Andrew McCullough Movies

In the third episode of the four-part Meglos, the title character has disguised himself as the Doctor (Tom Baker) and stolen the power source of the planet Tigella, the better to restore the tattered glories of Meglos' own race. Meanwhile, the Doctor tries to figure out a means of escape, so that Tigella will not be destroyed by Meglos' machinations. Jacqueline Hill, who'd played the Doctor's traveling companion Barbara Wright in the earliest episodes, guest stars as Lexa, leader of the Deon race. Written by John Flanagan and Andrew McCullough, "Meglos, Episode 3" first aired on October 11, 1980. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

The title character in this four-chapter Doctor Who adventure is the last survivor of the Zolfa-Thuran civilization. While on a diplomatic mission to the cult-dominated planet Tigella, the Doctor (Tom Baker) is intercepted by Meglos, who has hatched a scheme to access Tigella's power source. Jacqueline Hill, who'd played the Doctor's traveling companion Barbara Wright in the earliest episodes, guest stars as Lexa, leader of the Deon race. Written by John Flanagan and Andrew McCullough, "Meglos, Episode 1" first aired on September 27, 1980. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

The second British anthology series to bear the title The Sound of Laughter premiered over ATV on July 28, 1977. Like the earlier 1967 series, this one consisted of pilot films for prospective TV series; in this case, most of the episodes were produced and/or directed by Les Chatfield. Of the six half-hour installments, only the first, "A Sharp Intake of Breath," matriculated into a weekly series, which aired from 1978 to 1981. The other pilots included "Young at Heart" with Stratford Johns and Richard Pearson; "Bricks Without Straw" with Michael Elphick and Amanda Reiss; "What a Performance" with Andrew Sachs and Anna Quayle; "After the Boom Was Over" with Tim Wylton and Gabrielle Lloyd; and the final broadcast on September 1, 1977, "The Best of Friends," with Jessie Evans, Peter Blythe, and Catherine Chase. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

During a gas station holdup, Richard Kimble (David Janssen) and Joanne Spencer (Brenda Vaccaro) are taken hostage by psychotic gunmen Miles (Chris Robinson) and Vinnie (Lou Antonio). In an effort to save Joanne's life, Kimble pretends to be a master criminal, offering to cut the two thugs in on a big heist if they'll drive him to Hollywood. Though Kimble tries to convince Joanne that he's really on her side, she panics when she disovers that he is an accused murderer--while the sadistic Miles awaits the opportunity to kill both captives in cold blood. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Wally (Tony Dow) is hired as a weekend lifeguard at Friends Lake. But when he reports for work, his boss regards Wally as too young for the job, and so he is reassigned to sell candy and hot dogs at the concession stand. Meanwhile, Beaver (Jerry Mathers) has been bragging to all of his friends about his brother, the brave lifeguard. When he finally discovers what Wally is really doing, Beaver is not only humiliated -- he's boiling mad! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

One of the first important distinctions to be made about this version of King Lear is that it is not the same version directed by Peter Brook in 1971. Brook was responsible for the staging of this 1953 version, but it was Andrew McCullough who put it to film. Orson Welles portrays the titular character, one of the most memorable and important characters from the Shakespearean canon. The story begins with the famous request Lear makes of his daughters: to express how much they love him. In exchange, Lear will divide his land and power amongst them based on the extent of their answers. Cordelia (Natasha Parry), the youngest and the one whom Lear loves the most, answers very modestly -- yet honestly --and incurs the wrath of Lear, who not only withholds his gift to her, but banishes her as well. Lear divides his lands and power between the two older daughters, Goneril (Beatrice Straight) and Regan (Margaret Phillips), who intend to take swift and complete control of their father's power almost instantaneously. Lear is reduced to an angry, bitter man who realizes too late what has happened. After a series of indignities are inflicted upon him by his daughters, he retreats into a storm, vowing revenge. This film is an above-average adaptation with a very capable cast and a well-staged presentation. The subplot of Gloucester and his sons has been removed, however, presumably in interests of time conservation, but it doesn't seriously hinder the story. ~ Ryan Shriver, Rovi