French cars in films

[myglaren]

Not so much a film but the SM Cabriolet is rather wonderful.

[NewcastleFalcon]

Renault Floride/Caravelle in Paul Temple

screenshot

Regards Neil

[Richard_C]

I see from the TV guide that "A Bigger Splash" in on Channel 4 tomorrow (early hours of Monday really). I saw it at the cinema when it first came out, its either a great art house movie or a total dud and I'm still not sure. I glimpsed the word Dakota on the film poster but was disappointed to find it was a person not an aircraft.

All of the driving about is done in a proper Mehari, which pops up a few times in the film.

There is one glaring error if I recall correctly, towards the end someone drives in very heavy rain, hood up on the Mehari. But the driver remains dry - surely not possible when you think about how Citroen put them together.

[myglaren]

DS in "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy".
May have seen it previously but the cast list thrown up doesn't tally - Gary Oldman as George Smiley?

EDIT: Looks as though it was.
I can only recall seeing him in "Leon - The Professional" and despised him ever since, just for his character.

[Hell Razor5543]

I posted that DS up when I got the film on DVD. It is Gary Oldman as Smiley, and the film was released in 2011.

[myglaren]

I was certain that it was older than that.
Misidentified several of the actors.

[Richard_C]

The original was a BBC series with Alec Guinness as Smiley. Over 5 or 6 episodes, 300+ minutes, it developed the full complexity of le Carre's plot which the film had to skim over in places. Both were excellent anti-bond productions, quiet thinkers in grey surroundings, no glamour at all. The original is my favourite, haunting end credit music and one reviewer said that Alec Guiness could convey more menace by raising an eyebrow than Oldman did in the entire film. The BBC followed up the series with another one, Smileys People, in the same excellent style. You can get either or both as box set DVDs.

On cars, the young Peter Guillam drives a DS in the film, the most impressive scene is about 3/4 of the way through. Not giving the plot away, but they arrive at an airstrip and there is a very long telephoto shot of a DS gently rising & falling on its suspension. The same character in the earlier series drives a Lotus 7 (I think, or very similar), notable scene early on as he drives Smiley along the M4 in the dark and in pouring rain. You can feel the discomfort of the passenger. Jim Prideaux' Alvis is an Alvis in both versions, its in the book. "Best car in the world, eh Jumbo?"

The film version is FREE no adverts on BBC iplayer at the moment - not sure how long for. If you've not seen it, a decent quality way to pass a few grey lockdown hours when its cold outside.

[Hell Razor5543]

Gary Oldman did something that was (I believe) very intelligent, in that when he found he was being considered for the role of Smiley he made sure not to watch any of the Sir Alec Guinness portrayals of George Smiley (which I recall were brilliant). That way HIS Smiley was how the director envisaged him to be, without any subconscious influences.

[myglaren]

That brings it back - I have definitely seen the one with Alec Guinness in it. Too long ago to recall anything from it though.

[NewcastleFalcon]

The original was a BBC series with Alec Guinness as Smiley.
The film version is FREE no adverts on BBC iplayer at the moment - not sure how long for. If you've not seen it, a decent quality way to pass a few grey lockdown hours when its cold outside.

..and in the BBC 2 quiz fest tonight an "Only Connect" question on the novels of John Le Carré. The FCF is always good for a few points.

Regards Neil

[Hell Razor5543]

If you like spy films without the 'Bond' effect try "Callan", with Edward Woodward in the lead role.

[mickthemaverick]

If you like spy films without the 'Bond' effect try "Callan", with Edward Woodward in the lead role.

Instant image of naked lightbulb swinging in the alley came to mind. Is that right?

[Hell Razor5543]

That would be it.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callan_(TV_series)

It was a series, but there was a film (with Edward Woodward still in the lead role) in 1974;

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Callan-Movie-D ... B00004Z2YC

[Gibbo2286]

When I was learning Spanish years ago I bought the book 'El honorable colegial.' by John le Carre, I'm still only half way through it.

[harryp]

Great series, remember his great unwashed sidekick Lonely? Aptly named....

Instant image of naked lightbulb swinging in the alley came to mind. Is that right?

I seem to remember that it may have been in his attic office????