At the height of summer 2002, up and coming young British film director Alex Nichol unleashed
his second short comedy film on an audience of over three hundred people, none of whom had the
slightest idea what was about to hit them!
Geriatric Kung-fu comedy short, Death and Mrs Brady scooped the Best Film Award, judged by Keith Bell
and Neil Marshall (producer & director of recent Box Office hit 'Dog Soldiers') at the Shot in the Dark
gala screening, at the Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle upon Tyne, proving without a shadow of a doubt
that even Death is no match for Mrs Brady!!
Choose from the menu to the right to see screenshots & storyboards, read more about the film's writer
and director Alex Nichol, find out how we got Mrs Brady to go topless and download free Death and Mrs
Brady goodies. Oh, and don't forget to let us know what you thought of the website by posting a
message in the Guestbook.
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After a life time of bitter feuding with her arch enemy Mrs Pilkington-Smythe, the time has come for Mrs
Brady to die. But even Death is no match for Mrs Brady.
Her unbeatable fighting technique and sheer stubbornness has given Death many a sleepless night.
The Grim Reaper confronts Mrs Brady one night on her way home from the bingo, and an amazing fight ensues.
In a death-defying display of martial arts prowess, Mrs Brady defeats the reaper once again.
But this time the old bat takes a souvenir, the tool of his trade, the scythe without which he cannot reap.
To get it back, he must strike a deal with old Mrs Brady. He must help settle her feud with Mrs
Pilkington-Smythe once and for all!
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Writer and Director Alex Nichol: Personal Biography
29-Year-old writer/director Alex Nichol graduated from the University of Northumbria in
July 2002 with a First class Bachelor of Arts Degree in Film and Video production.
His first 16mm short film, "The Dud Samaritan", shot whilst in his second year at the
University of Northumbria, was streets ahead of the competition, despite costing less than
£200 to make and a gruelling two-week schedule from the first day on set to the afternoon
of delivery.
It marked an important milestone in Alex's career, a point from which his expression began
to take shape and he was finding his voice at last.
In June 2002, Mrs Brady was unleashed upon audiences to public acclaim, her Kung-fu antics
with the Grim Reaper cementing her place in history as one of the toughest old women who
ever lived!
In 2003, Death & Mrs Brady came fourth place in the audience poll at the York Independent
Film Festival.
Since Death & Mrs Brady, Alex has been working with a team of talented North East filmmakers
on various short film projects, such as "Oceanic" and "The Last Temptation of Jeff", and is
currently developing future projects.
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Alex Nichol's Death and Mrs Brady: The film's cast
Helen Russell (Mrs Brady) Having worked with Helen on a number of his earlier student films, writer Alex
Nichol had penned the character Mrs Brady with her in mind. With many years of experience in theatrical and
variety performance under her belt, Helen was perfect for the role of the world's most loveable Kung-fu
granny, bringing a warmth and charm to the film that only she could provide! Helen Russell also starred in
Alex Nichol's last short comedy film The Dud Samaritan, also starring Adrian Morgan Hopper and Colin Cuthbert.
Jez Hunt (Death) Having joined the crew during pre-production as the special effects make-up wizard, Jez
Hunt found himself in his first ever acting role as the machete-weilding Grim Reaper! His wiry physical
build, exaggerated body language and eagerness to stand naked in a crowded snowy street
in the middle of March far outweighed his lack of acting experience as he played his part to the max.
Thelma Miller (Mrs Pilkington-Smythe) The casting of Thelma Miller in the role of Mrs Pilkington-Smythe was
an instant decision due to her flawless grasp of the character and her devotion to the project as a whole.
Thelma's ability to hold an audience and dominate the screen made her the perfect villain as Mrs Brady's
snooty arch-enemy.
Charlie Brain (Julie - Mrs Brady's Grand daughter) Charlie Brain and Alex Nichol had
already worked together on previous student projects, and so naturally, she was the first choice to play Mrs
Brady's grand daughter Julie. Shortly after appearing in Death and Mrs Brady, Charlie graduated from the
University of Northumbria with a first class honours degree in Performing Arts.
Paul Curtis (Dad - Mrs Brady's son in law) With a long list of theatrical performances to his credit, Death
and Mrs Brady was one of Paul Curtis's first appearances in independent short film. His flawless timing
and beautiful deadpan delivery transformed what was a small supporting role into the perfect introduction
to the film.
Derek Carpenter (The Tramp who watches Mrs Brady's kung fu fight with the Grim Reaper) Also known as "Bo
the Clown", Derek Carpenter is a master of physical comedy. His unique appearance and ability to convey
thoughts and feelings without words brought him immediately to the attention of the director Alex Nichol.
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About the film
. It was shot in 2002 on 16mm Kodak colour film and edited by Mike Pentney of Imagine
Post Production in Newcastle upon Tyne. The film won Best Film award at the Shot in the Dark Gala Screening
at the Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle upon Tyne, and was awarded a Royal Television Society Commendation at the
2002 regional awards.
Other films by Writer and Director Alex Nichol. Alex Nichol co-wrote and directed another short comedy film called The Dud Samaritan in 2001. It was shot
on 16mm black and white film stock and completed in its entirety in just under two weeks. The Dud Samaritan was a charming short comedy
about two lonely men who find both solace and malice in one another's company. Alex also directed a short
drama called Josh, shot on DVC pro in 2001, which he is still waiting for Mike Pentney to edit. It was shot
so long ago now, it'll probably be really bad, but it was Alex's first experiment with psychological drama
and suspense. You can find out about the other films Alex Nichol has worked on by looking at
www.aelius.net.