Angela Douglas Movies

At least the 22nd time William Shakespeare's most famous tragedy has been brought to the screen, Kenneth Branagh's film adaptation of Hamlet was the first to preserve Shakespeare's entire text, uncut and unabridged. Moving the action into the 19th century, Branagh cast himself in the title role and, as in his adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing, assembled an eclectic group of actors that mixed veteran Shakespearean performers (including John Mills, Judi Dench, John Gielgud, and Derek Jacobi) with Hollywood stars not known for interpreting the Bard's work (among them Robin Williams, Charlton Heston, Billy Crystal, and Jack Lemmon). However, unlike most interpretations, it's the women who really carry the show, with the two best performances delivered by Kate Winslet as Ophelia and Julie Christie as Gertrude. As usual, Hamlet finds himself torn over what to do after the death of his father and his mother's hasty remarriage. Branagh's version of Hamlet was also notable on a technical level, as it was filmed in the 70-mm format for increased visual clarity and detail. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

With episode one of the four-part "Battlefield," Doctor Who launched its 26th (and thus far final) season. The Doctor (Sylvester McCoy) and Ace (Sophie Aldred) travel to the England of the not-too-distant future, arriving on the battlefield where King Arthur once battled Mordred over possession of the sword Excalibur. He soon discovers that this ancient war is far from over and that a UNIT convoy headed by stalwart Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart (Nicholas Courtney) is in danger of being destroyed -- not only by a group of extra-dimensional villains, but also by galloping inflation. Jean Marsh of Upstairs, Downstairs fame, who previously appeared in the 1965 Doctor Who adventure "The Dalek Masterplan," is here cast as the sorceress Morgaine. Originally telecast on September 6, 1989, "Battlefield, Episode 1" was written by Ben Aaronovitch. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Steed is assigned to protect a key witness against the other side. Only Tara is informed of Steed's secret whereabouts, compelling the enemy to hatch an elaborate scheme to extract the necessary information from our heroine. In rapid succession, Tara is kidnapped, her flat is bombed, and her superior, Mother, is killed. Written by Brian Clemens, "Requiem" was first broadcast in America on March 31, 1969, then shown in England on April 16 of that same year. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Though not advertised as such, Follow That Camel was an entry in Britain's long-running "Carry On" series. Phil Silvers stars as Sgt. Nocker, a self-styled hero of the Foreign Legion. Nocker's feet of clay are readily apparent to young recruit Bertram Oliphant West (Jim Dale), but "orders is orders." When the Arabs attack, however, Nocker saves the day with some clever conniving. The "Carry On" team seems to be working at half-throttle here, perhaps in deference to the indefatigable Phil Silvers. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

One of several satirical films in the British "Carry On" series, this is a broad spoof of horror films in general and of Universal monster movies in particular. The buffoonish heroes -- a pair of inept Scotland Yard inspectors named Bung and Slowbottom -- are investigating the disappearance of several women in the vicinity of Hocomb Woods when they cross paths with mad scientist Dr. Watt (Kenneth Williams) and his slinky, sexy vampire sister Valaria (Fenella Fielding), both of whom have been turning the abducted women into statues. Joining in the fun are the resident werewolf, the mummy, a pseudo-Frankenstein monster and a gaggle of ghouls resurrected by Watt's diabolical experiments. Goofy fun for those looking for a decidedly British take on Addams Family-style monster antics. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide

Politics and sports clash in this occasionally funny spoof centered around a downed U2 pilot and an extravagant oil sheik. John Goldfarb (Richard Crenna), a former football player, now pilot, sent on a reconnaissance mission over the Soviet Union, is lost and crash-lands in the Middle Eastern kingdom of Fawzia. King Fawz (Peter Ustinov) is constructing a football team to defeat Notre Dame and demands that Goldfarb coach his team or be handed over as a spy. In the interests of international relations, the U.S. State Department not only complies with King Fawz's request to bring the Notre Dame team to his country but in true diplomatic form insists that they throw the game. The romantic interest appears in the form of Jenny Ericson (Shirley MacLaine), an American reporter on an undercover assignment in the king's harem. A pleasant view in scanty harem garb, she lends mild amusement to the story with attempts to avoid the king's amourous advances. Although the humor falls short of its potential, the film was fortuitously saved from obscurity due to publicity generated by an unsuccessful lawsuit brought agianst the studio by the University of Notre Dame, which objected to a scene involving Notre Dame players fraternizing with harem girls. The screenplay for John Goldfarb, Please Come Home was written by William Peter Blatty who was later known for his award winning novel and screenplay The Exorcist. ~ Lucinda Ramsey, All Movie Guide

This engaging children's musical finds Billy Bowles (Tommy Steele) as an A & R talent co-ordinator who has grown up as an orphan. He returns every Saturday to play with the orphans in the place he grew up. The sentimental Billy arranges a recording session and a benefit performance to help the institution. He gathers a bevy of song and dance professionals in the spirit of Andy Hardy and puts on a show the kids will never forget. Billy steals the show with his inspired hoofing and crooning. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide

An embezzlement scheme is pinned on an unlikely suspect who works to locate the real criminal in this crime comedy. ~ All Movie Guide

Accused of murdering one of his patients, Keel turns to Steed for help. The latter suspects that the real culprit is the dead woman's business partner. Unfortunately, the killer is on the verge of striking again, using his favorite modus operandi: a radio "accidentally" tossed in a bathtub. Written by Peter Ling and Shelaigh Ward, "Dance with Death" was videotaped on April 13, 1961, and telecast two days later. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Lawyer Vincent Ball investigates a drug-smuggling ring. Aiding Ball every step of the way is above-reproach probation officer Robert Cawdron. Imagine the lawyer's dismay when he learns that Cawdron is the brains behind the drug operation. The 55-minute Feet of Clay was produced by the Danzingers, American filmmakers long entrenched in Great Britain. The film was distributed to British neighborhood houses by the London arm of Hollywood's United Artists. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide