Christopher Lee Movies
After several years in secondary film roles, the skeletal, menacing Christopher Lee achieved horror-flick stardom as the Monster in 1958's The Curse of Frankenstein, the second of his 21 Hammer Studios films. Contrary to popular belief, Lee and Peter Cushing did not first appear together in The Curse of Frankenstein. In Laurence Olivier's Hamlet (1948), in which Cushing plays the minor role of Osric, Lee appears as the cadaverous candle-bearer in the "frighted with false fires" scene, one of his first film roles. In 1958, Lee made his inaugural appearance as "the Count" in The Horror of Dracula, with Cushing as Van Helsing. It would remain the favorite of Lee's Dracula films; the actor later noted that he was grateful to be allowed to convey "the sadness of the character. The terrible sentence, the doom of immortality...."Three years after Curse, Lee added another legendary figure to his gallery of characters: Sherlock Holmes, the protagonist of Sherlock Holmes und das Halsband des Todes. With the release eight years later of The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes, Lee became the first actor ever to portray both Holmes and Holmes' brother, Mycroft, onscreen. Other Lee roles of note include the title characters in 1959's The Mummy and the Fu Manchu series of the '60s, and the villainous Scaramanga in the 1974 James Bond effort The Man With the Golden Gun. In one brilliant casting coup, the actor was co-starred with fellow movie bogeymen Cushing, Vincent Price, and John Carradine in the otherwise unmemorable House of Long Shadows (1982). Established as a legend in his own right, Lee continued working steadily throughout the '80s and '90s, appearing in films ranging from Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990) to Tim Burton's Sleepy Hollow (1999).
In 2001, after appearing in nearly 300 film and television productions and being listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the international star with the most screen credits to his name, the 79-year-old actor undertook the role of Saruman, chief of all wizards, in director Peter Jackson's eagerly anticipated screen adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. Thought by many to be the millennial predecessor to George Lucas' Star Wars franchise, audiences thrilled to the wondrous battle between Saruman and Gandalf (Ian McKellen) atop the wizard's ominous tower, though Lee didn't play favorites between the franchises when Lucas shot back with the continuing saga of Anakin Skywalker's journey to the dark side in mid-2002. Wielding a lightsaber against one of the most powerful adversaries in the Star Wars canon, Lee proved that even at 80 he still had what it takes to be a compelling and demanding screen presence. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
David Jason, Tim Curry, Nigel Planer, and Sean Astin star in writer/director Vadim Jean's imaginative adaptation of The Colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic -- the first two books in author Terry Pratchett's popular Discworld series of fantasy adventure novels. Naïve tourist Twoflower (Astin) is on holiday in Ankh-Morpork when a terrible fire breaks out, forcing him to flee from the city alongside an incompetent wizard named Rincewind (Jason). Now, as the clueless pair set out on a magical journey across the disc, neither realizes that they are merely pawns in an elaborate board game being played by the gods. After encountering a pair of barbarians on their way out of Morpork, Twoflower and Rincewind take a trip to an inverted mountain housing dragons that only exist in imagination, survive a fall off the edge of the disc during a perilous visit to the country Krull, and attempt to beat Rincewind's former classmate Trymon (Curry) to a collection of eight spells that could save Discworld from total destruction. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- David Jason, Sean Astin, (more)
- 2007
Filmmaker Arthur Dong's documentary Hollywood Chinese pays homage to the first century of the American film industry, as specifically colored and influenced by the Chinese immigrants to whom Hollywood owes an inestimable debt. Dong touches on everyone from actress Anna May Wong, of Limehouse Blues (1934) and Lady from Chungking (1943), to the late cameraman James Wong Howe, responsible for giving the Rock Hudson thriller Seconds (1966) such a creepy and inventive look. Dong also explores the newer generation of Chinese-American filmmakers, including such giants as Wayne Wang and Ang Lee, responsible for such contemporary classics as The Joy Luck Club, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and Brokeback Mountain. At the same time, a haunting and telling undercurrent of racism and stereotypes weaves its way in, suggestive of the difficulties that Chinese men and women found working in Hollywood -- particularly in the early years. As a historical footnote, Dong also makes film history by rediscovering and editing in footage from what is alleged to be the first Asian-American film ever made: the 1916 Curse of Quon Gwan, directed by Marion Wong. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Turhan Bey, Joan Chen, (more)
- 2007
- Add Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs to QueueAdd Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs to top of Queue
Modern science provides us with a fascinating glimpse into the ancient world as researchers and archeologists explore the mysteries of the Egyptian mummies. By reconstructing DNA gathered from the pharaohs, contemporary scientists may be able to learn more about human genetics and develop innovative medical treatments for deadly diseases. Could the pharaohs have possessed secrets beyond that of modern man? Christopher Lee narrates a documentary that proves sometimes in order to understand the future, you must first delve into the distant past. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Christopher Lee
One of several dramatized tributes to the late pontiff to be telecast in 2005, the two-part CBS biopic Pope John Paul II is a remake of a popular Italian miniseries, and was filmed on location in Italy and Poland. The film begins with the attempted assassination of the pope on May 13, 1981, whereupon the story of the man once known as Karol Wojtyla is unfolded in flashback. The familiar highlights of Pope John Paul II's life and work are vividly realized: his early theatrical aspirations, his staunch resistance of both the Nazis and the Communist party in his native Poland, his meteoritic rise through the church ranks (at 38, he was his country's youngest bishop), and his ultimate ascendance to the Vatican throne in 1978. Also, this is one of the few English-language films to officer a meticulous recreation of the papal election process. Throughout much of the film, the pope's career is firmly linked with that of his countryman, Polish labor leader Lech Walesa; it can be inferred that without the input of both men, Poland would never have freed itself from Communist domination, nor would the Soviet empire have ultimately fallen. Cary Elwes plays John Paul from ages 18 through 50, whereupon Elwes morphs (quite literally, thanks to a brief -- and controversial -- special-effect sequence) into Jon Voight, who takes over as the older pope. Pope John Paul II was first telecast in two parts on December 4 and 7, 2005. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jon Voight, Cary Elwes, (more)
The Groan family has led the people for years from their castle, Gormenghast. Although a new heir, Titus Groan, has just come into the world, a scheming kitchen boy, Steerpike, begins an elaborate attempt to take control. Surprisingly Steerpike faces his stiffest competition from the usually mild-mannered Titus, the Earl of Goran. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jonathan Rhys-Meyers
A kind of "best-of" account of the books of Genesis and Exodus, this two-part NBC miniseries aired in November 2000. Part One, set in the desert, covers the stories of Abraham (Martin Landau), Sarah (Jacqueline Bisset), Isaac (Sean Pertwee), Rebeccah (Diana Rigg), Esau (Andrew Grainger), and Jacob (Frederick Weller) and culminates with the enslavement of Joseph (Eddie Cibrian). Part Two, set in biblical Egypt, focuses on the story of Moses (Billy Campbell) and his deliverance of his people from slavery. Also included in the miniseries' huge and illustrious cast are Alan Bates as Jethro, Geraldine Chaplin as Yocheved, and Jonathan Firth as Joshua. ~ Rebecca Flint Marx, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Martin Landau, Jacqueline Bisset, (more)
Not to be confused with the 1999 action-horror blockbuster The Mummy starring Brendan Fraser, this film of the same title is a 2000 documentary hosted by fright legend Christopher Lee. Exploring the history of mummies in movies, the program features an assortment of classic clips from films centered around the wrapped-up, centuries-old Egyptian monsters. Along with archived interviews with Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff, this film also includes segments dealing with zombies and other specimens of the walking dead. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Christopher Lee
Best known for his Highlander series, Russell Mulcahy pays homage to the Hammer films of the 1960s with this all-star recreation of the Mummy story. Centuries ago, a sadistic prince named Talos was buried and his tomb was infinitely cursed so that no man would ever again suffer from his evil ways. But hundreds of years later, a group of archeologists break the seal of the tomb and are brutally massacred. The bandages of Talos are discovered years later by the head archeologist's daughter and brought back to London to be displayed in a museum. But the bandages go on a violent rampage. His evil threatens to spread around the world when the approaching alignment of the planets will raise the legendary Talos to a level of immortal power. The American detective in charge of the affair and the daughter of the archeologist race against time to defeat the malicious mummy. Russell Mulcahy has modern computer graphics techniques on his side in this remake of the classic Mummy monster story. At the same time, he has invited the legendary Christopher Lee to appear in the role of the ill-fated archeologist who discovers Talos. Shelley Duvall and Jason Scott Lee round out the main cast. ~ Gönül Dönmez-Colin, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jason Scott Lee, Louise Lombard, (more)
- 1998
Those familiar with Pakistan's history will be most likely to appreciate this elaborate tribute to Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the man who created the Muslim nation in the wake of Great Britain's relinquishment of control over India. The story begins on a fantastical note, as an ailing Jinnah (Christopher Lee) expires and then finds himself in a heavenly place awaiting final judgment on his deeds. That could take some time, for the celestial bureaucrats in charge have misplaced Jinnah's file and the whole heavenly computer network is down. With nothing but time on his hands, Jinnah answers the many questions of his guide (Shashi Kapoor). His responses comprise the main story. Jinnah's tale begins in 1947 as England prepares to grant India its freedom. Muslims have always been a minority in the diverse country and Jinnah wants to create a country especially for them. The Muslim leader's nemesis, Viceroy Mountbatten (James Fox) finds Jinnah's proposal disturbing and so attempts to convince Ghandi (Sam Dastor) and Nehru (Robert Ashby) to dissuade Jinnah from starting more trouble, but it is to no avail. The story then jumps backward to 1916 when Jinnah (played as a young man by Richard Lintern) served as a prominent member of the India Congress Party. It was during this time that he married a beautiful Parsee (Indira Varma). As the guide continues his questions, a deeper understanding of Jinnah and the bloody events surrounding the genesis of Pakistan emerges. Jinnah played at the 1998 Montreal Festival of New Cinema & New Media. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Christopher Lee, James Fox, (more)
A century after the Normans conquer England, evil Prince John (Ralph Brown) seizes control of the realm in the absence of the rightful ruler, his brother Richard the Lion-Hearted (Rory Edwards), who has been crusading in the Holy Land. John means to replace Richard as king. John, a Norman, governs with cruelty and force of arms, and the Saxon natives despise him. Siding with John are fearsome warrior priests known as Templars. All seems lost for the Saxons. Then the Saxon hero Ivanhoe returns from the Crusades in disguise. Not far behind is Richard. Meanwhile, Ivanhoe's father, Cedric (James Cosmo), a Saxon lord who has disowned his son in the mistaken belief that he has betrayed Richard, betroths his beautiful ward, Rowena (Victoria Smurfit), Ivanhoe's beloved, to Saxon lord Athelstane (Chris Walker). If right is to prevail, the Saxons must unseat John, and Ivanhoe must restore his good name and win Rowena. John decides to sponsor a tournament between his Templar champions and Saxon knights. On the first day of the tournament, the disguised Ivanhoe heartens the Saxons by defeating the best of the Templars in a jousting match. On the second day, during sword-to-sword combat, he turns apparent defeat into victory with the help of a mysterious Black Knight (Rory Edwards). Ivanhoe suffers a wound, however, and Rebecca (Susan Lynch), a Jew, nurses him back to health. Ivanhoe had saved the life of her father, Isaac. The Templars capture Ivanhoe and other Saxons, as well as Rebecca and her father, and hold them in a castle. Then, Saxon men-at-arms led by Robin Hood (Aden Gillett) and the Black Knight storm the castle and free the prisoners. However, a Templar knight rides off with Rebecca, and his superior condemns her as a witch and sentences her to be burned at the stake. The film builds to its climax as Ivanhoe rides to save Rebecca, and viewers wonder about the ultimate fate of John, the identity of the Black Knight, and the future course of English history. ~ Mike Cummings, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Steven Waddington, Victoria Smurfit, (more)
- 1997
Based on the Discworld novels by Terry Pritchett, the British animated series Wyrd Sisters was set on a faraway planet, supported in space by four elephants standing on a turtle. The titular "sisters" were three witches -- Margrat Garlick, Nanny Ogg, and Granny Weatherwax -- who dwelt in the country of Lance. Much against their will, the witches found themselves babysitting the infant heir to Lance's throne. Produced by Cosgrove-Hall, whose other cartoon credits included the delightful Dangermouse and Count Duckula, the six-episode Wyrd Sisters was broadcast by Britain's Channel 4 in 1997. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jane Horrocks, Christopher Lee, (more)
- 1996
In the 19th century, malformed or deformed people were the object of morbid curiosity in traveling sideshows and circuses. In the 20th century they became fodder for Hollywood horror movies. Part of the 13-episode 100 Years of Horror series directed by Ted Newsom and hosted by horror movie star Christopher Lee, 100 Years of Horror: Mutants and Freaks reviews the many "mutant" and "freak" characters that have suffered on the silver screen from the earliest days of moviemaking. The program features clips from many films, among them The Creature From the Black Lagoon (Amazonian Gill-Man); The Little Shop of Horrors (man-eating flower); Freaks (the aforementioned sideshow denizens); and The Day the Earth Stood Still (Gort, the Robot). The program includes interviews with some of the filmmakers, behind-the-scenes stories, still photos, and rare film footage. ~ Steve Blackburn, All Movie Guide
- 1996
The old newspaper dictum "If it bleeds, it leads" could also apply to the marketing of modern horror movies. Part of the 13-episode 100 Years of Horror series directed by Ted Newsom and hosted by horror movie star Christopher Lee, 100 Years of Horror: Madmen & Gory Gimmicks reviews how Hollywood has packaged and sold its horror movies over the past 100 years. Highlights include rare color footage from the original 1925 version of The Phantom of the Opera, which starred the great Lon Chaney as the phantom. The actor reputedly created the character's hideous visage using springs and clamps in his nostrils and mouth. Madmen & Gory Gimmicks also relates the true story that inspired The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974). Host Lee appeared in many horror movies himself, including Corridors of Blood (1958). ~ Steve Blackburn, All Movie Guide
- 1996
Part of the 13-episode 100 Years of Horror series directed by Ted Newsom and hosted by horror movie star Christopher Lee, 100 Years of Horror: Giants and Dinosaurs takes a loving look at movie monsters. Films starring monsters in the form of dinosaurs have been thrilling audiences since the 1925 filming of The Lost World, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's adventure tale about scientists who discover prehistoric giant beasts in a remote land. That silent film featured surprisingly well-rendered special effects. Since then a horde of other "creature features" have been spawned, including The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms, the 1933 groundbreaking spectacular King Kong, Japan's atomic mutant Godzilla, and Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park. Included here are interviews with some of the filmmakers, along with clips, rare production stills, and previously unreleased footage. ~ Steve Blackburn, All Movie Guide
