British Culture: Albion Never Dies

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thomas Felix Creighton shares his experiences from a month in Chengdu (Sichuan Province, China). He previously lived in Shenzhen (Guangdong Province) 2015-2021 and Turkish Cyprus 2001-2008 – he draws on both these experiences as he discusses how experience, language ability, and the company we keep can shape our perceptions of culture. Naturally, he talks about some Chengdu highlights a little, so skip to the end if that’s what you are primarily interested… or listen to the whole thing and enjoy the ride! Thomas recommends:Daniel Gaster: his Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DanielGaster The jacket review Thomas mentions: https://fromtailorswithlove.co.uk/james-bonds-no-time-to-die-massimo-alba-rain-2-duster-coat-review Daniel Gaster's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielgaster Caine: Film reviews and a video diary of a visit to small Chinese city, so if you enjoyed this podcast episode, do check these two Youtube videos out:Caine’s Anqing (China) diary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qtGLk3cY7A Caine’s review of a Chinese movie that delves into the meaning of 'memory' and how it shapes who we are. The review Thomas 100% recommends: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=6ugQHJw2IdI Support the showhttps://www.albionneverdies.com/

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thomas Felix Creighton draws upon six years in China and knowledge of Ian Fleming's James Bond 007 to give an insight into how the series has merged fact and fiction, for the most part without friction. Books, websites, and movies mentioned:The World of Suzie Wong by Richard MasonThrilling Cities by Ian FlemingDr No by Ian FlemingTong Wars: The Untold Story of Vice, Money, and Murder in New York's Chinatown by Scott D. SeligmanThe Good Immigrants: How the Yellow Peril Became the Model Minority by Madeline Y. HsuThe Encyclopedia of Milwaukee [website]: https://emke.uwm.edu/entry/chinese/ Goldfinger by Ian Fleming (plus the movie with Sean Connery)You Only Live Twice by Ian Fleming (Thomas talks more about the movie though)The Man With the Golden Gun (just the movie with Roger Moore and Christopher Lee)For Your Eyes Only, movie directed by John Glen (see the 'Albion Never Dies' podcast episode released 17/12/2024)License to Kill (movie)Tomorrow Never Dies (movie)Zero Minus Ten by Raymond Benson (also, check out the 'Albion Never Dies' podcast episode #179)Die Another Day (movie)Skyfall (movie)...and these are just the key ones. Plenty more 007 and China references out there, I am sure. Support the showhttps://www.albionneverdies.com/

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thomas Felix Creighton talks about the 'cozy crime' genre, drawing on a range of suggestions from TV and film critics, academics, and his own friends. Thomas even has a special guest contribution from Jon Auty, host of 'Behind the Stunts' and 'The Bond Buzz', do check those out. Suggested reading:'Identity and nostalgia in a globalised world: Investigating  the international popularity of Midsomer Murders' by Tiffany Bergin at the University of Cambridge (UK)'The Simple Art of Murder' by popular crimewriter Raymond Chandler...and also, the BBC's 'Independent Thematic Review  of  portrayal and representation  of the UK  in BBC content' (2026)Support the showhttps://www.albionneverdies.com/

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thomas Felix Creighton talks to Alex Lamas ( Instagram @sifu_lamas / Youtube @ @yestoadventure007 ) about his love of movies set in the British Empire.This includes Zulu (1964), Zulu Dawn (1979), Breaker Morant (1980), Four Feathers (1939), Gunga Din (1939), The Wind and the Lion (1975), and two we focus on particularly; The Man Who Would Be King (1979) with Sean Connery and Micheal Caine and Lawrence of Arabia (1962) with Peter O’Toole and Omar Sharif. He also talks about the joy of visiting some of the historic locations seen in some of these films, which you can see more of on his Instagram and Youtube channels. This includes Aït Benhaddou, Morocco, which was used for:Lawrence of Arabia (1962)The Man Who Would Be King (1975)The Living Daylights (1987)The Mummy (1999)Gladiator (2000)Alexander (2004)Kingdom of Heaven (2005) Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010) Game of Thrones (2011-2019)Do check out: https://www.youtube.com/@yestoadventure007 Books I would recommend:Jan Morris, the ‘Pax Britannica Trilogy’ of books about the art and popular depiction of the British Empire: 'Heaven's Command: An Imperial Progress', 'Pax Britannica: Climax of an Empire', 'Farewell the Trumpets: An Imperial Retreat'.Many, many books by Rudyard Kipling, including the original short story ‘The Man Who Would Be King’ (1888) and ‘Kim’ (1901). And, T.E. Lawrence’s ‘The Seven Pillars of Wisdom’ (1926).I reference the following; Lawrence of Arabia: A Film's Anthropology by Steven C. Caton (1999), a great insight into the critical reception of David Lean's classic movie.Support the showhttps://www.albionneverdies.com/

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thomas Felix Creighton talks about 'the Britishness' of one of the most famous murder mysteries in the world... with no spoilers! He talks about the themes, characters, places, and ideas that shape this remarkable story from Agatha Christie. He also gives a guide to the key adaptations in film, TV, and audio.Support the showhttps://www.albionneverdies.com/

Garvan Rushe, founder of DublinTourGuide.ie and a seasoned guide with over fifteen years of experience, shares insights on Irish culture and the British-Irish connection. He discusses how Dublin serves as a living canvas of history, emphasizing landmarks like Dublin Castle and the National Museum's bog bodies. Garvan also explores the evolving identities shaped by religion, the impact of Brexit on Northern Ireland, and the journey of Irish emigration. Plus, he offers tips for navigating Dublin’s attractions and shares personal anecdotes about his family history tied to the 1916 Easter Rising.

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thomas Felix Creighton talks to David Zaritsky of 'The Bond Experience' about the Britishness of 1969's James Bond 007 adventure, 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service'.The movie has an Australian star, an American and a Canadian producer, and was certainly made for export... so why does this film feel so extremely 'British'?Listen to find out!You can find David at:Instagram: @thebondexperience Youtube: www.youtube.com/thebondexperiencePodcast: Search 'The Bond Experience' wherever you found this!Support the showhttps://www.albionneverdies.com/

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thomas Felix Creighton interviews Calvin Dyson, one of the first people to set up a 007-themed Youtube channel, and asks 'Which is the 'most British' James Bond film?'. Don't worry, we *do* talk about the TV animated series 'James Bond Jr.'! https://www.youtube.com/calvindysonThomas adds a fun fact about the ending For Your Eyes Only, which ultimately comes from the John Glen book 'For My Eyes Only', hardback edition page 115. It did not come from 'a man down the pub'. www.AlbionNeverDies.com Support the showhttps://www.albionneverdies.com/

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thomas Felix Creighton continues The Alphabet of Britishness, looking especially at Queen Victoria.The first ten minutes covers:Thomas’ top three cinematic and TV depictions of Queen VictoriaMrs. Brown (1997)The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970)Doctor Who “Tooth and Claw” (modern season 2, episode 2)...and also in brief some other 'V' topics such as:Victoria & Albert MuseumVauxhall (London)VermouthVesper (seems silly not to)Victory! Although perhaps we’ll cover this far more in the next installment…Vicar - again a great suggestion for a deep diveViceroy – check out my video and podcast episode looking at my top five books on the British Empire: www.youtube.com/britishcultureVickers machine gun The main part of this podcast comprises of two readings, one on the height of the Victorian Era, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee of 1897, and the second on The Great Exhibition of 1851.“Pax Britannica: The Climax of the Empire” by James / Jan Morris.“A Portrait of Britain Between the Exhibitions 1851 – 1951” by Donald Lindsay and E.S. Washington, part of the Oxford Introduction to British History series.Visit the website: https://albionneverdies.com/ Support the showhttps://www.albionneverdies.com/

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thomas Felix Creighton interviews the CEO of Shogun Films, Jonathan Sothcott.https://www.shogunfilms.com/Jonathan Sothcott is one of the UK's most experienced and successful independent producers with a track record of success with high concept, low budget genre films. Described by GQ Magazine as "a film producer behind a whole new generation of on-screen hardmen", a 2021 Sothcott profile piece in The Telegraph noted his movies "have saved our film industry."Over the years Sothcott has worked with a galaxy of stars including Ray Winstone, Danny Trejo, Lee Majors, Mark Hamill, Jason Statham, Michael Paré, Steven Berkoff, Richard E Grant, Charlie Cox and Sir Roger Moore.Notable successes amongst his 40+ feature credits include ‘Vendetta’, ‘We Still Kill The Old Way’ and ‘Renegades’. He set up Shogun Films in 2020 as a genuine international counterpoint of independence and the company has won a slew of awards recognising it's trailblazing approach. He has over 20 years of experience in the British film industry, and we discuss what makes a movie ‘British'?. We also discuss some of the best films of the 1980s, and the established stars at the time. We also discuss his forthcoming movie, ‘Knightfall’, currently in post-production:“Charles Knight, a paranoid former spy catcher, must work with his estranged daughter to foil an international terrorist plot, while surviving a terrifying home invasion in this explosive espionage thriller”.Before making his name in feature films, Sothcott produced documentaries and moderated DVD commentaries for numerous cult films, including The Wild Geese.Our topics include:Roger MooreRoger Moore’s son, Geoffrey MooreIan Ogilvy - an English actor, playwright and novelist best known as the star of the television series Return of the Saint (1978–79), in which he assumed the role of Simon Templar from Roger Moore (1962-69)The Fourth Protocol (1987) starring Pierce Brosnan and Micheal Caine, based on the 1984 book by British novelist Frederick Forsyth The debt that modern action movies owe to traditional 007 films The Wild Geese (1978) with Roger Moore, John Glen (second unit director) and Ewan Lloyd (producer)Joan Armatrading wrote and recorded the theme songIngrid Pitt, Polish-British actress and writer, most famous for her role in ‘Where Eagles Dare’ but also appeared in The Wild Geese IIThe Sea Wolves (1980), Gregory Peck, Roger Moore and David NivenEwan Lloyd – BFI: “Lloyd stood alone within the depressed British film industry of the late 1970s and early 1980s as a producer with the self-belief, charisma and bluff to mount large-scale independent action-adventure films, such as The Wild Geese (1978) and Who Dares Wins (1982)". Lewis Collins, star of the TV movie, ‘Who Dares Wins’ (1982), also known as The Final Option, the star was the tabloid’s favourite for ‘next James Bond’ for some years due to his action star credentials   David Wickes, TV producer best known for his work on ‘The Sweeny’ ‘The Professionals’, and ‘CI5: The New Professionals’Jonathan recommends the TV show, ‘Roger Moore: A Matter of Class’, which is available to watch on Youtube.Finally, we discuss he state of the British film industry, and the way ahead.Visit the website: https://albionneverdies.com/Support the showhttps://www.albionneverdies.com/