Contributor Stephen Puddicombe

Two women with elaborately styled hair and dramatic make-up, standing behind teal and gold patterned curtains.
In Praise Of

The infamous, irresistible story of Hollywood’s most bitter feud

by Stephen Puddicombe

Bette Davis and Joan Crawford’s anti-chemistry is palpable in What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? from 1962.
Portrait of a man with dark hair and a serious expression, wearing a checked jacket.
In Praise Of

How Howard Hawks’ Scarface inspired Martin Scorsese

by Stephen Puddicombe

This 1930s gangster classic set the blueprint for films like Goodfellas and The Departed.
Black and white image of a man and woman conversing in a festive setting, with decorative lights visible in the background.
In Praise Of

Why The Shop Around the Corner is a true Christmas miracle

by Stephen Puddicombe

Sick of rewatching It’s a Wonderful Life? Seek out the other holiday-themed James Stewart classic.
A black and white image of a shirtless, muscular man in boxing gloves, with a determined facial expression.
In Praise Of

Kirk Douglas at 100 – In praise of his knockout turn in Champion

by Stephen Puddicombe

As the acting icon celebrates his centenary, we reflect on one of his greatest performances.
A black and white portrait of a young person with short, wavy hair wearing a furry coat and looking directly at the camera with a serious expression.
In Praise Of

50 years on, Ken Loach’s Cathy Come Home is as powerful as ever

by Stephen Puddicombe

This 1966 TV play on a young woman’s descent into homelessness has lost none of its impact.
Graphic image of a severely injured and bloodied person.
In Praise Of

Why Braindead remains the pinnacle of grisly practical effects

by Stephen Puddicombe

In 1992 a young Peter Jackson created one of horror cinema’s most gruesome and enduring splatterfests.
Individual looking through a camera against a mountainous landscape in black and white.
In Praise Of

In praise of Persona – Ingmar Bergman’s minimalist masterpiece

by Stephen Puddicombe

Fifty years on, this low-key drama stands as a glorious shrine to analogue film.
Close-up of a man's face with intense, focused expression, surrounded by futuristic technological elements.
In Praise Of

Why Westworld remains the ultimate genre mash-up

by Stephen Puddicombe

The Yul Brynner-starring original from 1973 expertly fuses futuristic science fiction and classic western tropes.
A woman in a sparkling black outfit stands before a grand piano, with a man playing the piano behind her.
In Praise Of

The seductive, subversive sound of David Lynch’s Blue Velvet

by Stephen Puddicombe

Exploring the director’s use and manipulation of music in his 30-year-old masterpiece.
A person in a red shirt lying on a patterned rug, looking pensive and smoking a cigarette.
If You Like...

Beyond Pedro – seven great Spanish films you need to see

by Stephen Puddicombe

Before you see Almodóvar’s latest seek out these lesser seen Spanish gems.

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