Alan Curtis Movies
- 1974
In this comedy an odd-ball science teacher and his young protege begin experimenting with their new shrinking formula. Unfortunately, it works too well. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Charlie Drake
- 1973
Manic British comedian Frankie Howerd transferred his Up Pompeii format from ancient Rome to the Arabian Nights milieu, and the result was the sidesplitting sitcom Whoops Baghdad. This time around, Howerd was cast as Ali Oopla, bondservant and bodyguard to the Wazir of Baghdad (Derek Francis). While the rest of the cast played the various plot intrigues "straight," Howerd went through his customary paces, dispensing anachronistic cockney insults around the streets of Baghdad, pausing periodically to address the audience, and shamelessly ogling the series' abundant supply of scantily clad harem girls. The six-episode Whoops Baghdad was originally telecast from January 25 to March 1, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Frankie Howerd, Derek Francis, (more)
- 1970
- R
This bawdy entry in the long-running series of British "Carry On" comedies is set in the court of King Henry the VIII and centers on the gang's attempt to freshen up the odiferous Queen Marie and thereby save her head. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1966
In the conclusion of the four-part story "The War Machines," the robot army created by power-hungry computer WOTAN (Will Operating Thought Analogue) continues its devastating attack on London. The only hope for mankind's survival rests with the Doctor (William Hartnell), who reasons that the only way to stop a supercomputer is by deploying another supercomputer. With this episode, Anneke Wells and Michael Craze become series regulars in the roles of Polly and Ben. Scripted by Ian Stuart Black from a story idea by Kit Pedler, "The War Machines, Episode Four" first aired on July 2, 1966, as the final episode of Doctor Who's third season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, Gerald Taylor, (more)
- 1966
In the third episode of the four-part story "The War Machines," the self-starting computer WOTAN (Will Operating Thought Analogue) begins the first phase of its campaign to conquer the world. As a terrifying army of robot war machines descend upon London, the Doctor (William Hartnell) tries to disable WOTAN -- but alas, it has been designed by Professor Brett (John Harvey) to be impervious to such shutdown efforts. Meanwhile, Brett's secretary Polly (Anneke Wells) and her seaman boyfriend Ben Jackson (Michael Craze) work behind the scenes to help the Doctor, if indeed anyone can help him. Scripted by Ian Stuart Black from a story idea by Kit Pedler, "The War Machines, Episode Three" first aired on July 2, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, Michael Craze, (more)
- 1966
In the second episode of the four-part story "The War Machines," the Doctor (William Hartnell) discovers that the supercomputer WOTAN (Will Operating Thought Analogue) has exercised mind control over thousands of hapless Londoners. The hypnotized humans have been put to work building an army of robots and tanks so that WOTAN can conquer the earth. Meanwhile, the Doctor's companion, Dodo, is in dire jeopardy again (and without giving the game away, it should be noted that this was Jackie Lane's final series appearance). Scripted by Ian Stuart Black from a story idea by Kit Pedler, "The War Machines, Episode Two" first aired on July 2, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, Jackie Lane, (more)
- 1966
Returning to modern-day London with Dodo (Jackie Lane) in tow, the Doctor (William Hatnell) discovers that a supercomputer called WOTAN (Will Operating Thought Analogue) has been invented by one Professor Brett (John Harvey). Though impressed by the fact that WOTAN can actually think for itself, the Doctor would be less impressed -- in fact, he'd be outraged -- if he knew that the computer is exercising an insidious form of mind control over thousands upon thousands of helpless Londoners. Anneke Wells makes her first series appearance as Polly, here introduced as Brett's secretary. Scripted by Ian Stuart Black from a story idea by Kit Pedler, the first episode of the four-part Doctor Who adventure "The War Machines" first aired on June 25, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, Jackie Lane, (more)
- 1962
Giving up her career after her stand-in is murdered, alcoholic film star Carla Berotti (Patricia English) takes the first ship to Canada. Here she is blackmailed into acting as a courier for her husband, a double agent. It so happens that Carla's personal physician is Dr. Martin King (Jon Rollason) -- who, of course, is a close associate of John Steed. Apprised of the situation, Steed books passage on the ship in hopes of rounding up the villains once and for all. Written by Lester Powell, "Mission to Montreal" first aired in England on October 27, 1962, and was first shown in America on January 31, 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
