Gary Watson Movies

Of the many stage, screen, and television adaptations of Leo Tolstoy's mammoth novel War and Peace, this multi-episode British TV version is widely regarded as one of the most thorough and entertaining. The grim days of Napoleonic wars and the "Little Corporal's" ill-fated invasion of Russia were shown through the eyes of a large, interwoven group of protagonists, including the sensitive intellectual Pierre (played by a young Anthony Hopkins, who won the BAFTA Best Actor award) and the ethereally lovely Natasha (Morag Hood). Of the supporting cast, Alan Dobie as Prince Bolkonsky and David Swift as Napoleon were standouts. The 20 45-minute episodes of War and Peace first aired in the U.K. from September 28, 1972 through February 8, 1973. The series was syndicated in the U.S. courtesy of PBS beginning November 20, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

In the third episode of the seven-part story "The Evil of the Daleks," the Doctor (Patrick Troughton) and Jamie (Frazer Hines, here with Deborah Watling) are trapped in the Victorian era, prisoners of the Doctor's perennial enemies, the Daleks. Hoping to create a super-race, the Daleks intend to use their captives in obtaining the elusive "human factor" -- that is, the element of human unpredictability. Written by David Whitaker, "The Evil of the Daleks, Episode 3" was first shown on June 3, 1967. This episode apparently no longer exists. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

In the fifth episode of the seven-part story "The Evil of the Daleks," the titular villains continue to search for the "human factor" of unpredictability which will enable them to create a race of super-Daleks. To this end, they have trapped the Doctor and his companions in the Victorian era and subjected them to all manner of tests. This week, the Doctor's young friend Jamie (Frazer Hines) is able to rescue Victoria Waterfield (Deborah Watling), but this minor triumph is mitigated by such plot complications as a duel à mort and an irresistible force which sucks the Doctor into another dimension. Written by David Whitaker, "The Evil of the Daleks, Episode 5" was first shown on June 17, 1967. This episode apparently no longer exists. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Honor Blackman made her final Avengers appearance as Cathy Gale in this episode, which was originally broadcast on March 21, 1964. The plot is set in motion when a British agent is burnt to death. The only clue to his murder is an odd-looking chess piece, which leads Steed and Cathy right into the clutches of a nasty drug-smuggling ring. Several possible endings were filmed for this episode before the final one was chosen, wherein Steed makes a subtle reference to Honor Blackman's upcoming appearance in the James Bond theatrical film Goldfinger. Written by Richard Lucas, "Lobster Quadrille" wasn't shown in America until April 6, 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

A British secret service agent is killed near a nuclear submarine dry dock. Hoping to solve the murder, Steed poses as a metalurgist and heads to the shipyard himself. Here he comes face to face with his old enemy Kolchek (Peter Arne), whose plans go far beyond simple one-on-one murder. Nyree Dawn Porter, who according to several sources was the producer's original choice for Cathy Gale (the character played by Honor Blackman during The Avengers' second and third season), guest-starred as Liz Wells. Written by James Mitchell, "Death on the Slipway" was originally telecast June 24, 1961. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi