British Pop Culture

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There's no easy way to boil down over a hundred years of British films, directors, and entertainment. Instead, I'll pull a few bits and pieces together that you may find interesting.

Alfred Hitchcock: before he emigrated to America, Hitchcock cut his teeth in several well directed British suspense and mystery films. Here are a few clips of his best.
Shlocky Horror in Hammer Studios through the 1950-1970's (most starring Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee) They were responsible for making horror sexy--before Twilight...:
James Bond: 007. Before there was Austin Powers, there was the man himself, 007. Based on Ian Fleming's spy thrillers, Sean Connery was perhaps the most popular and original James Bond.
Benny Hill
Influenced by British Vaudeville humor and the cinematic shenanigans of early film makers like Cecil Hepworth, Benny Hill entertained the Brits during the 1970's and early 80's.
Here's a clip. And the first full episode.

Nick Park
A host of successful British Television shows:
Musicians:
and oh, God! there are so many more...

News: Need information about the world or Britain? Look for BBC here.
Fashion
Food
Historical Master Chef

HOMEWORK: Please read the articles on Britain and Wales (complete the comparison handout for notes), then view these links. Choose something that sparks your interest and create a draft for your portfolio involving British pop culture. Consider the personal creative essay, a poem, a short play, a short story or vignette, interview Mr. Fellows, etc.

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