Sydney Arnold Movies
The second of Zucker-Abraham-Zucker's theatrical-feature spoofs (Airplane was the first, discounting the patchwork Kentucky Fried Movie), Top Secret! lampoons practically every film genre. Specifically, however, this is a hybrid of an "Elvis" movie and a World War II "underground resistance" thriller. In his film debut, Val Kilmer plays Nick Rivers, a Presley-like American rock idol sent behind the Iron Curtain on a goodwill tour. Before long, he is involved in a complex espionage scheme thanks to beautiful Lucy Gutteridge, the daughter of a scientist (Michael Gough) held captive by the Communists. Also essential to the action is flamboyant resistance leader Christopher Villiers, who behaves like Victor Mature in Betrayed (1954) and talks like James Mason. Adhering to Z-A-Z's cheerful disregard for people, places and events, the East Germans are depicted as Nazis, while the Underground is comprised of Frenchmen. The plot is mainly an excuse for the Z-A-Z team's fondness for joke-a-minute lampoonery, skewering cinematic targets ranging from The Blue Lagoon (1980) to The Wizard of Oz (1939). As in Z-A-Z's other efforts, Top Secret! scores its biggest yocks when invoking cliches that we never realized were cliches-and falls on its face whenever attempting a too-obvious gag (the biggest clinker: that pigeon statue in the park). Everyone has his or her favorite bits in this film: our faves include the resistance fighter named Deja Vu ("Haven't we met somewhere before?"), Kilmer's horrible nightmare while being tortured (he arrives too late to take final exams), the army-booted cow, the sensitive Pinto, and the East German National Anthem, sung to the tune of the Shorewood (Wisconsin) High School marching song. But let's say no more: comedy of this nature is designed to be seen, not written or read about. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Val Kilmer, Lucy Gutteridge, (more)
- 1983
The seven-hour TV miniseries Ellis Island was adapted from a novel by Fred Mustard Stewart. Per its title, the film is a mosaic of subplots involving several European immigrants who passed through New York's Ellis Island before taking up residence in the Big Apple. Most of the characters are based on real people, notably the Irving Berlin-like musician played by Peter Riegert. Co-stars Faye Dunaway, Richard Burton (in his last film role) and Ann Jillian were honored with Emmy nominations. Ironically, this essentially American saga was largely filmed in London. Originally telecast November 11, 13, and 14, 1984, Ellis Island was re-edited and re-telecast in the summer of 1986, just in time for the Statue of Liberty Centennial. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1970
- PG
Rat-pack pals Sammy Davis Jr. and Peter Lawford reprise their roles of Charlie Salt and Chris Pepper, respectively, in this film that marks the directorial debut of comedian/writer Jerry Lewis. Lawford also plays Lord Sydney Pepper, the twin brother of Charlie who is a murder victim. Salt and Pepper investigate the crime in this uneven comedy feature. Pepper takes the place of his dead brother and winds up involved in a diamond-smuggling operation. The duo is chased through the bucolic English countryside by Interpol agents and crooks after the stolen gems. Like many sequels, it fails to be as amusing as the original, which wasn't that great in the first place. ~ Dan Pavlides, Rovi
- Starring:
- Sammy Davis, Jr., Peter Lawford, (more)
- 1968
In the third episode of a five-part story arc, the Clampetts have returned to their castle in England. Hoping to gain an audience with Queen Elizabeth, the hillbillies are laboring under the misapprehension that Elizabeth I is still on the throne. To keep the Clampetts happy, banker Drysdale orders his secretary, Jane Hathaway, to pose as the 16th century monarch. Meanwhile, Jethro gears up for a jousting tournament with a neighboring landowner. Filmed on-location in England, "War of the Roses" first aired on October 9, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1967
In the conclusion of the four-part story "The Highlanders," the Doctor (Patrick Troughton) and Ben (Michael Craze) are still stranded in Scotland in the days following the battle of Culloden. Another battle -- this one between a group of Scottish prisoners and their British captors -- breaks out on board the slave ship Annabelle. Frazer Hines joins the cast as adventurous young Scots piper Jamie McCrimmon. Written by Elwyn Jones and Gerry Davis, "The Highlanders, Episode 4" originally aired on January 4, 1967; this episode is currently unavailable for reappraisal. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Patrick Troughton, Annika Wills, (more)
- 1966
The TARDIS arrives in 18th century Scotland -- just in time for the Battle of Culloden. This turn of events obliges the Doctor (Patrick Troughton) to choose up sides: Will he align himself with the Scots, or cast his lot with the English troops? Meanwhile, Ben (Michael Craze) faces the possibility of a lifetime in slavery. Written by Elwyn Jones and Gerry Davis, the four-part adventure "The Highlanders" commenced on December 17, 1966; none of the four episodes are currently available. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Patrick Troughton, Annika Wills, (more)
- 1966
In the third episode of the four-part story "The Highlanders," Ben manages to outwit Solicitor Grey (David Garth), but remains in forced servitude all the same. As punishment for his insolence, Ben is sentenced to a session with the ducking stool. At the same time, the Doctor (Patrick Troughton) proceeds in his plan to rescue a group of bedraggled Scotsmen who somehow survived the disastrous Battle of Culloden. Written by Elwyn Jones and Gerry Davis, "The Highlanders, Episode 3" originally aired on December 31 1966; this episode is currently unavailable for reappraisal. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Patrick Troughton, Annika Wills, (more)
- 1966
In the second episode of the four-part story "The Highlanders," the Doctor (Patrick Troughton) and Ben (Michael Craze) are still marooned in Scotland, in the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden. The Doctor endeavors to rescue a group of defeated Scotsmen who are about to be sold as slaves. Meanwhile, Ben struggles to escape a life of forced servitude himself, a task which requires him to match wits with the formidable Solicitor Grey (David Garth). Written by Elwyn Jones and Gerry Davis, "The Highlanders, Episode 2" originally aired on December 24, 1966; this episode is currently unavailable for reappraisal. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Patrick Troughton, Annika Wills, (more)
