Frank Wylie Movies
- 1982
In the third episode of the four-part story "Castrovalva," the titular planet has become a temporary home for the TARDIS crew, at least until the Doctor's (Peter Davison) latest regeneration is complete. Unfortunately, Castrovalva is not a planet at all, but instead a huge Block Transfer Computation, created by a brainwashed Adric (Matthew Waterhouse) at the behest of the Doctor's old enemy, the Master (Anthony Ainley). Written by Christopher H. Bidmead, "Castrovalva, Episode 3" originally aired on January 11, 1982. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Peter Davison, Matthew Waterhouse, (more)
- 1982
In the conclusion of the four-part story "Castrovalva," the TARDIS crew is trapped on huge Block Transfer Computation, which the Master (Anthony Ainley) has disguised as an arboreal planet. Knowing that he and his companions must escape this false world lest the Master succeed in his latest bid to take over the Universe, the Doctor (Peter Davison) must first rescue the brainwashed Adric (Matthew Waterhouse) from the villain's evil influence. Written by Christopher H. Bidmead, "Castrovalva, Episode 4" originally aired on January 12, 1982. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Peter Davison, Matthew Waterhouse, (more)
- 1982
In the second episode of the four-part story "Castrovalva," the new Doctor (Peter Davison) continues his search for a safe refuge where he can remain until his latest regeneration has taken hold. Barely escaping Event One (the "big bang" creation of the Universe), the Doctor's companion, Tegan (Janet Fielding), pilots the TARDIS towards the peaceful, bountiful planet of Castrovalva -- or so she thinks. Written by Christopher H. Bidmead, "Castrovalva, Episode 2" originally aired on January 5, 1982. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Peter Davison, Matthew Waterhouse, (more)
Perhaps William Shakespeare meant to have Lady Macbeth perform her sleepwalking scene in the nude -- it was this X-rated scene and the film's much-publicized spurts of violence, rather than the brilliant performances of Jon Finch as Macbeth and Francesca Annis as his Lady, that lured crowds to Roman Polanski's 1972 adaptation of Macbeth. Only a few critics glommed onto the most impressive aspect of Polanski's version: as Macbeth and his wife sink deeper and deeper into the morass of their murderous ambitions, they age and wither before our eyes (Shakespeare's play does cover several years, but this is usually forgotten or ignored by many actors and directors). Macbeth was financed and released by Playboy, which naturally necessitated a fold-out spread on "the witches of Cawdor." The original Shakespearean text was adapted for the screen by Polanski and Kenneth Tynan. Despite an excellent first week, Macbeth ended up in the red, compelling Hugh Hefner to think twice about future motion-picture projects. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jon Finch, Francesca Annis, (more)
Russian playwright Anton Chekhov's three upper-class Prozorov sisters -- Masha, Olga, and Irina -- come no closer to their dream of returning to Moscow in director Laurence Olivier's 1970 film version of Three Sisters than they did in Chekhov's original 1900 play. This melancholy classic about shattered dreams, self-delusion, and compromise was directed by Olivier for Britain's National Theatre in 1967. The film, a literal record of Olivier's stage version, was produced in order to raise money for the ever-imperiled National. Olivier, who'd just recovered from a serious illness, plays the mischievous army doctor Chebutikin, while Olivier's wife, Joan Plowright, essays the major role of Masha, the snobbish general's daughter who tries to escape the stultifying banality of her provincial marriage by having an affair. Three Sisters was released in the U.S. in 1974 as part of the American Film Theatre series. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jeanne Watts, Joan Plowright, (more)
