Flickers

I saw this short series years ago on TV and loved it. The dvd set is the only way to watch this story, since it jumps around with characters and plots that may never be resolved and I really had to keep in mind who the characters were and what the two movies being made were about.The actors are wonderful and the sets interesting. I liked the interruptions with the "signs" made for silent films, but I thought there were too many and took up a lot of time between pieces of the rather confusing arrangement of stories being told. I still feel as though "things" were left out and am not clear as to what happened to some characters. The real/main story of Arnie and Maud was simple, fun, interesting, and I enjoyed its continuing plot to the end. Other characters were well played, but I'd rather have seen more plot than signage.The other wonderful descriptions of this movie aren't "wrong." I just found myself wanting more continuity and less confusion.This is not a film for everyone. You have to like the history of silent filmmaking, which I do. Others may be bored or find it "dull." It is not actually funny, but humorous.I think I'm being fair with a rating of 3 stars. I am a bit surprised that everyone else thinks it was so funny. I wouldn't compare it to a typical Britcom, and I don't mean Benny Hill but a more "drama'ish" comedy.I did find some small sound problem with the second of the three dvds. And, I thought there would be more to the story than there is. I saw the entire 3 discs in one sitting. I think it was the second disc that had only 1 episode and half of another. I just wasn't as satisfied with what I remembered as I should have been. I doubt if I will ever watch this again, and that tells you something. Of course, I seem to be the only one who didn't think it was terrific, but....

I was delighted to find this series available on dvd. All I had was a very poor home-recorded version on vhs. It tells a charming story of a cockney named Arnie Cole, who is struggling to make it in the early days of moving pictures. He makes a little money renting films for showing (and sometimes unethically re-renting them to other folks), but he dreams of the big profits possible for those who can make their own films. He gets his chance in an unexpected way. Then he struggles with the problems of dealing with directors, and actors, and the switch to talkies. I only gave it four stars because it seriously needs captions. The cockney accents, not to mention the speech of Arnie's "tame Welchman" projector mechanic, are just too thick for American ears.

I watched this decades ago on my tiny black and white tv. Id already been interested in silents and found this show interesting, hilarious and moving. Hoskins and de la Tour were briliant and there were several scenes that have stayed with me over the years. Well, I happened to think about it and was curious if it was still available - and there it was! Just finished the rewatch, and it was even better than I remembered (it helped to be a few years older with a more adult perpective :) The acting is superb and the story entertaining and intelligent.The only problem I had with it were the accents - they do take a bit of getting used to. Other than that, I highly recommend viewing!

I was fascinated by this movie when it was first shown on Masterpiece Theatre many years ago and several times wished I could see it again. When it was offered on DVD I immediately ordered it and it was just as much fun to watch the second time. This stars two of my favorites, Bob Hoskins and Frances de la Tour along with lots of other lovable characters. This takes place in the early years of silent film making. Arnie Cole (Hoskins) tries to break into this business without enough capital while dealing with actors and actresses with big egos. There is a surprising love interest that develops.

Low-budgeted, mediocre sets, but these are way overshadowed by the story and the wonderful acting by Hospkins and De la Tour. Definitely a worthy addition to anyone's collection of films by these actors.

i'm thrilled to finally be able to see this series again. everything about it is first rate--the story, the performances, the dialogue, the sets, the costumes, everything is wonderful. i never understood why it wasn't released on tape, but, at long, long last, it has been released.if you admire great acting, watch this series, then watch the movie 'the long good friday.' bob hoskins will amaze you--his range is fantastic.the rest of this cast is also superb. frances de la tour's comic timing is a joy to watch.if you didn't see it on pbs, buy, rent, steal the dvd's. you'll be in for a real treat.

Hoskins and De La Tour - a classic, hilarious pairing of two superb actors. Loved the story, loved Arnie, loved Maude. When my DVD arrives I'm having a Flickers marathon party, it will be champagne and snacky things, a comfy seat and my eyes will be glued to the screen. I guarantee I won't be able to stop myself watching the whole darn thing from start to finish.MJ

I have been in love with this off-beat, quirky and passionate story since it first aired on Great Performances 26 years ago. I have waited patiently all this time for it's release and finally here it is. It should delight a whole new generation of viewers, and thrill it's long-time fans. Look for the little silent moments between characters for pure magic!

My wife and I saw this six part series when it originally aired, thirty years ago. We had remembered it with great affection and were dismayed that it had not appeared on disc. Sometimes, when you wait that long, you are ultimately disappointed - "the older I get, the better it was". Fortunately, "Flickers" aged like a fine port!On the surface it is the story of a struggling want-to-be film producer in the earliest days of British silent films. As such, it seems to capture the times very well and the supporting cast is marvelous. This is, however, a love story and the two leads steal the show - Bob Hoskins as the con man producer and Frances de la Tour, as the upper middle class spinster who finds herself needing a husband in a hurry! What starts off as a marriage of convenience for both gradually turns into one of the screen's great romances and with nary a "pretty face" between them. They speak to each other with their eyes and that, in my opinion, is the mark of two great performers. This is a "must have"!

Frances de la Tour is stunning in this series. We've always liked Hoskins but the performance to watch here is Ms De La Tour (who is in the new movie 'The History Boys'). She brings such depth to the role and it is impossible not to fall in love with her. Flickers has a wonderful energy and a terrific sense of humour. Truly enjoyed getting into the story, and like all good stories - sad to see end. Endorsed with no reservations.