John Ringham Movies

Based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore, V for Vendetta takes place in an alternate vision of Britain in which a corrupt and abusive totalitarian government has risen to complete power. During a threatening run in with the secret police, an unassuming young woman named Evey (Natalie Portman) is rescued by a vigilante named V (Hugo Weaving) -- a caped figure both articulate and skilled in combat. V embodies the principles of rebellion from an authoritarian state, donning a mask of vilified would-be terrorist of British history Guy Fawkes and leading a revolution sparked by assassination and destruction. Evey becomes his unlikely ally, newly aware of the cruelty of her own society and her role in it. ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide

In "The Resident Patient," an episode of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (an excellent adaptation of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and produced in Britain for Granada TV), Sherlock Holmes (Jeremy Brett), aided by his companion Dr. Watson (David Burke), investigates the suspicious disappearance of a father and son. This exciting series, which is impeccably faithful to the original stories, will please even the most critical of Holmes fans because of its accurate dramatization of Victorian England. This series was followed by The Return, The Casebook, and The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, as well as several feature-length TV movie adaptations. ~ Linda Rasmussen, All Movie Guide

In the third episode of the six-part story "Colony in Space," the Doctor (Jon Pertwee) takes time off from mediating an argument between the Earth colonists of the planet Uxarius and the Interplanetary Mining Corporation to investigate the whereabouts of the planet's original inhabitants. He learns that the local natives worship a machine maintained by the Guardian, the last remaining vestige of a once-great civilization. The machine turns out to be a "doomsday device" -- and this fact will, in weeks to come, prove beneficial for the Doctor's longtime enemy, the Master (Roger Delgado). Written by Malcolm Hulke, "Colony in Space, Episode 3" first aired on April 24, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

The titular colony in this six-part Doctor Who adventure is located on the planet Uxarius in the year 2472 A.D. Traveling through space and time in the temporarily reactivated TARDIS, the Doctor (Jon Pertwee) and Jo (Katy Manning) hope to retrieve a Time Lord file stolen by the Doctor's perennial nemesis, the Master. Arriving on Uxarius, the time-travelers soon find themselves mediating an argument between the colonists and the Interplanetary Mining Corporation. Written by Malcolm Hulke, "Colony in Space, Episode 1" first aired on April 10, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

In the fifth episode of the six-part story "Colony in Space," the Doctor (Jon Pertwee) tries to persuade the Guardian (Norman Atkyns) of the planet Uxarius to destroy a doomsday machine that is worshipped as a god by the local natives. But he is thwarted in this pursuit by the Master (Roger Delgado), who intends to use the machine for his own nefarious purposes. Written by Malcolm Hulke, "Colony in Space, Episode 5" first aired on May 8, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

In the second episode of the four-part story "The Smugglers," the Doctor (William Hartnell) and his companions Ben (Michael Craze) and Polly (Anneke Wills) find themselves at the mercy of smugglers in 17th century Cornwall. But there's more danger ahead for all concerned when the smugglers are themselves captured by pirates. And just what is the "master plan" conceived by the swarthy Captain Pike (Michael Godfrey)? Written by Brian Sayles, "The Smugglers, Episode 2" originally aired on September 17, 1966. Except for a brief fragment, this episode no longer exists. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

A prestigious university is the site for skullduggery when a noted economist is murdered while working on a plan to eliminate all forms of poverty. Arriving on the campus of Saint Bodes University to investigate, Steed and Emma discover that the place is festooned with suspicious characters, student and teacher alike. Though the episode scores points on its thrill contect, the highlight is a costume-party sequence wherein Emma is fetchingly garbed as Robin Hood (green tights and all). Written by Martin Woodhouse, "A Sense of History" was initially broadcast in England on March 12, 1966, and made its American TV debut on June 20 of that same year. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

In the third episode of the four-part story arc "The Aztecs," the followers of high priestess Yetaxa are still convinced that Barbara (Jacqueline Hill) is the reincarnation of their deity. Accordingly, Barbara is forced to mete out punishment when her travelling companion Susan (Carole Ann Ford) -- now a mere handmaiden -- commits a grievous error. Meanwhile, Ian (William Russell) is appointed chief of the Aztec warriors (and is forced to defend his new title to the death), while the Doctor (William Hartnell) unexpectedly finds a romantic soulmate. Written by John Lucarotti, "The Bride of Sacrifice" first aired on June 6, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

In the final episode of the four-episode story arc "The Aztecs," Barbara's misguided efforts to alter the course of history have discredited her in the eyes of the Aztec worshippers, who no longer believe that she is the reincarnation of the high priestess Yetaxa. Consequently, Barbara, Susan, and Ian are slated to be "guests of honor" at a human sacrifice. The Doctor (William Hartnell) endeavors to rescue his companions -- with the unexpected assistance of a total eclipse. Written by John Lucarotti, "The Day of Darkness" first aired on June 6, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Very Important Person is an amusing British comedy set in a German POW camp during World War II. Sir Ernest Pease (James Robertson Justice) is a self-important professor with a bloated ego and a lightning put-down. When he is flown over Germany disguised as a navy officer to check out the effectiveness of one of his radar inventions, his plane is shot down and he lands in the POW camp. All sorts of misunderstandings arise, since the other prisoners suspect him of being a spy. In the meantime, there are the expected clashes of wit between the British prisoners and their dour German captors and the inevitable camp-organized concert. In the midst of these activities, the professor is challenged to find a way to escape. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide