John Bown Movies
- 1979
Blake (Gareth Thomas) finally arrives at Star One, the location of the Federation's control center. Almost simultaneously, Star One is invaded by an army from another galaxy. This puts Blake in the untenable position of saving the hated Federation from the invaders -- a dilemma that is only made worse by the arrival of his old adversary, Travis (Brian Croucher). Like the final episode of Blakes 7's first season, this climactic installment of season two ends with a cliffhanger. Representing the last regular series appearances of Gareth Thomas as Blake (who would, however, make two crucial guest appearances in future episodes) and Sally Knyvette as Jenna, "Star One" originally aired on April 3, 1979. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gareth Thomas, Sally Knyvette, (more)
Peter Cushing took time off from his Frankenstein and Dracula duties to star in the standard-issue melodrama Fear in the Night. Cushing plays Michael Carmichael, the headmaster of a private school, where Robert Heller (Ralph Bates) is engaged as an instructor. Heller also indulges in extracurricular activities of an amorous nature with Carmichael's wanton wife, Molly (Joan Collins). Teacher and errant wife plot to drive Heller's wife (Judy Geeson) insane and thus induce her to kill Carmichael, thereby removing all roadblocks to Molly's happiness. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1971
- PG
Though not as widely known as Hammer's popular Dracula and Frankenstein series, this is one of the studio's more stylish and intelligent projects. The tale is set in 17th century Serbia in the tiny burg of Stettel, whose residents live in fear of an encroaching plague. The frightened villagers welcome the arrival of a colorful traveling troupe dubbed "Circus of Nights," unaware that the visiting entertainers pose a far more deadly threat: the entire company is composed of shape-shifting vampires capable of transforming themselves into animals to stalk their prey. The group's leader, the most powerful monster of the bunch, has returned to the village to exact revenge on those who murdered his cousin one hundred years earlier. Less a standard Hammer monster melodrama than a surreal journey through dark fantasy (reminiscent of Jean Rollin's erotic vampire series), with an unexpected (but not entirely inappropriate) surplus of nudity and bloodletting. The film's creepy highlights include the chilling extended prologue and scenes of vampire trapeze performers transforming into bats in mid-leap. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
Monique (Sibylla Kay) is the French maid who goes to work for Jean (Joan Alcorn) and her husband Bill (David Summer). She takes time to care for the children before getting to know husband and wife intimately. Bill soon notices his previously unresponsive wife has becomes more sexually aroused. After Bill sleeps with Monique, he comes home one day to discover the two women in bed together in this flesh feature. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sibylla Kay, Joan Alcorn, (more)
- 1969
Steed is held on suspicion when several secrets are smuggled out of a tightly secured communications facility. While Steed is under "house arrest" at the luxurious digs of his superior Mother (Patrick Newell, making his series debut), Tara tries to trap the real traitor. She is "assisted" by an incredibly incompetent operative named Watney (Dinsdale Landen). Written by Leigh Vance, "All Done with Mirrors" first aired in England on November 13, 1968, and in America on December 2 of that year. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patrick Macnee, Linda Thorson, (more)
