Robert Hardy Movies
Robert Hardy is legendary in his native England for his skill and versatility as an actor. As an interpreter of fictional characters and historical personages, Hardy has received critical acclaim for roles in scores of outstanding films, TV programs, and plays presented throughout the English-speaking world. British, North American, and Australian audiences may remember him best for his roles as Winston Churchill in War and Remembrance (1989), Siegfried Farnon in All Creatures Great and Small (1990), Arthur Brooke in Middlemarch (1994), Sir Toby Belch in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night (1981), and the Earl of Leicester in the heralded Elizabeth R (1971). But Hardy has also distinguished himself in many motion pictures, including Mrs. Dalloway (1997), Sense and Sensibility (1995), Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1994), The Shooting Party (1984), Young Winston (1972), 10 Rillington Place (1971), and The Spy Who Came in From the Cold. Hardy brings to all of his roles an acting savvy honed to a fine edge by years of study and training at the best British institutions. Timothy Sydney Robert Hardy was born in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, on October 29, 1925. At Oxford University, he studied under the great British author C.S. Lewis and graduated with honors, then joined the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre at Stratford-upon-Avon in 1949. His experience there prepared him for roles in many Shakespeare productions, including A Midsummer Night's Dream (Royal Shakespeare Company, 1959), a live-TV production of Henry V (1960), and Coriolanus (BBC, 1963). The rhetorical skills he developed in those roles served him well as a narrator or host of documentary productions such as Castle Ghosts of Ireland, Horses in Our Blood, and The Picardy Affair, about the Battle of Agincourt. His classical training has also enabled him to wear the mantle of historical personages such as Pontius Pilate in The People's Passion (1999), Prince Albert in Edward the King (1975), and Nazi foreign minister Joachim Von Ribbentrop in The Gathering Storm (1974). Hardy has a special interest in medieval history -- in particular, in the use of the longbow. Regarded as one of Britain's leading experts on that weapon, he has written a book about it, serves as a consultant on the longbow for organizations involved in history projects, and handcrafts longbows himself. Hardy, who first performed in stage plays in the late '40s, has always maintained a busy schedule. For example, between 1998 and 2001, he performed in ten film and TV productions. He is married to Sally Pearson, a costume designer. ~ Mike Cummings, All Movie Guide
- 1971
10 Rillington Place is the true story of British mass murderer John Reginald Christie, played with chilling "normality" by Richard Attenborough. Throughout the late '40s, Christie lures middle-aged women to his London flat promising to cure their ailments with nitrous oxide, then kills them, assaults their dead bodies, and buries them. One of his victims is Beryl Evans (Judy Geeson), who misguidedly comes to Christie seeking an abortion -- and in the process, not only loses her own life, but sets in motion a horrid sequence of events that threatens to endanger her husband as well. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Attenborough, Judy Geeson, (more)
- 1995
- PG
This British comedy is set within the confines of the snooty Dryden Park boarding school in rural England. The story centers on a lonely 10-year old boy, Magnus, whose parents are staying in Paris and cannot even be bothered to take him to the school themselves; instead, he arrives by cab. Once at the school, Magnus must endure all sorts of humiliations and torments at the hands of the other boys and from the staff. Later when Magnus organizes a secret gourmet club to help counteract the horribly healthy food foisted upon them by the headmaster, he begins making friends. The club members, using recipes from Magnus' father, make all kinds of delicacies. One of them is a homemade alcohol-laced chocolate cake that gets the students rip-roaring drunk. The inebriated chums begin splashing around in the school pool and have great fun until the Latin teacher's lovely daughter joins them, and all hell breaks loose when they are caught. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Christopher Lee, Robert Hardy, (more)
- 1978
Season one of All Creatures Great & Small begins in late 1936 as newly qualified veterinarian James Herriot (Christopher Timothy) arrives at his first assistant's post at Skeldale House, Darrowby, Yorkshire. Here he meets his boss, the irascible Siegfried Farnon, and Siegfried's long-suffering but fun-loving, food-devouring younger brother Tristan (played by future Doctor Who star Peter Davison), who is kept on as a partner despite having flunked out of college. Though he thinks he is thoroughly prepared for his life's calling, James could never have imagined that his first patient would be a little girl's pet turtle. Not long afterward, however, our hero shows his mettle by curing a very valuable horse. In the third of season one's 13 episodes, James meets Helen Alderson (Carol Drinkwater), the farmer's daughter who will one day become his wife. First, however, James must overcome the resistance of Helen's father, who has an inbred distate for everyone in the medical profession. This he does, and by episode ten James and Helen are on their honeymoon...albeit using their spare time to carry out tuberculin testing! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Christopher Timothy, Robert Hardy, (more)
- 1978
The second season of the warm-hearted BBC medical series All Creatures Great & Small finds young veterinarian James Herriot (Christopher Timothy) gradually winning over the confidence of all the animal owners in the tiny Yorkshire farming community of Darrowby. But it is still an uphill climb; the locals are a superstitious lot who don't hold with modern methods, and James' boss Siegfried Farnon (Robert Hardy) can be a holy terror if you catch him in the wrong mood. Making life easier for our hero is the love and support of his new wife Helen (Carol Drinkwater). The season opener finds the practice swamped with work, as cats and dogs literally fall from the sky. In later episodes, Siegfried's capricious brother Tristan (Peter Davison) runs afoul of the law, James takes on the daunting task of "duty vet" at the annual Darrowby Show, a hormone treatment on a local dog yields most unexpected results; the Farnon brothers inveigle the klutzy James into representing Darrowby in the yearly cricket match with Rainby; and Christmas Day proves to be just another workday for our beleaguered vets. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Christopher Timothy, Robert Hardy, (more)
- 1979
Season three of All Creatures Great & Small begins with one of the series' customary dual crises as young Yorkshire veterinarian James Herriot (Christopher Timothy) and his wife Helen (Carol Drinkwater) try to save a cow from the slaughterhouse, while James' partners Siegfried and Tristan Farnon (Robert Hardy, Peter Davison) minister to a flock of ailing grouse. In later episodes, Tristan makes a mess of things filling in for his brother's housekeeper, Mrs. Hall (Mary Hignett); a young juvenile delinquent has an epiphany when his dog comes down with distemper; a goat eats the Herriots' checkbook, leaving them with nary an extra shilling for their wedding anniversary celebration; and an epidemic of foot and mouth disease is made doubly problematic when Britain and Germany go to war. The season ends as James and Siegfried leave their Darrowby practices to enlist in the RAF. All Creatures Great and Small ends at this point as well -- at least for the next eight years. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Christopher Timothy, Robert Hardy, (more)
- 1988
Having ended its initial BBC run in 1980, the weekly, hour-long medical drama All Creatures Great & Small, based on the autobiographical novels by Yorkshire veterinarian James Herriot, was brought back by popular demand in 1988. Returning for this new batch of episodes is Christopher Timothy as Herriot, and Robert Hardy and Peter Davison as his medical partners, Siegfried and Tristan Farnon. However, Lynda Bellingham has replaced Carol Drinkwater in the role of James' wife Helen. Also new to the cast is John McGlynn as James' young accordion-playing assistant Calum Buchanan. The original series ended with season three, as James and Siegfried joined the RAF to fight in World War II. The fourth season takes place several years later, with the fact that the previously footloose and fancy-free Tristan has been appointed Fertility Advisor for the Minister of Agriculture ample proof that everyone has matured considreably since we saw them last. Otherwise, it's business as usual, with James and his colleagues tending to an exhausting variety of sheep, cows, dogs, cats, and even fleas. Meanwhile, rival veterinarian Granville Bennett (James Grout), who owns a thriving animal hospital, is doing everything in his power to woo the talented James away from the Farnon brothers. James does not, however, make his final decision until the season's last episode, "For Richer, For Poorer." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Christopher Timothy, Robert Hardy, (more)
- 1988
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Having brought the series' storyline all the way up to the '50s, season five of All Creatures Great & Small begins as Yorkshire veterinarian James Herriot (Christopher Timothy) dons skis to make his usual rounds during an extremely heavy snowfall. Meanwhile, Tristan Farnon (Peter Davison), younger brother of James' partner Siegfried Farnon (Robert Hardy), resigns from the Ministry of Agriculture in hopes of joining Siegfried's practice again; and the medical expertise of James' young assistant Calum (John McGlynn) continues to grow apace, with a brief period of tuberculin testing in Ireland. Calum also endeavors to woo and win the lovely Dierdre McEwan (Andrea Gibb), though a number of available females in the area would rather he dally with them. Many of James' familiar clients are still around and about, notably wealthy dog fancier Mrs. Pumphrey (Margaretta Scott), who invites James to be guest of honor at a birthday party for her pampered Pekinese Tricky Woo. As for James' wife and sometimes assistant Helen (Lynda Bellingham), she spends much of the season laid up with a painful back injury. Finally, rival veterinarian Granville Bennett (James Grout) continues to flaunt the success of his animal hospital to the struggling James, with sometimes amusing results. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Christopher Timothy, Robert Hardy, (more)
- 1989
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Yorkshire veterinarian James Herriot (Christopher Timothy) nears his second decade ministering to the animals of Darrowby as All Creatures Great & Small enters its sixth season. Motivating several of this year's plotlines is the on-again, off-again romance between James' young assistant Calum (John McGlynn) and his fiancée Deirdre (Andrea Gibb). This, of course, does not mean that the enduring marriage between James and his wife Helen (Lynda Bellingham) is ignored by the scriptwriters. Although we have now reached the '50s, James' crusty senior partner Siegfried Farnon (Robert Hardy) continues to have difficulty convincing the locals to abandon their traditional medical beliefs in favor of lab-tested modern methods. Siegfried also exhibits his rarely exposed human side when he attempts to heal old emotional wounds amongst those countrymen and countrywomen who can't seem to get along. And, of course, some other things never change -- notably wealthy Mrs. Pumphrey (Margaretta Scott), who clearly continues to regard dogs as nobler animals than any other...including humans. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Christopher Timothy, Robert Hardy, (more)
- 1990
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All Creatures Great & Small launches its seventh and final season, 12 years after the first episode aired on BBC. Within the context of the storyline, it has been some 17 years since veterinarian James Herriot (Christopher Timothy), then a callow med school graduate, first set foot in Skeldale House, headquarters of irascible Yorkshire vet Siegfried Farnon (Robert Hardy). Formerly Farnon's assistant, James is now his full partner, demonstrating an even firmer grasp on his profession than Siegfried's more experienced younger brother Tristan (Peter Davison), who after all these years is as much a cut-up and screw-up as ever. As James tackles medical issues involving local sheep, dogs, cats, cows and birds, his wife Helen (Lynda Bellingham) holds down the fort in their humble home, assisted by their steadily growing children, Jimmy (Paul Lyon) and Rosie (Alison Lewis). Sometime in mid season, feisty Rosie announces her ambition to be a vet just like her dad -- and while Helen is supportive of this dream, James is not, believing that his job is not suitable for a proper young lady (he's wrong, of course). The series ends on a quiet, unspectacular note, as Tristan bollixes up another diagnosis, and James and Siegfried go above and beyond the call of duty to lend a neighbor whom they hardly know a helping hand. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Christopher Timothy, Robert Hardy, (more)
- 1983
Based on the delightful, heartwarming and sometimes tragic tales of a British country veterinarian who uses the penname James Herriot and the series they inspired, this feature film begins just after WW II as Herriot, who served as an army veterinarian, returns home and tries to readjust to his quiet, but never dull country practice. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1967
One of the lower points of Joan Crawford's latter-day career curve (though nothing to compare with the later embarrassment of Trog!), this lurid, low-rent thriller nevertheless gives Crawford the opportunity to chew acres of scenery in a campy Marlene Dietrich-style get-up. She portrays the ringmaster of a cheesy traveling circus troupe whose stars are being whacked in a variety of flamboyant ways (many of which are depicted in the garish trailer, particularly Michael Gough's spike-in-the-head scene). Despite the exploitation potential in this lurid Grand Guignol scenario, this film is fairly light on scares or gore -- and far too heavy on circus stock footage. A sequel of sorts to producer Herman Cohen's Horrors of the Black Museum, this one is a slight improvement, thanks to Crawford's outrageous, over-the-top performance. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Joan Crawford, Ty Hardin, (more)
The fascinating story of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth is recounted in this British made-for-TV effort. It all begins in 1920, when the then-Duke of York Albert (James Wilby), known affectionately as Bertie, meets and falls in love with the aristocratic, 19-year-old Elizabeth Bowes-Lytton (Juliet Aubrey). Although their marriage makes international headlines, the mild, unprepossessing Bertie knows that he will always play second fiddle to his dashing older brother, the Prince of Wales, in the hearts and minds of the British people. This is never more true than when Bertie's brother ascends to the throne as King Edward VIII in 1936. That same year, however, the new King abdicates so that he may marry the woman of his choice, thereby thrusting the reluctant Bertie into the limelight as Monarch of the British Isles. Spurred on by the love and devotion of his lifelong helpmate Elizabeth, Bertie -- now King George -- proves more than worthy of his new burdens and responsibilities, especially during the darkest days of WWII. Although the King passes on in 1952 (a death hastened by his fondness for tobacco), Elizabeth lives well past the century mark, beloved by her subjects as the mother of the future Queen Elizabeth II and the impulsive Princess Margaret. A co-production of Carlton Television and PBS, Bertie and Elizabeth was telecast in America as part of the Masterpiece Theater anthology on February 4, 2002. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- James Wilby, Juliet Aubrey, (more)
- 1996
Hosted by dramatist Robert Hardy, Castle Ghosts of Ireland presents eerie dramatizations of actual reported tales of supernatural occurrences within the ancient structures of Ireland. Beautiful Irish views are incorporated into the discussion of the mysterious and deep-rooted beliefs of the country and its castles. Originally broadcast by the Learning Channel, the video offers knowledge applicable both to Irish history and to metaphysical interests. ~ Sarah Sloboda, All Movie Guide
- 1996
Castle Ghosts of Scotland explores the eerie grounds of three of Scotland's most haunted castles: Glamis, Duntrune, and Fyvie. With a history every bit as bloody and treacherous as Shakespeare's MacBeth, it's no wonder Scotland has so many ghosts. The childhood home of England's Queen Mother, Glamis Castle is reputed to be the most haunted castle in the United Kingdom -- despite resembling the Disney castle. In 1537, King James V accused the young and beautiful Lady Glamis of witchcraft. Burned at the stake, the ghost known as the "Grey Lady of Glamis" haunts the castle to this day. As the program travels to Aberdeenshire, Fyvie Castle's "Green Lady" ghost is revealed to be Dame Lillias Drummond, who was starved to death by her husband, Sir Alexander Seton. In 1615 during a feud between the McDonalds and the Campbells, a piper loyal to the McDonald clan had his fingers chopped off by the Campbells and bled to death. Current owners of the castle report strange knocking on doors, the sound of footsteps running -- and late at night, the soft strains of bagpipes being played in the tower. ~ Steve Blackburn, All Movie Guide
- 1988
The Huddersfield Choral Society and the Ripon Cathedral sing beloved Christmas carols from all over the world in this tuneful video. Robert Hardy also reads two inspirational selections. Songs include: "Ding Dong Merrily on High," "Troika," "Kwymbaya," "For Unto Us a Child is Born." ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1973
- PG
This tepid supernatural melodrama involves the former director of a mental hospital (Robert Hardy) who inherits the estate of one of his patients -- a house which was once the site of multiple murders. He also stands to inherit a substantial sum of gold... if only he can locate the treasure, which is hidden somewhere on the premises. Before long, Christopher Lee, Joan Collins and Herbert Lom catch the scent, aiming to do a bit of prospecting themselves. As the search progresses, Hardy's mental state begins to degrade, apparently as a result of the malevolent spirits which haunt the mansion, driving him to commit murder. Despite the prominent billing of Joan Collins (at the peak of her popularity on TV's Dynasty) for the video release, she and horror stalwart Lee have rather insignificant roles in this routine thriller. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
This mystery centers around an isolated British town in which a death at a theological college, previously ruled as accidental, is reopened for an extended investigation by Scotland Yard. Commander Dalgliesh, a former student at the college, conducts the necessary research at first simply as a matter of protocol, but he soon finds more mysterious and distressing revelations at every turn. Dalgliesh believes that the college and its visitors are in imminent danger, but by the time he is able to warn them, it may be too late. ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Martin Shaw
- 1986
Based on what some consider to be Elizabeth Bowen's best novel, The Death of the Heart focuses on one of her primary themes, a young woman's first love. Portia Quayne (Jojo Cole) is orphaned, and at the age of 16 she must go live with her relatives, Anna (Patricia Hodge) and Thomas Quayne (Nigel Havers). The time is 1937, and this upper-crust couple are a bit too selfish and amoral (Anna) or just aloof (Thomas) for Portia; she cannot relate to them. Complicating matters is young Eddie (Daniel Chatto), a high-society do-nothing who awakens Portia's romantic ardor and then makes fun of her in front of her friends. Besides, he is interested in Anna. Portia cannot tolerate either her home environment or her mistreatment at the hands of Eddie, and she runs away looking for help from a sympathic Major Brutt (Robert Hardy). ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jojo Cole, Patricia Hodge, (more)
Hammer Films apply their characteristic Gothic touch to this offbeat psychological thriller about a bombastic 19th-century Baron (Robert Hardy) who keeps his two adult offspring imprisoned in the family estate, convinced they are afflicted by an evil curse of madness passed down from their late mother. Unfortunately, they're not the only ones to worry about: it seems a spate of recent murders in the surrounding village are being committed by his son (Shane Briant), who is being manipulated by his father's deranged will to leave the castle and act out Dad's twisted, violent fantasies. Superb photography and good use of locations lend a rich atmosphere to this psycho-costume-drama, and Patrick Magee turns in a good performance as the family doctor (somewhat reminiscent of his role in Coppola's Dementia 13). Director Peter Sykes keeps the horror fairly subdued until the bloody "shock" ending, which seems to spoil the mood a bit. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
Political, romantic, and religious intrigue confront Elizabeth Tudor (1533-1603) in this acclaimed six-part television series chronicling her early life as a princess and her reign as queen of England (1558-1603). While still a princess, Elizabeth (Glenda Jackson) exonerates herself from a plot to kidnap young Edward VI (Jason Kemp). Then, after Edward dies, Elizabeth's sister, Mary (Caroline Harris), assumes the throne and imposes Catholicism on her subjects, but Elizabeth refuses to disavow her Protestantism. After Mary announces plans to wed the Catholic king of Spain, the people rise up in favor of Elizabeth, but Mary imprisons her in the Tower of London. Happily for Elizabeth, Mary dies without an heir, and Elizabeth becomes queen. Although urged to marry, Elizabeth stalls, content to maintain a relationship with Robert Dudley (Robert Hardy), Master of the Horse, whom Elizabeth makes Earl of Leicester. Then Mary Queen of Scots (Vivian Pickles) claims the English throne, and Elizabeth tries to pacify her in an unsuccessful attempt to marry her to Dudley. Meanwhile, the French -- battlefield rivals of the Spaniards -- propose an alliance with England and urge Elizabeth to marry the French king's brother, the Duc d'Alençon (Michael Williams), a Catholic. Though officials draw up a marriage contract, Elizabeth ignores it. By this time, Mary Queen of Scots is in prison, and Protestant agents implicate her in a trumped-up plot against Elizabeth. Elizabeth orders her execution. The angry Spanish then attack with their mighty Armada, but the English defeat them and strengthen Elizabeth's hold on power. In the later years of her reign, Elizabeth attempts to appease an unruly court favorite, the Earl of Essex, with special appointments, but he eventually turns against her and leads an uprising against the crown two years before the queen's death. ~ Mike Cummings, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Glenda Jackson
- 1981
Made for British television, Fothergill is based on a true story. Robert Hardy portrays Fothergill, a scholar who renounces academia to become a innkeeper. Throughout the 1920s, Fothergill's establishment is the place to be for London's smart set, with the genial host pulling all the proper social strings. Fothergill received its first US showing in 1984 on cable's Arts Network (now known as Arts and Entertainment). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1973
In this historical fantasy, based on the classic medieval poem during the days of King Arthur, the gallant Green Knight gallops into the court and makes a gruesome challenge to the Round Table Knights. He dares any of them to successfully chop off his head. If they fail, he gets to hack off theirs. Brave Gawain accepts the challenge and with a mighty swing slices off the Green Knight's noggin. Unfortunately, the headless body calmly picks up the head and places it back on his shoulders. The honor-bound Gawain then must fulfill his destiny at the palace of the Green Knight. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
