Roy Dotrice Movies
Halliwell's Filmgoers Companion states that British character actor Roy Dotrice had "a strong line in senile characterizations". Maybe so, but he certainly seemed chillingly cogent in his portrayal of Mozart's father in the Oscar-winning Amadeus. In films since 1965's The Heroes of Telemark, Dotrice has been equally busy on television: he was a regular on such series as Space: 1999 (1975-76), Going to Extremes (1986), Wizards (1986) and Beauty and the Beast (1987-1990, as "The Beast's" Father). Roy Dotrice is the father of actresses Karen and Michele Dotrice. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Ron Perlman returns to the role of the big red BPRD agent in this sequel to 2004's Hellboy, directed once again by Guillermo del Toro and scripted as before in collaboration with original Hellboy creator Mike Mignola. For centuries, an ancient truce has kept the naïve citizens of the human race safe from the horrors of the invisible realm -- but that's all about to change, and fast. A ruthless leader has emerged in the invisible realm, a tyrant just as comfortable walking the surface realm as he is living in the land of fantasy. When this power-mad ruler defies his bloodline to assemble an unstoppable army of fantastical creatures that he will use to wage a supernatural war on humanity, it begins to appear that humankind's days are numbered. But Hellboy (Perlman) isn't about to stand idly by as the planet is purged by a demonic despot, and with a little help from his team at the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense, he may just be able to send our otherworldly overlords packing. Of course, Hellboy's pyrokinetic girlfriend, Liz (Selma Blair), is always willing to conjure up an inferno or two when things get desperate, aquatic Abe (Doug Jones) is prepared to dive headlong into any battle, and protoplasmic mystic Johann (voice of Thomas Kretschmann) proves an invaluable companion in times of inter-dimensional conflict. Now, as the creatures who inhabit the spiritual realm gear up for an all-out attack on the human plane, the only one capable of saving the Earth is a tough-talking hellspawn rejected by both worlds. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, (more)
- 2007
Indie stalwart Abel Ferrara helms this quirky comedy about the goings-on at a downtown cabaret. Willem Defoe stars as Ray Ruby, the proprietor of a joint where all of the dancing girls have big dreams of working their way up to bigger and better things. But trouble begins to brew when money suddenly comes between Ray and his two associates, played by Bob Hoskins and Matthew Modine. Asia Argento and Drea de Matteo also star. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Willem Dafoe, Bob Hoskins, (more)
An aspiring West End actress intent on maintaining her famous mother's legacy finds her dreams suddenly clouded by the warplanes that buzz overhead in this bittersweet war drama from director Julia Taylor-Stanley. Diana (Zoe Tapper) is a London actress who knows deep within that she has what it takes to become a true star of the West End stage. Faced with constant rejection but eternally optimistic that her day will soon come, Diana enters into a passionate love triangle with talented playwright Robin (David Leon) and powerful director Christopher (Andrew Lincoln). Later, when Diane is finally cast in a headlining role, the drums of war begin beating as Hitler's army prepares for their devastating London Blitz. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
The legend of Jacques D'Artagnan (Michael York) gets a gender-bending update in this swashbuckling adventure from stuntman-turned-director Steve Boyum. Though legendary swordsman Jacques D'Artagnan's best days may be well behind him, he has schooled his daughter Valentine (Susie Amy) well in the way of the sword. Now it's time for Valentine to strike out on her own. With her father's sword and a letter of introduction to Commander Flint (Roy Dotrice), the eager young novice sets out to seek her fortune in Paris. Though a woman has never before been appointed the rank of swordsman, Valentine is determined to prove her worth by taking on a deadly mission to rescue the bride-to-be of King Louis XIV from a band of fearsome kidnappers, teaming with the sons of the legendary musketeers who rode with her father. There's more to the mission than meets the eye, however. After discovering that a mysterious stolen letter which could destroy the reputation of the king rests in the possession of the wicked Lady Bolton (Nastassja Kinski), Valentine is framed for murder and imprisoned by the venomous villain. Now it's more than a rescue mission, and in order to survive, Valentine must trust in the skills of her fellow musketeers to bring back the princess and bring Lady Bolton to justice. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gérard Depardieu, Michael York, (more)
- 2001
The opening episode of Touched by an Angel's eighth season introduces the series' newest regular: Valerie Bertinelli, in the previously recurring role of bespectacled novice angel Gloria. As Monica (Roma Downey, Tess (Della Reese) and Andrew (John Dye) do their best to indoctrinate Gloria in the intricacies of their Earthly responsibilities, the plot proper gets under way with William Russ guest-starring as agnostic college professor Thomas North (William Russ). Armed with an ancient map, North goes on an expedition in search of the fabled Ark of the Covenant--accompanied by the Angels, who hope to dissuade the professor from disturbing the sacred religious artifact. Sharing screen time with the main story is the of 88-year-old Catherine Knight (Julianna McCarthy), whose bitter life experiences have caused her to lose faith in everything except her grandson Paul (R.D Robb)--who happens to be the person who sent Prof. North off on his quest for the Ark! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1999
Entering their usual jumping-off place, the Chandler Hotel, the Sliders finds that they're actually trapped in a huge computer--and that they are all miniaturized V.R. images of their "real" selves, who stand as lifeless shells just outside the building. Hotel owner Archibald Chandler (Roy Dotrice) not only refuses to release the foursome, but also threatens to permanently delete them from the hard-drive. Ultimately, the lives of Quinn (Jerry O'Connell), Colin (Charlie O'Connell), Maggie (Kari Wuhrer) and Rembrandt (Cleavant Derricks) are in the grubby hands of a goofy computer hacker. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1998
In this follow-up to the previous episode "Top God," Hercules (Kevin Sorbo) accepts the offer of his father, Zeus (Roy Dotrice), to serve as a full god on Mount Olympus. The honor tarnishes when Hercules finds out the real reason Zeus' offer was extended: As his first assignment, Hercules is expected to thwart a power play spearheaded by the evil Ares (Kevin Smith) and Hera (Meg Foster). Along the way, Hera blackmails Zeus into relinquishing his throne, affording him a rare and tantalizing opportunity to experience life as mortal. In the climax of this, the fourth-season finale of Hercules the Legendary Journeys, Hercules engages in a violent, winner-take-all battle with Hera and his half-brother, Apollo (Scott Michaelsen), in the Dark Side of Olympus. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kevin Sorbo, Michael Hurst, (more)
- 1998
In this follow-up to the previous episode "Twilight," Hercules (Kevin Sorbo) is attending the funeral of his mortal mother Alcmene when he is approached by his father, Zeus (Roy Dotrice). With surprising magnanimity, the heretofore distant Zeus offers Hercules the opportunity to rule as a god from Mount Olympus. But Hercules still harbors bitter memories of past experiences involving both Zeus and his "favored" half-brother Apollo (Scott Michaelsen). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kevin Sorbo, Michael Hurst, (more)
- 1998
As his mother Alcmerne (Liddy Holloway) lies dying, Hercules (Kevin Sorbo) mournfully recalls his first taste of war. In a lengthy flashback, Young Hercules (Ian Bohen) and his equally youthful friends, Iolaus (Dean O'Gorman) and Jason (Chris Conrad), eagerly align themselves with King Eteocles (Ray Woolf) to ward off King Stavros' (Martin Baynton) Parthenon invaders. Can it be that all this bloodshed has no purpose, or will something good emerge from the carnage after all? ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kevin Sorbo, Michael Hurst, (more)
- 1998
Having been burned by a traumatic childhood experience, greedy toy tycoon Tyler Madison (Harry Hamlin) is contemptuous of his fellow man, ruthlessly nasty in his business dealings, and callously neglectful of his wife Elyse (Megan Gallegher) and son Danny (Curtis Blanck). Just before Christmas, Madison piles into his private plane and heads for the North Pole, determined to put his chief competitor, Santa Claus (William Hookins), out of business. But upon his arrival, he realizes that he and S.C. have a lot in common--and thus the inevitable epiphany occurs, culminating in the settling of an "Elf strike" and a closer bond between Tyler and his loved ones. Like Father, Like Santa was telecast by cable's Fox Family Channel on December 1, 1998. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Harry Hamlin, Megan Gallagher, (more)
- 1995
Season Two of Babylon 5 came to an end with the episode titled "The Fall of Night." Not satisfied with conquering the Narn, the Centauri continue waging war on other worlds. Sheridan's willingness to shelter a Narn warship causes friction during negotiations between the Centauri and the Earth. As the story rushes to a cliffhanging close, Keffer makes a startling discovery, and Ambassador Koch performs above and beyond the call of duty to save Sheridan's life. This final chapter in the series' "The Coming of Shadows" saga was written by J. Michael Straczynski); it first aired in the United Kingdom on August 15, 1995, then in America on November 1 of that same year. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)
Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic novel of hypocrisy among America's pilgrims was brought to the screen by director Roland Joffe in this 1995 feature. Demi Moore stars as Hester Prynne, a new arrival to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1666. Prynne, who interacts freely with slaves and Quakers and wears revealing garb, is something of a free thinker and off-putting to the uptight locals. She awaits the arrival of her husband, Roger (Robert Duvall), but he is reported killed. One person who does not find Prynne unsettling is the new preacher, Arthur Dimmesdale (Gary Oldman). A torrid encounter between them produces a child, Pearl, and Hester is condemned by the colony, forced to wear a scarlet letter "A" (for "adultery"). Roger reappears; he had been living with a native tribe -- an experience that has driven him mad. He masquerades as "Roger Chillingsworth," trying to discover the identity of Pearl's father. When Hester is about to be executed, Dimmesdale confesses, but a timely Indian raid intervenes, saving him and Hester. The Scarlet Letter was widely derided by critics for sexualizing and changing Hawthorne's novel to an absurd degree. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Demi Moore, Gary Oldman, (more)
- 1995
The academic world proves as lethal as the "real" world during a controversy over naming the next headmaster at Cabot Cove's prep school. Throughout the process, the school and its principal rival play a number of traditional pranks on one another, presumably in the spirit of good sportsmanship. But when a professor is murdered, Jessica (Angela Lansbury) takes time off of her lecture duties at the school to put and end to the so-called "fun and games." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Originally screened at Telluride as The Buddy Factor, Swimming With Sharks is an uneven but engrossing picture, and a possible warning to anyone with plans to break into the motion-picture business. When Guy (Frank Whaley), a recent film-school graduate with big ideas, takes a job as assistant to major studio executive Buddy Ackerman (Kevin Spacey), he believes his ship has finally come in; little does he know it's a slave ship, for his boss is indeed worse than a slave driver. Buddy delights in abusing his boy-toy (exemplified by the scene in which he forbids Guy to go to the bathroom as he pours water back and forth from a glass to a pitcher). Meanwhile, Guy struggles to push his idea for a script and feels he's finally made it when Buddy congratulates him on a job well done. However, much to his chagrin, his conniving boss actually takes sole credit for the project, pushing the young assistant to wit's end -- he breaks into Buddy's Beverly Hills showplace and takes him hostage, then proceeds to torture him in a number of demeaning and horrifying ways. The whole film stands as a sort of parable about the value system in Hollywood and the cost of reaching the top; it doesn't play like real life, but it's not supposed to. The real reason to watch the film, however, is Spacey's performance. He manages at once to be terrifying, hateful, and hilarious, and he makes Buddy Ackerman a character the audience won't soon forget. ~ Jeremy Beday, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kevin Spacey, Frank Whaley, (more)
- 1994
This made-for-TV movie examines a rare genetic disorder that makes certain people so sensitive to light that they can only survive at night. The story centers on a family that has two so-afflicted children. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Horton, Tracy Pollan, (more)
- 1994
A private eye (Larry Brandonberg) shows up in Nantucket, informing Fay (Rebecca Schull) that someone is looking for her -- under both her married and her maiden name. Things get "curiouser and curiouser" when the detective merely snaps a picture of Fay and then leaves without explanation. It turns out that the man who hired the PI is a Briton named Pete (Roy Dotrice), who Fay met back during the Korean War while she was working at a USO. Pete insists that Fay "owes" him something...but what? ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1993
A mysterious gentleman named Lawrence Baker (David Birney) moves into Cabot Cove and takes possession of a Victorian mansion that is regarded as a local landmark. Baker's curious behavior causes rumors to fly that there is something supernatural, even vampiric about him. And then, Baker is found dead...with a wooden stake through his heart. Jessica (Angela Lansbury) of course wants to find out what really happened--after all, detective work is in her bloooood! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Can a rough and tumble hockey player and a snooty ice dancer find love and a gold medal at the same time? That's the burning (or more appropriately freezing) question in this romantic drama. Kate Moseley (Moira Kelly) is a world-class figure skater training for the Olympics; she has genuine talent, but years of being spoiled by her wealthy family have made her all but impossible to work with. Doug Dorsey (D.B. Sweeney) is a hockey player with drive, skill, and a full complement of arrogance; his team is also on the fast track to the Olympics. Unfortunately, an eye injury suffered during a game affects Doug's peripheral vision enough to put him on the bench for the rest of the season. At the same time, Kate's colossal ego scares off yet another skating partner, and her coach, Anton (Roy Dotrice), needs to find a replacement as soon as possible. Desperate to stay in Olympic competition, Doug agrees to try working as Kate's partner, even though he has a hockey player's macho contempt for figure skating. Needless to say, the first few practices between Kate and Doug do not go well, but in time they learn to work together and become a pair to be reckoned with both on and off the ice. The Cutting Edge was released within a few months of the 1992 Winter Olympic Games. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- D.B. Sweeney, Moira Kelly, (more)
- 1991
The star of this animated 23-minute version of Mark Twain's The Prince and the Pauper is Mickey Mouse...and Mickey Mouse. The bare bones of Twain's mistaken-identity plotline are adhered to, with several delightful slapstick sidetrips along the way. Supporting Mr. Mouse are such Disney stalwarts as Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Black Pete (as the villain, natch.) The film is a delightful hark back to such Disney cartoons of yore as Brave Little Tailor (1938) and Mickey and the Beanstalk (1947), though there are plenty of contemporary references to keep a 1990s audience happy. When originally released to threatres before The Rescuers Down Under, The Prince and the Pauper included a "count-down" clock to bridge the intermission time between the cartoon and the main feature. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
A vehicle for popular wrestling celebrity Hulk Hogan, Suburban Commando is an inoffensive science-fiction fantasy. Hogan plays Shep Ramsey, a well-sculpted if somewhat dimwitted intergalactic hero. On vacation from fighting crime on other planets, he has a fight with an alien enemy and his spaceship is damaged. He seeks refuge on Earth until his ship can be revived. Trying to look inconspicuous as an ordinary human being without special powers, he is befriended by a suburban family headed by Charlie Wilcox (Christopher Lloyd) and his wife Jenny (Shelley Duvall). Ramsey's stay isn't peaceful because he has such a keen sense of justice, which he dishes out to muggers, reckless drivers, and even smart-aleck paper carriers. In the end, he has to defend the family against his bold nemesis. ~ Michael Betzold, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Hulk Hogan, Christopher Lloyd, (more)
- 1990
Hunter (Fred Dryer) is certain that two unrelated murders are the handiwork of the same man. Sure enough, a former street gang member, paroled from prison after twenty years, is out to eliminate his old "pals" who testified against him. The only person who knows the whole story is Catholic priest Father Jack Struthers (James Sutorius), to whom the killer has confessed. Unfortunately, Father Struther is bound by the rules of confession and can reveal nothing--a fact that the gloating murderer uses to his advantage, over and over again! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
This is one of several seventh-season Murder She Wrote episodes introduced by Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury) but starring Dennis Stanton (Keith Michell), a jewel thief turned insurance investigator. Dennis is sucked into the story when a disreputable former associate shows up in San Francisco, possessing what he claims to be a rare original manuscript by Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain. In rapid succession, the manuscript is proven to be forgery by a book expert, the manuscript is torched, and the expert is murdered. As Stanton tries to prove that his old "pal" is innocent, his trail is dogged by the ineluctable Rhoda Markowitz (Hallie Todd) and the irascible police lieutenant Perry Catalano (Ken Swofford). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
Sheridan Le Fanu's erotic horror tale -- the inspiration for Hammer Films' bosom-heaving "Karnstein Trilogy" and Roger Vadim's Blood and Roses -- is given a bit of whitewash in this tepid episode of Shelley Duvall's made-for-cable "Nightmare Classics" series. Inexplicably relocated to the American Deep South in the 19th century, this transposes the tale of a young woman (Ione Skye) who falls under the spell of the enigmatic and beautiful Carmilla (Meg Tilly), a lesbian vampire whose lust for women includes a hunger for female blood. Tame when compared to the blood-and-breasts quotient of Hammer's Lust for a Vampire, this Southern Gothic variant nevertheless contains a few shocking scenes, particularly one character's horrific "surprise" death. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
