The Cinematic Sausage - A Podcast about film, not offal in a long tube

Coming this Summer.....In the beginning… there was darkness.And from that darkness… cinema learned to kill.From crime scenes to silver screens, we hunt the films where murder takes centre stage.“Murder…most foul.” Author and Broadcaster Martin Holmes joins Warren Cummings a former police officer with 25-plus years on the job.Together they dig up the forgotten films… and watch the bodies fall.In this first experimental four-part series, we begin where nightmares live:10 Rillington Place—and a London serial killer history tried to forget.In episode two- Charm, and manners. And a smile that hides the axe—Kind Hearts and Coronets.Episode three sees Alfred Hitchcock return to London… and let’s rip with Frenzy.And finally… footsteps behind you, shadows ahead. A whistling travelling on the air. Fritz Lang’s masterpiece ‘M’Come join us…After all…it’s only a film.

In this edition of the podcast, I’m joined unexpectedly by broadcaster Martin Holmes, who provides a fascinating insight into the intricacies of the plot and the brilliance of Forsyth’s storytelling.Together, we discuss the enduring appeal of this espionage thriller, its meticulous attention to detail, and theway it has influenced the genre over decades.As the conversation unfolds, Martin delves into the layersof Forsyth’s characters, exploring how their moral ambiguities and calculated decisions influence the pace and timing. We reflect on the timelessness of the film’sthemes, such as the delicate balance between power and vulnerability, and marvel at Forsyth's ability to craft suspense that resonates across generations.Welcome to The Day of the Jackal

It’s the Cinematic Sausage’s Festive podcast, and as is the tradition broadcaster and artist *Martin Holmes joins me to look up some festive cheer. So, to really cheer everyone up, we’ve cast an eye over the world of espionage and found possibly the bleakest and darkest representation of a 1960s spy drama, John Le Carre’s ‘The Spy That Came In From The Cold’ (1965) Bottles of whisky at the ready as we join Alec Leamas a burnt-out handler from West Germany as he returns to London to face his fate. A right Mundt (honestly that’s his name) has been executing British spies in the East and London is slightly miffed at the fact. Returning home Leamas is offered a desk job, refusing this ‘Control’ asks him to stay out in the cold a little longer. After assaulting Bernard Lee (‘M’ from the Bond Films) Leamas played by Richard Burton (on top of his game doesn’t even begin to describe his performance) falls in love whilst working in a library. He gets picked up by a very dubious Michael Horden and so begins the descent into the darker under belly of espionage. Double agents, defections and moral philosophy culminates in fateful appointment with the Berlin wall (wrong side) This film has everything a 1960s ‘Bond’ film doesn’t have, realism. Set in the backdrop of the 1960s, there’s free love (pajamas supplied), Rain!!, (God, does it rain),squalid bedsits, and a magnetic story line. So, for an antidote to the falseness of the bright lights and festive fake good cheer, this film is dark, brutal and honest. Thank you for all your support dear listener Merry Christmas everyone! *Martin Holmes hosts the Vision on Sound Radio Show- Sundays 7pm (GMT)- FAB radio international

If purgatory is a small market town, surely that makes ‘Hell a City’, does it not? Broadcaster Martin Holmes joins me as we walk the mean streets of Manchester, seeking out Stanley Baker in the iconic 1960s Hammer film, ‘Hell is a City’ The unlocking of the restraints of London centric locations, causes the impact of the Manchester cityscape to sear its DNA throughout this film, like the words ‘Blackpool’ through a stick of rock. Join us on a journey of crime, sex, violence and Joby Blanchard’s accent. Stepping back in time to the black and white era of quality British crime noir. From a robbery gone wrong, to the tossers’ gathering on the nearby moors. Pushing the boundaries of the repressed late 1950s this film sets the bar high for any proceeding crime drama. *Martin Homes hosts the Vision on Sound radio show (a show about old television programmes) On FAB Radio International every Sunday night at 7pm GMT

Walter Matthau locks horns with army mercenary Robert Shaw, as 4 criminals pull off the greatest hi-jack in New York's history. 1 million dollars for the release of 16 hostages held under the streets of Manhattan on the dark, foreboding subway system. I take a look at the 1974 film directed by Joseph Sargent The Taking of Pelham 123

I don’t want to be born. It’s 1975, London and somewhere Joan Collins’ character is giving birth, ably assisted by Doctor Donald Pleasence. If that wasn’t a scary thought, the baby, well……………………doesn’t want to be born. Take 3 future Dames of the British Empire, a forgotten actor and a demonic maniacal dwarf distributing unsubstantiated curses to a stripper who scorns his advances. And you have the makings of a horror classic, but it doesn’t end up quite as expected! Bizarre deaths, unintentionally comical dialog and ‘cod’ Italian accents are abundant. Join my guest Paul Chandler (aka ‘The Shy Yeti’) as he leads us down the King’s Road in London, home to the evil baby, Nicholas. For this is the story of the baby that didn’t want to be born. Visit the homes of the rich and well heeled, rub shoulders with a seedy strip club owner, battle evil with a sarcastic nun, all to bring down the curse placed upon Joan Collins. Ralph Bates, Eileen Atkins, Donald Pleasence and Joan Collins all star in this 70’s horror ‘It’s about erotic as making cheese on toast!’

Yes, I’m back for a third season of delving into the film vaults of yesteryear. This July marks the 30th anniversary of ‘Jurassic Park’ being released in the UK. I know, 30 years! I’m joined by Lisa Parker* from the ‘Round the Archives’ podcast, who leads the way through this amusement park disaster movie. Casting an eye over the film, explaining her childhood interest in wacking great big dinosaurs, and checking out some other big names that were considered for this film. So, grab your popcorn and put your running shoes on as the ‘Raptors’ are coming! ‘Welcome to Jurassic Park’ *Lisa Parker & Andrew Trowbridge can be found regularly hosting a multifaceted podcast on all aspects of archive and forgotten television; ‘ROUND THE ARCHIVES’. Check them out on all good podcast platforms and on twitter.

A cheeky Valentines Day quickie, unscripted and improvised. When you're unsure how to compliment your date night, why not choose one of my favorite romantic films; 'Somewhere In Time' Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour and the wonderful Christopher Plummer. All from the writer who brought you the gremlin ripping Bill Shatner's plane apart in 'The Twilight Zone' A love story that spans decades bridged by a picture, sealed with the love of two young people separated by time. Happy Valentines Day everyone

In this second and final part of the Cinematic Sausage’s festive special, the wonderful Martin Holmes* returns to conclude our look at the evocative Black and White ‘Quatermass films’ We sneak a peek at what lurks within the mysterious domes built on the ruins of the former village of Winnerton Flats. What are the social and political aspects of this 1950s sci-fi film that could be almost be a mirror image of the world of today? Revisiting from beyond this planet style locations, to looking at how a Capstan full strength cigarette  could have ward off an alien invasion. This is Christmas and this is your festive edition of the Cinematic Sausage, and what could be more festive than an alien invasion and a toupee chasing competition. All will become clear in our review of Quatermass 2 from Hammer films *Martin Holmes is available to listen to each week on his radio show centered around old and recent television programmes- ‘Vision on Sound’. Available on the internet radio station FAB Radio International, every Sunday evening on channel 1 at 7pm (GMT)

Welcome aboard ‘The Horror Express’ Made in the early 1970s and a regular on British television during the early 1980s and 90s often part of their late-night horror double bills. This film stars Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, with a guest appearance by Telly Savalas. Based at the turn of the last century Christopher Lee discovers a frozen creature that could prove the missing link theory. But nothing is as it seems, the creature within Lee’s packing crate is placed on the Trans-Siberian Express. This journey will be the last for some of its passengers, falling victim to an alien entity whose intentions aren’t as friendly as you would hope. A Mind robbing alien, Zombie Cossacks, mysterious murders, and demonic possession all go to form this Spanish/British co production. The film that ‘Hammer’ wished it made. So come join me on a journey through the frozen tundra of Siberia with no hope of rescue.

Hell, hath no fury like a lorry driver's accelerator pedal. In this edition of The Cinematic Sausage, I’m joined once again by regular contributor Martin Holmes* (Broadcaster/Artist) as he takes us through the aptly named ‘Hell Drivers’ from 1957, with the world’s most stellar cast list. Stanley Baker, Patrick McGoohan, William Hartnell, Peggy Cummins, Sidney James, Gordon Jackson, Alfie Bass, Sean Connery (seriously) Herbert Lom all star in this gritty sometimes violent film about a band of misfit haulage drivers risking their lives just to make a crust. So, sit back in your easy chair and let Martin and I do the driving, in this special edition. If you would like to contribute to The Cinematic Sausage you can contact me through twitter @a_mivvi I hope you enjoy this edition and come back again. Please do pass on the word as every little helps Kind Regards Warren *Martin Holmes can be heard on the Vision On Sound radio show every Sunday evening at 7pm (GMT) on internet radio channel FAB Radio International. He is also a talented writer and illustrator, his bestselling illustrated book ‘Nosferatutu’ The Dancyr is available through Lulu Press and Amazon. You can contact him on twitter @MAW_H

Hello, In this edition of ‘The Cinematic Sausage’, I’m joined by Poet, Writer, Amateur Film Maker and Prolific Podcaster Paul Chandler. He walks us through the feel-good French Film ‘Amelie’ and waxes lyrical about his admiration for its leading lady. I however delve into the murky and sometimes deadly world of espionage as I compare the 3 films based on John Buchan’s short story ‘The 39 Steps’ I hope you enjoy this edition’s offerings. If you feel motivated to contribute why not give it a bash and become another of our new voices here on the ‘Cinematic Sausage’. You can contact me at our twitter page (search for The Cinematic Sausage) Best wishes, WHC

Coming Soon on 'A Raspberry Mivvi & A Foot Long Dog' - Podcast Lisa Parker experiences buckets of 'Kensington Gore' as she enters the world of 'Hammer Horror films'