Ken Dodd Movies
Originally produced for NBC television, this adaptation of the Lewis Carroll classic features an impressive cast, including Miranda Richardson, Martin Short, Ben Kingsley, Whoopi Goldberg, Gene Wilder, Peter Ustinov, and George Wendt. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
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
- Starring:
- Richard Attenborough, Kenneth Branagh, (more)
- 1987
Winning a trip to the Disneyland of 1959, the Doctor (Sylvester McCoy) and Melanie (Bonnie Langford) collide en route with a satellite. The would-be vacationers end up in a Welsh holiday camp called the Shangri-La -- which is presently under siege by the Bannermen, a pair of genocidal assassins who have targeted another vacationer, Chimeron princess Delta (Belinda Mayne). American funnyman Stubby Kaye guest stars as Mr. Weismuller, while British TV game show host Ken Dodd appears briefly as the Tollmaster. Written by Malcolm Kohll, the three-episode "Delta and the Bannermen" began its original BBC run on November 2, 1987. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sylvester McCoy, Bonnie Langford, (more)
