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- 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
- 1965
A runaway baby carriage rolls to a halt, revealing that it carries a dead body. Following the trail of clues, Steed and Emma wind up at a dancing school, which is actually the headquarters of an organization that enables enemy spies to infiltrate England. Posing respectively as a potential customer and a dance instructor, Steed and Emma bluff their way into the school -- and of course, nearly end up waltzing into the Next World. Written by Robert Banks Stewart, "Quick-Quick Slow Death" was originally telecast in England on February 5, 1966; though it was not included in ABC's Avengers package, the episode was eventually seen in America via syndication. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Diana Rigg, Eunice Gayson, (more)
- 1965
One of the most famous of all Avengers episodes, this is a loopy send-up of vintage movie serials. It all begins with the mysterious blackout of an early warning radar system. Steed and Emma's investigation leads them to a hospital run by elderly railway men. Upon learning the truth behind this seemingly innocent facade, Emma is overpowered and tied to the railroad tracks while a huge steam train rapidly approaches. Written by Malcolm Hulke, "The Gravediggers" originally aired in England on October 9, 1965; it was subsequently broadcast in America on August 4, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Diana Rigg
- 1965
A classic Avengers entry, this episode originally aired in England on October 16, 1965. Several industrialists are murdered by what appears to be a super-strong karate expert. Sent to investigate the killings, Steed and Emma discover that the murderer is actually a gigantic robot, the creation of a mad scientist bent on developing a race of similar humanoids. Burt Kwouk, the unforgettable "Cato" of the Pink Panther movies, plays an important supporting role. Written by Philip Levene, "The Cybernauts" was the first Avengers episode to be telecast in America, on March 28, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Diana Rigg
- 1965
Future Oliver! costar Ron Moody adds most of the spice to this above-average fifth-season Avengers episode. Moody plays Jordan, one of several people involved in a plot to smuggle military secrets to the Enemy by way of a parrot named Captain Crusoe. In the course of the Avengers' investigation, Emma once again finds herself in one of those perilous situations which require her to begrudgingly accept Steed's gallant assistance (on the other hand, she does get to show off her high-diving skills). Scripted by Brian Clemens from a story by Alan Pattillo, "The Bird Who Knew Too Much" was first seen in England on February 11, 1967, and in America on March 10 of that same year (after being rescheduled from its original February 10 playdate). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Diana Rigg, Ron Moody, (more)
- 1965
For reasons unknown, a certain species of birds -- the martlets -- is disappearing from the face of the earth. Investigating this curious turn of events, as well as a sudden rash of crop failures, Steed and Emma cross the path of a most politically incorrect gentleman, who is in a cahoots with a band of biological terrorists. Faced with an ultimatum and a deadline -- pay forty million pounds, or suffer horrible consequences -- the British government must rely upon The Avengers to make the world safe for martlets once more. Written by Roger Marshall, "Silent Dust" was originally shown in England on January 1, 1966; though it was never seen on American network television, the episode was later included in the series' syndicated package. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Diana Rigg
- 1965
No sooner has Steed inherited an ornate dagger from an unknown benefactor than he is besieged by mysterious characters who offer him enormous sums of money and other tantalizing inducements to hand the dagger over to them. Things go from mildly amusing to highly dangerous when several of the bidders turn up end. It is up to Tara to find out just why the dagger is so valuable -- and the answer, as they say, lies within. Also known as "Falcon" (as in the "Maltese" variety), "Legacy of Death" was written by Terry Nation; it first aired in the U.S. on November 4, 1968, and in England the following November 20. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1965
Steed and Emma are called on the scene when several members of the British Venusian Society, an astronomical organization, suddenly die of extreme old age. It turns out that all of the dead stargazers had been looking directly at Venus, which, according to "expert" testimony, is poised to invade the Earth. The truth is a bit more prosaic, but no less threatening for our hero and heroine. The first full-color Avengers episode, "From Venus with Love" was also the initial offering of the series' fifth season. Written by Philip Levene, the episode first aired in England on January 14, 1967; six days later, it was seen on American network television. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Diana Rigg
- 1965
Recovering from a broken leg at a private convalescent home, Steed soon learns that he is being stalked by a mysterious assailant. The would-be killer turns out to be an old enemy, who intends to kill Steed exactly seven years after he himself was thrown in jail. Physically unable to repel his enemy, Steed must rely upon Tara for salvation. Blatantly inspired by the American movie classic High Noon, "Noon Doomsday" was written by Terry Nation; it was first shown in America on October 28, 1968, and in England on November 27 of that same year. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1965
Steed and Tara investigate when the directors of Project Cupid, a top-secret construction project, are being systematically murdered. The culprit turns out to be a has-been vaudeville comedian, who resents the fact that Project Cupid plans to demolish a number of old music halls. Captured by the comedian and his minions, a bound-and-gagged Tara is subjected to the most hideous torture of all -- having to listen to their wheezy old jokes. John Cleese of Monty Python fame appears in an uproarious guest star role. Written by Dennis Spooner, this capriciously titled Avengers episode debuted in America on May 8, 1968, and was seen in England the following December 4th. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1965
The gap between the British and American telecast of the individual Avengers episodes narrowed considerably during the series' fifth season; this episode appeared on American television a scant six days after its British TV debut. Steed and Peel investigate the mysterious deaths of several top figures in the ceramics business. It turns out that all of the victims were literally frightened to death. . .and guess which leather-clad female secret agent is next on the villains' "scare" list. Written by Philip Levene, "The Fear Merchants" features a choice performance by Patrick Cargill, best known to American viewers for his work in the Beatles' theatrical film Help! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Diana Rigg
- 1965
Steed and Emma investigate when several clients of a marriage bureau are suddenly and inexplcably murdered. It turns out that the agency also sidelines in assassination -- but only for "select" customers. Naturally, it is Emma who bears the brunt of the villains' wrath. . .and this time, she doesn't seem quite as self-confident as usual. Initally filmed with Elizabeth Shepherd in the role of Emma Peel, the reshot version of "The Murder Market" first aired in England on November 13, 1965. Written by Tony Williamson, the episode made its American network TV debut on May 30, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Diana Rigg
- 1965
Another classic "Emma Peel" installment, this episode was first telecast in England on December 4, 1965. A series of mysterious deaths in the upper circles of International Finance have caused a great deal of panic among investors. Hoping to locate the source of all the trouble, Steed and Emma go undercover, with Steed posing as a prominent financier. Meanwhile, Emma faces death at the hands of a strange little man with an obsession for clocks. Written by Roger Marshall, "Dial a Deadly Number" was seen in the U.S. on July 24, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Diana Rigg
- 1965
While searching for a missing agent, Steed and Emma board a fast-moving train. Little do they know that the conductor harbors an intense hatred for the British Prime Minister. Before our hero and heroine reach their destination, they are forced to deal with an assassination attempt, masterminded with considerable élan by the aforementioned conductor. Written by Bryan Sherriff, "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Station" was originally broadcast in England on April 15, 1967, and in America on April 28 of that year. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Diana Rigg
- 1965
A series of unusual rainstorms have resulted in several deaths. Sent to investigate this phenomenon, Steed and Emma come across an eccentric German scientist named -- believe it or not -- Dr. Sturm (Albert Levien). Before they are able to neutralize Sturm's rainmaking machine, Steed is nearly drowned, and Emma faces a slow and nasty death in a wine press. Written by Colin Finbow, "A Surfeit of Rain" was originally telecast in England on November 26, 1965; curiously, it was never shown on American network television, though it was later included in the series' syndicated package. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Diana Rigg
- 1966
Originally telecast in England on March 5, 1966, this was one of the first Avengers episodes to show up on home video (albeit usually in bad, washed-out prints). Inheriting a country house from an uncle she never knew she had, Emma shows up at her new lodgings, only to find out that she has been lured into a trap. The instigator of this outrage is an old enemy of our heroine, an electronics genius with a gift for deadly inventions. As Emma eludes one elaborate death trap after another, Steed races to the rescue, though he may not arrive in time to prevent the poor girl from going off her trolley. A typically gimmick-laden Brian Clemens concoction, "The House That Jack Built" made its American network TV bow on May 16, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Diana Rigg
- 1966
Though its title suggests a spoof of The Man from U.N.C.L.E., this Avengers episode actually concerns a young woman named Georgie Price-Jones (Liz Fraser), who for reasons unknown is pretending to be Emma Peel. This is annoying enough, but when several people of Georgie's acquaintance turn up dead, things really take a nasty turn. Meanwhile, the real Emma Peel is in the clutches of a mercenary art dealer, who intends to auction her off to the highest bidder. Chock full of clever inside jokes and snappy one-liners, "The Girl from Auntie" was written by Roger Marshall; it was first shown in England on January 22, 1966, and in America on June 6 of that same year. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Diana Rigg
- 1966
A series of elaborate practical jokes result in humilation for a number of top British and Iron Curtain officials. When one of the jokes turns deadly, Steed and Emma are called upon to investigate. It turns out that the cause of all the trouble is an exclusive organization known as the Hellfire Club, obliging Steed to join up while Emma provides support from the sidelines. Written by Brian Clemens, "A Touch of Brimstone" was originally telecast in England on February 9, 1966. The episode was never shown on American network television, due in great part to the very provocative outfits worn by Emma Peel when she poses as "The Queen of Sin." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Diana Rigg
- 1966
Why are a group of otherwise reserved middle-aged military officers suddenly behaving like teenaged delinquents and performing dangerous stunts which invariably result in death? Steed wants to find out, and to do so, he rejoins his regiment. Ultimately, Steed is himself targeted for death, forcing Emma to undergo a bizarre and deadly ritual to rescue her partner. Written by Roger Marshall and directed by the versatile Charles Crichton, "The Danger Makers" first aired in England on February 12, 1966; perhaps significantly, it was seen in America on July 4 of that same year. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Diana Rigg
- 1967
A top-secret government project to broadcast electricity on radio waves is suddenly cancelled. Even so, several people are found burned to death, apparently the results of the aborted project. It's all the handiwork of a disgruntled -- and artificially superpowered -- scientist, whom Steed and Emma hope to neutralize before he can "shock" again. Written by Tony Williamson, "The Positive Negative Man" was originally telecast in England on November 4, 1967, and in America on January 17, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1967
Steed and Emma are summoned to investigate when several businessmen and a few prize bulls are found mauled to death. The culprit would seem to be a "big cat" of some sort, obliging Steed to go on a safari to find the answers. But it is Emma who finds herself in the thick of it, thanks to a curious organization called the Philanthropic Union for the Rescue, Relief and Recuperation of Cats (or PURRR). Ronnie Barker, of Two Ronnies fame, is among the guest stars. Written by Philip Levene, "The Hidden Tiger" was first seen in England on March 4, 1967, and in America 13 days later. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Diana Rigg
- 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
- 1967
Steed and Emma attend an auto rally where they participate in a car treasure hunt. But it isn't all fun and games: our hero and heroine are searching for a valuable object, hidden in one of the cars by a murdreed agent. This is the one with the deadly "thrill-ride" sequence, with Emma as the unwilling participant. Written by Michael Winder, "Dead Man's Treasure" originally aired in England on October 21, 1967; its American debut followed on March 13, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Diana Rigg
- 1967
Despite the silliness of its premise, this Avengers episode is a winner all the way, thanks in no small part to its top-drawer supporting cast. Lured to a deserted movie studio, Emma finds herself at the mercy of demented producer Z.Z. Von Schnerk (Kenneth J. Warren) and washed-up film idols Damita Syn (Isa Miranda) and Stewart Kirby (Peter Wyngarde). The terrible trio intend to use our heroine as "star" of their latest cinematic masterpiece: "The Destruction of Mrs. Emma Peel." This time around, Steed must rescue Emma from a buzzsaw, a sequence invoking fond memories of the tied-to-the-tracks denoument in the second-season installment "The Gravediggers." Written by (who else?) Brian Clemens, "Epic" was first broadcast in England on April 1, 1967, and in America on April 14 of that same year. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Diana Rigg
