Sheila Ruskin Movies

Rasputin is a dramatization of the life story of one of the most intriguing figures in all history. A crude peasant from Siberia, Rasputin (Alan Rickman) was a self-styled charismatic holy man who traveled widely, openly engaging in drunkenness, sexual indulgences, and general debauchery. In the early part of the 20th century Rasputin made his way to the troubled Russian capital of St. Petersburg, a hotbed of political discontent due to widespread poverty under a repressive government. There Rasputin met Czarina Alexandra (Greta Scacchi), and the film focuses on how he exercised power over her and her loving husband, Czar Nicholas II (Ian McKellen), by virtue of his mystical ability to stop the bleeding of their hemophiliac son. But in a nation beset by internal and external problems, Rasputin's uncouth presence at the opulent imperial court, coupled with his scandalous antics around the capital, came to symbolize the weak leadership of the czar. The movie goes on to show the tragic consequences that resulted from this volatile situation. Originally made for cable television, the film features Emmy-winning performances by Rickman and Scacchi. ~ Rovi

Although the story of 19th century Irish statesman and patriot Charles Steward Parnell resulted in a disastrous movie vehicle for Clark Gable in 1937, the results were more satisfying when the same story was adapted as a four-episode British TV miniseries in 1990. Trevor Eve headed the cast as Parnell, prime advocate for Irish home rule at a time when such a position was tantamount to treason. For all his good works, Parnell was doomed to infamy as the result of his clandestine romance with Katharine O'Shea (Francesca Annis), the wife of a British Member of Parliament. Parnell and the Englishwoman was written for television by celebrated Irish playwright Hugh Leonard. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

In the second episode of the four-part story "The Keeper of Traken," the title character (Denis Carey) must quickly transfer his power to another, and elicits the aid of the Doctor (Tom Baker) in finding a worthy successor. Unfortunately, a sinister figure from the Doctor's past intends to become the new Keeper, the better to spread evil throughout the Universe. Written by Johnny Byrne, "The Keeper of Traken, Episode 2" originally aired on February 7, 1981. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

In the conclusion of the four-part story "The Keeper of Traken," the Melkur (Anthony Ainley) has revealed himself to be the Doctor's perennial nemesis, the renegade Time Lord, the Master. The Doctor (Tom Baker) and Adric (Matthew Waterhouse) must prevent the Master from becoming the new Keeper of the Union of Traken, a contingency that would result in disaster and devastation throughout the universe. Sarah Sutton joins the cast as the Doctor's new companion, Nyssa. Written by Johnny Byrne, "The Keeper of Traken, Episode 4" originally aired on February 21, 1981. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Christopher Walken stars in John Irvin's graphic adaptation of Frederick Forsythe's novel about a mercenary sent to overthrow the government of an African country. Walken is Shannon, an American soldier of fortune who has staged incidents in Central America and Africa that helped topple governments. Shannon decides to take on one more mission when American businessman Endean (Hugh Millais), working for a large mining company wanting to move into an African country, hires Shannon to scout out the terrain of the country and see if the government is weak enough to be overthrown. Shannon assumes the guise of a photographer for a nature magazine and travels through the country, meeting a wide-array of people. But the government becomes suspicious of Shannon and throws him in jail, where, between torture sessions, he meets an imprisoned dissident leader. Through his imprisonment, Shannon comes to understand more fully the struggles of the African country. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

The second season of Blakes 7 begins on a tense note, as the crew loses control of the space vessel Liberator. It turns out that the ship is now being guided by the Altas, the female race that originally built it. With Blake (Gareth Thomas) and his comrades imprisoned, it is up to the supercomputer Orac to formulate a plan of escape. Literally picking up where the previous season left off, "Redemption" was originally telecast on January 9, 1979. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Filmed on location in Zurich, Switzerland, The Swiss Conspiracy is concerned with a Swiss bank that discovers some of its clients are becoming the victim of a brilliant blackmailer. The bank's president (Ray Milland) contacts David Christopher (played by David Janssen), a former agent with the U.S. Treasury, to help discover who the blackmailer is and to foil his plot. As Christopher delves into the mystery, he uncovers a complicated web of intrigue, car chases, and shoot-outs that takes all of his wits to unravel. Along the way, Christopher encounters the beautiful Denise Abbott (Senta Berger), with whom he develops a relationship, as well as Rita Jensen (Elke Sommer) and Robert Hayes (John Saxon), who know more than they are willing to tell. ~ Craig Butler, Rovi