Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: GUEST,MALWBO fan
Date: 05 May 09 - 10:04 PM

Hey did you hear about the movie coming to Seattle?

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 06 May 09 - 12:30 AM

Um, yeah, about 4 or 5 post back... yesterday...

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: Bloke from Poole
Date: 22 Jul 09 - 01:26 AM

Heard on the Morris list, but not personally verified:

http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/

Stratford upon Avon, Exeter, Bath and probably others, are releasing it on Sunday 27th September.

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: GUEST,Cat
Date: 22 Jul 09 - 03:13 AM

I had an email from Lucy (director) yesterday - Morris is being released on 27th September with the premiere in London on the 24th.

Success!

Cat x

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: Surreysinger
Date: 22 Jul 09 - 05:20 AM

But only at those cinemas ?? Oh phooey ... none of them a "picturehouse near you" for me .... oh well, roll on the DVD.

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: GUEST,Jemma Gurney
Date: 22 Jul 09 - 05:44 AM

Message from the producer runs thus:

Dear Follower of Morris

GREAT NEWS!

Thanks in no small part to you, we have a deal with the Picturehouse/City Screen chain of cinemas to give Morris a national release from the 27th September 2009.

The film will open on the following screens on that Sunday, so save the date and let's make the
27th of September into St Morris Day!

The Little Theatre, Bath
Exeter Picturehouse
Harbour Lights Picturehouse, Southampton
Regal Picturehouse, Henley-on-Thames
Cinema City, Norwich
Phoenix Picturehouse, Oxford
Stratford on Avon Picturehouse
City Screen, York
The Cameo, Edinburgh
Belmont, Aberdeen
The Screen at Oxted
The Screen at Reigate
The Screen at Winchester
The Ritz Cinema, Belper

Other dates and venues will be added, but I wanted to let you know the good news straight away!

We could not have got this far without your help. We at Twist Films have been humbled by the support you have given us. Your emails, letters and comments on the petition have given us hope and laughter in our darkest moments. Your belief in the film has strengthened ours.

I would like to end with a comment from the petition:

"We will fight them on the Village Green.
We will fight them at the Villlage Fete.
We will fight them in the Village Pub.
And we will NEVER surrender!"

Thank you. This dance is for you.

Lucy

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: Bloke from Poole
Date: 22 Jul 09 - 05:45 AM

Here is the email they have just sent around:
--------------------------------------------
MORRIS: A LIFE WITH BELLS ON

Dear Follower of Morris

GREAT NEWS!

Thanks in no small part to you, we have a deal with the Picturehouse/City Screen chain of cinemas to give Morris a national release from the 27th September 2009.

The film will open on the following screens on that Sunday, so save the date and let's make the 27th of September into St Morris Day!

The Little Theatre, Bath
Exeter Picturehouse
Harbour Lights Picturehouse, Southampton
Regal Picturehouse, Henley-on-Thames
Cinema City, Norwich
Phoenix Picturehouse, Oxford
Stratford on Avon Picturehouse
City Screen, York
The Cameo, Edinburgh
Belmont, Aberdeen
The Screen at Oxted
The Screen at Reigate
The Screen at Winchester
The Ritz Cinema, Belper

Other dates and venues will be added, but I wanted to let you know the good news straight away!

We could not have got this far without your help. We at Twist Films have been humbled by the support you have given us. Your emails, letters and comments on the petition have given us hope and laughter in our darkest moments. Your belief in the film has strengthened ours.

I would like to end with a comment from the petition:

"We will fight them on the Village Green.
We will fight them at the Villlage Fete.
We will fight them in the Village Pub.
And we will NEVER surrender!"

Thank you. This dance is for you.

Lucy

Twist Films

http://www.morrismovie.com
Twist Films Morris Ltd 2009

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: doncatterall
Date: 22 Jul 09 - 08:37 AM

How about getting a side to dance at each venue - I've already contacted Banchory Ternan MM in Aberdeenshire about this.

Don

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: Vic Smith
Date: 29 Jul 09 - 12:43 PM

This from Nicky White ([e-mail]) of the Harbour Lights Picturehouse, Southampton

Hi there,

I am writing from Harbour Lights Picturehouse in Ocean Village, to let you know that we will be showing MORRIS: A LIFE WITH BELLS ON at 3pm on Sunday September 27th. If a group of you were interested in coming to see the film I am sure we would be able to arrange a group booking discount for you.

Please get in touch if you are interested or if you would like any further information.

Thank you for your time

Regards

Nicky White
Marketing Officer

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: John J
Date: 29 Jul 09 - 06:16 PM

I have emailed The Cornerhouse in Manchester to see if they might consider screening the film. I'll report back.

JJ

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: GUEST,Jim Martin
Date: 26 Aug 09 - 06:46 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: GUEST,Mike of Hessle
Date: 26 Aug 09 - 08:25 AM

Bought tickets at the weekend for the screening in York - Looking forward to seeing the film.

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: SylviaN
Date: 26 Aug 09 - 01:27 PM

Keith and I will be going to see the film at Belper.

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: daughter
Date: 26 Aug 09 - 06:07 PM

Can't find an East Anglian showing! Any news anyone?

thanks
Alie

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: daughter
Date: 26 Aug 09 - 06:46 PM

ooooops! Just reread above and saw the Norwich one...........bit far for me still! Here's hoping for more.....

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: GUEST,Black Belt Caterpillar Wrestler
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 07:31 AM

John O'Gaunt Morris members are threatening to go to the screening at The Dukes in Lancaster on Monday 12th October in kit, me included.

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: Bloke from Poole
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 10:34 AM

The sound track has been released:

Malcolm
---------------------------------------

MORRIS: A LIFE WITH BELLS ON

Dear Follower of Morris

Twist Films is pleased to announce that Dreamboat Records will be releasing the Morris: A Life With Bells On Original Soundtrack on the 28th of September 2009. The soundtrack is available for pre-order NOW through the Dreamboat Records Store at http://www.dreamboatrecords.co.uk/morris/.

As a special offer, all pre-orders received before the 19th of September will be entered into a draw to win a pair of tickets to the Morris: A Life With Bells On film premiere in Leicester Square, London on the 24th of September. In addition, 50 randomly selected pre-orders received before the 28th of September will receive a copy of the CD soundtrack signed by Chaz Oldham (star of the film) and director Lucy Akhurst. If that wasn't enough, all pre-ordered CDs will come with a unique download code for four extra, exclusive bonus tracks.

The soundtrack comes packed with 31 magnificent tracks written by Richard Lumsden ranging from traditional folk music to orchestral arrangements to pieces that will ensure your Morris gear gets a workout. (If you don't have any yet, you will be buying some after watching the film!) No scrimping on quality either with some of the country's best folk musicians (John Dipper , Saul Rose and Laurel Swift) getting involved to create this magnificent soundtrack.

And if you just can't wait, head to http://www.dreamboatrecords.co.uk/morris/ to hear some previews and more information.

Twist Films

http://www.morrismovie.com
Twist Films Morris Ltd 2009

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: DMcG
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 01:09 PM

... Morris: A Life With Bells On film premiere in Leicester Square, London on the 24th of September. ...

A bit late for a premiere, all things considered, but very welcome all the same!

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: Jane of' ull
Date: 29 Aug 09 - 10:49 AM

Will it be coming out on DVD?

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: Willa
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 07:19 AM

Hi Jane
It's to be shown in 'ull (a couple of screenings, perhaps.)

Scroll down for detailshttp://friendsofhullscreen.co.uk/programme.html

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: GUEST,Mike of Hessle
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 07:28 AM

Uuurrgghh !!!

Would be shown in Hull after I have boughts tickets for the Cinema in York.

Still if it is shown in October I will go again - to Hull Screen

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: Mr Red
Date: 21 Sep 09 - 05:34 AM

see cresby.com for Mid West of England Screenings eg
Wotton under Edge 27 Sept, two showings in the Town cinema, one with real Morris dancing.

Gloucester Guildhall with several Morris sides beforehand, Lassington Oak & Gloucester MM on different days.
Friday 23rd October at 7.45pm
Saturday 24th October at 10.45am
Wednesday 28th October (Big Scream) at 7.45pm
Thursday 29th October at 7.45pm

PS dunno what a Big Scream is but they are doing it a lot at the

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: Mr Red
Date: 21 Sep 09 - 05:35 AM

Guildhall

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: GUEST,.spideman
Date: 24 Sep 09 - 11:54 AM

Have emailed the Cornerhouse in Manchester to try and get them to show this film - otherwise the nearest place seems to be Liverpool.

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: MikeofNorthumbria
Date: 24 Sep 09 - 12:38 PM

The movie "Morris: A Life With Bells On" is on at The Forum Cinema in Hexham this Sunday (27 September) at 5.30 pm.

Hexham Morrismen, Hexhamshire Lasses, and other local sides will be dancing in (or near) the Market Square beforehand, from around 4.00.

Wassail!

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: Leadfingers
Date: 24 Sep 09 - 01:47 PM

In Henley on Thames on Sunday !!

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: romanyman
Date: 24 Sep 09 - 04:20 PM

even on the news tonight, whatever next border morris in the aisle of cinemas ? i do hope so.

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: Leadfingers
Date: 24 Sep 09 - 06:53 PM

And I have just been told its at Norden Park , Maidenhead 20th of October .

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: Bainbo
Date: 25 Sep 09 - 02:51 AM

Look what's on the Press Association news wires today:



The star of a new film about Morris dancing said tonight that he hoped it would help the "quintessentially English" pastime flourish.

Sir Derek Jacobi insisted that the tradition would never die out as colourfully-dressed Morris men danced for crowds at the premiere of Morris: A Life With Bells On in London's Leicester Square.

Actors including Emma Thompson, husband Greg Wise, Sir Derek and Harriet Walter attended the premiere of the comedy faux-documentary which follows the fortunes of Millsham Morris, one of the leading sides in the country.

Sir Derek, who plays traditionalist Quentin Neely, said the film was made with "no budget, no money, but a lot of heart, love and passion".

He said he hoped it would help Morris dancing flourish, adding: "It will survive whatever anybody says. It's a wonderfully eccentric part of English tradition. It's quintessentially English."

Charles Thomas Oldham wrote and produced the film and starred as its leading character, Derecq Twist.

He said: "I was immersed in Morris dancing from a young age. It's in my DNA."

Oldham's wife, Lucy Akhurst, who directed the film and appeared in it as a physiotherapist, said she hoped it would be picked up in the United States.

She added: "We'd love to take it to the States and introduce the world to the Morris."

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: romanyman
Date: 25 Sep 09 - 04:59 AM

its on in greenwich on nov 1 and 2

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: melodeonboy
Date: 25 Sep 09 - 05:30 AM

Is it being shown anywhere in London on 1st October?

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 25 Sep 09 - 02:38 PM

There's an item on the film on tonight's Front Row, BBC Radio 4, but the programme is still running, so not yet available on Listen Again.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: John J
Date: 25 Sep 09 - 02:50 PM

It's being shown in Liverpool on Saturday 10th October at 4pm here
.

Any Sides going? Bollin Morris are trying to organise a train trip > pub > dance > film session > pub / dance (?) > train home.

JJ

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: romanyman
Date: 25 Sep 09 - 04:04 PM

manager at bexleyheath odeon sticks to his and i quote, piss off you fucking weirdo, attitude so i guess its not going to be shown there then.

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 25 Sep 09 - 04:17 PM

Then he is a complete wanker is he not?? When he is next picking his nose on the lavatory after the success of the film, he will kick himself - hopefully in the balls!

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: Tootler
Date: 25 Sep 09 - 05:32 PM

It was featured on GMTV this morning, though there was the inevitable undertone of giggles from the presenters.

It turned out one of the cameramen was a Morris man, so I hope he had words with them after the show.

Nevertheless, this is a case of all publicity is good publicity as I think some of it was the embarrassment of the English at something they see as somewhat cranky and are not confident enough to say "its ours and no one else's"

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 25 Sep 09 - 09:13 PM

This Sunday coming in Edinburgh at the Cameo at 4pm: got my ticket, and few more of us from Scots Music Group going! (with or without bells on!)

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 25 Sep 09 - 10:31 PM

She added: "We'd love to take it to the States and introduce the world to the Morris."

Hmm. Not a remark that would go over well with a number of sides over here...

But, I s'pose she meant other theater-goers over here...

~ Becky in Long Beach this week

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: Willa
Date: 27 Sep 09 - 10:33 AM

Does anyone have access to the 'Blighty' channel? This looks interesting.
http://uktv.co.uk/network/item/aid/629731

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: Willa
Date: 27 Sep 09 - 10:34 AM

http://uktv.co.uk/network/item/aid/629731
This is the one!

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 27 Sep 09 - 01:28 PM

Wonderful film, must see it again sometime. We had morris dancing in the cinema!

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: Mrs_Annie
Date: 27 Sep 09 - 01:35 PM

Enjoyed the film (in Cambridge) and the TV programme, but one criticism. The lack of musicians playing for the dancing was noticeable. The writer and producer who were there for a Q&A session, said it was due to lack of budget to pay the musicians. I wonder how much (or how little) they would have done it for?

They said the soundtrack is released tomorrow.

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: John J
Date: 27 Sep 09 - 03:35 PM

Re: paying the musicians: "I wonder how much (or how little) they would have done it for?"

Probably the same amount dancers normally get paid....nowt!

JJ

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 27 Sep 09 - 04:18 PM

http://www.4shared.com/file/135830561/934c3151/Northwood.html

http://www.4shared.com/file/135830565/9421f548/Audience.html

Two photos from inside the cinema, Northwood Morris for whom I played electric guitar in the 1980/1990s and the audience!

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: Jack Campin
Date: 27 Sep 09 - 05:27 PM

Pretty good film. One thing that struck me was the quality of the acting - I thought several actors had to be major stars I'd somehow not recognized, but on looking at the credits realized they were just about all unknowns (Dominique Pinon apart). They dominated the screen with total confidence (two that really made an impression were the black girl and the batty academic with her pile of Readers Digest Condensed Books).

One small plot hole. What did anybody actually DO to change the Morris Circle's mind? There should have been something to imply in at least vague terms that somebody had done something pretty persuasive, but you didn't find out a thing.

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: GUEST,Jane Bird (without cookie)
Date: 27 Sep 09 - 05:39 PM

There were some fairly well known actors in it, I thought. Derek Jacobi is the obvious one, but Harriet Walter as the batty academic, Sophie Thompson as Will's missis and Ian Hart as the Moss Side Squire.

I take you're point, though, that the leading characters were played by really good actors who aren't as well known.

I thoroughly enjoyed it. Lovely camera work - it looked beautiful.

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: Tug the Cox
Date: 27 Sep 09 - 07:54 PM

Twas on in Exeter tonight, but sold out! I missed it, but thet are putting it onn a couple of more times to meet demand. Well done the makers etc for taking a chance.

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 27 Sep 09 - 08:20 PM

Great afternoon! I think some of the more Morris-y jokes went over the heads of some of the Scottish audience, but there was plenty of laughter, if no dancing. I also noticed the lack of musicians. Harriet Walter (Emeritus Professor of International Folk Dance, Cambridge University, no less) played a blinder as did Derek Jacobi as the CEO of the Morris Circle in his resplendent London office overlooking the "gherkin"! As for the very camp Californian team...........!
It was just one showing in the Cameo's smallest auditorium and sold out: I expect the bigger halls were half-empty! I'd be more than happy to see it again!
There was also a recruiting drive going on to start an Edinburgh Morris team, with plenty of folk signing up either to dance or to play for the dancers. (and yes, we'll prob all do it for nowt, John J!)

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: JennyO
Date: 27 Sep 09 - 09:24 PM

They showed it in Aberdeen yesterday. Rob danced with Banchory Morris before, during, and after the film.'During' was because they were having technical problems playing the film, and the audience was entertained with more live Morris dancing while they were trying to get it going. Unfortunately, it broke down again in almost the same place, so they never got to watch the end.

I hope they can show it again, after I get there. I missed out by 13 days! Still in Oz, but not for much longer! I haven't seen the film yet, but I really want to. Rob said it was hilarious!

Subject: RE: Morris: A Life With Bells On (film)
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 27 Sep 09 - 09:40 PM

Screen 1 at the Regal Playhouse in Henley was full yesterday and the show was preceded by 1 hour of dancing from two sides in the cinema courtyard, liberally aided (in my case) by bottles of Henley Dark.

The film was all I expected of it and more - wouldn't have missed it for the world. I had tears of laughter in my eyes throughout most of it. The jokes were coming thick and fast and most were not "in jokes" so should be understood by a general audience(how about the Frenchman's "Cantona" dictum? Or the very name "Moss Side" with the thick Liverpudlian accent and the tattoos and rings?). I also noted Saul Rose and Paul Sartin among the muso credits - good for the lads!

Jack Campin, the Moss Side Squire did say that "words were had" with the CEO of the Morris Circle implying persuasion tactics reminiscent of the real Moss Side's gang warfare of old - and let the imagination fill in the rest!