage. Watching Robin William’s talent never fails to make me LOL.

The Guy Fawkes Inn at York is still there. If you stay there you also get a free guided 2 hour walking tour of the city, except on Thursday.

Many, if not most towns, used to have organised bonfires and firework displays for 5 November- but far fewer now due to increased costs, legal requirements and Covid. In my own town last year it was decided too late to try to re-instate fireworks night. So instead, in what now seems to be a new tradition, fireworks night is now in December- as part two of the town's preparation for Christmas. The Christmas lights were switched on a week or two ago, but there is now a separate fireworks night and continental market to further stimulate the Christmas trade. It is doubtless also cheaper! As part of fireworks night there is also a laser lights show scheduled.

Well, I live and I learn.

I loved the movie "Gunpowder, Treason and Plot) because I only knew the names and a very little about some to most of the characters in the movie.

I knew of Guy Hawkes and a little bit about him but never saw so much of his character acted in a film. I knew very little of the plot but in this movie, I saw it portrayed by actors.

And I am just realizing that Guy Hawkes Day is celebrated because the plot was foiled and the plotters which included Guy Hawkes were arrested and executed. Guy Hawkes himself is not being celebrated on Guy Hawkes Day. (well maybe by some)

Because of this movie, I am better understanding the conflict between Catholics and Protestants. Catholicism was the Old Religion, the stablished faith, and a new religion, Protestanism, was challenging the established faith. There was even a line in the movie which addressed the issue.

Because of this movie, I am better understanding the conflict between Catholics and Protestants. Catholicism was the Old Religion, the stablished faith, and a new religion, Protestanism, was challenging the established faith. There was even a line in the movie which addressed the issue.

A spot on observation ! One of the best series from BBC that tells this tale is Michael Wood's " In Search of Shakespeare " From 2004 , this is four one hour episodes ,and worth every minute of the time .https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=in+search+of+shakespeare+michael+wood

There is a Lucy Worsley program on Agatha Christie this evening on my PBS station "Agatha Christie: Lucy Worsley on the Mystery Queen"

Also All Creatures Great And Small: Christmas in the Dales is on my PBS channel this evening.

@Mardee, if my memory serves me correctly, in *Four Weddings . . . " there is a scene where there are some folk singers at one of the weddings, one of which is Nicola Walker in an early role.

Stan, I found that out last year sometime and of course, immediately had to find that scene in the movie so I could watch it. I laughed so hard! That was a favorite scene of mine anyway, and now knowing it's Nicola makes me value it even more.

The part of Kate Winslet's awful boyfriend--her boss in her office (always a bad combination)--is played by Rufus Sewell, an outstanding actor.

Rebecca, I love Rufus Sewell! Have you seen him in "The Diplomat" on Netflix? It's one of the best things I've seen lately. It takes place in London but is not about the holidays (excuse the diversion). 😊 But seriously, it's really good. It is very well crafted with great humor, wonderful characters (and acting and writing), and is a fun look at how diplomats abroad live. I've watched it twice now and plan on watching it again before Season 2 comes out next year.

Steven, those look like great recommendations. Thank you!

acraven, I wholeheartedly agree about PBS. I donate a small amount each month to a worthy cause and in return, I get great entertainment. It's a wonderful value for me. In addition to the channels you mentioned, Hoopla and Kanopy (both available through libraries) also have some great movies and other entertainment available to watch.

acraven, thanks for the info about Passport!

Claudia, a great list of movies there, thank you!

isn31c, thanks for the info about the free York walk when staying at the Guy Fawkes Inn. Glad to hear it is still open.

bostonphil, right; the relationship/conflict between Protestants and Catholics in England is a complicated history.
It began to be an issue long before Guy Fawkes and his plot.

There was even an assassin sanctioned by the Vatican and the Pope sent to murder the Protestant Queen Elizabeth I. That plot failed because two of her very loyal palace insiders functioned as what could be called the first "secret service" men....Sir Francis Walsingham and Sir William Cecil.

The Catholics hoped to replace Elizabeth I with the Catholic Mary, Queen of Scots. When this plot failed, it led to the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots for treason.

The movie "Elizabeth" with Cate Blanchett is an excellent telling of this story. It is full of palace intrigue, plots, schemes, murder, and a little romance.

steven, thank you! Any video by Michael Wood is excellent! He is a wonderful historian and anything by him on YouTube will not be boring.

bostonphil, "Agatha Christie: Lucy Worsley on the Mystery Queen" is on my PBS station later tonight also! I will record it. "All Creatures Great And Small: Christmas in the Dales"--I must see that! Their Christmas episodes are so good!

Mardee, I love Rufus Sewell, too. I have not seen him in "The Diplomat" on Netflix, but I must see that!!

Rebecca

I believe that I saw a program havng to do with "The Assassins". I believe that I saw something on PBS. And I have seen many movies and docs and tv shows about Elizabeth. I believe that I saw the one with Cate Blanchett.

Almost every thing that I have seen has been very good.

I have seen so much that I can not remember all that I have seen but I have a fascination for Royalty and Revolutions and back stabbing and assassinations (and it is not just limited to the British)

Not Christmassy but fun, you should look out for Cold Comfort Farm, with a very young Rufus Sewell and Kate Beckinsale. It’s funny and well-made but not quite as subtle and sly as the book of the same name by Stella Duffy.

Thanks, Amanda! I will look for that!

Thanks, Amanda! I will try to find Cold Comfort Farm.
Apparently Joanna Lumley, Ian McKellen and Stephen Fry are in it, too.

The Agatha Christie part 1 by Lucy was pretty good last night! Next Sunday's part 2 will be good as well because she talks about Agatha's disappearance. On the Mark Seymour Northern England tour we stayed the 1st 3 nights at The Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate which is where she stayed during that time. Very cool!!

Rebecca, Ian McKellen and Joanna Lumley are two more of my favorites. I absolutely love Ian McKellen, and firmly believe he is a brilliant actor. And Joanna Lumley is the funniest person ever. I watched AbFab for years.

Pam, thanks for that info! I will definitely try and catch that so I can get the info about Agatha Christie!

ETA: Rebecca, I thought you said Ian McShane at first, who I also love, so I had to go back and change my answer, lol!

Well, I enjoyed my British movie night! I'm ashamed to say how many times I've watched Four Weddings And A Funeral. But now I watch it mainly to see the churches.
Sense And Sensibility; wonderful actors, lots of great scenery.

Pam, I recorded the Agatha Christie episode 1 and will watch it tonight!
How very interesting that you and your group stayed at The Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate where Agatha was hiding out! Very cool!
I want to go on that Mark Seymour tour!

Mardee, I love Ian McKellen, too!

He will be starring in a new show in 2024:
https://www.timeout.com/london/news/stage-and-screen-legend-ian-mckellen-will-star-as-shakespeares-falstaff-in-the-west-end-next-year-111523
"Ian McKellen will star as Shakespeare's Falstaff in
‘The Player Kings’ which will run at New Wimbledon Theatre Mar 1-9 2024,
Manchester Opera House Mar 14-23 2024 and the
Noël Coward Theatre Apr 1-Jun 22 2024."

https://mckellen.com/stage/24-player-kings/index.html
‘The Player Kings’ -- Henry IV; Parts 1 & 2.

For Ian McKellan fans (or knitters like Mardee!) ....this is a year old but so funny - advertisement with Ian McKellan and Bjorn from ABBA knit...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5sMDHxokaQ

And this year's with Kylie Minogue:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb-elQCLF1Y

Sorry Rebecca...that is kind of dragging your original topic a bit off, lol.... I know you will enjoy the Agatha Christie series because it's so Lucy, haha, and I know you enjoy her.

Oh my gosh, Pam - the knitting videos with Ian and Bjorn are hilarious! You made my day!

Pam, great videos with the knitters, thanks!
Oh I think this thread had already become a conversation about a variety of things anyhow! :)

"Oh I think this thread had already become a conversation about a variety of things anyhow! :)"

But interesting nonetheless!!

Glad you all enjoyed the knitters....

Oh yes, an interesting discussion.
Almost as good as a Zoom meeting.

For Ian McKellan fans (or knitters like Mardee!) .

Funny, Pam!!!! However, I feel like I should mention that I am a sewer and not a knitter (but also an Ian McK fan!). I do weaving, rug hooking, clothes sewing, quilt making and wool felting, but stick 2 knitting needles in my hands and catastrophe happens. I've tried on and off over the years, but the last time I made a scarf, it was so despondent looking that I gave up. My cousin (who is a fabulous knitter) took one look at it and said, "Did you mean for it to look like that?"

Decades ago was in London with friends. Two sisters. One had been to London, the other had not.
I caught a cold and knew I had to stay inside and rest. They headed out and I turned on the telly.

Napped, lots of tea and turned the channel to discover AbFab.

Was laughing and howling so hard when the sisters were walking up the stairs to the apartment that they thought I was being attacked.

Dawn French and JoAnna Lumley are comedic geniuses!

EDIT: privileged to have seen Sir Ian on stage with Dame Mirren in Dance Of Death in NYC. Then I once passed by him at Chateau Marmot in West Hollywood. Seems he likes to stay in one of the hotel bungalows.

Claudia, I totally agree!
AbFab was great!
I need to find these old shows and watch again.