Watch Flickers

Flickers is a 1980 British television miniseries that tells the story of the early days of the film industry in Hollywood. The show stars Bob Hoskins as a businessman named Arnie Cole who takes over a bankrupt film studio and tries to revive it. Frances de la Tour plays a famous silent film actress named Constance Stokes, who is struggling to adjust to the transition to talking pictures. Fraser Cains plays a young filmmaker named Robin Tripp, who dreams of making his own movies but finds himself at odds with Cole's business practices.

The show is set in the 1920s and follows the characters as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of the rapidly evolving film industry. The first episode begins with Cole's arrival in Hollywood and his acquisition of the struggling studio. He quickly realizes that the key to success is finding a popular star, and he sets his sights on Constance Stokes, who has recently fallen out of favor. But Stokes is reluctant to embrace the new technology of sound, and Cole must convince her to take a chance on the talkies.

Meanwhile, Robin Tripp is trying to make a name for himself as a filmmaker. He pitches his ideas to Cole but is repeatedly turned down. Frustrated with the studio's lack of creative freedom, Tripp eventually strikes out on his own and forms his own production company. This puts him at odds with Cole, who sees him as a competitor.

Throughout the series, the characters are faced with a number of challenges that threaten to derail their careers. Stokes struggles with her fear of appearing onscreen with sound, while Tripp battles against the studio system and the pressures of financing his own films. Cole faces his own set of problems as he tries to keep the studio afloat in the face of changing technology and a shaky financial situation.

Despite these challenges, the characters are all driven by their love of cinema and their desire to create something special. The show is filled with references to classic films and the great filmmakers of the past, and it captures the magic of the movies in a way that is both nostalgic and inspiring.

Flickers is a well-crafted drama that blends historical accuracy with engaging characters and compelling storytelling. The performances by Hoskins, de la Tour, and Cains are all top-notch, and the show does an excellent job of capturing the look and feel of Hollywood in the 1920s. Whether you're a fan of classic films or simply enjoy a good drama, Flickers is definitely worth watching.

Flickers is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (6 episodes). The series first aired on September 16, 1980.