Emrys James Movies

A special-effects laden medieval fantasy adventure, Dragonslayer centers on the attempts of a young sorcerer's apprentice to defeat a vicious dragon and save a lovely young maiden. Peter MacNicol stars as the young Galen, an aspiring magician under the tutelage of the aging Ulrich (Ralph Richardson). A nearby village turns to the pair for help when their leader begins proffering sacrifices of young virgins to satisfy a vicious dragon. The two immediately set out for battle, becoming even more determined when a courageous princess offers to sacrifice herself to the creature. Unfortunately, Ulrich's failing abilities force Galen into the center of the conflict, where the uncertain young boy must prove himself under fire. The suitably mythic if somewhat predictable story is told straightforwardly, culminating in a spectacular battle against the beast, featuring Academy Award-nominated visual effects. Despite its visual flair and relatively positive reviews, the film received mediocre response at the box office, as some criticized the film's violence as too intense for its intended younger audiences. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide

A reclusive, unhappy gold magnate finds his isolated tropical paradise threatened by the intrusion of organized criminals in director Nicolas Roeg's convoluted, arty drama. Gene Hackman stars as Jack McCann, a one-time gold prospector who his parlayed the discovery of a rich deposit in the Canadian wilderness into an immense fortune. Instead of satisfaction, McCann's wealth leads to depression and paranoia, and he moves to a remote island and withdraws from the world. The bulk of the film centers on what has become of McCann some thirty years later, as he attempts to deal with a troubled daughter (Theresa Russell) and the attentions of the Mafia, who want to build a new casino on his tropical home. As the pressures increase, his efforts to protect his property and maintain his family become increasingly desperate, culminating in an extended public trial. Even stranger and more stylized than most of Roeg's work, the disjointed Eureka will seem incomprehensible and painfully pretentious to those with little patience for his indirect narratives and purposefully exaggerated approach. Devoted fans, however, will find further proof of the director's impressive visual sense, especially during the film's earlier sequences. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide

In the second episode of the four-part story "State of Decay," the Doctor (Tom Baker), Romana (Lalla Ward), and Adric (Matthew Waterhouse), still lost in E-Space, have landed on a feudalistic planet run by three mysterious, highly intelligent Lords. The Doctor eventually discovers that the rulers are from Earth and that it was on this planet that his own race, the Time Lords, first developed their aversion to violence. If this is true, why does it appear that the Lords keep themselves alive by feeding on the other residents of the planet? First shown on November 29, 1980, "State of Decay, Episode 2" was written by Terrance Dicks. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

In the conclusion of the four-part story "State of Decay," the Doctor (Tom Baker) must find a way to destroy the minions of the Great Vampire without breaking his Time Lord oath of avoiding violence. Even if he solves this dilemma, will the Doctor, Romana (Lalla Ward), and Adric (Mathew Waterhouse) be able to escape E-Space and answer an urgent summons to Gallifrey? First shown on December 13, 1980, "State of Decay, Episode 4" was written by Terrance Dicks. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

The made-for-television The Man in the Iron Mask was, at the very least, the twelfth film version of Alexandre Dumas' 1847 novel. The title character is Philippe (Richard Chamberlain), rightful heir to the throne of France. Enemies of Philippe's twin brother, King Louis XIV (also Chamberlain) plot to kidnap the monarch, lock him in a dungeon, and obscure his identity with an iron mask. But aging musketeer D'Artagnan (Louis Jourdan), who'd virtually raised Louis from boyhood, reunites his old musketeer cohorts to rescue Louis and overthrow the wicked Philippe. Emmy nominations went to scripter William Bast and costumer Olga Lehmann. Photographed by the great Freddie Young, Man in the Iron Mask was first telecast January 17, 1977 ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide