Ian Reddinton Movies
- 1991
The American Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, and the emergence of the Black Panthers and the Nation of Islam's Malcom X had an effect far beyond the shores of the U.S. This British movie explores the effect of these American currents in the lives of a close-knit group of blacks and others. One central figure in their lives is a man who achieves local notoriety as "Michael X." The story is told in flashbacks from 1972 and covers the nine previous years. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ruth Gemmell
- 1989
In the conclusion of the four-part story "The Greatest Show in the Galaxy," the three evil rulers of the Psychic Circus, disguised as a "typical" tourist family, demand entertainment from the Doctor (Sylvester McCoy) and Ace (Sophie Aldred) -- threatening instant death if that entertainment is not forthcoming. In trying to escape this fate, the Doctor activates the fabled "Old Devil Moon" effect, with startling consequences. Written by Stephen Wyatt, "The Greatest Show in the Galaxy, Episode 4" first aired on January 4, 1989, as the final episode of Doctor Who's 25th season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sylvester McCoy, Sophie Aldred, (more)
- 1988
In the second episode of the four-part story "The Greatest Show in the Galaxy," the Doctor (Sylvester McCoy) and Ace (Sophie Aldred) are attacked by a "killer clown" while attending the Psychic Circus on the planet Segonax. As it turns out, the two time travelers are remarkably fortunate: most of the Circus' previous "customers" were summarily executed by a trio of evil demigods from Ragnarok. But why? Written by Stephen Wyatt, "The Greatest Show in the Galaxy, Episode 2" first aired on December 21, 1988. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sylvester McCoy, Sophie Aldred, (more)
- 1988
In the third episode of the four-part story "The Greatest Show in the Galaxy," the Doctor (Sylvester McCoy) and Ace (Sophie Aldred) are trapped in the Psychic Circus on the planet Segonax, where a triumvirate of evil demigods from Ragnarok have demanded that the two time-travelers entertain them -- or suffer a violent demise. Facing such perils as killer-robot clowns and ancient spirits, the Doctor and Ace are also in danger of being literally bored to death. Written by Stephen Wyatt, "The Greatest Show in the Galaxy, Episode 3" first aired on December 28, 1988. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sylvester McCoy, Sophie Aldred, (more)
- 1988
The 25th season of Doctor Who came to an end with the modestly titled four-parter "The Greatest Show in the Galaxy." Attracted by an advertising satellite, the Doctor (Sylvester McCoy) and Ace (Sophie Aldred) attend the famous "Psychic Circus" on the planet Segonax. Before long, however, the Doctor stumbles upon several ominous warnings -- including a buried robot and an abandoned hippie bus -- that all is not fun and games at the circus. Written by Stephen Wyatt, "The Greatest Show in the Galaxy, Episode 1" first aired on December 14, 1988. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sylvester McCoy, Sophie Aldred, (more)
With the ultimate throw-down, "There can be only one," Highlander captured the imaginations of fantasy fans seeking a well-executed swordplay epic, becoming a cult classic in the process. Connor MacLeod (Christopher Lambert) is one of a waning few survivors of a clan of immortals. The breed have been dueling each other for centuries in the quest to be the last one remaining, and hence achieve a supreme enlightenment that would be dangerous in the wrong hands. The immortals can only die by decapitation, so they hunt each other through time and across continents to meet for each decisive duel, which will bring one of them a step closer to ultimate power. In present-day America, the troubled hero MacLeod lives a brooding and lonely existence, having lost his true love centuries ago. The evil Kurgan (Clancy Brown), an immortal who plans to use his power toward unspeakable ends, has fought MacLeod before but is still trying to finish him off. After emerging victorious from a parking garage skirmish with the third-to-last immortal, MacLeod knows that only Kurgan is left, and the two are on a collision path toward the inevitable. In the film's numerous flashbacks to the past, Sean Connery plays Ramirez, the immortal who first tutors MacLeod after the hero survives a mortal battle wound, prompting his fearful village to banish him. Roxanne Hart plays MacLeod's modern-day love interest, who tries to help him while struggling to believe his incredible story. The director's cut runs four minutes shorter. ~ Derek Armstrong, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Christopher Lambert, Roxanne Hart, (more)
