DOCUMENTARIES
Below are the documentaries directed by Chris Wade released by Wisdom Twins Films.
Each film can be bought on DVD. There have also been cinema screenings and TV airings of the films. Some are also available on streaming services online such as Arts Channel and History Hit.
For a screening license, email Chris at: [email protected]
Each film can be bought on DVD. There have also been cinema screenings and TV airings of the films. Some are also available on streaming services online such as Arts Channel and History Hit.
For a screening license, email Chris at: [email protected]
THE WORLD OF JOHN ATKINSON GRIMSHAW
Chris Wade celebrates the art of Leeds painter John Atkinson Grimshaw, one of the most fascinating but sadly underrated artists from the Victorian era. By visiting the places he lived and painted, Wade brings to life the world of Grimshaw, an atmospheric, often comforting, but sometimes melancholic style that was all his own.
Directed by Chris Wade Music by Dodson and Fogg Wisdom Twins Films, 2024 BUY THE DVD
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MARILYN MONROE: PORTRAIT OF AN ACTRESS
No one has had their life dissected and pulled apart quite as much as Marilyn Monroe. A lot has been said about Marilyn's life, her loves, her controversial times, and her murky death. Less though, has been said of the very thing that made her famous in the first place - her film career. Indeed, what too often gets ignored, or at least overlooked, are those marvellous films and the magnificent performances she gave in them. In this documentary, Chris Wade explores Marilyn’s films, her versatility, and the finest roles from her short but legendary movie career. This affectionate tribute also features input from Benjamin Meissner of the International Marilyn Monroe Fan Club.
Written and Directed by Chris Wade. Wisdom Twins Films 2023. BUY THE DVD
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ALFRED HITCHCOCK: THE GENIUS OF FILM
Chris Wade looks at the life and career of Alfred Hitchcock, the Master of Suspense behind such classic movies as Psycho, Rear Window and North by Northwest. Hitchcock was the most famous film director of his time, and remains as iconic and popular now as ever before. This documentary explores the life of a genius, from his London childhood, his early English films, to his move to Hollywood and his celebrated period in America.
It features classic footage of Hitchcock, interview snippets with the great man and new thoughts from Paula Marantz Cohen, Professor of English and Hitchcock scholar. Written and Directed by Chris Wade. Wisdom Twins Films 2021. BUY THE DVD
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MARLENE DIETRICH: MOVIE LEGEND
Marlene Dietrich was one of the greatest and most glamorous stars of the Hollywood golden era. This film looks at her significant screen work, notably under such directors as Josef von Sternberg, Alfred Hitchcock and Billy Wilder. Written and narrated by Chris Wade, it also features recollections from Peter Riva, Marlene's grandson and commentary from CW Gortner, writer of Marlene: A Novel.
Written and Directed by Chris Wade. Wisdom Twins Films 2020. BUY THE DVD
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REMEMBERING MARCELLO MASTROIANNI
Italian actor Marcello Mastroianni was one of the biggest stars of world cinema for decades. The star of such seminal films as Fellini's La Dolce Vita and 8 1/2, he was an international icon whose popularity spread across the globe. In this documentary film by Chris Wade, those who knew and worked with Mastroianni over the years look back on the life of this remarkable man. Interviewees include Bernice Stegers, who starred with him in Fellini's City of Women, frequent collaborator and friend Marthe Keller, actress Valeria Cavalli, Fellini biographer John Baxter and friend and writer Alain Elkann.
Written and Directed by Chris Wade Wisdom Twins Films 2020 BUY THE DVD
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THE EARLY YEARS OF PABLO PICASSO
Chris Wade's art documentary on Pablo Picasso is an intimate portrait of an icon in his early years, taking in the sights of his youth and conjuring up the atmosphere of the places where he grew up and evolved. Filmed in various locations, including Pablo's birthplace, Malaga, Benalmadena and Barcelona, this is a personal journey through Picasso's formative period. 35 minutes.
Written and Directed by Chris Wade Wisdom Twins Films 2019 BUY THE DVD
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KEN RUSSELL: PORTRAIT OF A MAVERICK
Writer, musician and filmmaker Chris Wade explores the life and career of legendary movie director KEN RUSSELL, one of cinema's most innovative and daring figures. Featuring new interviews with his son Xavier, and collaborators Judith Paris, Emma Millions and Scott Antony, this is a warm homage to a true maverick, a man who did things his way, while refusing to compromise his unique vision.
Written and Directed by Chris Wade Wisdom Twins Films 2019 BUY THE DVD
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MEMORIES OF LINDSAY ANDERSON
Aired in 2019 on Talking Pictures TVChris Wade's documentary film is a personal, intimate and affectionate look at the life and work of Lindsay Anderson, the legendary film and theatre director behind if.... and O Lucky Man! With new recollections from director Stephen Frears, if... star David Wood, plus actor and friend Brian Pettifer, Memories of Lindsay Anderson paints a portrait of a stubborn, self assured artist, an anti establishment non conformist who refused to play the game, and a private man who, though on the surface seemed confident, held his emotional cards close to his chest. This is an in depth study of one of our most brilliant yet undervalued filmmakers. Aired on Talking Pictures TV in 2019.
Written and Directed by Chris Wade Wisdom Twins Films 2019 BUY THE DVD
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CHARLIE CHAPLIN: THE MAKING OF A GENIUS
This film focuses on the early years of the iconic genius Charlie Chaplin, from his tough beginnings in the streets of late 1800s London, through the struggles with his father's alcoholism and his mother's madness. The film investigates Chaplin's Dickensian hardships and explores his remarkable breakthrough as a star of both stage and screen. With input from Chaplin's biographer David Robinson, this is an in depth glimpse into how a legend was born.
Written and Directed by Chris Wade Wisdom Twins Films 2019 BUY THE DVD
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THE IMMORTAL ORSON WELLES
Orson Welles is one of cinema's most legendary and important figures, an influential giant in his field. This intimate documentary contrasts the romanticised maverick figure with the man behind the enigma, as well as celebrating his remarkable contributions to film history. With recollections from actor Norman Eshley (star of Welles' film Immortal Story), filmmaker Henry Jaglom and Orson's one time assistant Dorian Bond, the film avoids the usual myths and clichés of Wellesian folk lore and offers a rare insight into the world of this fascinating man.
The film was shown on Talking Pictures TV in 2019. Directed by Chris Wade. Wisdom Twins Films 2019. BUY THE DVD
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GEORGE MELLY: THE CERTAINTY OF HAZARD
GEORGE MELLY was a famous jazz singer, writer and art critic. He was a household name for decades, known as the Boogie Woogie Man and Good Time George, famous for his fast living and raving, as well as his fierce intellect and love of good art. He was also a dedicated Surrealist, who saw the world through Surrealist eyes. This film tells the story of his life, with little seen pictures and footage, plus new insights from his wife Diana, former girlfriends Elda Abramson and Louisa Buck, old friend and colleague Wally Fawkes, and his son Tom.
George Melly: The Certainty of Hazard is a warm homage to one of Britain's most eccentric, colourful and contradictory figures. It was aired at Chelsea Arts Club in October 2018 with a Q and A with Chris and Diana Melly and has been screened several times at cinemas and jazz festivals. Written and Directed by Chris Wade Wisdom Twins Films 2018 BUY THE DVD
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