Tom Baker Movies
Best known as the fourth incarnation of Dr. Who from the 1960s BBC sci-fi series of the same name, Tom Baker continues to play character roles in feature films and television. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide- 1975
Season 13 of Doctor Who got under way August 30, 1975, with episode one of the four-part adventure "Terror of the Zygons". Summoned to Earth by the Brigadier (Nicholas Courtney), the Doctor (Tom Baker) investigates a series of mysterious oil-rig wreckings in the North Sea. This requires the Doctor to pay a visit to the Tullock Moor in Scotland -- where a horrifying discovery awaits him. "Terror of the Zygons, Episode 1" was written by Robert Banks Stewart. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Baker, Elisabeth Sladen, (more)
- 1975
In the third episode of the four-part story "Planet of Evil," the Doctor (Tom Baker) and Sarah (Elisabeth Sladen) continue their efforts to prevent deadly anti-matter from the planet Zeta Minor from being unleashed in the Matter Universe. Their efforts are complicated by the duplicity of single-minded Moestran geologist Professor Sorenson (Frederick Jaeger), not to mention a voracious anti-matter monster. Ultimately, the Doctor is forced to land on Zeta Minor, which act may result in his own grisly demise. Written by David Maloney, "Planet of Evil, Episode 3" was originally broadcast on October 11, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Baker, Elisabeth Sladen, (more)
- 1975
In the second episode of the four-part story "Planet of Evil," the Doctor (Tom Baker) and Sarah (Elisabeth Sladen), acting on behalf of the Moestran army, try to prevent misguided geologist Professor Sorenson (Frederick Jaeger) from transporting deadly anti-matter into the Universe. But these efforts may be too late: a ravenous monster has already sprung up from the planet Zeta Minor, poised to attack the Moestran probe. Written by David Maloney, "Planet of Evil, Episode 2" was originally broadcast on October 4, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Baker, Elisabeth Sladen, (more)
- 1975
In the conclusion of the four-part story "Planet of Evil," the efforts by Moestran geologist Professor Sorenson (Frederick Jaeger) to smuggle deadly anti-matter from the planet Zeta Minor has reaped devastating consequences. Racing against time, the Doctor (Tom Baker) must not only save the Universe (again), but also save Sorenson -- a good man withal -- from his own folly. Written by David Maloney, "Planet of Evil, Episode 4" was originally broadcast on October 18, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Baker, Elisabeth Sladen, (more)
- 1975
In the third episode of the four-part story "Pyramids of Mars," Osirian criminal genius Sutekh (Gabriel Woolf) is foiled in his attempt to escape his Martian force-field prison on Earth. Even so, Sutekh is able to possesses the mind and body of the Doctor (Tom Baker), who, unable to control his own actions, abducts Sarah (Elisabeth Sladen) and archeologist Scarman (Bernard Archard) and transports his captives to Mars -- where the spirit of Sutekh intends to carry out his scheme of wholesale interplanetary destruction. Written by Stephen Harris, "Pyramids of Mars, Episode 3" first aired on November 8, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Baker, Elisabeth Sladen, (more)
- 1975
In the second episode of the four-part story "Pyramids of Mars," the body of British archeologist Marcus Scarman (Bernard Archard) has been possessed by evil Osirian criminal genius Sutekh. Acting upon Sutekh's commands, Scarman prepares to destroy the Martian force-field which holds the villain's body prisoner in an Egyptian Pyramid. Need it be added that the Doctor (Tom Baker) must prevent this, lest both Mars and the Earth be destroyed? Written by Stephen Harris, "Pyramids of Mars, Episode 2" first aired on November 1, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Baker, Elisabeth Sladen, (more)
- 1975
Beginning April 19, 1975, the four-part adventure "Revenge of the Cybermen" was the last offering of Doctor Who's 12th season. The Doctor (Tom Baker), Harry (Ian Marter), and Sarah (Elisabeth Sladen) show up at the Nerva Beacon space station, where they await the arrival of the TARDIS. Before long, however, the three time-travelers uncover a plot to destroy the solid-gold asteroid Voga, the newest moon of Jupiter. The perpetrators of this scheme turn out to be, inevitably, some old enemies of our friend the Doctor. "Revenge of the Cybermen, Episode 1" was written by Gerry Davis. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Baker, Elisabeth Sladen, (more)
- 1975
In the conclusion of the four-part story "Pyramids of Mars," it appears as though Marcus Scarman (Bernard Archard) has killed the Doctor (Tom Baker), whose mind was being controlled by the spirit of Osirian master criminal Sutekh (Gabriel Woolf). Does this mean that Sutekh will succeed in his efforts to destroy both Mars and Earth, and thereby regain his freedom? The key to the denouement of this episode is a little something known as "time differential." Written by Stephen Harris, "Pyramids of Mars, Episode 4" first aired on November 15, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Baker, Elisabeth Sladen, (more)
- 1975
In the first episode of the six-part story "Genesis of the Daleks," the Doctor (Tom Baker) and his companions Sarah (Elisabeth Sladen) and Harry (Ian Marter) set out on a return trip to the Nerva Beacon space station. En route, the TARDIS crew is waylaid by a secret Time Lord faction -- and before long, the Doctor has once again been pressed into service to rewrite history (or at least, to give it his best effort). First telecast on March 8, 1975, "Genesis of the Daleks, Episode 1" was written by Terry Nation (the fellow who created the mutant Daleks in the first place). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Baker, Elisabeth Sladen, (more)
- 1975
In the second episode of the six-part story "Genesis of the Daleks," the crew of the TARDIS is diverted in space and ends up materialized on Skaro, the homeworld of the dreaded mutant Daleks. The good news is that the Doctor (Tom Baker) and his friends have traveled so far back in time that the Daleks have not yet been created. The bad news is that it is up to the Doctor to prevent that creation, a task which may bring his own life to a sudden and violent conclusion. First telecast on March 15, 1975, "Genesis of the Daleks, Episode 2" was written by Terry Nation. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Baker, Elisabeth Sladen, (more)
- 1975
In the third episode of the six-part story "Genesis of the Daleks," the Doctor (Tom Baker) has been sent back in time to the planet Skaro, under orders to prevent the creation of the mutant Daleks. Complicating matters is the fact that the Doctor and his friends find themselves in the middle of the never-ending conflict between the Kaleds and the Thals, whose nuclear war has thrust Skaro into a second Stone Age. One of those Kaleds is the demented, deformed genius Davros (Michael Wisher), who holds the key to the Daleks' creation. First telecast on March 22, 1975, "Genesis of the Daleks, Episode 3" was written by Terry Nation. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Baker, Elisabeth Sladen, (more)
- 1975
In the fourth episode of the six-part story "Genesis of the Daleks," the Doctor (Tom Baker) and his friends are still stranded on the war-ravaged planet Skaros, sometime in the distant past. Their principal nemesis is Kaled scientist Davros (Michael Wisher), who alone possesses knowledge of the mutation process that will eventually create the dreaded Daleks. Welcoming this disastrous metamorphosis, Davros intends to use whatever means possible to prevent the Doctor from destroying the Daleks before they can be unleashed on the universe. First telecast on March 28, 1975, "Genesis of the Daleks, Episode 4" was written by Terry Nation. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Baker, Elisabeth Sladen, (more)
- 1975
In the fifth episode of the six-part story "Genesis of the Daleks," the Doctor (Tom Baker) steps up his efforts to prevent the demented, deformed genius Davros (Michael Wisher) from creating the mutant Dalek race. Unfortunately, the Doctor and his companions Harry (Ian Marter) and Sarah (Elisabeth Sladen) are trapped in Kaled City, where they are surrounded by fanatical supporters of Davros. Can the heroes count upon support from the pocket of anti-Davros activists within the city's walls? First telecast on April 5, 1975, "Genesis of the Daleks, Episode 5" was written by Terry Nation. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Baker, Elisabeth Sladen, (more)
- 1975
In the conclusion of the six-part story "Genesis of the Daleks," the Doctor (Tom Baker) at last has the means to destroy the mutant Daleks created by evil genius Davros (Michael Wisher). Suddenly, however, the Doctor begins to ponder the long-range consequences of his actions. Can it be possible that the universe would be even worse off should the Daleks not survive? A satisfying if not entirely happy ending caps Terry Nation's teleplay for "Genesis of the Daleks, Episode 6." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Baker, Elisabeth Sladen, (more)
- 1975
Answering a distress call from the farthest reaches of the Universe, the Doctor (Tom Baker) and Sarah (Elisabeth Sladen) pilot the TARDIS to the planet Zeta Minor. Here they come across a ship from planet Moestra, whose science officer, Professor Sorenson (Frederick Jaeger) defiantly insists upon transporting deadly anti-matter into the Matter Universe -- which, as will soon be learned, is an act that goes way beyond recklessness. Written by David Maloney, "Planet of Evil" marked the return appearance of the familiar TARDIS control room, which hadn't been seen since Season 11. The first of the adventure's four episodes was originally broadcast September 27, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Baker, Elisabeth Sladen, (more)
The Freakmaker is a creepy horror film about a mad scientist who abducts college students for the subjects he needs in his attempts to crossbreed plants with humans. His failures are turned over to a dwarf who runs a circus freakshow. This film is also known by the title The Mutations. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1974
In the conclusion of the "transitional" six-part Doctor Who story "Planet of the Spiders," the Doctor returns the precious blue crystal to the Great One, the spider-empress of the planet Metebelis 3. As expected, the crystal endows the empress with incredible powers -- too incredible, in fact. The events of the past five episodes cause the Doctor to come face to face with his own fears, shortcomings, and inner demons -- leading, inevitably, to the fourth of his periodic "regenerations" (and a farewell to Jon Pertwee). Written by Robert Sloman, "Planet of the Spiders, Episode 6" originally aired on June 8, 1974, as the final episode of Doctor Who's 11th season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jon Pertwee, Elisabeth Sladen, (more)
- 1974
In the final episode of Doctor Who's 11th season, the Doctor endured a crisis of conscience, one so profound that he was forced into another of his periodic regenerations. In this way, Jon Pertwee was able to leave the series, to make way for the Fourth Doctor, who in turn was unveiled in the 12th-season opener, episode one of "Robot" (which was also the first of the series' story continuities to be shot completely on videotape, with no filmed sequences). Tom Baker took over the role of the Doctor, spending the bulk of the episode getting accustomed to his new body. While resting from his labors, the new Doctor falls asleep for a few minutes -- just enough time for a robot to steal the plans for a valuable disintegrator gun, thereby setting the plot proper in motion. First telecast on December 28, 1974, the first episode of the four-part "Robot" was written by Terrance Dicks. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Baker, Elisabeth Sladen, (more)
The second of special-effects wizard Ray Harryhausen's three Sinbad epics, this film finds the titular hero played by John Philip Law, while the principal villain, Koura, is portrayed by future Dr. Who Tom Baker. The plot sends Sinbad and his crew on a quest for a valuable and magical golden tablet. Harryhausen's "Dynamation" highlights include a six-armed statue, a one-eyed centaur and a flying griffin. Caroline Munro also stars. Golden Voyage of Sinbad was followed by Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger (1979). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Phillip Law, Caroline Munro, (more)
Per its title, Jack Smight's Frankenstein: The True Story, strives for greater faithfulness to Mary Shelley's novel than prior versions. Thus, as in the book, Dr. Frankenstein's (Leonard Whiting) creation is no monster, but a handsome young man of high intelligence (Michael Sarrazin). In fact, the doctor and his creature are the best of friends until the latter's body begins to deteriorate. This sends the creature over the bend into insanity, prompting Frankenstein -- with the help of his evil mentor, Dr. Polidori (James Mason), a character not in the Shelley novel -- to try, try again to create a viable synthetic human. The film ends more or less as the novel does, with the outcast Frankenstein and his creature expiring in the frozen wastes of Antarctica. Adapted for television by Christopher Isherwood, Frankenstein: The True Story was originally telecast in two parts on November 30 and December 1, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1973
- R
Vault of Horror is the first sequel to 1972's horror hit Tales from the Crypt. It is also known as Tales from the Crypt, Part II. It continues it's predecessor's popular formula of using established stars in five witty short horror episodes. The first, "Midnight Mass," shows that having a vampire for a relative can be upsetting, to say the least. In "The Neat Job" a nagging neat-freak is neatly nullified. In "This Trick'll Kill You," a colonial overlord learns that it's not safe to steal magic tricks from natives. "Bargain in Death" exposes the greed of two insurance swindlers, and "Drawn and Quartered" takes "The Picture of Dorian Grey" one better. Among the stars appearing in these episodes are Terry-Thomas, Glynnis Johns, Curt Jurgens, Denholm Elliott and Tom Baker. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- 1971
- R
Italian director Pier Pasolini tells four of the Chaucer tales in this graphic and satirical picture that chronicles the 14th-century's social, sexual, and religious standards in England. In Pasolini's Trilogy of Life, this second entry follows The Decameron and precedes The Arabian Nights. ~ Kristie Hassen, All Movie Guide
Nicholas and Alexandra covers the rise and fall of the last of the Russian Romanovs. We first meet Czar Nicholas (Michael Jayston) and his German bride Alexandra (Janet Suzman) at their 1894 wedding. Though Nicholas is devoted to Alexandra, the Russian populace is less politely inclined to having a "foreigner" as their Czarina. Alexandra gains favor when she gives birth to the much-loved Prince Alexis (Roderick Noble). Alas, Alexis suffers from hemophilia, a disease which strikes every second generation of Alexandra's family. When all conventional medical ministrations fail, Alexandra puts the fate of her son in the hands of mystical holy man Rasputin (Tom Baker, later famous for his portrayal of Doctor Who). As Rasputin's influence and power grows, the Russian peasantry becomes more restless and disgruntled. They are now willing to listen to the speeches of such rabble-rousers as Lenin (Michael Bryant) and Trotsky (Brian Cox), who sow the seeds of revolution. Even after the murder of Rasputin, the Bolsheviks are unsatisfied: The revolution finally comes to pass in October of 1917. At first, the moderate Kerensky (John McEnery) pleads with his followers to allow the Romanovs safe passage out of Russia. But the radicals seize control, and on July 16, 1918, the royal family is summarily executed. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Michael Jayston, Janet Suzman, (more)
This obscure film is directed by five well-known cinematographers. "Apathy" is directed by Carlo Lizzani and concerns a New York rape victim whose cries for help fall on deaf ears. Bernardo Bertolucci directs "Agony." Members of the Living Theater mime death scenes. In "The Paper Flower Sequence," directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini, a man carries a paper flower through Rome. Part four is directed by Jean-Luc Godard, a tedious segment where two people watch some actors give a boring performance. The last story is directed by Marcello Bellochio. Students at a Roman university engage in dialogue with members of the Establishment. While the stories averages 20 minutes each, this gang-directed effort quickly fell into cinematic oblivion. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Nino Castelnuovo, Ninetto Davoli, (more)
