Bernard Horsfall Movies
- 1968
In the second episode of the five-part story "The Mind Robber," the Doctor (Patrick Troughton) is drawn out of the TARDIS by the same irresistable force that has sucked Zoe (Wendy Padbury) and Jamie (Frazer Hines) into a white void. Though he is successful in rescuing his companions from the fearsome White Robots, the Doctor can only look on in helpless horror as the TARDIS is destroyed. Somehow or other, the three time travellers land on a planet that vaguely resembles Earth -- an Earth that exists only in the imaginations of the world's most famous authors. Written by Derrick Sherwin and Peter Ling, "The Mind Robber, Episode 2" originally aired on September 21, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patrick Troughton, Frazer Hines, (more)
- 1965
A classic Avengers entry, this episode originally aired in England on October 16, 1965. Several industrialists are murdered by what appears to be a super-strong karate expert. Sent to investigate the killings, Steed and Emma discover that the murderer is actually a gigantic robot, the creation of a mad scientist bent on developing a race of similar humanoids. Burt Kwouk, the unforgettable "Cato" of the Pink Panther movies, plays an important supporting role. Written by Philip Levene, "The Cybernauts" was the first Avengers episode to be telecast in America, on March 28, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Diana Rigg
- 1965
The gap between the British and American telecast of the individual Avengers episodes narrowed considerably during the series' fifth season; this episode appeared on American television a scant six days after its British TV debut. Steed and Peel investigate the mysterious deaths of several top figures in the ceramics business. It turns out that all of the victims were literally frightened to death. . .and guess which leather-clad female secret agent is next on the villains' "scare" list. Written by Philip Levene, "The Fear Merchants" features a choice performance by Patrick Cargill, best known to American viewers for his work in the Beatles' theatrical film Help! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Diana Rigg
Richard Attenborough stars as a stalwart sergeant-major, stationed in British colony in Africa. When the colony declares its independence, Attenborough is assigned to keep the peace during the governmental transition. Trouble begins when an insurgent African officer (Errol John) attempts to overthrow the new, British-approved rulers. As the political situation becomes more and complex, Attenborough finds that his deeply entrenched values and beliefs are no longer valid. Based on a novel by Robert Holles, Guns at Batasi is what used to be called a "thinking man's adventure film." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Attenborough, Jack Hawkins, (more)
- 1960
Kenneth More was beginning to segue into comedy roles when he took on the character of William in this standard sci-fi parody by director Basil Dearden. William is an unsuccessful guinea pig for a medical group interested in researching the common cold when he is soon fired and offered a job by the nearby National Atomic Research Center. They figure anyone who could fail at being a guinea pig is just what they need. They con William into thinking he will continue his guinea pig career by testing out some equipment for them before they send a group of astronauts to the moon. What they neglect to tell him is that the testing will be done by actually sending him to the moon. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kenneth More, Shirley Ann Field, (more)
- 1958
This British WW II drama takes place in the wilds of Tunis. Major Gerrard (Leo Genn) is ordered to lead a desperate mission to capture a Nazi-held farmhouse. Despite the fact that this undertaking is tantamount to committing suicide, Gerrard has no trouble rounding up volunteers. There's a bit too much of the old "stiff upper lip" in the dialogue, though the action sequences are first-rate and believable. Of interest to modern viewers is the presence in the cast of Michael Caine; he isn't billed, and barely has a line, but he's instantly recognizable. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kieron Moore, Michael Medwin, (more)
- 1957
In this drama, the commanding officer of a British Royal Air Force flight training school must deal with an ornery, irresponsible cadet. The lad reminds the officer of himself when he was young. It also reminds him that his own youthful arrogance and foolishness caused the death of the new recruit's father. The young man only settles down when the C.O. saves him during maneuvers. The boy is injured during the flight which gives him serious pause for thought. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ray Milland, Bernard Lee, (more)
