nospin

So, Americans make t.v. series based on movies, whilst us Brits make films based on t.v. shows.It should never work, but on this occasion it does because of a sublime meeting of character and actor. Cliches are sometimes justly so, and Leonard Rossiter was BORN to play Rigsby.This is one of the great comic creations, kind of how Norman Bates would have turned out if he'd been melancholic instead if murderous.

This powerful and memorable short concerns a businessman who finds himself locked inside a high street phone booth.His emotions range from anger and frustration to boredom and helplessness, until the telephone company arrive to help. That's the entire plot.Arnie will not be starring in the remake.But, in the spirit of Bunuel's "The Exterminating Angel" this is worth watching right through to the end. If your taste runs to material slightly off the beaten track then this little gem comes highly recommended.It will stay with you.

This late out of the blocks made-for-t.v. rip-off of "The Exorcist" is unlucky enough to 'star' James Farentino, busy nursing his two expressions until the next mini-series comes along. What redeems this film though are a strong performance by a young Harrison Ford and a simply terrific one by Joan Hackett.Her character oozes madness, repressed sexuality and fierce intelligence, displayed with a clarity reminiscent of Anthony Perkins work in "Psycho". Rarely has insanity been so chillingly portrayed as here, despite the limitations of the format.