Edward Highmore Movies

This three-hour miniseries adapts Marion Zimmer Bradley's feminist recasting of the Arthurian mythos into a big-budget cable television event. In ancient England, Christianity is spreading and the Saxons are invading. It's up to Viviane (Anjelica Huston) -- Lady of the Lake and high priestess of the kingdom's ancient pagan religion -- to make sure that the next king will honor both the old and new faiths and thereby banish the barbarian hordes. Viviane manipulates her sister Igraine (Caroline Goodall) into marrying King Uther Pendragon (Mark Lewis Jones) and bearing a son, Arthur (Edward Atterton) -- much to the consternation of Viviane's other sister, the power-hungry Morgause (Joan Allen). Arthur grows up happily with his older half-sister, Morgaine (Julianna Margulies), until Merlin (Michael Byrne) spirits him off for training and Viviane brings Morgaine to the mystical island of Avalon to develop her magical connection to the Goddess. Years later, the siblings reunite in a masked mating ritual, unaware that their union is incestuous -- or that their son, Mordred (Hans Matheson), will fall into Morgause's clutches and destroy the delicate balance that Viviane has sought to maintain. As Arthur gathers the knights of the round table and ushers in a golden age with Queen Gwenhwyfar (Samantha Mathis) at his side, the seeds of his destruction, and Avalon's, have already been planted -- by Arthur himself. Filmed on-location in Prague, The Mists of Avalon premiered on the TNT cable network July 15 and 16, 2001. Director Uli Edel, best known for his feature adaptation of Last Exit to Brooklyn, had previously helmed Purgatory for TNT. The titular mists -- developed by Edel and executive producer Mark Wolper -- utilized custom fluid dynamic software designed specifically for the project. Celtic musician Loreena McKennitt added her theme music to composer Lee Holdridge's score. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide

In the second episode of the four-part story "Planet of Fire," the Doctor's (Peter Davison) efforts to return Turlough (Mark Strickson) to his home planet Trion are stymied when the TARDIS is redirected to the volcanic planet Sarn. The Doctor's abduction has been engineered by his old enemy, the Master (Anthony Ainley), with the considerable assistance of the shape-shifting robot Kamelion. Written by Peter Grimwade, "Planet of Fire, Episode 2" first aired on February 24, 1984. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

In the conclusion of the four-part story "Planet of Fire," Turlough (Mark Strickson) is reconciled with his past on the planet Trion, while the evil Master (Anthony Ainley) is again caught in one of his own traps. Now the Doctor (Peter Davison) must figure out a way to neutralize the pesky shape-shifting robot Kamelion -- with Kamelion's full permission. Nicola Bryant becomes a series regular as the Doctor's new American companion, Perpugilliam "Peri" Brown. Written by Peter Grimwade, "Planet of Fire, Episode 4" first aired on March 2, 1984. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide