Honor Blackman Movies
British actress Honor Blackman began as a J. Arthur Rank contractee, where she was groomed for demure "English rose" types in films like Fame is the Spur (1947) and Quartet (1948). Honor would not realize major stardom until 1962, when she was cast as leather-clad karate expert Cathy Gale in the British TV adventure series The Avengers (until recently, U.S. audiences were permitted to see only the Avengers episodes featuring Ms. Blackman's successors, Diana Rigg and Linda Thorson). International stardom ensued when Honor was seen in another martial-arts gig as the gloriously yclept Pussy Galore in Goldfinger (1964). She has played a wide variety of roles since, with special emphasis on droll comedy. Honor Blackman's last picture was the 1978 remake of The Cat and the Canary, though she continues to appear in British television, most recently on the weekly series The Upper Hand (1990-93). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide- 1963
Steed and Cathy investigate a rash of mysterious crop failures in Europe, Asia, and England. The trail of clues leads to the headquarters of the World Empire Party, a cult that worships the glories of ancient Rome. The head of the cult is Bruno (Hugh Burden), a self-styled Caesar bent on taking over the world -- or destroying it. Written by Rex Edwards, "The Grandeur That Was Rome" first aired in England on November 30, 1963; its American debut was delayed until March 18, 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1963
The reclusive millionaire whom Steed was assigned to escort to New York has been spirited away to a private nursing home -- in a coffin. Investigating these mysterious goings-on, Cathy gets a job at the same home. Finally locating the missing person, Cathy discovers that the man has been replaced by an impostor. . .and that the mystery has only begun. A satiric jab at Britain's excessive inheritance taxes (the connection between this plot twist and the rest of the story is made obvious only in the final moments), "The Undertakers" was written by Malcolm Hulke. It was originally telecast in England on October 5, 1963, and it belatedly debuted in America on March 6, 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1963
Someone has broken into an "impenetrable" underground spy headquarters and microfilmed a valuable document. The subsequent investigation reveals the startling "fact" that John Steed was in on the caper. While Steed languishes in prison, Cathy tries to get at the truth by trailing the beautiful female spy (Edina Romay) with whom Steed was apparently in cahoots. Written by Philip Chambers, "The Nutshell" was originally telecast in England on October 19, 1963; the episode wasn't seen in America until March 8, 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1963
Steed is assigned to transport a shipment of live corneas to Switzerland to be used in a delicate eye-graft operation. But when one of the surgeons involved is murdered, Steed and Cathy uncover a sinister plot involving a sightless millionaire (John Carson). Also figuring in on the proceedings is a cache of valuable jewels. Written by Martin Woodhouse, "Second Sight" was originally broadcast in England on November 16, 1963; it remained unseen in America until March 14, 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1963
There's a rumor afoot that several top British agents have been replaced by doubles. Sent to investigate, Steed promptly disappears, whereupon his double shows up in his place. Ordered to kill the false Steed, Cathy has a devillish time trying to determine which twin is the phony. The episode's highlight is the interrogration of brainwashed secret agent Borowski (Terence Lodge), who has been given so many false identities that he no longer knows who he really is. Written by James Mitchell, "The Man with Two Shadows" made its British TV debut on October 12, 1963, and its American cable TV bow on March 7, 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1963
One-and-a-half seconds after his election, a muckraking politician is murdered. Hoping to get to the bottom of the mystery, Steed arranges for Cathy to take the dead man's place. But it turns out that the "murder victim" is very much alive, and he intends to detonate a nuclear warhead in London on Guy Fawkes' Day. Originally telecast in England on November 2, 1963 (three days before the annual Guy Fawkes celebration), "November Five" was written by Eric Paise. The significance of its title (and its topicality) was lost to American viewers when the episode made its U.S. TV debut on March 12, 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1963
Invited to visit the country estate of a renowned historian, Cathy discovers that her host has vanished and that his highly suspicous ward (Janine Gray) has taken his place. Before long, Cathy finds herself being stalked by a shadowy assassin. Will Steed arrive in time to save Cathy from a grisly fate -- and just who is her mysterious assailant? Written by Brian Clemens, "Don't Look Behind You" was first telecast in England on December 14, 1963. American viewers who saw the episode for the first time on March 19, 1991 would recognize guest star Janine Grey for her appearance on two other "cult" spy series, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and Get Smart. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1963
First telecast in England on December 28, 1963, this episode begins with a missile attack on England, which fortunately proves to be a fake. Wondering why only one of the country's radar stations failed to report the attack, Steed purchases some valuable property bordering that station. Shortly afterward, he and his new neighbors are invited to a New Year's Eve celebration on board a train. When the guests begin dying at an alarming rate, Cathy Gale races to the rescue -- fetchingly disguised as a belly dancer. Celebrated comic actors Leonard Rossiter and John Junkin appear in supporting roles. Written by Brian Clemens, "Dressed to Kill" remained unseen in America until March 21, 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Greek mythology is done up brown by the special-effects expertise of Ray Harryhausen in Jason and the Argonauts. Jason (Todd Armstrong), rightful heir to the throne of Thessaly, is spared from death through the intervention of the goddess Hera (Honor Blackman). The other celestial inhabitants of Mount Olympus watch in amusement as Hera surreptitiously aids Jason in his search for the Golden Fleece. Obstacles to this goal include a giant come-to-life statue named Talos, the screeching harpies plaguing blind prophet Phineas (Patrick Troughton), a set of huge clashing rocks, the seven-headed hydra, and an army of skeletons (this bravura climactic sequence assured Harryhausen's place in the hearts of 13-year-old boys of all ages). Supporting characters include Nancy Kovack as a pre-infanticide Medea and Nigel Green as a pacifistic Hercules. Bernard Herrmann's surging musical score was icing on the cake for this greatest of all Ray Harryhausen creations. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Todd Armstrong, Nancy Kovack, (more)
- 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
- 1963
The "batman" referred to in the title was not of the Caped Crusader variety, but instead the former valet to John Steed. When the man in question, who after WWII worked as a humble printer's assistant, leaves behind an estate worth over half a million pounds, Steed investigates. It turns out that the dead man was linked with an unscupulous banker (Andre Morell) who will stop at nothing to corner Britain's high-tech industry. Written by Roger Marshall, "Death of a Batman" first aired in England on October 26, 1963; the episode made its American cable TV bow on March 11, 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1963
The third season of The Avengers arrived with the happy news that Cathy Gale would henceforth be John Steed's full-time partner, displacing such second-season "temps" as Venus Smith (Julie Stevens) and Dr. Martin King (Jon Rollason). Even so, the first episode of the season, "Brief for Murder," found Steed methodically plotting Cathy's murder. It's all part of a master plan to trap a pair of crooked lawyers (Harold Scott and John Laurie), but this isn't made apparent until after Cathy has (apparently) shuffled off her mortal coil. Written by the dependable Brian Clemens, "Brief for Murder" originally aired in England on September 29, 1963; it was first shown in America on March 5, 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1962
The "gimmick" in this Avengers episode is a rare postage stamp. When a famed stamp collector is killed, Steed and Cathy head to a philatelic convention, where the aforementioned stamp is about to be auctioned off for a ridiculously low price. The convention turns out to be a front for a radical organization bent on taking over the world. Written by Malcolm Hulke and Terrance Dicks, "The Mauritius Penny" made its British TV debut on November 10, 1962; it was not seen in America until February 4, 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1962
Steed suspects that there's more than meets the eye when a scientist's lab is broken into but not robbed -- at least, not obviously robbed. Investigating, Steed and Cathy follow the trail of evidence to the "golden eggs" of the title, each of which contains a deadly viral microbe. Racing against time, Cathy (who knows more about biochemistry than Steed) tries to prevent a wholesale epidemic. Written by Martin Woodhouse, "The Golden Eggs" was originally telecast in England on February 2, 1963, then was shown on American cable TV on February 21st. . .28 years later. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1962
After lapsing into a comatose state, a rocket scientist suddenly disappears from view. Investigating the situation, Steed and Cathy discover that the missing scientist was deeply influenced by the occult. When the man is found dead, the Avengers immerse themselves in the world of Black Magic to uncover the killer. Intended as Cathy Gale's introductory episode, "Warlock" had to be extensively re-edited when it was decided to delay its telecast until January 26, 1963, by which time Cathy was firmly established on the series. Written by Doreen Montgomery, the episode didn't make it to American television until February 20, 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1962
It's possible that a traitor stationed at a top-secret naval base is causing malfunctions every time an experimental tracking system is tested. The man accused of treachery pleads innocence, and Steed believes him. Posing as a military psychiatrist and a chemist, Steed and Gale set a trap for the real culprit. Written by John Gilber, "Traitor in Zebra" was originally telecast in England on December 8, 1962; it was first seen in America on February 8, 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1962
The title refers to an astronomical phenomenon that might bring about the end of the world. The only scientist who knows for certain what's in store for mankind is brutally murdered, bringing Steed and Cathy in on the case. As the Avengers elude various villains and sidestep government cover-ups in order to get to the truth, the "dwarf" -- actually a meteor -- draws nearer and nearer to the Earth. An interesting precursor to the X-Files school of justifiable paranoia, "The White Dwarf" was written by Malcolm Hulke. First seen in England on February 16, 1963, the episode made its American TV debut exactly 28 years and nine days later. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1962
Discovered lying on the side of a road, an auto crash victim turns out to have a fortune in diamonds hidden in his stomach. Following the trail of evidence, Steed and Cathy discover that the estate of a dying philanthropist is slowly and methodically being stolen and smuggled out of the country. First telecast November 17, 1962, "Death of a Great Dane" was written by Roger Marshall and Jeremy Scott. The episode was broadcast in America on February 5, 1991 -- and, some 23 years earlier, was refilmed as the "Mrs. Peel" episode "The 50,000-Pound Breakfast." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1962
The title of this Avengers episode refers to a new liquid rocket fuel. Assigned to rendezvous with the man delivering the fuel to the Government, Steed and Cathy discover that the man has been murdered. They spend the rest of the episode trying to wrest the fuel from the hands of enemy agents, cornering their quarry in a bakery where Cathy deploys a most unusual concealed weapon. Written by Jon Manchip White, "Propellent 23" was originally telecast in England on October 6, 1962; its first American appearance didn't take place until January 28, 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1962
Cathy falls in love with the widowed father of one of her oldest friends. Little does she know that her current amour, a prominent shipbuilder, is at the center of a scheme to control all British ship manufacturing -- and he's not above murder to achieve his goal. This time around, John Steed must not only thwart the villain, but also convince Cathy to follow her head rather than her heart. Written by Fred R. DeKoven, "Six Hands Across a Table" was originally telecast in England on March 16, 1963; it was first shown in America on March 1, 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1962
The title of this episode refers to a huge futuristic computer named Plato. When the computer is sabotaged and one of its creators is murdered, Cathy is dispatched to the scene to investigate. Wondering why she's been given a solo assignment, Cathy is unaware that Steed is monitoring her every move. But will he be able to save her from meeting the same fate as the unfortunate computer scientist? First broadcast in England on December 15, 1962, "The Big Thinker" was written by Martin Woodhouse; by the timed it aired in America on February 11, 1961, the episode's notion of "advanced" computer technology was amusingly quaint. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1962
The Avengers' second season came to a close with this episode, which originally aired on March 23, 1963. Written by John Lucarotti, the plot concerns an effort to smuggle valuable ambergris. Steed and Cathy become part of the action in a circuitous manner, when Cathy agrees to manage an up-and-coming prizefighter (Kenneth Farrington). Certainly one of the more labyrinthine Avengers episodes, "Killer Whale" wasn't given an opportunity to baffle American cable TV fans until March 2, 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1962
Honor Blackman made her first Avengers appearance as leather-clad "talented amateur" Cathy Gale in this episode, which originally aired on September 29, 1962. The plot begins to thicken when a contract is put out on John Steed -- by none other than his new partner, Cathy Gale. No, it's not an act of betrayal; Cathy has been assigned to get the goods on a highly creative professional assassin known only as Mr. Teddy Bear. This pivotal episode was wrtten by Martin Woodhouse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1962
Wounded during a robbery, a two-bit thief awakens in Steed's apartment. After intense interrogation, the thief lets slip that he is a small cog in a huge world-wide crime syndicate. In order to infiltrate the villains' headquarters, Cathy poses as German criminal Hilda Stern, who at present is safely behind bars. . .or is she? The principal heavy is played by Kenneth J. Warren, who later played the demented movie producer in the Diana Rigg episode "Epic." Written by Terrance Dicks and Malcolm Hulke, "Intercrime" made its British TV premiere on January 5, 1963, and its American TV bow on February 14, 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1962
An industrial spy is found murdered in an out-of-the-way pottery factory. Posing as an author, Cathy investigates the killing, which is tied in with a secret formula for an unbreakable ceramic. Alas, Cathy herself is most breakable, and she has quite a time remaining in one piece before Steed arrives on the scene. First telecast in England on January 12, 1963 (and not seen in America until February 15, 1991), "Immortal Clay" was written by James Mitchell. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
