How to watch Nicol Williamson - Part 3

Worth a Watch

Laughter in the Dark (1969) The BFI has a copy of this, which they screened fairly recently. Otherwise, it’s only available as a bootleg DVD from various online sellers. It’s not a great film, but it has a lot of interesting things about it and Nicol’s performance in the lead has some powerful moments. Apparently there are some complicated legal or copyright issues which have kept it in obscurity. 

The Monk (1972) I kind of like this even though it’s not very good. There’s a memorable supporting turn from Nicol. I have the Italian Il Monaco Region 2 DVD from Golem films which has the option of an English audio track and I can confirm that it is Nicol’s voice we hear. The sound and picture quality are both a bit murky but it’s watchable. Approach with low expectations and you might enjoy it. 

Columbo: How to Dial a Murder (1978) Nicol preferred to forget about this but a lot of people love it! It’s on TV constantly but also available on DVD. 

The Human Factor (1979) Great to see Nicol in the lead here and he’s excellent in an uncharacteristically understated way. Shame a number of human factors prevented it from being the great film it should have been. There are some dubious DVDs of this around, but the Warner Archive disc is excellent quality.

Venom (1981) A silly premise but a hugely entertaining film with a fascinating cast. Any of the Blue Underground discs are recommended as they’re excellent quality and all feature a fascinating commentary from director Piers Haggard. 

I’m Dancing as Fast as I Can (1982) A brilliant performance from Nicol in a rather underwhelming movie. It can be watched for a small fee on Youtube.

Macbeth (1983) A rather uneven performance from Nicol. Available on DVD.

Lord Mountbatten: The Last Viceroy (1986). Nicol does extremely well cast against type in the title role. It’s well-made and historically accurate as far as it goes but the portrayal of the British in India seems too squeaky clean to be convincing. The out-of-print DVD has become rather expensive in the wake of the recent film Viceroy’s House.

Black Widow (1987) Available on DVD. Good film with a nice supporting turn by Nicol. The 2016 DVD from Signal One has a few extras but nothing of note about Nicol’s involvement. 

The Exorcist III (1990) Nicol doesn’t have much to do in this but it’s a surprisingly intelligent, funny, scary film with a top cast. Available on DVD. 

How to watch Nicol Williamson - Part 2

Highly Recommended

Horror of Darkness (1965) A bleak and depressing play, but very well-made and with brilliant performances by Nicol and Glenda Jackson. Can be watched for free at the BFI’s Mediatheque in their South Bank building, usually without the need for an appointment. 

Return to Oz (1985) Nicol makes a fine Nome King in this underrated film which has a deservedly strong cult following and remains the only feature directed by celebrated sound and film editor Walter Murch. Available on DVD. Note that the 30th anniversary Blu-ray edition features no extras. 

Mistress of Suspense: A Curious Suicide (1989) The American title of this series was Chillers and this episode is available on a DVD entitled Chillers 4. I have to admit that the other 3 episodes on this disc I found to be unwatchably bad, but it’s worth it for Nicol’s one. He was in a bad way when he made this but still manages to give a riveting performance. The DVD has gone out of print and is not available at the time of writing on Amazon UK but Amazon US still have some cheap secondhand ones listed here. 

The Hour of the Pig (1993) This is an unusual and wonderful film with a marvelous cast that also includes Colin Firth, Ian Holm, Donald Pleasence and Harriet Walter. Unfortunately, Harvey Weinstein had money in it and he recut and re-titled it as The Advocate for its American release. Only this butchered version is available on DVD, apart from a Hungarian DVD which appears to be dubbed and have no English option. Old VHS copies of the original cut are now hard to find.

John Osborne and the Gift of Friendship (2006) Tony Palmer’s excellent documentary features an exclusive interview with Nicol and rare footage of him on stage with Jill Townsend performing scenes from Inadmissible Evidence. Essential viewing for anyone interested in Osborne or British theatre.