Acting
Ben Howard
Born January 1, 1940 · UK (age 86)
Ben Howard is a retired British actor famous for playing cockney hardmen and squaddies. He starred in the Richard Attenborough films, Oh What a Lovely War and A Bridge Too Far, and starred in the big police series of the 60s and 70s; Z Cars, The Sweeney and Dixon of Dock Green - the latter as DC Len Clayton in the long running show's final series in 1976. Away from acting Ben designed and created …
Known For
A Bridge Too Far · 1977A Bridge Too Far
★ 7.21977
MovieDramaHistory
The story of Operation Market Garden—a failed attempt by the allies in the latter stages of WWII to end the war quickly by securing three bridges in Holland allowing access over the Rhine into Germany. A combination of poor allied intelligence and the presence of two crack German panzer divisions meant that the final part of this operation (the bridge in Arnhem over the Rhine) was doomed to failure.
Who Dares Wins · 1982Who Dares Wins
★ 6.31982
MovieActionThriller
When SAS Captain Peter Skellen is thrown out of the service for gross misconduct due to unnecessary violence and bullying, he is soon recruited by The People's Lobby, a fanatical group aiming to hold several US dignitaries hostage. But Skellen's dismissal is a front to enable him to get close to the terrorist group. Can he get close enough to stop the Lobby from creating an international incident?
The Land That Time Forgot · 1974The Land That Time Forgot
★ 5.71974
MovieScience FictionAction
During World War I, a German U-boat sinks a British passenger ship and takes the survivors aboard. After getting lost in fog, the submarine surfaces near the unknown island of Caprona, a lost world where they find dinosaurs and Neanderthals.
Talkin' Blues · 1977Talkin' Blues
1977
Movie
John and Helen have moved into a house in Brixton, sourh London. John then gets to know a couple of his neighbours, his next door neighbour, who is black, and a white neighbour and his young leather-clad son.
The Charge of the Light Brigade · 1968The Charge of the Light Brigade
★ 6.21968
MovieDramaHistory
During the Crimean War between Britain and Russia in the 1850s, a British cavalry division, led by the overbearing Lord Cardigan, engages in an infamously reckless strategic debacle against a Russian artillery battery.
Oh! What a Lovely War · 1969Oh! What a Lovely War
★ 6.71969
MovieComedyMusic
The working-class Smiths change their initially sunny views on World War I after the five boys of the family witness the harsh reality of trench warfare.
From Beyond the Grave · 1974From Beyond the Grave
★ 6.51974
MovieFantasyHorror
Four customers purchase, or take, items from Temptations Limited, an antiques shop whose motto is “Offers You Cannot Resist.” A nasty fate awaits all of them; particularly those who cheat the shop's Proprietor.
Zeppelin · 1971Zeppelin
★ 6.21971
MovieAdventureDrama
The outbreak of World War I places Scots officer Geoffrey Richter-Douglas in an uncomfortable position. Although his allegiance is to Britain, his mother was from an aristocratic Bavarian family, and he spent his summers in Germany as a child. When Geoffrey is approached by a German spy who offers him a chance to defect, he reports the incident to his superiors, but instead of arresting the spy they suggest that he accept her offer--and become an Allied agent. In Germany, among old friends, Geoffrey discovers that loyalty is more complicated than he expected, especially when he finds himself aboard the maiden voyage of a powerful new prototype Zeppelin, headed for Scotland on a secret mission that could decide the outcome of the war.
Movies
A Bridge Too Far · 1977A Bridge Too Far
★ 7.21977
MovieDramaHistory
The story of Operation Market Garden—a failed attempt by the allies in the latter stages of WWII to end the war quickly by securing three bridges in Holland allowing access over the Rhine into Germany. A combination of poor allied intelligence and the presence of two crack German panzer divisions meant that the final part of this operation (the bridge in Arnhem over the Rhine) was doomed to failure.
Who Dares Wins · 1982Who Dares Wins
★ 6.31982
MovieActionThriller
When SAS Captain Peter Skellen is thrown out of the service for gross misconduct due to unnecessary violence and bullying, he is soon recruited by The People's Lobby, a fanatical group aiming to hold several US dignitaries hostage. But Skellen's dismissal is a front to enable him to get close to the terrorist group. Can he get close enough to stop the Lobby from creating an international incident?
The Land That Time Forgot · 1974The Land That Time Forgot
★ 5.71974
MovieScience FictionAction
During World War I, a German U-boat sinks a British passenger ship and takes the survivors aboard. After getting lost in fog, the submarine surfaces near the unknown island of Caprona, a lost world where they find dinosaurs and Neanderthals.
Talkin' Blues · 1977Talkin' Blues
1977
Movie
John and Helen have moved into a house in Brixton, sourh London. John then gets to know a couple of his neighbours, his next door neighbour, who is black, and a white neighbour and his young leather-clad son.
The Charge of the Light Brigade · 1968The Charge of the Light Brigade
★ 6.21968
MovieDramaHistory
During the Crimean War between Britain and Russia in the 1850s, a British cavalry division, led by the overbearing Lord Cardigan, engages in an infamously reckless strategic debacle against a Russian artillery battery.
Oh! What a Lovely War · 1969Oh! What a Lovely War
★ 6.71969
MovieComedyMusic
The working-class Smiths change their initially sunny views on World War I after the five boys of the family witness the harsh reality of trench warfare.
From Beyond the Grave · 1974From Beyond the Grave
★ 6.51974
MovieFantasyHorror
Four customers purchase, or take, items from Temptations Limited, an antiques shop whose motto is “Offers You Cannot Resist.” A nasty fate awaits all of them; particularly those who cheat the shop's Proprietor.
Zeppelin · 1971Zeppelin
★ 6.21971
MovieAdventureDrama
The outbreak of World War I places Scots officer Geoffrey Richter-Douglas in an uncomfortable position. Although his allegiance is to Britain, his mother was from an aristocratic Bavarian family, and he spent his summers in Germany as a child. When Geoffrey is approached by a German spy who offers him a chance to defect, he reports the incident to his superiors, but instead of arresting the spy they suggest that he accept her offer--and become an Allied agent. In Germany, among old friends, Geoffrey discovers that loyalty is more complicated than he expected, especially when he finds himself aboard the maiden voyage of a powerful new prototype Zeppelin, headed for Scotland on a secret mission that could decide the outcome of the war.
That Summer! · 1979That Summer!
★ 4.91979
MovieDrama
A teenager gets out of reform school and heads to Torquay for a swimming contest, where he meets a pair of young Northern lasses working as hotel chambermaids. However, their fun is interrupted by a gang of Scottish punks who come to cause trouble.
The Sex Victims · 1973The Sex Victims
★ 5.01973
MovieHorrorCrime
A lone truck driver who is lured into the woods by a nubile Lady Godiva discovers after he’s slept with her that all is not as it seems. The Sex Victims (1973) is very much part of the Britsploitation fold, featuring gratuitous nudity, working-class vernacular and rough sex. Yet director Derek Robbins also veers into some of the same uncanny territory directors like José Larraz would later explore at feature length, making it a unique hybrid. In fact, The Sex Victims would make a perfect bill cousin for Larraz’s Vampyres (1974) for the way in which it combines ample nudity with supernatural elements. (BFI)
Villain · 1971Villain
★ 6.21971
MovieCrimeDrama
In 1970s London, Scotland Yard orchestrates the downfall of mob boss Vic Dakin after he crosses the line by blackmailing Members of Parliament.
Doctor Who: The Green Death · 1973Doctor Who: The Green Death
★ 8.41973
MovieScience FictionDrama
The Doctor and UNIT investigate a deadly infection lurking underneath the Welsh mining town of Llanfairfach. It's an adventure that will change Jo Grant's life forever...
Running Scared · 1972Running Scared
★ 8.01972
MovieDrama
When an undergraduate commits suicide, his best friend is sent down from university because he did nothing to prevent the death, which he felt was a choice his friend had a right to make.
Mrs. Lawrence Will Look After It · 1968Mrs. Lawrence Will Look After It
★ 10.01968
MovieTV Movie
When an elderly woman is hospitalised, the truth behind her illegal adoption of 14 children is revealed.
Hide and Seek · 1972Hide and Seek
★ 5.51972
MovieCrimeAdventure
A young boy runs away from an approved school to meet up with his father in the hope that he can persuade his dad to allow him to travel to Canada with him. He also meets up with two local children and discovers that his father is instead planning a bank heist.
Up the Junction · 1965Up the Junction
★ 7.11965
MovieDramaTV Movie
The lives and loves of three young working class women, set in the pubs, terraced houses and factories of Battersea, South London.
Red Shift · 1978Red Shift
★ 7.71978
MovieDramaMystery
Three men at three different times in history come to Mow Top hill in search of sanctuary from their troubles. A Roman soldier, a medieval rebel and a 1970s young man. Somehow they seem linked through an energy within the hill and an axe. Is history doomed to repeat itself or can loving another person free them?
Strike: The Birth of Solidarity · 1981Strike: The Birth of Solidarity
1981
MovieDrama
British TV Movie drama/documentary detailing the birth of Poland's Solidarity union
Bread · 1971Bread
★ 4.71971
MovieMusicComedy
On their way home from the Isle of Wight Pop Festival, Jeff, Trev and Mick along with girlfriends Marty and Cathy decide to pitch a tent on private land. In the morning the land's owner Rafe turns up and orders them to get off his lawn but changes his mind when one of the girls emerges naked from the tent. Rafe explains he only comes down to the house at weekends and lets them stay providing they redecorate his house. The squatters agree but once Rafe leaves they plot to organize a pop festival at the house. Attempting to raise cash for the venture, the men coerce their girlfriends into making a blue movie. When this proves disastrous Jeff goes to London and poses as a pop journalist in order to book the groups "Crazy Mabel" and "The Juicy Lucy" for the festival.
Three Clear Sundays · 1965Three Clear Sundays
★ 5.71965
MovieCrimeDrama
Ken Loach production for The Wednesday Play, reflecting contemporary debates surrounding the abolishment of capital punishment.
TV Shows
Doctor Who · 1963Doctor Who
★ 7.91963
SeriesDrama
The adventures of The Doctor, a time-traveling humanoid alien known as a Time Lord. He explores the universe in his TARDIS, a sentient time-traveling spaceship. Its exterior appears as a blue British police box, which was a common sight in Britain in 1963 when the series first aired. Along with a succession of companions, The Doctor faces a variety of foes while working to save civilizations, help ordinary people, and right many wrongs.
Minder · 1979Minder
★ 7.21979
SeriesComedyDrama
Roguish comedy drama following the misadventures of small-time crook Arthur Daley.
The Professionals · 1977The Professionals
★ 7.61977
SeriesCrime
The lives of Bodie and Doyle, top agents for Britain's CI5 (Criminal Intelligence 5), and their controller, George Cowley.
The mandate of CI5 was to fight terrorism and similar high-profile crimes. Cowley, a hard ex-MI5 operative, hand-picked each of his men. Bodie is a cynical ex-SAS paratrooper and mercenary whose nature ran to controlled violence, while his partner, Doyle, comes to CI5 from the regular police force, and is more of an open minded liberal. Their relationship is often contentious, but they are the top men in their field, and the ones to whom Cowley always assigned to the toughest cases.
The Sweeney · 1975The Sweeney
★ 8.01975
SeriesDrama
Jack Regan, an unethical officer of the Flying Squad, uses unorthodox methods to pursue criminals with the help of his partner, George Carter.
Blake's 7 · 1978Blake's 7
★ 7.31978
SeriesDramaSci-Fi & Fantasy
A group of convicts and outcasts fight a guerrilla war against the totalitarian Terran Federation from a highly advanced alien spaceship.
The Wednesday Play · 1964The Wednesday Play
★ 5.21964
SeriesDrama
An anthology series of television plays which aired on BBC1 from October 1964 to May 1970. The plays were usually written for television, although adaptations from other sources also featured.
The Protectors · 1972The Protectors
★ 6.11972
SeriesCrime
The Protectors is a British television series, an action thriller created by Gerry Anderson. It was Anderson's second TV series using live actors as opposed to electronic marionettes, and also his second to be firmly set in contemporary times. It was also the only Gerry Anderson produced television series that was not of the fantasy or science fiction genres. It was produced by Lew Grade's ITC Entertainment production company. Despite not featuring marionettes or any real science fiction elements, The Protectors became one of Anderson's most popular productions, easily winning a renewal for a second season. A third season was in the planning stages when the show's major sponsor pulled out, forcing its cancellation.
The Protectors first aired in 1972 and 1973, and ran to 52 episodes over two series, each 25 minutes long - making it one of the last series of this type to be produced in a half-hour format. It starred Robert Vaughn as Harry Rule, Nyree Dawn Porter as the Contessa Caroline di Contini, and Tony Anholt as Paul Buchet. Episodes often featured prominent guest actors.
Dixon of Dock Green · 1955Dixon of Dock Green
★ 6.01955
SeriesDrama
Dixon of Dock Green was a BBC television series following the activities of police officers at a fictional Metropolitan Police station in the East End of London from 1955 to 1976. Some episodes were later remade as a BBC radio series in 2005 and 2006.
Lovejoy · 1986Lovejoy
★ 7.41986
SeriesComedyDrama
The adventures of the eponymous Lovejoy, a likeable but roguish antiques dealer based in East Anglia. Within the trade, he has a reputation as a “divvie”, a person with an almost supernatural powers for recognising exceptional items as well as distinguishing genuine antique from clever fakes or forgeries.
Dempsey and Makepeace · 1985Dempsey and Makepeace
★ 6.61985
SeriesDrama
Dempsey and Makepeace is a British television crime drama made by London Weekend Television for ITV, created and produced by Ranald Graham. The leading roles were played by Michael Brandon and Glynis Barber, who later married each other on 18 November 1989.
The series combined elements of previous series such as the mis-matching of British and American crime-fighters from different classes as seen in The Persuaders! and the action of The Professionals.
Centre Play · 1973Centre Play
★ 7.01973
SeriesDrama
Anthology series of half hour plays produced in BBC's Television Centre's studios.
Crossbow · 1987Crossbow
★ 6.31987
SeriesDrama
Crossbow follows the adventures of William Tell and takes place in the 14th-century in Switzerland. William Tell and his son are imprisoned by the tyrannical Gessler. As Governor of Austria, Gessler plans to stop the Swiss uprising. Having split the apple on his son's head with his crossbow, much to Gessler's chagrin, there is no stopping William Tell's legendary strength and skill.
Terry and June · 1979Terry and June
★ 6.51979
SeriesComedy
Middle-aged Terry and June Medford are beginning to find the trials of life more difficult as they try to succeed in their daily lives. The couple have just moved to Purley, south-east London... Aunt Lucy and the mynah bird have disappeared, as had the occasionally visiting daughters. Terry and June now mixed with friendly next door neighbour Beattie; Terry's chatty work colleague, Malcolm; and their gruff boss Sir Dennis Hodge. Otherwise, things were much as before, with Terry's pigheaded childishness causing no end of problems, usually thwarting June's attempts at leading a cosy life.
Target · 1977Target
★ 7.01977
SeriesDramaCrime
A crime drama set in Southampton following a team of detectives and the cases they solve.
Londoners · 1965Londoners
1965
SeriesDrama
London itself takes the starring role in this series of plays from the BBC – a role which varies between hero and villain, enchantress and harpy. The series features extensive location filming, ranging from Soho to the Law Courts, Wembley to the docks. Of the twelve episodes, eleven are believed to be lost.
The Fear · 1988The Fear
★ 5.01988
SeriesCrimeDrama
The Fear is a five-part television drama produced by Thames Television subsidiary Euston Films for ITV. Broadcast from 17 February to 16 March 1988, the serial follows Carl Galton, the enterprising leader of a criminal gang running a protection racket in North London. Young and ambitious, Galton represents a new breed of criminal who seeks to expand his underworld empire and takes on the old East End firms. 1980s materialism clashes with old school London villainy as Galton rises to power, yet his ruthlessness carries a personal cost, especially on his wife Linda and best friend Marty.
Kizzy · 1976Kizzy
★ 7.01976
SeriesDramaFamily
Kizzy is a six-part 1976 BBC television miniseries based on Rumer Godden's novel The Diddakoi. It starred Vanessa Furst as orphan traveller (or Romani girl) called Kizzy, who faces persecution, grief and loss in a hostile, close-knit village community.