Screenplay: Ken Russell

Top movies, series, and documentaries with a screenplay by Ken Russell. Explore the titles that showcase an exceptional writing.


The Devils

1971 · Movie · 103 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Ken Russell

Cast Vanessa Redgrave · Oliver Reed · Dudley Sutton · Max Adrian

Synopsis The Devils (1971) delves into the unsettling narrative of a powerful priest in the French city of Loudon during the 17th century. Cardinal Richelieu and his ambitious associates aim to dominate France but face an obstacle in Father Grandier, who...

6.8

1K votes

6.8

1K votes

Tommy

1975 · Movie · 111 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Ken Russell

Cast Roger Daltrey · Ann-Margret · Oliver Reed · Paul Nicholas

Synopsis Tommy (1975) follows the life of a young boy named Tommy, whose world is turned upside down when his mother, Nora, marries Frank Hobbs shortly after his father, Captain Walker, is presumed dead during World War II. The story takes...

6.5

2K votes

6.5

2K votes

Salome's Last Dance

1988 · Movie · 89 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Ken Russell

Cast Glenda Jackson · Imogen Millais-Scott · Stratford Johns · Denis Lill

Synopsis Salome's Last Dance (1988) unfolds on the eve of Guy Fawkes Day in 1892, as Oscar Wilde finds himself at an upscale brothel, where an unexpected performance of his play "Salome" is about to commence. The roles are taken on...

6.2

100 votes

6.2

100 votes

The Rainbow

1989 · Movie · 113 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Ken Russell

Cast Sammi Davis · Paul McGann · Amanda Donohoe · Christopher Gable

Synopsis The Rainbow (1989) follows the journey of a young woman navigating the complexities of adolescence and early adulthood in the early 20th century in England. The film delves into her personal struggles and triumphs as she grapples with the societal...

6.2

53 votes

6.2

53 votes

The Boy Friend

1971 · Movie · 110 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Ken Russell

Cast Twiggy · Christopher Gable · Max Adrian · Tommy Tune

Synopsis The Boy Friend (1971) follows Polly Browne, the dedicated assistant stage manager of a modest theatrical troupe. When the leading lady, Rita, is unable to perform, Polly steps in to save the day during a crucial matinée. The stakes are...

6.0

106 votes

6.0

106 votes

Mahler

1974 · Movie · 115 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Ken Russell

Cast Robert Powell · Georgina Hale · Lee Montague · Miriam Karlin

Synopsis Mahler (1974) is a cinematic journey through the life of the renowned composer, Gustav Mahler, weaving together a tapestry of memories and impressions from his extraordinary existence, all set against the backdrop of his profound and stirring musical compositions. The...

5.7

180 votes

5.7

180 votes

Lisztomania

1975 · Movie · 103 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Ken Russell

Cast Roger Daltrey · Sara Kestelman · Paul Nicholas · Ringo Starr

Synopsis Lisztomania (1975) presents a satirical take on the scandalous life of Franz Liszt, the renowned Romantic composer and piano virtuoso. The film is filled with explicit imagery and focuses significantly on Liszt's complex relationship with fellow composer Richard Wagner. The...

5.6

160 votes

5.6

160 votes

Valentino

1977 · Movie · 127 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Ken Russell

Cast Rudolf Nureyev · Michelle Phillips · Leslie Caron · Carol Kane

Synopsis Valentino (1977) delves into the life of Rudolph Valentino, a charismatic ballroom dancer who leveraged his striking good looks and captivating grace to launch a successful Hollywood career. Set in 1926, the film explores the tragic and premature death of...

5.6

217 votes

5.6

217 votes

Aria

1987 · Movie · 90 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Robert Altman · Bruce Beresford · Jean-Luc Godard · Derek Jarman

Cast Theresa Russell · Jacques Neuville · Buck Henry · Elizabeth Hurley

Synopsis Aria (1987) is a unique cinematic experience comprising ten distinct short films, each helmed by a different renowned director. The lineup includes notable figures such as Ken Russell, Jean-Luc Godard, Robert Altman, Bruce Beresford, and Nicolas Roeg. Each segment is...

5.6

132 votes

5.6

132 votes

5.0

339 votes

4.4

516 votes

The Debussy Film

1965 · Documentary · 82 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Ken Russell

Cast Oliver Reed · Vladek Sheybal · Annette Robertson · Iza Teller

Synopsis The Debussy Film (1965) explores the intriguing narrative of an actor who takes on the role of the renowned composer Claude Debussy. As the actor delves into the life and works of Debussy, he begins to experience a profound personal...

Not rated

Not rated

Song of Summer: Frederick Delius (TV)

1968 · Documentary · 73 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Ken Russell

Cast Max Adrian · Maureen Pryor · Christopher Gable

Synopsis Song of Summer: Frederick Delius (TV) (1968) delves into the final years of the life of Frederick Delius, drawing from Eric Fenby's 1936 memoir, 'Delius as I knew him'. The documentary chronicles Fenby's commitment, as he devoted five years of...

Not rated

Not rated

Dante's Inferno (TV)

1967 · Documentary · 90 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Ken Russell

Cast Oliver Reed · Judith Paris · Andrew Faulds · Christopher Logue

Synopsis Dante's Inferno (TV) (1967) delves into the tumultuous life of Dante Gabriel Rossetti, a prominent figure in the upper echelons of society, focusing on his intricate and agonizing relationship with his ailing wife, Elizabeth. The narrative explores Rossetti's internal conflict...

Not rated

Not rated

Mindbender (TV)

1996 · Movie · 93 min. · United States

Direction Ken Russell

Cast Ishai Golan · Terence Stamp · Idan Alterman · Hetty Baynes

Synopsis Mindbender (TV) (1996) chronicles the extraordinary journey of Uri Geller, widely recognized as one of the world's most renowned psychics. The narrative delves into his ascent to stardom, beginning with his captivating performances in the Middle East, where he astounded...

Not rated

Not rated

Amelia and the Angel

1959 · Movie · 26 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Ken Russell

Cast Mercedes Quadros · Míka van Bloemen · Helen Ulman · E. Collins

Synopsis Amelia and the Angel (1959) tells the story of a young girl named Amelia who is deeply troubled and burdened by guilt after misplacing the wings she was supposed to wear for her school performance. Her distress leads her to...

Not rated

Not rated

Peepshow (S)

1956 · Movie · 22 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Ken Russell

Cast Tom Laden · Philip Evans · Teddy Rhodes · Mike Shaw

Synopsis Peepshow (S) (1956) is a cinematic tale that unfolds like a classic silent comedy, weaving a narrative that explores the themes of artistry and illusion. The film delves into the world of performance and deception, showcasing the intricate dance between...

Not rated

Not rated

Always on Sunday

1965 · Documentary · 43 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Ken Russell

Cast James Lloyd · Annette Robertson · Bryan Pringle · Roland MacLeod

Synopsis Always on Sunday (1965) delves into the life and art of Henri Rousseau, a renowned French naive painter. The documentary offers an intimate look at the artist's journey, showcasing his unique style and the impact he had on the art...

Not rated

Not rated

The Planets

1983 · Documentary · 50 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Ken Russell

Not rated

Not rated

Direction Ken Russell

Cast James Johnston · Lisi Tribble · Marie Findley · Ken Russell

Synopsis The Fall of the Louse of Usher: A Gothic Tale for the 21st Century (2002) follows the descent of rock star Roddy Usher into madness after the brutal murder of his wife. Committed to a county asylum, he finds that...

Not rated

Not rated