MovieChat Forums > A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square (1980) Discussion > A wonderful film.

A wonderful film.

posted 19 years ago by joegranby
8 replies | jump to latest

I remember seeing this film some years ago on TV and instantly fell in love with it. It's a film that is not often shown on television or indeed available to buy or rent. It's also a film that I don't feel many have seen, simply by my first post to the message boards here. Richard Jordan, an actor you may recognise from films such as The Yakuza and Secret of my Success, plays a guy called Pinky who after coming out of jail enters into an electronics job at the local big bank. Having become a fully trained electrician whilst in jail. Hearing this news on the street and finding out that pinky had served his time and was a free man, a gang of crooks, head by Ivan (David Niven) make him an offer he just can't get out of. The task he's given is to get the numbers of the safe to the vault in any way he can. The first time I watched this film it was under the title of The Biggest Bank Robbery and is often showen on UK TV in this way. Though it has not been shown for some time. I guess it's a very simple plot, but it works. It's set in London With an American hero and an upper class English villain, but it's a story that could be easily filmed anywhere. Though I'm sure bank vaults are probably not this easy to get into these days. If at anytime in your life you get a chance to see this I highly urge you to do so. It's the kind of film that makes you love movies and everything about them. A film that you could say has everything. A bit of drama, bit of comedy and a pretty decent cast and story. 9/10 Definitely.

[–] weeKnightingale 19 years ago

This sounds like my kind of movie! Just came here looking up Oliver Tobias the actor. Sorry to say often it is hard to find UK films in the USA. The same with Australian films I guess it has to do with most Americans don't get the Brit or Aussie humor. Also there are many character actors who are not the "Hollywood" type box office draw here in the US but are great and well known in the UK. I like films that are fun and not just Hollywood $ makers. Thanks for the tip on this one I will keep my eye out for it.

Edit* Just noticed that it is on VHS~ Oh! Well my VHS /VCR is no longer functioning~ HUM should I invest in another VCR for all the old movies not on disc???

[–] joegranby 19 years ago

Yes, always have a working video/VCR. Cos more times out than none, you'll want to watch a tape or tape a film or indeed buy a rare film. And unless the film is out on DVD or you have a recordable DVD player, then the video will always be needed. Yes DVDs are the way to go, but as long as you have a good working VCR, then you have that more free choice, if you get me? You're welcome on the recommendation. You'll really enjoy it if you get the chance to buy it. It will probably be under a different name in the US most probably. As for non stars or lower budget films etc, I've always been a fan of films that are made with a sense of fun as this was. Let me know if you enjoyed it, should you happen one day to see it. As for the actor Oliver Tobias, he's not really in this film a hell of alot, but is watchable in the part he plays. I saw him on TV the other night talking about the fun he had making the film The Stud with Joan Collins. It was a show about the top 100 sexiest moments in TV and film. He still looks pretty good, but not seen him on TV for ages now. The Stud however became a sort of cult film to watch in the 70s. Take care - Joe.

[–] m-t1 18 years ago

Yes, I agree this is one of my all time favourite films too. The thing I like about it most is that it's like a mini time machine; watching it takes you right back to how London felt in 1979. The music is especially late 70s and there are plenty of cars and outside location shots which all capture the period - and even though it involves gangsters and a robbery plot the film feels quite innocent. Although, even so, the film still retains a realistic feel as well. In fact, the caption at the end of the film indicates that it is based on a real story, but I've forgotten if this is really true.

Since I first watched this film I have seen several other films starring Richard Jordan and I think he was very underrated actor. Not many people seem to be aware of his work, despite him being in some major releases - his performance in 'The Mean Season' stands out for me, in particular. Shame he died too young.

[–] aitch-10 17 years ago

It sounds like a film I've got to see...???

Aitch,

http://web.ask.co.uk/web?q=%22Harry+Fielder%22

[–] LadyU 16 years ago

love this film, i wish i hadn't lost my tape of it 8/
I am the ray of darkness in your otherwise sunny day...

[–] nick-921 16 years ago

Well it is almost 2am but this film has just started on BBC2, great stuff.

[–] trob226 15 years ago

This is a dam cute movie - gotta root for Pinkie all the way, the poor schlub.

[–] SooBee (129) 4 years ago

If only for the Morris Marina Estate!