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If you've heard the rumors that Call the Midwife is being canceled, you're in luck. According to the BBC, the beloved series isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Premiering back in 2012, Call the Midwife has grown to become one of the most popular shows on the British network, and across the pond where it airs on PBS.

A rumor began circulating recently thanks to an article in the Daily Star that mentioned that once Season 15 was done in 2026, the series wouldn't be returning. "Bosses have decided they want the period drama to go out on a high," the article said, adding: "The show's 15th run in 2026 will be its last series on telly." The tabloid suggested that with the recent news that the Call the Midwife universe would be expanding, its time on TV was winding down. Nothing could be further from the truth, however, if you believe what the BBC...

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Willa Fitzgerald is one of the most talented and beautiful actresses working in the film industry right now. Fitzgerald began her career with a small role in the little-known 2007 film For the Love of a Dog, but since then, she has starred in several iconic films and TV shows, including the popular Scream TV series and her own leading role in the gripping thriller film Strange Darling. Most recently, she starred in the Netflix medical drama Pulse. So, if you love Fitzgerald’s performances, here are the 7 best movies and TV Shows starring Willa Fitzgerald, you shouldn’t miss.

7. Pulse (Netflix) Credit – Netflix

Pulse is a medical drama series created by Zoe Robyn. The Netflix series is set in Miami on the premises of Maguire Hospital, and it revolves around the emergency and surgical residents as they deal...

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Dickinson is a comedy-drama series created by Alena Smith. The Apple TV+ series is set in the 19th century, and it follows Emily Dickinson, a budding writer who lives under the constraints of her time, but at every step, she challenges the norms through her writing. Dickinson stars Hailee Steinfeld, Toby Huss, Adrian Blake Enscoe, Anna Baryshnikov, Ella Hunt, Jane Krakowski, Amanda Warren, and Chinaza Uche. So, if you loved the period setting, a women-centric story, and compelling characters in Dickinson, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

My Lady Jane (Prime Video) Credit – Prime Video

My Lady Jane is a historical fantasy romantic comedy-drama series created by Gemma Burgess. Based on the novel of the same name by Jodi Meadows, Brodi Ashton, and Cynthia Hand, the short-lived Prime Video series is set in an alternate 16th-century England,...

On Sunday May 18 2025, PBS broadcasts Call the Midwife!

Season 14 Episode 8 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Call the Midwife” promises to be an emotional and eventful one. Titled “The Midwives Evacuate a Mother and Baby Home,” this episode will explore the challenges faced by the midwives as they work to ensure the safety of mothers and their babies during a time of crisis. With the backdrop of a changing world, the midwives will need to come together to support those in need.

In addition to the evacuation, the episode will also delve into Nancy’s wedding plans. Viewers can expect some unexpected twists that may change the course of her special day. This subplot will add a layer of personal drama and highlight the complexities of relationships in the midst of a busy life as a midwife.

Sister Catherine will also have a significant moment in this episode as she takes her first vows.

On Sunday May 11 2025, PBS broadcasts Call the Midwife!

Season 14 Episode 7 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Call the Midwife” promises to be filled with emotional moments and significant developments. In this episode, titled “Disciplinary Actions,” viewers will see Joyce facing a disciplinary hearing. This situation adds tension to the storyline as Joyce navigates the challenges at the clinic, highlighting the struggles and pressures faced by those working in healthcare during this time.

Meanwhile, Dr. Turner takes a step into the world of addiction treatment by volunteering at a methadone clinic. His commitment to helping those battling heroin addiction reveals his compassionate nature and dedication to the community. This storyline aims to shed light on the complexities of addiction and the importance of support for individuals seeking recovery.

In a more personal subplot, the Turners receive important news regarding May’s adoption hearing. This moment brings a mix of hope and anxiety,...

Over the past 13 years, Call the Midwife has easily established itself as one of the greatest British TV dramas ever made. Focusing around a group of midwives and nuns working in the East End of London, the series' story has spanned several decades and seen many characters come and go. Now, like Downton Abbey before it, Call the Midwife is finally getting a feature film, but fans have even more to celebrate as it's also been confirmed that a spin-off prequel series is in the works as well.

Per RadioTimes, both of the new projects are led by creator Heidi Thomas and executive producers Pippa Harris and Ann Tricklebank, with the spin-off series said to be a prequel that's set in Poplar during World War II. Meanwhile, the feature film is set overseas in 1972 to align with Season 15 of the TV show, and while it hasn't been announced which cast...

Call the Midwife is a period drama that is extremely popular in Britain. Based on the memoirs by Jenny Worth, who appeared as a character in the show, it tells the story of a group of nuns and midwives working in the poverty-stricken London area of Poplar.

After a successful 14 seasons, the BBC Media Center announced that a prequel series is in the works. The story will also be set in Poplar, which means fans could see a younger version of Sister Julienne and Sister Monica Joan as they work to save babies during World War II. "The Blitz years in the East End were extraordinary - filled with loss, togetherness, courage and joy," showrunner Heidi Thomas said in a statement. "The bombs fell, the babies kept on coming, and the Sisters kept on going. There will be so much in the prequel for our wonderful, loyal fans, including the...

On Sunday May 4 2025, PBS broadcasts Call the Midwife!

Season 14 Episode 6 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Call the Midwife” promises to bring both challenges and emotional moments to Nonnatus House. Titled “A Dustbin Strike,” this episode will explore the impact of a refuse strike in the community. With rubbish piling up outside the midwifery home, the staff will have to navigate the difficulties that come with the unsightly situation.

Joyce, one of the dedicated nurses, faces her own set of challenges in this episode. She encounters a patient who is particularly rude, adding to the tension of the day. This interaction will likely test Joyce’s patience and skills as she strives to provide care in a difficult environment.

As the episode unfolds, viewers can expect to see how the midwives and nurses adapt to the refuse crisis while continuing their important work. The story will highlight the resilience of...

On Sunday April 27 2025, PBS broadcasts Call the Midwife!

Folge 5 Season 14 Episode 5 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Call the Midwife,” titled “Folge 5,” promises to be both touching and thought-provoking. Set against the backdrop of 1960s London, this episode focuses on the challenges faced by those who are often overlooked in society. Sister Julienne takes center stage as she visits a pregnant woman living in an abandoned warehouse. This encounter highlights the struggles of individuals in difficult circumstances and the compassion that the Nonnatus team brings to their care.

As Sister Julienne navigates the complexities of the woman’s situation, viewers can expect to see the deep commitment of the midwives to their community. The episode will explore themes of hope and resilience, showing how love and support can make a difference in even the most challenging environments. The abandoned warehouse setting adds a layer of urgency and poignancy to the story,...

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Virgin River is a feel-good romantic drama series created by Sue Tenney. Based on the novel series of the same name by Robyn Carr, the Netflix series is one of the most feel-good and coziest shows, and maybe that’s why it has garnered one of the most loyal fan bases in the television community. It revolves around Melinda “Mel” Monroe, a nurse practitioner and midwife who moves to the small North Californian town of Virgin River in hopes of getting a fresh start. Virgin River stars Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, Colin Lawrence, Jenny Cooper, Lauren Hammersley, Annette O’Toole, Tim Matheson, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Grayson Gurnsey, Zibby Allen, Marco Grazzini, and Kai Bradbury. So, if you loved the feel-good story, small town setting, and likable characters in Virgin River, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

On Sunday April 20 2025, PBS broadcasts Call the Midwife!

Season 14 Episode 4 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Call the Midwife,” titled “Sister Catherine,” promises to bring both new beginnings and challenges to the Nonnatus team. As the episode unfolds, the arrival of Sister Catherine, a new nun and trainee midwife, adds fresh energy to the group. Her enthusiasm and dedication to her calling may inspire the team and the community as they navigate the complexities of midwifery in post-war London.

However, not everything is smooth sailing. The episode also highlights a pressing concern as the responses for the measles vaccination clinic fall disappointingly low. This situation creates tension and urgency within the Nonnatus team, as they work to educate the public about the importance of vaccinations. The struggle to encourage families to participate reflects real-world issues surrounding public health and community trust.

As Sister Catherine settles into her new role, viewers...

On Sunday April 13 2025, PBS broadcasts Call the Midwife!

Season 14 Episode 3 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Call the Midwife” promises to be an intense and emotional journey for both the characters and the audience. Titled “A New Beginning,” this episode will air on PBS and is set to bring forth both medical challenges and personal struggles.

In this episode, Rosalind will take center stage as she assists in delivering a baby with a concerning spinal lesion. The situation raises alarms for Dr. Turner, who begins to suspect that the baby may have spina bifida. This serious condition requires immediate attention and care, and the team at Nonnatus House must rally together to provide the best support for the family involved. The medical drama will highlight the expertise and compassion of the midwives as they navigate this difficult case.

Adding to the tension, a gas explosion will shake the community, causing chaos and urgency.

On Sunday April 6 2025, PBS broadcasts Call the Midwife!

Season 14 Episode 2 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Call the Midwife,” airing on PBS, promises to deliver a mix of heartfelt moments and important social issues. Titled “A Mother’s Care,” this episode focuses on Trixie, who takes on the responsibility of caring for a single mother recently discharged from a psychiatric hospital. The storyline highlights the challenges faced by individuals dealing with mental health issues and the importance of support during difficult times.

As Trixie navigates her new role, viewers can expect to see her compassion and dedication shine through. The relationship between Trixie and the mother will likely explore themes of understanding, resilience, and the journey toward healing. This subplot is expected to resonate with many, showcasing the struggles and triumphs of motherhood, especially for those facing additional challenges.

In another storyline, Shelagh and Miss Higgins tackle a public health...

More drama awaits in the 1970s Poplar when Call the Midwife returns with Season 14 later this month on PBS in the U.S. As you would expect, the installment features pretty strong storylines, which series star Jenny Agutter recently noted, praising creator Heidi Thomas, particularly for Episode 1, which involves a teen pregnancy. Agutter, who has portrayed Sister Julienne, the Sister-in-charge at Nonnatus House, since the very beginning of the period drama, dropped even more captivating details about the season while chatting with TV Insider, teasing major changes to come in Poplar.

Season 14 of Call the Midwife “is a conclusion” to all the loose strings from the 2024 special and is centered on “poverty and all the social issues that come out of it, the abuse that might happen, the difficulties.” While the 60s in Poplar had “a lot of growth and optimism,” Agutter explains that the new era is not so positive,...

The British staple Call the Midwife is preparing to deliver an all-new season, and the period drama is confirmed to stay on the air through season 15. Created for the BBC by Heidi Thomas (from the memoirs of Jennifer Worth), Call the Midwife concerns the residents of London's East End in the mid-20th century, with a particular focus on the titular midwives who help deliver the city's babies. With its deft mix of drama, humor, and cozy familiarity, Call the Midwife has become a massive cultural institution on both sides of the pond.

While there have been many changes across Call the Midwife's 14 seasons thus far, that change is built into the show's structure as it pushes forward in time. Starting in the 1950s, the period drama has now extended past the post-war years, and has entered the uncertain decade of the 1970s. Not only does this keep things fresh,...

Call the Midwife is a long-running British period drama that completed its 13th season in May 2024. The acclaimed TV series is set in the 1950s and 1960s, telling the story of Jenny Lee (Jessica Raine) and her close fellowship of female nurses and nuns who assist mothers during childbirth at a convent in London's East End. Once Lee leaves after Season 3, the drama focuses on the other midwives, including Jennifer Worth (Vanessa Redgrave), Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter), and many others.

With Call the Midwife recently renewed for two more seasons, questions about a supporting character named Lucille Anderson, a dutiful nurse who starred on the show between Seasons 7 and 12, have continued to swirl online. At last glance, Lucille had difficult decisions following an unspeakable personal tragedy, directly informing her fate on the show moving forward. Between her individual trauma and professional responsibilities, Lucille makes a life-changing decision at the end...

Playwright Alan Bennett has written original screenplay The Choral, which will begin filming this summer.

There’s a reason a remake of Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads monologues (pictured above) was one of the first things put into production when the pandemic started in 2020. Not only were they easy to film with a single cast member, but the texts are also regarded as modern classics of drama, each story a masterpiece in construction and storytelling. You only have to watch the original versions to see the astonishing power of David Haig in Playing Sandwiches or Dame Thora Hird in A Cream Cracker Under The Settee.

The Choral, meanwhile, is Alan Bennett’s first original script written for the screen in forty years, after 1984 comedy A Private Function. The synopsis reads as follows:

Set in Ramsden, Yorkshire in 1916, the plot centers on the chorus master and most of the men of the ambitious local Choral Society,...

Season 5, Episode 8: Sister Evangelina dies, leaving the Nonnatus and Poplar community devastated. Season 3, Episode 5: Sally, a young woman with Down's Syndrome, discovers she is pregnant and later loses her baby at birth. Season 12, Episode 8: Trixie Franklin finally marries Matthew Aylward after overcoming alcohol abuse and various challenges.

This article contains discussions of mental health, alcohol abuse, and pregnancy loss.

Call the Midwife has seen plenty of dramatic and tragic moments throughout its 12 seasons, but only a handful are considered the most important. From the deaths of major characters to the reality of backstreet abortions, the show has seen plenty of moments that have left audiences on the edge of their seats. With season 13 premiering in the United States in a few weeks, knowing the important moments of the show can be a great way to catch up.

Created by Heidi Thomas, the show focuses on a group...

Call the Midwife Cast: Jenny Agutter, Linda Bassett, Judy Parfitt, Helen George, Laura Main, Leonie Elliot, Stephen McGann, Vanessa Redgrave, Cliff Parisi Release Date: 2012-01-15 Seasons: 12 Genres: Drama, History Summary: Call the Midwife is a period piece drama series on PBS and BBC that follows the lives of Midwives working in London's East End during the 1950s and 60s. In the show, nurse midwives help mothers give birth and assist with post-care for children in a district stricken with poverty while dealing with their problems and struggles in a tumultuous period. Call the Midwife is based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth and additional historical material about the actual lives of midwives. Story By: Jennifer Worth Writers: Heidi Thomas Network: BBC Streaming Service(s): Netflix Season List: Call the Midwife - Season 1, Call the Midwife - Season 2, Call the Midwife - Season 3, Call the Midwife - Season...

Bill Cosby has been sued again for sexual assault, this time in Nevada under a newly-enacted law that eliminates the statute of limitations for civil cases.

The nine women bringing the suit are Janice Dickinson, Lise-Lotte Lublin, Janice Baker Kinney, Lili Bernard, Heidi Thomas, Linda Kirkpatrick, Rebecca Cooper, Pam Joy Abeyta and Angela Leslie.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for Nevada, accuses Cosby of using his “enormous power, fame and prestige” to target each of them. The suit alleges the assaults took place between 1979 and 1992 in Nevada. Each of the plaintiffs maintain that Cosby either drugged them, or sought to do so. You can read details of their claims here.

In a statement to NBC News, which broke the story, the entertainer’s spokesperson accused the women suing Cosby of being motivated by their “addiction to massive amounts of media attention and greed.”

The statement continues, “From this day forward,...

Nevada’s new state law removes the statutes of limitations for sexual assault cases and has allowed multiple women to come forward and sue Bill Cosby, 85, for allegedly raping and drugging them.

Nine women in Nevada filed a lawsuit against The Cosby Show star for alleged sexual assault that happened between 1979 and 1992 in Las Vegas, Reno and Lake Tahoe homes, dressing rooms and hotels.

“For years I have fought for survivors of sexual assault and today is the first time I will be able to fight for myself,” Lise Lotte-Lublin said, who is one of the women suing Cosby. “With the new law change, I now have the ability to take my assailant Bill Cosby to court. My journey has just begun, but I am grateful for this opportunity to find justice.”

The lawsuit states that Lotte-Lublin, then 23, was tricked by Cosby when he claimed to be her acting and...

Actor Bill Cosby faces a new sexual assault lawsuit, this one in the state of Nevada. A case in the name of nine women was filed in the US District Court for Nevada, alleging that the disgraced actor and comedian exercised his “enormous power, fame and prestige” to isolate and sexually assault the individuals named in the case, reports ‘Variety’.

As per NBC News, a group of the women will speak in an interview on ‘NBC News Daily’. Pam Joy Abeyta, Lili Bernard, Rebecca Cooper, Janice Dickinson, Linda Kirkpatrick, Janice Baker Kinney, Angela Leslie, Lise-Lotte Lublin and Heidi Thomas are named in the case.

Cosby was convicted of a criminal sexual assault charge in Pennsylvania in April 2018. However, in 2021, the actor was released from prison after spending nearly three years behind bars; the conviction was overturned by the state Supreme Court. The actor, now 85 years old, has discussed plans for a comedy tour.

Just weeks after Nevada passed a law eliminating the civil statute of limitations in sexual abuse cases involving adults, nine women filed a sexual assault lawsuit in the U.S. District Court against Bill Cosby on Wednesday, NBC News reported.

The lawsuit alleges that the disgraced actor used his “enormous power, fame and prestige” to isolate and sexually assault each of the nine women named in the filing.

They individuals named in the case are Janice Dickinson, Lise-Lotte Lublin, Janice Baker Kinney, Lili Bernard, Heidi Thomas, Linda Kirkpatrick, Rebecca Cooper,...

Bill Cosby is facing new accusations of sexual assault. On Wednesday, in a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court of Nevada, Southern Division, 9 women said the comedian drugged, assaulted and raped them in incidents they say occurred between 1979 and 1992.

The women — Lise Lotte-Lublin, Lili Bernard, Janice Baker-Kinney, Rebecca Cooper, Linda Kirkpatrick, Janice Dickenson, Angela Leslie, Pam Joy Abeyta and Heidi Thomas — say that they were all “sexually battered, assaulted, and abused” by Cosby “in a similar manner” in a Las Vegas hotel that Cosby frequently stayed at.

NBC will air an exclusive interview with the women on Thursday.

Each woman says Cosby approached them with offers to help them in their careers, using “his enormous power, fame, and prestige, and claimed interest” in order to “isolate and sexually assault them.”

The lawsuit then breaks down the individual accusations, each following a familiar pattern of being lured to a secluded place,...

Bill Cosby faces a new sexual assault lawsuit, this one in the state of Nevada. A case in the name of nine women was filed in the U.S. District Court for Nevada, alleging that the disgraced actor and comedian exercised his “enormous power, fame and prestige” to isolate and sexually assault the individuals named in the case.

Per NBC News, a group of the women will speak in an interview on “NBC News Daily” on Thursday. Pam Joy Abeyta, Lili Bernard, Rebecca Cooper, Janice Dickinson, Linda Kirkpatrick, Janice Baker Kinney, Angela Leslie, Lise-Lotte Lublin and Heidi Thomas are named in the case.

Cosby was convicted of a criminal sexual assault charge in Pennsylvania in April 2018. However, in 2021, the actor was released from prison after spending nearly three years behind the bars; the conviction was overturned by the state Supreme Court. The actor, now 85 years old, has discussed plans for a comedy tour.

To mark the release of Allelujah arriving for Premium Digital Ownership and Premium Digital Rental from 17th April and will also be available on Blu-Ray and DVD from 29th May, we have 3 Blu-Rays to give away!

Allelujah is directed by Richard Eyre from a screenplay by Heidi Thomas (Call the Midwife, Cranford), and based on the stage play by Alan Bennett (The Madness of King George, The Lady in The Van). It is a warm, humorous and deeply moving story about surviving old age:

When the geriatric ward in a small Yorkshire hospital is threatened with closure, the hospital decides to fight back by galvanizing the local community: they invite a news crew to film their preparations for a concert in honour of the hospital’s most distinguished nurse. Allelujah celebrates the spirit of the elderly patients whilst paying tribute to the deep humanity of the medical staff battling with limited resources and ever-growing demand.

On the surface, Allelujah looks like standard Mother’s Day weekend fare; sweet and a bit twee with a rousing clap for the heroes spirit and the thrilling need to shove a hankie up your sleeve just in case Dame Judi dies at the end.

This is not that film.

It all starts off predictably enough; The Beth is a small Yorkshire hospital under threat of closure and the vulnerable patients in its respected geriatric unit have the most to lose if the battle to save it should fail. Figuratively and literally holding their hands through this turbulent time are Sister Gilpin (Jennifer Saunders) and Dr Valinder Singh Vashish (Bally Gill), who generously adopted the moniker Dr Valentine after patients repeatedly failed to pronounce his name. Dr Val also serves as our narrator.

The inhabitants of the precious beds on the ward are a checklist of sweet and sour, cheeky and confused archetypes,...

I used to think that directing was all about commanding – about knowing the answers to all the questions,” says Richard Eyre. “Now I feel the opposite.” Eyre, one of the titans of British theatre since the 1970s, has of course done his share of commanding in the past. Of Ian McKellen in one of the definitive stagings of Richard III. Of Daniel Day-Lewis in Hamlet, which saw the actor walk off stage mid-performance and never return. Of the National Theatre, throughout his 10-year stint as creative director between 1987 and 1997, when he championed the work of firebrand artists such as David Hare and Howard Brenton.

On screen, he cut his teeth on Play for Today before moving on to films such as 2006’s Notes from a Scandal and the BBC’s 2018 King Lear starring Anthony Hopkins and a cusp-of-stardom Florence Pugh. Now 79 years old, Eyre speaks to me over video chat...

The popular period drama Call the Midwife has officially been renewed for two more seasons, keeping the show on the air until at least 2026. Created by Heidi Thomas, Call the Midwife premiered in 2012 and revolves around a group of nurse midwives working in the East End of London in the late 1950s and 1960s. The show airs on PBS in the U.S. BBC, who make the show, announced the renewal on Monday, February 13, with thebroadcaster’s Drama Director Lindsay Salt crediting the show’s “enduring popularity thanks to extraordinary creative talent and hard work.” Season 12 is currently airing and will wrap up in two weeks. According to Deadline, production is set to begin on Season 13 in the Spring. The 14th and 15th seasons will include eight 60-minute episodes each, along with Christmas specials. These seasons will see the show and its characters move into the 1970s, exploring the midwives...

‘Call The Midwife’ Renewed For Seasons 14 & 15 By BBC

Hit drama Call The Midwife will remain on the BBC for at least another three years following its latest double series order. Ratings for the Sunday night hit have continued to be strong throughout its lengthy run and an eight-part 14th and 15th have now been commissioned along with Christmas specials. Following a group of midwifes in mid-20th century London, Call the Midwife from Heidi Thomas and Neal Street has consistently been one of the BBC’s top-rated dramas over a decade-long period. It airs on PBS in the U.S. BBC Drama Director Lindsay Salt praised the returner’s “enduring popularity thanks to extraordinary creative talent and hard work.” Series 12 will wrap in two Sunday’s time and production on series 13 commences in the Spring.

Banijay & Laliga Form Laliga Studios

Laliga Studios has launched in Spain – a sport content company...

It’s the most wonderful tiiiiime of the yeeeeear! Wherever you fall on a festive scale of Scrooge to Elf, it’s certainly the best time of year for good telly: Christmas TV is every channel and streaming service’s time to shine, as they adorn their listings with sparkly specials and festive films. 2022 is no different, with everything from Christmas comedy offerings from Inside No. 9, to Ghosts and Detectorists, a new animated family film from the team behind The Gruffalo, and brand-new soppy festive rom-coms.

There’s also a growing selection box of Christmas dramas – including the last ever episode of Doc Martin – which is just as well considering this will be the first holiday season without a special Doctor Who episode since the show relaunched back in 2005.

We’ll keep this list updated with announcements and release dates as the Christmas TV schedules are confirmed, but for...

Allelujah TIFF Special Presentations Section Reviewed for Shockya.com by Abe Friedtanzer Director: Richard Eyre Writer: Heidi Thomas Cast: Jennifer Saunders, Bally Gill, David Bradley, Russell Tovey, Derek Jacobi, Judi Dench Screened at: Scotiabank Theatre, Ontario, 9/16/22 Opens: September 10th, 2022 (Toronto International Film Festival) Few people set out to live out their last days in […]

The post TIFF 2022: Allelujah Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.

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Like some kind of cinematic equivalent of the vault in the Tower of London where the Crown jewels are stored, the stage-to-screen adaptation Allelujah piles a number of “national treasures” atop one another: a script based on a play from 2018 by national treasure Alan Bennett (The Madness of King George); a cast featuring such treasured national stars as Judi Dench, Derek Jacobi and Jennifer Saunders; direction from feted theater and film veteran Richard Eyre (Iris, Notes on a Scandal) and so on. It’s all rolled up in a story about the institution every Brit most loves to love and moan about in equal measure, the National Health Service. What could possibly go wrong?

At the risk of having my Leave to Remain resident status in the U.K. revoked, I am sad to report that Allelujah the film is something of a disappointment.

“I have always loved the old” are some of the first voiceover words we hear from idealistic young Dr. Valentine (Bally Gill) as he heads off to work in “Allelujah,” Richard Eyre’s film (premiering at the Toronto Film Festival) about a hospital in Britain’s state-run health system facing the closure of its geriatric ward. The old are, Valentine tells us, “my work, my joy, my purpose.”

That sentiment could also stand in, though, for the wry yet sincere feelings of its source author, the brilliantly witty English writer Alan Bennett — a channeling master of unvarnished everyday folk, often of the vintage sort, but also a deft chronicler of timeless ways we deal with life’s surface nicks and deeper cuts.

Caring for the aged is at the core of Bennett’s 2018 play “Allelujah!,” adapted by “Call the Midwife” creator Heidi Thomas (who first removed that exclamation point) and,...

Britain’s free and eternally beleaguered National Health Service has long been both a boost and a burden to the country’s political leaders. The present-day Conservative administration is only the latest to congratulate themselves on the progressive social generosity the NHS stands for — never more cynically than during the global pandemic — while cutting its funding and functionality at their convenience. A predominantly pro-nhs protest film that muffles its march with fluffy slippers, “Allelujah” also plays things two ways, and several times over. It didactically calls out governmental hypocrisy while exposing corrupt elements and inefficiencies within the precious institution itself. It hedges its bets politically between nostalgic keening for a kinder, fairer Britain of old and advocating for a top-down socialist makeover. It wavers tonally between cozy comedy and head-on polemic.

Richard Eyre’s film has, to be fair, inherited these inconsistencies from its source material: a 2018 play by revered...

Interview

Former Chancellor and U.K. Prime Ministerial hopeful Rishi Sunak will be interviewed live on Channel 4, the British broadcaster whose privatization he has vowed to go ahead with. Sunak will be interviewed on a special episode of “The Andrew Neil Show” on July 29, after “Channel 4 News.” The program will be made by ITN Productions.

The other remaining candidate for Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, has been invited for an interview but has so far declined to take part. “The invitation remains open,” Channel 4 said.

A peak audience of more than two million people tuned in to the Channel 4 Conservative leadership debate, the first TV debate in the contest to be Britain’s next Prime Minister. Sunak and Truss face off on a TV debate on the BBC on June 25, presented by Sophie Raworth, with analysis from BBC political editor Chris Mason and BBC economics editor Faisal Islam.

Key screen figures receive honours for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Actor Damian Lewis, actor-director Andrew Onwubolu, aka Rapman and Creative UK CEO Caroline Norbury are among the film and TV figures to receive honorary titles as part of the Queen’s birthday honours to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee.

Lewis, whose credits include Homeland, received a Cbe for his services to film and charity. He is also co-founder of the Feed NHS campaign, created in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Rapman created the YouTube series Shiro’s Story before directing his feature debut Blue Story in 2019. He has received an...

Pathé has released the first images from its new feature film, ‘Allelujah,’ a darkly comic tale about surviving old age.

Based on the stage play by Alan Bennett (The Madness of King George, The Lady in The Van), Richard Eyre (Notes on A Scandal, Iris) directs from a screenplay by Heidi Thomas.

The synopsis reads; When the geriatric ward of a small Yorkshire hospital is threatened with closure, the hospital decides to fight back by galvanizing the local community. They invite a news crew to film their preparations for a concert in honour of the hospital’s most distinguished nurse. What could go wrong? The story celebrates the spirit of the elderly patients whilst paying tribute to the deep humanity of the medical staff battling with limited resources and ever-growing demand. But in the midst of the tears and the laughter, we slowly realise that there is something threatening the...

Actress Jenny Agutter, best known as Sister Julienne on PBS’ beloved drama Call the Midwife, reverently declares that the series “depends on human interaction more than most.”

That said, Agutter adds that when she sees pregnant women in real life, she gets as far away from them as possible so they don’t mistake her for the baby-delivering nun she plays on television. Linda Bassett, who costars as Nurse Phyllis, agrees and says she will continue to leave such duties to the experts.

More from TVLineCall the Midwife Finale Recap: Nancy's Fate Is Decided (and Sister Monica Joan Plays a...

Hunter Biden Pic Casts Actor To Play Joe Biden

John James (Dynasty) will portray President Joe Biden in My Son Hunter, a film focusing on his son Hunter Biden, who as previously announced will be played by Laurence Fox. Robert Davi (License to Kill) is directing the film. Phelim McAleer and Ann McElhinney are producing. Filming begins in Serbia this week and will last for four weeks.

‘Sentinel’ Wraps In Estonia

Altitude will launch sales on sci-fi thriller Sentinel, which recently wrapped production in Estonia, at AFM next month. Kate Bosworth, Thomas Kretschmann, Lucien Laviscount, and Martin McCann star in the movie, which comes from Estonian filmmaker Tanel Toom. Set in the future on a war-ravaged Earth, four soldiers man Sentinel – a remote military base in a vast ocean that separates two warring continents. They await the relief or the enemy, whichever comes first. Malachi Smyth wrote the screenplay, producers are Ben Pullen,...

Cast also includes Bally Gill, Russell Tovey, David Bradley and Derek Jacobi.

Shooting has commenced in London on Pathe’s Allelujah, an adaptation of the stage play written by Alan Bennett.

Notes On A Scandal’s Richard Eyre directs with Call The Midwife creator Heidi Thomas adapting the screenplay.

Damian Jones and Kevin Loader produce. The duo previously worked on the adaptation of Bennett’s memoir, The Lady And The Van.

Judi Dench, Jennifer Saunders, Bally Gill, Russell Tovey, David Bradley and Derek Jacobi star.

Allelujah is a Pathé, BBC Film and Ingenious Media presentation of a DJ Films and Redstart Production.

Festival

The 65th BFI London Film Festival, which concluded Oct. 17, attracted crowds for in-person events and virtually. The festival unspooled over 12 days across London venues, 10 partner cinema venues around the U.K. and online. There were more than 139,000 physical attendances at screenings and events and over 152,000 virtual attendances.

The festival closed with the European premiere of “The Tragedy of Macbeth” at new festival venue, the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall with director Joel Coen and key cast, including Frances McDormand, in attendance.

There was a sting in the tail, however, as two people who attended the closing film and after party tested positive for Covid-19, compelling the BFI to send letters to attendees informing them about this. The positive tests came as no surprise as the U.K. is experiencing a dramatic surge in cases currently.

The array of celebrities who attended the festival in person included Jay Z,...

Call The Midwife has given viewers a glimpse of the joy, love and hardships of Nonnatus House for nearly a decade – much longer than creator and executive producer Heidi Thomas said she ever expected.

“Certainly, from my point of view I was focused on doing one series and there was never an expectation of doing a second,” Thomas said during a PBS TCA panel on Thursday “I think every year it takes us as surprise.”

Thomas joined Call The Midwife stars Jenny Agutter, Megan Cusack, Ella Bruccoleri and Stephen McGann to reflect on a decade of the PBS drama, which is commissioned in partnership with the BBC. The series, which centers on the sisters, nurses and midwives of Poplar’s Nonnatus House, moves forward with new perspective each year.

Season 10, which PBS shared will debut Sunday, October 3 at 8 p.m. Et, is set in 1966, a trying time for the midwives.

Call the Midwife has received another early renewal. BBC has renewed the long-running period drama series for seasons 12 and 13, keeping the show on the air until 2024. Season 10 debuts in the UK this Sunday night and season 11 will begin filming soon.

In the United States, the Call the Midwife show airs on PBS. A 10th season premiere date hasn't been announced yet. Word is that a fall premiere is likely but an official date hasn't been released.

Created by Heidi Thomas, Call the Midwife revolves around a group of nurse midwives working in the East End of London in the late 1950s and 1960s. The most recent Christmas special, which aired on Christmas 2020, stars Jenny Agutter, Linda Bassett, Judy Parfitt, Fenella Woolgar, Ella Bruccoleri, Helen George, Laura Main, Leonie Elliott, Stephen McGann,...

Exclusive: Disability rights group the Ruderman Family Foundation has honored the final season of the Will & Grace revival as well as Fear the Walking Dead, Sex Education, Emmerdale and Call the Midwife with the latest round of recipients for the Seal of Authentic Representation.

“After witnessing significant progress on authentic casting decisions in Hollywood in recent years, we are particularly gratified to see the international momentum that has been generated in this high-priority area,” said Jay Ruderman, President of the Ruderman Family Foundation. “With several British series joining American productions in our latest round of honorees, it is clearer than ever that the entertainment industry increasingly considers disability as an important part of diversity.”

The organization honors the five series as they have contributed to the growing momentum on the inclusion and authentic representation of people with disabilities in the entertainment industry.

This marks the sixth time the Seal...

Neal Street Productions has commenced filming on Season 10 of Call The Midwife after the BBC/PBS series was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.

The BBC announced that production on the period drama has begun with a 2020 Christmas special before Season 10 is shot. Neal Street will make seven episodes instead of eight amid Covid-19 constraints.

The All3Media-owned producer has developed “comprehensive protocols” to get cameras rolling again, while a designated coronavirus supervisor has been hired to oversee safety procedures.

Call The Midwife, which is filmed at Longcross Studios, was meant to begin production on its latest season in the spring, but like virtually all major scripted content, it was blown off course by the pandemic.

Executive producer Dame Pippa Harris said: “In such difficult times, the values of Call The Midwife seem more resonant than ever. In series ten we will continue to celebrate the skill and bravery of the...

The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain has decided to cancel its 2021 awards, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The guild’s chair Lisa Holdsworth said the industries its members work within face an “existential threat,” and the guild needed to focus on protecting their rights.

The red-carpet, gala event was due to take place at London’s Royal College of Physicians in January in a special ceremony to mark their 60th anniversary.

Holdsworth said: “Our awards happen because of two things: the generous support of our loyal sponsors, and the same collective strength our union is founded on. Wggb members, all working writers, volunteer their time and energy to sit on juries, shortlist entries, and pull endless strings behind the scenes to make the event the glittering success it is every year.”

“This year, those same members are working tirelessly to protect writers’ rights in industries which are facing an unprecedented,...

Exclusive: Following a heated auction, Anonymous Content, Chapter One, Hopscotch Features and Joel Edgerton (Boy Erased) are teaming to produce an international TV drama adaptation of Australian bestseller Boy Swallows Universe.

The project is the first to be announced for Anonymous Content’s UK spin-off Chapter One, which was set up last year with UK agencies Casarotto Ramsay and United. The deal was negotiated on behalf of HarperCollins Australia.

Acclaimed Oz journalist Trent Dalton’s lauded debut novel, inspired by his own complicated youth, is a coming-of-age story set in Brisbane’s violent working-class suburban fringe. The 1980’s story follows a young boy trying to find his way despite his mum being in jail, his stepfather pushing heroine, and the attentions of a local drug kingpin. Amid this fraught existence he also navigates his first romance.

Australian multi-hyphenate Edgerton, star of Loving and writer-director-producer of Boy Erased and The Gift,...

The U.K.’s two biggest broadcasters have ordered new seasons of audience favorites “Call the Midwife,” “Endeavour,” and “Vera,” guaranteeing new episodes of some of the most-watched shows on British TV.

Season 9 of period drama “Call the Midwife” is about to go into production, and the BBC has greenlit two further runs beyond that. Season 8 is on air and the best-performing returning drama of the year so far in the U.K. The new seasons will take the action into the late 1960s. In the U.S. the show, which is produced by Sam Mendes’ All3Media-backed Neal Street, runs on PBS.

Series writer and creator Heidi Thomas said: “Even after all these years, it still feels as though ‘Call the Midwife’ has more truth to tell, more tears to cry, more life to celebrate, and more love to give.”

ITV has re-upped two of its big shows. “Inspector...

BBC period drama Call The Midwife is set to run through until at least 2022 after the British public broadcaster renewed it for a further two seasons.

The series, which airs on PBS in the U.S. has been handed a season ten and eleven consisting of eight episode seasons and two Christmas specials.

This comes as season eight of the Neal Street Productions series became the highest rating returning drama of 2019 with an average of around 9M viewers per episode. Filming is set to start on season nine shortly and it will air in 2020.

Heidi Thomas will continue to lead the writing team with Pippa Harris as executive roducer alongside Mona Qureshi. Ann Tricklebank is producer. The renewal was made by Charlotte Moore, Director, BBC Content and Piers Wenger, Controller, BBC Drama Commissioning.

Harris said, “We are delighted and humbled by the continued warmth of the audience response to Call the Midwife.