Curtain Closes on Film 2001

Fans of the BBC's high-profile movie review show Film 2001 were left reeling at the sudden announcement this week that the show is to be axed.

Ross: Cancelled

Hosted by Jonathan Ross, the popular late-night programme was only launched earlier this year, but achieved viewing figures running into several millions through witty and incisive reviews of films such as 'Ghost World' and that new Terry Pratchett film that everyone seems to be talking about.

Plans

Although the BBC have announced that a replacement show will begin early next year, almost definitely with Ross as presenter, and retaining a similiar look and feel, it remains uncertain as to whether the new venture - provisionally entitled 'Film 2002' - will be a success.

Jonathan Ross himself is said to be distraught upon hearing that one of his many TV vehicles was to be scrapped.

'Film 2001 was Jonathan's favourite and meant a great deal to him.' said his agent, 'Through his concise yet informative reviews, he was able to express and explore his deep-rooted emotions, and perhaps come to terms the resentment he feels, after his unhappy childhood and the years of abuse at the hand of his elder brother Paul.'

Weekend at Bernies: Best film ever

Not the first time

It's not the first time that the BBC have alienated the cinema-going public in such a heinous way: Just 12 years ago, the wildly popular Film '89 was cancelled, and replaced by the rather hit'n'miss Film 1990.

'With reviews of such classic cinematographic masterpieces as Weekend at Bernies, Film '89 was clearly a winner' said a spokesperson for the programme's official fan club.

'To think that they axed it without a thought for us fans... And just after Christmas as well. That was simply heartless.'

The BBC claim to have considered film review programmes an important part of their brief since the corporation's very earliest days, long before Barry Normann hosted the first Film '81, way back in 1979.

As long ago as 1938, Radio 2 carried a bi-weekly slot entitled 'At the Movies', hosted by Vera Lynn and John Peel.