Linda Thorson Movies
When leggy, 5'9" brunette actress Linda Thorson replaced Diana Rigg on the long-running British TV adventure series The Avengers, one critic summed up Thorson as "a cute trick, but not in Diana's league." Hold on there! Though Thorson was only 20, she was no mere bubble-headed starlet. The daughter of a Canadian math and physics teacher, she was a trained dancer and an alumnus of London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. She had previously won speaking and singing honors while in school, and was well on her way to a prestigious stage career when she was selected from a field of 200 actresses to play Tara King, the new partner of crimefighter John Steed(Patrick MacNee) on The Avengers. Some fans of the series have a low regard of Thorson's contributions, citing her misguided efforts to inject more sexual tension between Tara and Steed, and her tendency to react more fearfully to dangerous situations than the unflappable Rigg. In point of fact, Thorson was only following orders; the producers of The Avengers were responsible for the questionable "improvements" in their flagging property. After the series' cancellation in 1969, Thorson launched her stage career in earnest, racking up respectable credits on the British stage and in such films as Valentino (1977) and The Great Tycoon (1979). She won a Theatre World Award for her 1982 Broadway debut in Steaming, and proved a superb farceur in the Alan Ayckbourn stage comedy Noises Off. The mature, poised, wryly self-confident Linda Thorson who co-starred on the 1986 TV comedy series Marblehead Manor was a far cry from the slightly awkward, plucked-eyebrowed nymphet who co-starred in the waning days of The Avengers. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
The horrors of war flow deep in the veins of two young American G.I.s who desert their platoon during the waning days of World War II in Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3 director Jeff Burr's chilling tale of terror on the battlefield. Despite the best efforts of Allied forces, Axis troops still have a stronghold over many key European outposts. With time quickly running out before they are attacked by the enemy and branded deserters by their own battalion, these two desperate soldiers soon team with a deadly band of killer orphans to take out a key Nazi base and secure yet another victory for the increasingly powerful Allies. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ryan Francis, Scott MacDonald, (more)
- 2001
A woman living in a rent-controlled apartment on New York's fashionable Upper West Side is murdered. Inasmuch as the victim had been holding up the sale of the apartment building, the landlord appears to be the most likely suspect. But further investigation reveals far more personal and deep-rooted reasons for the killing. Onetime Avengers leading lady Linda Thorson is a standout in a key supporting role. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1999
The off-court lives of a team of professional basketball players, as well as their friends and family, are the focus of The Hoop Life, a made-for-cable movie that serves as pilot and introduction for a series produced for the Showtime premium cable network. The New England Knights lose the final game of the seven-game championship series after Marvin Buxton (Mykelti Williamson) misses a shot that would have put them ahead, and the players have to figure out what to do in the off-season. Buxton becomes obsessed with the missed shot and eventually goes ballistic at a youth basketball camp he hosts. Greg Marr (Rick Peters), one of Marvin's team mates, finds his infidelity is catching up with him when his wife kicks him out of their house. Coach Leonard Fero (Dan Lauria) is constantly doing battle with General Manager Eliot Pierce (Dorian Harewood) and owner Emily Yeager (Linda Thorson). And Curtis Thorpe (Cirroc Lofton), a high school hoops star who has decided to turn pro rather than attend college, has his eye on a contract with the Knights. However, after the death of his parents, Curtis's Uncle Kenny (Ray Anthony Thomas) takes over "management" of Curtis and puts a stake through his career by signing a contract for him to play pro ball in Greece. The Hoop Life also features a cameo by former NBA star Bill Walton as himself. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Mykelti Williamson, Dorian Harewood, (more)
- 1993
After a two-week rerun cycle, Next Generation's sixth season resumed on May 1, 1993 with this first-run episode. The title refers to a competition involving the Enterprise, the Cardassians, the Klingons, and the Romulans. All four combatants race to solve a genetic puzzle that has remained inscrutable for four billion years. Alas, the solution of the puzzle may unleash a secret that will mean the end of the Galaxy. Veteran actors Norman Lloyd and Salome Jens guest star as, respectively, Picard's former archeology professor Galen and an enigmatic Humanoid; additionally, former Avengers regular Linda Thorson is seen as Gul Ocett. Directed by Jonathan Frakes, "The Chase" was written by Joe Menosky and Ronald D. Moore. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
In this made-for-TV movie, a young Los Angeles man is killed by a drunken driver and his brother attempts to avenge his death by ridding the streets of dangerous drivers. ~ Iotis Erlewine, All Movie Guide
- 1986
The Temptations make a surprise appearance in the teaser for this episode, which focuses appropriately enough on the world of music (for a while, anyway). David (Bruce Willis) has purchased a pair of symphony tickets from a shady character whom he met on the street. Unfortunately, those tickets were stolen--and now both David and Maddie (Cybill Shepherd) are up to their necks in international intrigue, thanks to a most inquisitive FBI agent (Linda Thorson). The story also involves the assassination of a Russian prizefighter--which explains the presence of Don King! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1986
Blind Justice is a fact-based TV movie starring Tim Matheson, here made to look "normal" with glasses and mustache. The innocent Matheson is fingered by witnesses as an armed robber/kidnapper/rapist. For the next 14 months, his life is hell. Too much circumstantial evidence surrounds the case, and too much information leaks out to the public; even if Matheson beats the rap, he'll be ruined in his community. Blind Justice was first telecast on March 9, 1986. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tim Matheson, Mimi Kuzyk, (more)
- 1983
This made-for-TV film is an Americanized remake of the 1975 German film The Lost Honor of Katharina Blum (based on the novel by Heinrich Böll). Shorn of most of her movie-star glamour, Marlo Thomas plays Kathryn Beck, whose one-night stand with handsome Ben Cole (Kris Kristofferson) all but ruins her life. Cole is suspected of being a political terrorist; as a result, Kathryn is seized by the authorities and relentlessly questioned. Her ordeal intensifies when she becomes the target of a ruthless investigative reporter. When she seeks legal aid, Kathryn finds that her basic civil rights aren't even as well protected as those of the fugitive Cole. Act of Passion: Lost Honor of Kathryn Beck premiered on January 24, 1984, minus the Act of Passion portion of the title, which was added later to pump up rerun ratings. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1969
While visiting an antique shop, Tara is waylaid and chloroformed. Upon awakening, she finds that she has gone back in time to 1915, and that her name is Pandora (hence the episode's title). It is all part of a scheme hatched by a pair of avaricious nephews to discover the hidden location of their rich uncle's vast fortune. In the course of events, John Steed harks back to previous adventures with his former partners Cathy Gale and Emma Peel. Written by Robert Fuest, "Pandora" first aired in America on March 10, 1969, and in England the following April 30th. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1969
This time the villain is a treacherous double agent named Merlin (Peter Barkworth), who uses sleeping gas to elude his captors. Knocked cold by the snooze gas, Steed, Tara, and Merlin awaken in a deserted -- and heavily guarded -- small town. Handcuffed to Merlin, Steed must rely upon his aid to escape their new surroundings, which will soon be "ground zero" for an atomic bomb detonation. Written by Brian Clemens, "The Morning After" debuted in England on Jnauary 29, 1969; its scheduled January 27 American playdate was pre-empted by a late-breaking news special. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1969
Steed is assigned to protect a key witness against the other side. Only Tara is informed of Steed's secret whereabouts, compelling the enemy to hatch an elaborate scheme to extract the necessary information from our heroine. In rapid succession, Tara is kidnapped, her flat is bombed, and her superior, Mother, is killed. Written by Brian Clemens, "Requiem" was first broadcast in America on March 31, 1969, then shown in England on April 16 of that same year. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1969
Steed is the latest in a long line of aristocrats who have been accused of crimes thanks to carefully planted evidence. He also finds himself victimized by a blackmailer, who uses his ill-gotten gains to purchase works of art. Making matters worse, Steed cannot entirely rely on Tara for assistance, inasmuch as she has been immobilized by a broken ankle. Written by Philip Levene, "Curious Case of the Countless Clues" first aired in England on February 5, 1969, some ten months after its American debut on April 3, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1969
Steed pays a visit to some friends at their country estate, only to discover that the house has been taken over by enemy agents, and the homeowners are being held prisoner. It soon develops that an important peace conference is scheduled to be held next door. Despite the villains' heavy aritillery, Steed plans to prevent them from sabotaging the conference. One of the series' few "serious" entries, "Take-Over" was written by Terry Nation; the episode debuted in America on April 14, 1969, and was shown in England nine days later. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Adams
- 1969
Despite the security implicit in its name, the Ministry of Top Secret Information is the site of a brutal murder. This leads Steed and Tara to the inescapable conclusion that the Ministry harbors a traitor in its bosom. There's only one problem: The most logical suspect is a man whom Steed killed several years earlier. Written by Brian Clemens, "Split!" was first telecast in America on April 10, 1968; its British TV debut was delayed until October 23 of that same year. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patrick Macnee, Linda Thorson, (more)
- 1969
Several agents and innocent bystanders find themselves at the mercy of a talking briefcase, which barks out orders to deliver it to such-and-such an address, lest it explode and kill its bearer. It turns out that the briefcase contains secret documents, to be delivered to the other side's "Mr. Big." Imagine Steed and Tara's surprise when the briefcase orders them to deliver it to their own boss! Written by Terry Nation, "Take Me to Your Leader" premiered in England on March 5, 1969; it was previously seen in America on February 10 of that same year. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patrick Macnee, Linda Thorson, (more)
- 1969
Much of this Avengers episode was comprised of footage from the never-seen installment "Invitation to a Killing," which was to have introduced the character of Tara King. The plot is set in motion by one Colonel Nsonga (Johnny Sekka), who has stolen 3,000 high-tech rifles in hopes of staging a coup in his native country. Posing as an arms dealer, Steed finds himself at a live demonstration of the stolen weaponry -- with Tara as the helpless target. Written by Donald James, "Have Guns -- Will Haggle" was first shown in America on May 1, 1968, and in England on December 11 of that year. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1969
Several seemingly unrelated ex-military men are murdered, each while assembling a jigsaw puzzle. Steed and Tara soon discover that the victims all presided over the court-martial of one of their comrades, now presumed dead. Since Steed himself was also part of the court-martial tribunal, he rightly concludes that he's next on the elimination list, but that doesn't stop him from indulging in a little puzzle-playing himself. Written by Richard Harris, "Game" first aired in England on October 2, 1968, some two weeks after its September 23 American TV debut. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1969
Mother suspects foul play when several of his best agents are found dead -- and neatly gift-wrapped. The villain of the piece is named Remak, an acronym for Remote Electro-Matic Agent Killer. With Tara on vacation, Steed must rely upon the assistance of glamorous agent Lady Diana Forbes-Blakeney (Jennifer Croxton) to help him track down the elusive Remak. Written by Tony Williamson, "Killer" first aired in England on January 22, 1969, after its world premiere on American television on December 30, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patrick Macnee, Linda Thorson, (more)
- 1969
Someone is leaking confidential information from a top-secret missile department. The culprit would seem to be a beautiful woman (Veronica Strong) who has systematically seduced several department members -- all of whom subsequently turned up dead, after displaying some rather bizarre behavior. Upon investigating, Steed and Tara must follow a flimsy trail of evidence, consisting merely of an intoxicating perfume fragrance. Written by actor Jeremy Burnham, "Love All" was first telecast in America on February 3, 1969, then shown in England 16 days later. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1969
Steed and Tara investigate the murder of an agent from Cypher HQ. Their progress is stunted by the other Cypher personnel, who insist that they've never seen the dead man. Even so, someone is leaking secrets to the enemy, and the trail of clues leads to an offbeat window-cleaning service. Written by Tony Williamson, "Super Secret Cypher Snatch" made its debut on American television on September 30, 1968; it showed up in England on October 9 of that same year. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Allan Cuthbertson
- 1969
A legendary Jack the Ripper-type killer named the Gaslight Ghoul has apparently returned from the dead. Using the London fog as his cover, the Ghoul is systematically bumping off members of a world disarmament conference. Steed and Tara investigate this phenomenon, only to find themselves on the venerable murderer's hit list. Written by frequent Avengers guest star Jeremy Burnham, "Fog" made its British TV bow on March 12, 1969; it had previously aired in America that same year, on February 17. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1969
Several enemy agents escape from a top-security prison, determined to wreak vengeance against the persons responsible for their arrest. When two of Steed's friends are murdered by the escapees, he decides it is time to end the reign of terror once and for all. But the still-imprisoned leader of the enemy minions calmly informs Steed that he is next on the list -- and that his assassin will be completely invisble. Written by Philip Levene, "Get-a-Way" made its American TV debut on April 24, 1969, and its British TV bow on May 14 of that same year. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1969
Several board members of the Acme Precision Corporation are murdered, and Steed is on hand to witness each killing. The culprit appears to be a sleepwalker, but that's only part of the story. Investigating, Steed and Tara trace the clues to a demented psychologist -- who, in yet another twist, may not be the principal villain. Written by Philip Levene, "My Wildest Dream" first aired in America on January 6, 1969, and was subsequently seen in England on April 9 of that year. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1969
Mother regales his two elderly aunts with the thrilling story of "The Great Great Britain Crime." It seems that a group of international criminals planned, Ocean's Eleven-style, to steal all Britain's great treasures simultaneously, using a phony missile attack on London as their cover. Only the two aunties are at all surprised when the villains are thwarted by Steed and Tara. Utilizing generous library footage from the unaired Avengers episode "The Great Great Britain Crime," "Homicide and Old Lace" first aired in America on March 17, 1969, and in England nine days later. The original episode, and its new "wraparound" segments, were written by series stalwart Malcolm Hulke. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1969
Filmed in late 1967, this episode wasn't seen on British television until January 15, 1969, and even then it was beaten by its American TV premiere on March 27, 1968. The plot is motivated by an unusual school, designed to train civilian astronauts. When one of the "students" is found murdered, Steed and Tara enroll in the school, only to find themselves in the vanguard of a widespread extraterrestrial invasion. "Distinguished" by some of the worst special effects in the history of television, "Invasion of the Earthmen" at least benefits from a clever script by Terry Nation. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patrick Macnee, Linda Thorson, (more)
