L. du Garde Peach (1890–1974)

An interesting Gainsborough Picture that sees the once notable scientist Dr Laurence (Boris Karloff) becoming consumed by controversial research into mind transference. He is joined in his research by the brilliant young doctor Clare Wyatt (Anna Lee) but when his funding is withdrawn he resorts to criminality and murder to keep his pseudo-science project alive. "The Man Who Changed His Mind" is a short (66 minutes) but effectively atmospheric and moody piece by director Robert Stevenson. show more There are great gothic sets and plenty of great electrical driven quack-science machines in Laurence's laboratory which contain more than a hint of Frankenstein's lair. Scriptwriters John L. Balderston, Sidney Gilliat and L. du Garde Peach pile on the weird science in between philosophical interludes about the mind, consciousness and the nature of reality. The acting is good, with Boris Karloff bringing a level of complexity and appropriate obsessiveness to the role of the mad scientist. Anna Lee has the more interesting role, however, playing Dr Wyatt as a liberated, intelligent headstrong woman who is very much the equal (if not the better) of the men in the film. This is a powerful role and all the more surprising for being in a genre film of this vintage. Overall this is a classy and intelligent little picture that is skilfully presented by director Robert Stevenson and delivers a couple of outstanding central performances. show less

The publishers did not just focus on the celebrity famous. Here they devote a book to the Quaker Elizabeth Fry and tell the story of her life. She was deeply troubled a lot of the time and set about prison reform with the same zeal as a 21st century Joanna Lumley.

If only history was as straightforward as the Ladybird books would have you believe. All the main facts are there, but I doubt William wanted to rule England because it was "green and pleasant". Great introduction for children.

Tries to keep Henry's messy private life and political wranglings with the Church as simplistic as possible.