the painted bird (2019)

AKA Nabarvené ptáce
"You're not from here are you?"
A young boy Joska (Petr Kotlár) suffers many trauma's as he travels across an indeterminate Slavic country during its occupation by Germany.
Based on the novel by Václav Marhoul this is an extremely dark tale making it a compelling but difficult watch.

naked as nature intended (1961)

"Nobody who looked like that ever gave me a lump of sugar."
Three young women, including Pamela Green tour the delights of South-West England and are introduced into naturism.
What was an early foray into nudie cuties by Markx, is viewed today as more of a delightful tourist film. Due to it being made in colour and restricting the nudism to the last few minutes of the film. Surely this was the basis of the spoof nudism film shown in Carry on Camping?

klokkenluider (2022)

"Don't tell him you told me!"
Ewan, a government whistleblower, and Silke, his Flemish wife are hidding out in a rural rental house waiting for a journalist (Olivia Coleman) to arrive so they can tell their story. Meanwhile they are joined by two protection officers, and cannot help but argue and reveal secrets as the officers also bicker.
Tightly driven talky.

baron blood (1972)

AKA Gli orrori del castello di Norimberga
"If he were really to come back he would be a monster."
Peter Kleist (Antonio Cantafora) travels to his ancestral castle in Austria to researh notorious "Baron Blood" a renowned sadist who was reputedly cursed by a witch he had burned to death. At the castle Peter meets Eva (Elke Sommer) who is helping with renovations and they stupidly read an incantation which is supposed to bring the Baron back to life! Following their reading murders start occurring and the castle is subsequently sold to millionare Alfred Becker (Joseph Cotton). But why does he want it and who is the serial killer?
An evocative gothic horror, from a horror master, but this somehow lacks something.

the vourdalak (2023)

"It was unbearable."
A French envoy (Kacey Mottet Klein) is waylaid whilst travelling in the Balkans. Lost and alone he is advised to seek out Gorcha who will be able to help him. On arrival at Gorcha's house he finds he has left a note with his family stating that has gone to fight the turkish bandits and if he returns after 6 days he is to be considered a Vourdalak! As expected Gorcha is found collapsed...minutes after the 6 days has expired!
Based on Tolstoy's gothic novel this is a stylish and atmospheric tale, reminding me of the Italian horrors of the 60's.

meet simon cherry (1949)

"I never look for trouble."
Cheerful Rev Simon Cherry (Hugh Moxey) ends up at a manor house when his car breaks down in the countryside. Whilst there the reclusive invalid daughter of the lady of the house Lisa ( Zena Marshall) is found dead. Murder is suspected, so the Rev starts asking questions and a tale of love and deceit is revealed...
Likable film that owes much to its radio series origins as it's very talky.

the wildcats of st trinian's (1980)

"I demand my pupils back!"
The pupils of St. Trinian's have decided they want to form a union so they can strike. Flash Harry (Joe Melia) advises them that they need to consolidate with other schools by infiltrating them...
Fifth installment of the St Trinian's films and one that is forgotten for a reason despite a plethera of well known names packing out the cast.