Jon Laurimore Movies
- 1993
Filmed in Eastern Europe, this direct-to-cable adaptation of Mary Shelley's iconographic monster tale features Patrick Bergin as Victor Frankenstein, a medical genius obsessed with the secret of creating life, who uses a bizarre cloning apparatus to grow a complete human being (Randy Quaid) from his own cellular material. Though sensitive and intelligent, the rebellious humanoid is driven by a murderous rage against his creator, compelling him to destroy everything that he holds dear. Aside from the introduction of a psychic link between Victor and his monstrous genetic offspring -- a concept never satisfyingly explored -- this adaptation brings nothing particularly fresh or revolutionary to Shelley's novel. However, production values are admirably high and performances are superb throughout, particularly that of John Mills as the blind forest hermit who befriends the monster. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
- 1988
TheTV movie Jack the Ripper endeavors to shed new light on one of the most notorious unsolved cases in history. The Ripper, of course, was the London serial killer who, in 1888, killed and disemboweled five prostitutes. Michael Caine stars not as the Ripper but as a Scotland-Yard inspector who is assigned to the case. The trail of evidence leads Caine to some astonishing suspects--including at least one member of the Royal Family. As the public clamors for an arrest in the case of the unsolved evisceration murders of five East End prostitutes, Abberline narrows down his list of suspects: the four most likely to have committed the murders, according to the inspector, are American-actor Richard Mansfield (Armand Assante), Queen Victoria's personal psychic (Ken Bones), a certain Dr. Acland (Richard Morant) and socialist-gadfly Lusk (Michael Gothard). The British government is also pressuring Abberline to produce the killer. Unfortunately, if Abberline were to publicly release all the clues at his disposal, the revelation would probably rock the Empire to its foundations. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Michael Caine
- 1985
Based on a true story, the three-part British miniseries Operation Julie detailed a massive drug "sting" conducted by British authorities in the mid-'70s. Colin Blakely and David Swift headed the enormous cast as, respectively, Detective Inspector Richard Lee and Detective Superintendent Gosling. The target for the authorities was a covert operation specializing in the manufacturer and worldwide distribution of LSD. As a faithful retelling of the largest undercover drug investigation of its kind in the United Kingdom, the series garnered a huge audience in both England and Europe. After its initial British TV run from November 4 to 6, 1985 (courtesy of Tyne Tees Television), Operation Julie was re-edited and reissued as a 100-minute feature film. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 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)
- 1969
In this suspenseful crime drama set in war-torn Ireland, IRA terrorists conspire to blow up a British power station. Fortunately, a British supporter escapes from captivity and is able to stop them. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1967
Originally broadcast in England on November 12, 1967, this episode of The Prisoner was written by Anthony Skene and directed by "Joseph Serf" --- actually a pseudonym for series star Patrick McGoohan. Arising from his slumbers early one morning, Number Six discovers that the Village is deserted and all the power has been shut off. At last able to make his escape, Number Six fashions a raft and sets out to sea. Washing up on the shore of what seems to be a familiar English coastal village, he finds that his old lodgings have been taken over by a Mrs. Butterworth (Georgina Cookson), whose behavior does not set his heart at ease. Hoping to return to his former government headquarters to inform his superiors of the Village's existence, the prisoner is plunged into a deep and ever-widening pit of paranoia, with no certainty as to whom he can trust and whom he should fear. Donald Sinden and Patrick Cargill guest star as the Colonel and Thorpe, respectively. "Many Happy Returns" first aired in America on July 20, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1967
X-rays of a car crash victim reveal that the man had a stomach full of valuable diamonds. Naturally, Steed and Emma are called in to investigate. They follow clues all the way to the prestigious Litoff Organization, a group of financiers with an agenda all their own. First telecast in England on October 14, 1967, "The 50,000 Pound Breakfast" was a remake of the 1962 episode "Death of a Great Dane." Both were written by Roger Marshall. American viewers didn't get to see this one until February 28, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Diana Rigg
- 1966
The attempted assassination of a Middle Eastern potentate is tied in with a company specializing in making fantasies come true. In order to verify this link, Steed becomes a boon companion to the potentate, while Emma joins the ruler's harem. The sight of Diana Rigg in a flimsy harem costume performing "the dance of the six veils" was too much for American censors, which is why "Honey for the Prince" was yanked from ABC's Avengers package. English viewers were privileged to see this Brian Clemens-scripted installment on March 23, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
