Robert James Movies
In this suspense drama, Alan Terry (Rupert Graves) is a homeless man who wanders the streets of London. One night, Alan is trying to sleep near a bridge when he witnesses a strange and grisly murder; a man, speaking Italian, is hanged by four other men, one also speaking Italian while the other three have British accents. When Alan's presence is discovered by the killers, they give chase, and Alan is barely able to escape. However, the following day the papers report the death as a suicide; on the advice of his friend George (Graham Crowden), Alan goes to the police to tell what he saw. However, when Alan is introduced to Detective Matheson (Michael Gambon), the man investigating the case, he realizes that Matheson was one of the men who helped hang the victim. Assuming that Matheson would not be a good person with whom to discuss the case, Alan instead goes to Billie Hayman (Annabella Sciorra), an American journalist working in London who is able to bring Alan's side of the story to the people; Alan and Billie soon discover that this murder is far more complicated, and with more disturbing implications than they ever could have imagined. Though fictional, The Innocent Sleep was inspired by the true story of the death of Roberto Calvi, an Italian banker who was murdered in London in 1982. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rupert Graves, Annabella Sciorra, (more)
- 1992
Gavin Bellini is half Scottish, half Italian. Perhaps that blend of two of the most romantic sensibilities in the world accounts for his being in London, scraping out a living as an illustrator. One day he runs into his father's brother and learns that, if he high-tails it to Glasgow in time to attend his father's surprise birthday party, there's a chance he could come into some cash. He hops in his old rust-bucket of a car and takes to the road. On the way, he picks up a girl hitchhiker who is also headed back home to Glasgow. She is a feisty wench, and unexpectedly skilled at getting cars fixed. The two of them couldn't be more different and soon begin to argue and bicker, with the inevitable result that, in addition to their other adventures, they fall in love. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Capaldi, Frances Barber, (more)
The eponymous team consists of four residents of a New Jersey psychiatric hospital: ex-postal worker Henry Sikorsky (Christopher Lloyd), who fancies himself a doctor; one-time ad agency exec Jack McDermott (Peter Boyle), suffering from a Messiah/martyr complex; writer Billy Caulfield (Michael Keaton), who cannot abide the "idiots" in the world (namely, everyone but himself); and TV-obsessed Albert Ianuzzi (Stephen Furst). Permitted a field trip to a baseball game, the four unfortunates wander off when psychiatrist Dr. Weitzman (Dennis Boutsikaris) is waylaid by two corrupt police officers after he witnesses them killing a third cop. The innocent inmates are accused of attacking Dr. Weitzman, but it is they who team up to bring the actual culprits to justice. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Michael Keaton, Christopher Lloyd, (more)
- 1981
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As indicated by its title, this British miniseries concentrated on the years between the two world wars, when the eminent Winston Churchill (Robert Hardy) was politically out of favor in his own country. Acutely aware of the danger looming in a newly re-armed Germany, Churchill vainly tried to warn his fellow Britishers that Hitler was not a man to be trusted. It was only after the benighted PM Neville Chamberlain (Eric Porter) saw the promise of "Peace in Our Time" blow up in his face that Churchill was ensconced in his proper position as leader of his nation. First telecast in the U.K. in 1981, Winston Churchill: The Wilderness Years aired in the U.S. two years later. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Robert Hardy, Sian Phillips, (more)
- 1978
In the far distant future, the Earth and its space colonies are under the dictatorial rule of the Federation, which uses everything from physical torture to mind-controlling drugs to keep the populace under its thumb. Among the Federation's "perfect" citizens is Roj Blake (Gareth Thomas), whose memories of his previous life as a freedom fighter have been obliterated by the authorities. Upon recovering his full mental capacities and learning his true identity, Blake agrees to lead a revolt against the Federation -- only to be framed on a phony child-molestation charge and sentenced to the prison planet Cygnus Alpha. While onboard the prison transport vessel, Blake meets two fellow "outlaws" -- smuggler Jenna Stannis (Sally Knivette) and safecracker Vila Restal (Michael Keating) -- who are destined to join him in a bold escape attempt. Thus, with the episode titled "The Way Back," began the BBC1 TV run of Blakes 7 on January 2, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gareth Thomas, Sally Knyvette, (more)
Nigel Havers (Chariots of Fire, Empire of the Sun) heads a five-star British cast including Kate Nicholls and Derek Godfrey, in the 1977 BBC miniseries Nicholas Nickleby, an adaptation of Charles Dickens' seminal 1838-1839 serial. The bittersweet story recounts the passing of Nickleby's (Havers) father, his subsequent impoverishment, and his guardianship under the aegis of the nasty Uncle Ralph, who shuttles Nicholas' mother off to labor in a dressmaking factory and Nicholas himself to a sadistic boarding school, run by the vile headmaster Wackford Squeers (Derek Francis). Nicholas Nickleby became one of Dickens' most beloved works, with its motley band of eccentric Brit characters, and the miniseries does its utmost to preserve the scathing satire of the original. Christopher Barry directs this five-and-a-half-hour presentation. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Nigel Havers, Derek Godfrey, (more)
- 1976
In the conclusion of the four-part story "The Mask of Mandragora," both the Doctor (Tom Baker) and Sarah (Elisabeth Sladen) are slated to die at the hands of the Renaissance-era religious coven, The Brotherhood of Demnos. Arriving in the Brotherhood's palace, the Doctor steels himself for a showdown with coven leader Hieronymous (Norman Jones) -- while the Mandragora Helix, which has been using Hieronymous as a pawn in a scheme to take over the world, awaits the outcome of this final battle. An omnimous warning caps the last scene of "The Mask of Mandragora, Episode 4," which was written by Terrance Dicks and first aired on September 25, 1976. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Baker, Elisabeth Sladen, (more)
- 1976
In the third episode of the four-part story "The Mask of Mandragora," the Doctor (Tom Baker) remains in Renaissance Italy, where the Brotherhood of Demnos, acting under orders from the Mandragora Helix, continue in their efforts to take over the world. As the Powers of Darkness envelope the earth, the Doctor is imprisoned and subjected to the most hideous of tortures -- while Sarah (Elisabeth Sladen) is prepared for human sacrifice. Originally telecast on September 18, 1976, "The Mask of Mandragora, Episode 3" was written by Terrance Dicks. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elisabeth Sladen, Gareth Armstrong, (more)
- 1976
In the second episode of the four-part story "The Mask of Mandragora," the Doctor (Tom Baker) and Sarah (Elisabeth Sladen) find themselves trapped in the Italian village of San Martino in the 15th century. The village is held in the grip of terror by an ancient religious coven called the Brotherhood of Demnos -- which, in turn, is under the control of the Mandragora Helix, an entity been on conquering the world. Norman Jones is cast as Hieronymus, leader of the Brotherhood. Originally telecast on September 11, 1976, "The Mask of Mandragora, Episode 2" was written by Terrance Dicks. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Baker, Elisabeth Sladen, (more)
- 1976
Doctor Who inaugurated its 14th season on September 4, 1976, with episode one of the four-part "The Mask of Mandragora." The Doctor (Tom Baker) and Sarah (Elisabeth Sladen) are hijacked by a mysterious power source. Deposited in Renaissance Italy, the two time travelers are forced to match wits with the frighteningly formidable Mandragora Helix, which intends to conquer the earth with "a little help from their friends." "The Mask of Mandragora, Episode 1" was written by Terrance Dicks. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Baker, Elisabeth Sladen, (more)
- 1974
- R
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A late entry from the foundering Hammer Studios, this intriguing and highly original twist on the vampire motif -- featuring for once a hero more charismatic than the vampires with which he does battle -- was the first in a planned series of Kronos films, but poor planning on behalf of its overseas distributors killed the franchise's great potential in the American market. Kronos (Horst Janson) -- a kind of swashbuckling Sherlock Holmes of the occult sciences -- and his hunchbacked companion Professor Grost (John Cater), arrive in the village of Durward where the local young wenches are being victimized by a family of vampires that drain youth, not blood, from their victims, turning them into withered old hags. Kronos' mystical intuition and powers of deduction lead him to the elderly Lady Durward (Wanda Ventham) and her pompous children Paul (Shane Briant) and Sara (Lois Daine), and he soon squares off against his vampiric foes with a lethal sword (fashioned from a sacred cross) and a bag of occult tricks (including an interesting use of dead frogs). Well-photographed and cleverly directed by Brian Clemens (Dr. Jekyll & Sister Hyde), this is one of Hammer's few attempts to broaden its audience in the 1970's -- a trend which reached its zenith of zaniness with everybody kung fu fighting in the Hammer/Shaw Brothers collaboration Legend of the Seven Golden Vampires. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Horst Janson, Shane Briant, (more)
- 1971
- PG
Vanessa Redgrave stars as Mary Stuart of Scotland, with Glenda Jackson co-starring as Queen Elizabeth I. As with the earlier Maxwell Anderson play Mary of Scotland, the film sympathizes with Mary, and there are two fictionalized face-to-face confrontations between the two queens (who never met in real life). With this film, old-line Hollywood producer Hal Wallis continued his trademark of showcasing dynamic stars within a period milieu; the film is literally swamped with lavish Tudor decor. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Vanessa Redgrave, Glenda Jackson, (more)
Steve Grayson (Elvis Presley) is a swinging racecar driver whose manager Kenny (Bill Bixby) has bet his money on the horses. Most of the horses didn't win, causing Steve to be visited by IRS agent Susan Jacks (Nancy Sinatra). Gale Gordon plays Hepworth, her stuffy supervisor, and William Shallert has the role of Abel Esterlake, former racecar driver who helps Steve on the track. Steve engages in the stock-car races at the Charlotte Speedway to get back the money to keep him and his manager out of jail. Presley delivers 11 songs, the most notable being "Let Yourself Go." Elvis by now was just playing out the innocuous string of movies that his musically insensitive, cigar-chomping manager Colonel Tom Parker had contracted for him. Soon Elvis would undertake the most successful live comeback by any performer in history and leave these trashy features behind. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elvis Presley, Nancy Sinatra, (more)
- 1966
In the fifth episode of the six-part story "The Power of the Daleks," the hitherto unheeded warnings of the Doctor (Patrick Troughton) are suddenly given weight, as the Daleks prepare to decimate the Earth colonists on the planet Vulcan. It is up to the Doctor and his companion, Polly (Annika Wills), to prevent this disaster from occuring, but even they may be powerless agains the Daleks' final assault. Series regular Michael Craze (Ben) does not appear in this episode. Written by David Whitaker and (uncredited) Dennis Spooner, "The Power of the Daleks, Episode 5" first aired on December 3, 1966; at present, this episode is believed to be lost. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patrick Troughton, Annika Wills, (more)
- 1966
In the conclusion of the six-part story "The Power of the Daleks," the Earth colony on Vulcan braces itself against the final assault of the dreaded mutant Daleks. Also pitching in are the "new" Doctor Who (Patrick Troughton) and his recently reunited companions, Polly (Annika Wills) and Ben (Michael Craze). But their combined efforts may well come to naught, thanks to a traitor in their midst. Written by David Whitaker and (uncredited) Dennis Spooner, "The Power of the Daleks, Episode 6" first aired on December 10, 1966; at present, this episode is believed to be lost. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patrick Troughton, Annika Wills, (more)
- 1966
In the third episode of the six-part story "The Power of the Daleks," the three resuscitated Daleks show their true colors by turning on the Earth colonists who released them from suspended animations. Seizing a golden opportunity, a band of rebels align themselves with the Daleks, believing that the mutants can be "harnessed." But the Doctor (Patrick Troughton) knows better, and he must prevent his old enemies from wreaking their usual havoc. Written by David Whitaker and (uncredited) Dennis Spooner, "The Power of the Daleks, Episode 3" first aired on November 19, 1966; this episode is believed to be lost. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patrick Troughton, Annika Wills, (more)
- 1966
In the fourth episode of the six-part story "The Power of the Daleks," the Doctor (Patrick Troughton) learns the identity of the rebel leader who has enlisted the Daleks in his scheme to overthrow the Earth colonists. Armed with this information, the Doctor hopes to put an end to the Dalek scourge once and for all -- but this, of course, proves impossible. Series regular Annika Wills (Polly) does not appear in this episode. Written by David Whitaker and (uncredited) Dennis Spooner, "The Power of the Daleks, Episode 4" first aired on November 26, 1966; at present, this episode is believed to be lost. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patrick Troughton, Michael Craze, (more)
- 1966
Introduced in the previous adventure "The Tenth Planet," the new Doctor Who (Patrick Troughton) takes the reins in the six-chapter "The Power of the Daleks." Now younger, healthier, and a bit more easygoing, the Doctor pilots the TARDIS to the Earth colony at Vulcan, with a confused Ben (Michael Craze) and Polly (Annika Wills). Confusion will soon give way to terror when the New Doctor confronts an old enemy: the dreaded mutant Daleks. Written by David Whitaker and (uncredited) Dennis Spooner, "The Power of the Daleks" began on November 5 1966; none of the six episodes are known to have survived. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patrick Troughton, Annika Wills, (more)
- 1966
In the second episode of the six-part story "The Power of the Daleks," the Doctor (Patrick Troughton) and his companions arrive at the earth colony at Vulcan, where a trio of Daleks repose in a state of suspended animation. The thick-eared colonists, convinced that the Daleks can be trusted, prepare to thaw out the bodies -- an act of largesse that the Doctor must prevent at all costs. Written by David Whitaker and (uncredited) Dennis Spooner, "The Power of the Daleks, Episode 2" first aired on November 11 1966; this episode is believed to be lost. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patrick Troughton, Annika Wills, (more)
- 1965
Steed and Tara investigate when the directors of Project Cupid, a top-secret construction project, are being systematically murdered. The culprit turns out to be a has-been vaudeville comedian, who resents the fact that Project Cupid plans to demolish a number of old music halls. Captured by the comedian and his minions, a bound-and-gagged Tara is subjected to the most hideous torture of all -- having to listen to their wheezy old jokes. John Cleese of Monty Python fame appears in an uproarious guest star role. Written by Dennis Spooner, this capriciously titled Avengers episode debuted in America on May 8, 1968, and was seen in England the following December 4th. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1965
Originally (and appropriately) telecast in England on December 25, 1965, this episode was written by Tony Williamson. Plagued by terrible nightmares which seem to be coming true, a rattled Steed asks Emma to accompany him to a Christmas party. Hosting the festivities is Brandon Storey (Mervyn Johns), a collector of Dickens first editions. It soon develops that Storey may be in league with a villainous group of telepaths who have been causing Steed's horrible dreams -- and who intend to kill our hero in order to pry certain valuable secrets from his subconscious. Curiously, the American debut of "Too Many Christmas Trees" took place on August 11, 1966, several months shy of the titular holiday. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1963
In London for a medical checkup, Emir Abdulla Akaba (Henry Soskin) is murdered by a person or persons unknown. This proves embarrassing for Steed and Cathy, who'd been assigned to protect the Emir. Still in disguise as a hotel chef and social secretary, the Avengers try to determine who knocked off the victim -- and try to keep from being knocked off themselves. With a punch line straight out of the vintage George Arliss vehicle Old English, "Death a la Carte" first aired in England on December 21, 1963. Written by John Lucarotti, the episode made its American cable TV debut on March 20, 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1961
Originally telecast January 7, 1961, this very first episode of The Avengers was one of the few that "justified" the series' title. When his fiancée is murdered by drug couriers, Dr. David Keel becomes frustrated by the police's inability to solve the case. Enlisting the aid of secret agent John Steed, who is likewise trailing the drug dealers, Dr. Keel lays a trap for the "brains" of the outfit, Ronnie Vance (Robert James). Kate Woodville, later the wife of series star Patrick Macnee, was seen as the murder victim. Scripted by Ray Rigby from a story by Patrick Brawn, "Hot Snow" was videotaped, like most of the first 78 episodes. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
