A British response to ‘Dinner for One’

Last Friday a German student of ours brought up the topic of ‘Dinner For One’ during our weekly students’ lunch. Initially I wondered whether he was asking our opinion on eating out alone but after a few moments a vague memory of this black and white short film came to mind.

If you mention ‘Dinner For One’ to most Brits, they are unlikely to know what you are talking about unless they happen to have spent some time in a German-speaking country or perhaps in Scandinavia or Eastern Europe where the film is also popular. The reason for this is that despite being originally written by a British author and the dialogue being entirely in English, ‘Dinner For One’ has not been aired on British TV for over 30 years and as such is not the New Years Eve staple here that it has come to be in other countries.

Also known as ‘The 90th Birthday’, or by its corresponding German title, ‘Der 90. Geburtstag’, ‘Dinner for One’ is a two-hander comedy sketch written by British author Lauri Wylie for the theatre in the 1920s. German television station Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR) later recorded an 18 minute-long performance of the piece in 1963 which went on to become one of the most frequently repeated TV programmes of all time. It has become somewhat of an institution in Germany with as much as half of the population tuning in to watch it every New Years Eve.

The film features a 90-year old upper-class Englishwoman, Miss Sophie, who is enjoying a celebratory birthday meal with 4 imaginary (presumably deceased) friends, following "the same procedure as every year" (the film's catchphrase). Meanwhile the butler serving the meal takes it upon himself to keep up the charade, consuming the 4 friends’ drinks as they toast Miss Sophie's birthday and becoming increasingly drunk with every course. The main source of hilarity is a tiger-skin rug with a large head which the butler trips over each time he goes to fetch the next course.

Now, I don’t mean to be a party pooper but from a British point of view, I can't say I'm convinced that this is the best we have to offer by means of comedy. In fact I find its popularity rather mystifying. But don’t take my word for it, see for yourself by clicking the image below! 

Top 10 Christmas Films of All Time

As Christmas draws ever closer (just 2 weeks to go!), many of us will begin our winter hibernation by snuggling up on the sofa to watch some familiar festive films. Courtesy of LoveFilm, here are 10 classic Christmas movies guaranteed to get you in the mood whilst teaching you some essential Christmas vocabulary:

 

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

Based on the original story of The Greatest Gift, written by Philip Van Doren Stern, this five-time Oscar-nominated drama, directed by Frank Capra, is revived every year in time for Christmas. The story of George Bailey (James Stewart), who comes to understand the importance of his existence and the true meaning of the love of his family and friends - with a little help from his guardian angel (Henry Travers) - was initially regarded as flop, due to high production cost and limited box office return. But with its universal themes and uplifting spirit it has truly become a Christmas classic.

 

The Muppets Christmas Carol (1993)

In 1992, Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol received Jim Henson’s Muppet treatment. Michael Caine excels as grumpy Ebenezer Scrooge, with Henson’s puppeteers pulling the strings, Kermit the Frog steps into Bob Cratchet’s shoes, while Gonzo (and mate Rizo) joins the fun as one of the film’s narrators. Like It’s a Wonderful Life, it failed to ignite the box office upon its release – failing to compete with Home Alone 2 and Aladdin - but had tremendous success on VHS (and continues to do so on DVD).

 

Scrooged (1988)

The second A Christmas Carol adaption on this list, Scrooged sees a cold-hearted Bill Murray getting to grips with the ghosts of his past, present and future, only this time there’s a modern twist. While The Muppets version retains the traditional settings and characters of Dickins’ novel, Scrooged relocates to New York where television executive Frank (Murray) is working himself into an early grave, until he learns the true meaning of Christmas.

 

Home Alone(1990)

The two-time Oscar-nominated Home Alone is a firm Christmas favourite. This action-packed adventure deserves its place on the list for its family-orientated fun and cheeky humour. The story sees an eight-year-old (Macaulay Culkin) left home during Christmas time, to fend off two burglars. Writer John Hughes enlisted friend and former colleague John Candy for his comedic input into the film – with a Planes, Trains & Automobiles inspired performance.

 

The Nightmare before Christmas (1993)

Tim Burton’s stop motion fantasy film, The Nightmare before Christmas, shows off imaginative storytelling and captivating animation. Burton’s story, takes place in "Halloween Town" filled with ghosts and ghouls, who embrace the idea of transforming their settlement into "Christmas Town". Disney decided to release the film under Touchstone Pictures due to its darker themes. Burton discouraged the idea of a follow up, remaining very protective of this film as a standalone original.

 

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

The original Miracle on 34th Street, written and directed by George Seaton, is a classic Christmas tale about the existence of Santa Claus – however, unlike his mythological persona the actual Kris Kringle is living in New York and working in a department store. Starring Natalie Wood and Edmund Gwenn, this iconic film has spawned several remakes – most recently the 1994 adaptation, starring Richard Attenborough. Seaton’s film is ninth on the American Film Institute's 100 Most Inspiring Movies of All Time.

 

Elf (2003)

In 2003 Will Ferrell stepped into the oversized shoes of his alter-ego Buddy the elf. An overzealous Buddy soon realises he’s not like the rest of Santa’s little helpers (his adult size, is a pretty big hint), and heads for the big apple to find out where he’s from. Elf’s jovial sense of humour and slapstick comedy garnered favourable reviews. The film greatly exceeded its production value making over $200 million at the box office, worldwide.

 

Die Hard (1988)

Guns, bombs and terrorists aren’t usually associated with Christmas, but there is an exception to every rule. Action-thriller Die Hard sets a festive scene. It’s the office Christmas party and there’s plenty of Christmas cheer, that is, until terrorist (Alan Rickman) spoils the fun. Richard Gere was considered for the role, but Bruce Willis clinched the part as John Mclane, sealing his fate as one of Hollywood’s most explosive actors of the time.

 

Gremlins (1984)

Inspired by scuttling mice in his loft, writer Chris Columbus caught the attention of producer Steven Spielberg with his idea of Gremlins. When a boy receives a pet at Christmas he breaks three simple rules, unleashing these hellish little critters on an unsuspecting town. Gremlins accompanied Ghostbusters at the box office, as a new genre of comedy/horror films introduced in the 80s. It is a staple for Christmas viewing, offering an alternative to the stereotypical festive films shown.

 

The Snowman (1982)

This British classic makes its way onto this list accompanied by a famous song. Based on a children's book by author Raymond Briggs, The Snowman was adapted into 26 minute animated film by Dianne Jackson for Channel 4. Absent of any dialogue, the film is famous for its haunting rendition of Walking in the Air, scored by Howard Blake and sung by choirboy Peter Auty. The Snowman was nominated for an Academy Award in 1982.

 

Source: http://www.lovefilm.com/features/top-lists/Top_10_Christmas_Films



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HMS Defiant - the making of a movie

When my father was approached to help sail the two sailing ships which were to be used in the making of HMS Defiant (or 'Damn the Defiant' as the Americans have it) I was at school in Kent, grappling with 'A 'Levels. Luckily the bulk of the filming was due to take place in the summer holidays, and my brother, sister and I were able to join our parents for a month on location in Denia, at that time a small, rather poor fishing village on the Mediterranean coast of Franco's Spain, where the crew - both ship's and film - were gathering. 

HMS Defiant was a frigate in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic wars, and the story takes place in 1798, culminating in the Nore Mutiny. My brother and I were signed on as ordinary seamen, but as we were bound to appear on screen along with the extras, we were both made up as late 18th century naval ratings, with wigs and somewhat baggy trousers.  Even my 16 year old sister got a part: as a 'loose woman of the town',  she and a few other lovelies got rowed ashore in Portsmouth (actually Denia) just before we set sail to join the fleet.

Denia is on a promontory and sticks out into the western Mediterranean. This was ideal for the film company as they were able to shoot what were supposed to be deep-sea scenes quite close to shore. Time was money, though and we had to be on board before 7am in order to use all daylight hours. That didn't apply to the three stars: Alec Guinness (in command), Dirk Bogarde (No 2) and Anthony Quayle (seaman, the leader of the mutiny) were whisked aboard by fast launch only when they were needed. The food on board was pretty good as I recall, but to drink we had the choice only between cold beer and coke. I've disliked coke ever since, having poured it down under the hot Spanish sun to keep cool.

I appear a few times. When the film first came out, a careful perusal disclosed about 6 rather fleeting appearances, but in recent viewings I've managed to see myself only twice. Once I'm coming down the rigging following the order "All hands on deck to witness punishment", and the second is where I am steering the 'Defiant' when a mutineer taps me on the shoulder and whispers "All set for 6 bells" (or something on those lines). Not being in Equity (the actors' union) I don't speak but merely nod in reply. Actually all dialogue had to added in the studio as the noise of the generators driving the floodlights drowned out most speech on board.

Was it thrilling being near the stars? For me, not particularly. Alec and Dirk behaved like the officers they were portraying, and rarely strayed from the quarterdeck.  Quayle was a little more approachable, perhaps because he played an ordinary sailor like us, but even he, although an active man who sometimes canoed out to the ship, was not allowed to go aloft in case he fell (shades of 'The Guns of Navarone'). I did once play chess with the young man playing the midshipman, but I can't even remember the actor's name  - I don't think he ever became famous.

But if you asked me if I'd do it again, I would say, despite the heat and the constant hanging about, definitely a maybe; after all, all these years later people still ask me about what it was like just being there.

If you want to see 'HMS Defiant' just wait for the Christmas TV schedule. It's surprising how often it gets reshown.

by Kit Villiers

Language Learning with British Films

Learning a language is not an easy feat. First there's the pronunciation, then there's the grammar, then there's having the confidence to actually spit it out!

Of course, reading is one of the best ways to improve. Even if you don't understand every word, providing you can get to grips with the general gist of the text, the missing vocab will come with time and practice.

Sometimes, though, especially after a long day's work and/or studies, you're really not in the mood for any more reading. All you want to do is flop.

So why not watch a film? Providing you have internet access there are any number of online film sites which don't cost very much at all. These include Filmflex, Lovefilm, where you can stream thousands of movies for a small monthly subscription. Many of them come with subtitles, too.

Click on the image below to see Empire's top 100 Best British Films Ever!