Edward Peel Movies

In the final episode of the three-part story "Dragonfire," the Doctor (Sylvester McCoy) finally comes face to face with exiled criminal Kane (Edward Peel), the ruler of the frozen trading colony Iceworld. Threatening dire consequences for innocent waitress Ace (Sophie Aldred), the villain forces the Doctor and con man Glitz (Tony Selby) to locate the Dragon's Treasure, which will enable Kane to escape Iceworld forever. Chris Clough's teleplay is chock full of "inside" pop-cultural references, including the character names McLuhan (as in Marshall) and Bazin (as in French film critic Andre Bazin). Bonnie Langford makes her final appearance as Mel. "Iceworld, Episode 3" originally aired on December 7, 1987, bringing Doctor Who's 24th season to a rousing conclusion. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

The principal heavy in the three-part Doctor Who adventure "Dragonfire" is exiled criminal Kane (Edward Peel), now the reluctant ruler of the frozen planet Iceworld, a trading colony. The Doctor (Sylvester McCoy) is tricked into visiting Iceworld, as is his perennial nemesis, con artist Sabalon Glitz (Tony Selby). Sophie Aldred makes her first series appearance as teenaged waitress Ace. The 150th story in the Doctor Who saga, "Dragonfire" was written by Chris Clough; Episode 1 first aired on November 23, 1987. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square was the original title of this British caper film. David Niven does his suave 'n' blase bit as a criminal mastermind planning a giant bank heist. Richard Jordan co-stars as an American ex-con tapped to oversee the operation. Gloria Grahame, in one of her last roles, masticates the scenery as Jordan's rude-and-crude mom. The Big Scam picked up a third title when it was released to video as The Mayfair Bank Caper. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

One man's dreams of success take him on a Byzantine journey through the various stations of the British class system in this politically charged black comedy from director Lindsay Anderson. Mick Travis (Malcolm McDowell) is an ambitious young man who is looking to get his foot on the first rung of the ladder of success by landing a job as a salesman. After the death of Imperial Coffee's leading drummer in the North, Travis' charm and enthusiasm so impresses manager Mr. Duff (Arthur Lowe) that he's given the job, and after some coaching from Gloria Rowe (Rachel Roberts), Travis sets out to find his fortune in the coffee trade. Travis' desire for success quickly sets him on a curious odyssey in which he happens upon a secret sex club for businessmen, finds himself the subject of random seductions by lonely women, is captured and tortured by military intelligence agents, submits to medical experiments at a bizarre private clinic, hitches a ride with a traveling rock band led by former Animals keyboardist Alan Price, falls in love with a beautiful young bohemian named Patricia (Helen Mirren), goes to work for her father (Ralph Richardson), who happens to be a singularly corrupt political figure, and eventually lands in prison after he's implicated in a deal to sell chemical weapons to the Third World. As Mick's strange tale progresses, we periodically visit Price and his band in the recording studio or rehearsal hall, as they work on songs which serve as both mirror and counterpoint for Travis' progress. O Lucky Man! was the second film in which Malcolm McDowell would portray Mick Travis for director Lindsay Anderson, following If..., and preceding Britannia Hospital; the film's surreal undercurrent was reinforced by the casting, in which nearly all of the principal actors play two or three roles. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi