Patrick McCarville Movies
- 1988
Premiering October 23, 1988, the revival of the classic suspense series Mission:Impossible was hobbled during its first few weeks on the air by a Hollywood writer's strike. Thus, several episodes of the new series were remakes of scripts from the "old" version. Case in point was the series' pilot, "The Killer", in which returning IMF head Jim Phelps (Peter Graves) endeavors to avenge the death of his protegee Tom Copperfield (Vince Martin). The unknown assassin's next target is equally unknown, as is the identity of the killer's employer; it is up to the new IMF team to learn the truth and prevent another murder. If this sounds familiar, it is because Arthur Weiss' script for "The Killer" was originally filmed as Mission:Impossible's fifth season opener in 1970. Guest-starring in the new version were John DeLancie ("Q" on Star Trek: The Next Generation) as Matthew Drake, and Paul Smith (The Midnight Express, Popeye) as Tim. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Thaao Penghlis, (more)
Ned Kelly (Mick Jagger) is the legendary outlaw of the Australian outback sought by authorities for stealing horses. At age 20, Ned has already served a three-year prison term at hard labor. When Ned's mother (Clarissa Kaye) is arrested and jailed on a bogus murder charge, Ned offers to surrender in exchange for his mother's freedom. When the authorities refuse, the Kelly brothers go on a robbing rampage. Cornered by the law in a saloon, Ned's brothers commit suicide rather than be taken alive. Shel Silverstein wrote the music performed by Waylon Jennings, Jagger and Glen Tomasetti. Australian folk songs are also included in this story taken from a popular 19th-century ballad. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jack Allan, Claire Balmford, (more)
