Tamara Ustinov Movies
- 1995
Based on the 1990 mystery-suspense novel by Ruth Rendell, the two-part British miniseries The Strawberry Tree focused on a middle-aged lady named Petra Summers, played by Lisa Harrow. Petra's calm, well-ordered existence was sorely threatened when the spectres of her past caught up with her. Among the supporting players were George Baker (who also scripted) in his familiar guise of Inspector Wexford, Eleanor Bron as Rosario, Simon Ward as Will Harvey, and Tamara Ustinov, daughter of Peter Ustinov, as the District Nurse. The Strawberry Tree was originally broadcast April 21 and 28, 1995 as part of ITV's Ruth Rendell Mysteries anthology. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lisa Harrow
The swan song for director Seth Holt (who died shortly before filming was completed), this stylish Hammer production transcends its low budget thanks to lush photography, a stylish look, and fine performances from the leads. The plot, adapted from Bram Stoker's novel The Jewel of the Seven Stars, involves an expedition led by Professor Fuchs (Andrew Keir) to find the cursed tomb of an evil Egyptian princess. Upon discovery of her sarcophagus, Fuchs finds her perfectly preserved, still-bleeding severed hand -- which also sports a dazzling ruby ring. Several years later, Fuchs gives the pilfered ring to his voluptuous young daughter Margaret (Valerie Leon), whereupon she slowly begins to take on the malevolent traits of its original wearer, seeking revenge for the defilement of her tomb. Though Christopher Wicking's adaptation of Stoker's obscure novel is a bit uneven, it still provides ample suspense and the production has an overall richness that captures the flavor of Hammer's other mummy projects. Remade eight years later (with less effective results) as The Awakening; traces of the same story can also be found in Universal's 1999 mega-budget version The Mummy. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Andrew Keir, Valerie Leon, (more)
- 1970
After a plowboy accidentally unearths the skeletal remains of a demonic creature, a cult of teenage devil-worshippers emerges in a 17th-century Cornwall farming community, led by the gorgeous temptress Angel (Linda Hayden, who positively smolders). Together, the children begin performing blood sacrifices in order to bring the skeletal demon back to life. The film eventually steers into witch-hunt territory -- in the vein of Michael Reeves' Witchfinder General -- as the superstitious locals use inquisition-style practices to put a stop to Hayden's cult. This lush, moody horror piece is superbly written, though the plot becomes a bit dense at times; the film was originally intended as a three-part series, but was eventually edited down to one feature. Still, Piers Haggard's assured direction keeps the threads together and provides just enough shock value to keep viewers on their toes. Watch for Peter Ustinov's daughter Tamara as one of the children. The Blood on Satan's Claw was also released as Satan's Claw and Satan's Skin. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
