In this edition of the podcast, I’m joined unexpectedly by broadcaster Martin Holmes, who provides a fascinating insight into the intricacies of the plot and the brilliance of Forsyth’s storytelling.

Together, we discuss the enduring appeal of this espionage thriller, its meticulous attention to detail, and theway it has influenced the genre over decades.

As the conversation unfolds, Martin delves into the layersof Forsyth’s characters, exploring how their moral ambiguities and calculated decisions influence the pace and timing. We reflect on the timelessness of the film’sthemes, such as the delicate balance between power and vulnerability, and marvel at Forsyth's ability to craft suspense that resonates across generations.

Welcome to The Day of the Jackal

It’s 1971 and the dastardly Professor Moriarty hides in plain sight in the middle of New York City. Enter

But things are not as they seem and the world of many a vulnerable soul is about to face their ultimate challenge,

Starring the great George C. Scott in a role that seems totally out of kilter for him, but yet strangely

"They Might Be Giants," is directed by Anthony Harvey and was released in 1971, is a film that delves into the complexities of the human psyche through the lens of a whimsical yet poignant narrative.

The film also delves into the nature of reality,

It’s the

So, to really cheer everyone up, we’ve cast an eye over the world of espionage and found possibly the bleakest and darkest representation of a 1960s spy drama,

Bottles of whisky at the ready as we join Alec Leamas a burnt-out handler from West Germany as he returns to London to face his fate. A right Mundt (honestly that’s his name)

After assaulting Bernard Lee (‘M’ from the Bond Films) Leamas played by Richard Burton (on top

Double agents, defections and moral philosophy culminates in fateful appointment with the Berlin wall (wrong side)

This film has everything a 1960s ‘Bond’ film doesn’t have, realism.

Set in the backdrop of the 1960s, there’s free love (pajamas supplied), Rain!!, (God, does it rain),squalid bedsits, and a magnetic story line.

So, for an antidote to the falseness of the bright lights and festive fake good cheer, this film is dark, brutal and honest.

Thank you for all your support dear listener

Merry Christmas

*Martin Holmes hosts the Vision on Sound Radio Show- Sundays 7pm (GMT)- FAB radio international

I’m Warren H Cummings

In this edition of the Podcast, I’m joined once again by regular reviewer the Shi Yeti himself, Paul Chandler.

So why not pull up a headstone and make yourself uncomfortable as we enter Bedlam itself.

We have a good old natter about the Amicus anthology film ‘Asylum’, from 1972.

Talk about why our mums love horror films, Charlotte Rampling’s noughties and killer DHL parcels.

So stuck for something to watch this Halloween eve? You could do a whole lot worse than

*Paul Chandler is appearing by kind permission of the Shy Life Podcast and Yeti Uncle John.

Available on all good podcasting platforms.

Enjoy, and happy Halloween everyone

If purgatory is a small

Broadcaster Martin Holmes joins me as we walk the mean streets of Manchester, seeking out Stanley Baker in the iconic 1960s Hammer film, ‘Hell is a City’

The unlocking of the restraints of London centric locations, causes the impact of the Manchester

Join us on a journey of crime, sex, violence and Joby Blanchard’s accent. Stepping back in time to the

From a robbery gone wrong, to the tossers’ gathering on the nearby moors. Pushing the boundaries of the repressed late 1950s this film sets the bar high for any proceeding crime drama.

*Martin Homes hosts the Vision on Sound radio show (a show about old television programmes) On FAB Radio International every Sunday night at 7pm GMT

In this edition I'm joined by Paul Chandler* (aka The Shy Yeti)

We hop aboard the 1970s London Underground bound for Russell Square.

For this has turned into the Bermuda Triangle of the tube system.

2 students on the last train exit their carriage and find a well dressed man unconscious on the stairs. They quickly seek help from the police but upon their return the man has disappeared.

So starts a gruesome set of events which will change their lives forever.

Starring: Donald Pleasance, Norman Rossington, David Ladd, Sharon Gurney and a fleeting appearance by Christopher Lee

Dare you ride the 'Death Line'?

*'The Shy Life' Podcast is available on all good platforms

Walter Matthau locks horns with army mercenary Robert Shaw, as 4 criminals pull off the greatest hi-jack in New York's history.

1 million dollars for the release of 16 hostages held under the streets of Manhattan on the dark, foreboding subway system.

I take a look at the 1974 film directed by Joseph Sargent

The Taking of Pelham 123

This November sees the 60th anniversary of BBC television’s science fiction serial ‘Doctor Who’.

Broadcaster Martin Holmes joins me as we gush and relive our childhood fear of Doctor Who’s greatest adversary on the big screen, the Daleks.

Released in 1965, Dr Who and the Daleks (in colour) starred world-renowned horror actor Peter Cushing playing against type but not down to the family audience. Bucking the trend of most children’s movies, it has a child star in Roberta Tovey who is

Join us for this jolly romp through the galaxy in our time travelling garden shed containing Heath Robinson’s spare parts. As we rustle our bags of popcorn and sup at our kia-Ora orange drinks.

DR WHO

Also, why not join Martin on FAB Radio International on Sunday 19th November 2023 (1900hours GMT) for his show Vision on Sound.

He’s joined by special guest Stephen Hatcher as they discuss the historical legacy of ‘Doctor Who’ the television programme

If you miss the broadcast, you can download the podcast of the show at podcasters.spotify.com or check out

Dr Who and the Daleks rights held by Studio Canal, all clips

I don’t want to be born.

It’s 1975,

Take 3 future Dames of the British Empire, a forgotten actor and a demonic maniacal dwarf distributing unsubstantiated curses to a stripper who scorns his advances.

And you have the makings of a horror classic, but it doesn’t end up quite as expected!

Bizarre deaths,

Join my guest Paul Chandler (aka ‘The Shy Yeti’) as he leads us down the King’s Road in London, home to the evil baby, Nicholas.

For this is the story of the baby that didn’t want to be born.

Visit the homes of the rich and well heeled, rub shoulders with a seedy strip club owner, battle evil with a sarcastic nun, all to bring down the curse placed upon Joan Collins.

Ralph Bates, Eileen Atkins, Donald Pleasence and Joan Collins all star in this 70’s horror

‘It’s about erotic as making cheese on toast!’

G & S

This time I’m joined by broadcaster Martin Holmes*, and he escorts us in double quick time to the very beginning of the ‘Carry On’ film franchise.

Martin pieces together a film of Conscription, Copulation and Kindness, and explores the format of post WW2 combat films that this film helped to shape.

He surprisingly highlights how Full Metal Jacket owes a big debit to Carry On Sergeant.

*Vision on Sound radio show- FAB Radio International channel 1, Every Sunday 1900hrs GMT