Norman Atkyns Movies
In 1974, flanked by such filmic monuments to paranoia and corruption as Chinatown and The Parallax View, Elliott Gould and Donald Sutherland tried to re-create the screwball nonchalance of their earlier M*A*S*H performances in this lightweight spy spoof, directed by Irvin Kershner. Gould and Sutherland play two CIA agents -- Griff and Bruland -- who are marked for death by their own agency after botching the defection of a Russian ballet dancer (Michael Petrovich). As they repeatedly mess up their assignments and wriggle out of tight corners, they not only find themselves pursued by the CIA, but also by the KGB, the Chinese Communists, and a terrorist group that wants to destroy the CIA. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Donald Sutherland, Elliott Gould, (more)
- 1972
In the fifth episode of the six-part story "The Sea Devils," the Doctor (Jon Pertwee) realizes he will never be able to negotiate a truce between the British Navy and the reptilian Sea Devils as long as the Master (Roger Delgado) is stirring up hostilities. Things become even hairier when the Master develops a machine that will enable the Sea Devils to win their battle at sea and to wipe out all mankind. With no other alternative, the Doctor and the Master square off in a fight to the finish. Originally shown on March 25, 1972, "The Sea Devils, Episode 4" was written by Malcolm Hulke. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jon Pertwee, Katy Manning, (more)
- 1971
In the conclusion to the six-part story "Colony in Space," the Adjudicator, sent from earth to mediate a land dispute between the colonists of the planet Uxarius and the Interplanetary Mining Corporation, has revealed himself to be the Master (Roger Delgado), longtime nemesis of the Doctor (Jon Pertwee). Now in control of a doomsday device that is worshipped as an idol by the planet's natives, the Master intends to wreak havoc throughout the Universe. Inasmuch as this story is set in the year 2472 A.D., there is no telling how things will turn out until the very end. Written by Malcolm Hulke, "Colony in Space, Episode 6" first aired on May 15, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jon Pertwee, Katy Manning, (more)
- 1971
In the fourth episode of the six-part story "Colony in Space," the Doctor (Jon Pertwee) discovers that the natives of the planet Uxarius have deified a machine which is capable of wiping out entire planets. Likewise taking an interest in this doomsday device is the Master (Roger Delgado), who has arrived on Uxarius in the guise of a land-dispute mediator. Naturally, the Master wants to steal the machine in order to take over the universe -- or destroy in the process. Written by Malcolm Hulke, "Colony in Space, Episode 4" first aired on May 1, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jon Pertwee, Katy Manning, (more)
- 1970
- R
Based on a best-selling novel by John Christopher, this combination horror-movie, cautionary tale warns against the dangers of pollution. The tale is set in a futuristic Britain that has been decimated by the sudden onset of a terrible plague caused by environmental damage. Most of the devastation occurs in London. One family flees to the sanctuary of a friend's farm. The journey is treacherous and the clan must fight insane biker gangs and deal with their own personal problems, but eventually, they make it to the farm. Unfortunately, though they were especially invited, the owner's ruthless brother refuses to let them enter and so the desperate head of the family leads a brutal attack. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Nigel Davenport, Jean Wallace, (more)
- 1959
The otherwise routine story and themes of this comedy are greatly balanced by talents of Anthony Newley as Jeep Jackson, a singing idol called up to serve in the British army and Lionel Jeffries as Bertie, a fussbudget adjutant. One of Jackson's superior officers is the brash Sgt. Lush (William Bendix) whose bark is much worse than his bite. Aside from the usual army types, Caroline (Anne Aubrey), the commander's daughter, adds a romantic nuance to the story when she falls for Jackson. And as in any story about a pop singer anywhere, Jackson manages to belt out a few songs. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Bendix, Anthony Newley, (more)
