Edward Woodward Movies
Regarded by many as England's finest actor, Edward Woodward started out in the workaday world as a sanitation engineer. At 15, Woodward enrolled at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and at 16 he made his theatrical bow with the Farnham Repertory. His first significant West End stage success was the 1954 comedy Where There's a Will, which also served as his film debut that same year. He was elevated to star status with his flawless performance in the 1961 production Rattle of a Simple Man. This led to his Broadway debut in High Spirits, a musical adaptation of Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit. He went on to spend several seasons with Olivier's National Theatre, scoring an enormous hit in the title role of Cyrano de Bergerac. The TV-idol phase of Woodward's career began in 1967, when he was cast as two-fisted detective Callan in the weekly series A Magnum for Schneider, later retitled Callan in deference to Woodward's popularity. He continued playing Callan until 1973, then extended his newfound celebrity to the big screen, starring in such films as The Wicker Man (1973) and Breaker Morant (1980). His post-Callan TV work included 1977's The Secret Army, the role of Simon Legree in the 1987 TV-movie Uncle Tom's Cabin, the part of Sherlock Holmes in 1990's Hands of a Murderer, and, of course, his four-season (1985-1989) run as soldier-of-fortune Robert McCall in The Equalizer. He also starred in a number of British TV musical specials, exhibiting his superbly trained singing voice. In addition, Woodward recorded several "talking records," for which he won two Gold Disc awards (the British equivalent of the Grammys). Though plagued by serious health problems, Woodward seldom stopped working during the later years of his life, and in 1997 returned to star in the third season of the British situation comedy Common as Muck. He died at age 79 in November 2009, ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Set over the course of five 24-hour periods, the television miniseries Five Days follows the case of a young mother (Christine Tremarco) who vanishes under mysterious circumstances while driving her children to visit their grandfather (Edward Woodward). When the children set out in search of their missing mother, they too seem to disappear without a trace. As a high-profile police investigation begins to make headlines across the country, it appears that everyone involved with the case, including the woman's grieving husband (David Oyelowo), has something to hide. Soon it begins to appear that even Detective Barclay (Hugh Bonneville) and Sergeant Foster (Janet McTeer), the two authority figures in charge of the investigation, are operating on some secret agenda. As the missing mother's parents (Penelope Wilton and Patrick Malahide) step up the pressure to solve the case before too much time passes, a stranger named Sarah (Sarah Smart) gradually works her way into the investigation while gradually ingraining herself with the frustrated family. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Hugh Bonneville, Janet McTeer, (more)
A top London cop who is so good at his job that he makes his fellow officers look like slackers by comparison is "promoted" to serve in the sleepy village of Sandford in this contemporary action comedy from the creators of Shaun of the Dead. Police constable Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg) always gets his man, but these days his impeccable record seems to be more indicative of his fellow officers' shortcomings than his own formidable skills as a keeper of the peace. Loathe to stand idly by as their once respectable track record is steadily soiled by the hyper-competent actions of one lone overachiever, Sergeant Angel's superiors at the Met soon determine to remedy their problem by relocating the decorated constable to the West Country village of Sanford -- where tranquil garden parties and neighborhood watch meetings stand in stark contrast to the violent crime and heated gunplay of the city. As Sergeant Angel does his best to adjust to the relative calm of his new environment, his oafish new partner Danny Butterman (Nick Frost) strives to gain the respect of his fellow constables while sustaining himself on fantasies of his favorite action films and police shows. Later, just as it begins to appear as if Sergeant Angel has been relegated to an uneventful existence in the relative calm of the countryside, a series of horrific "accidents" lead him to suspect that the tranquil hamlet of Sanford has fallen prey to a sinister plot which reeks of foul play. Jim Broadbent, Timothy Dalton, Steve Coogan, and Martin Freeman co-star in the Edgar Wright film. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, (more)
- 2002
Based on actual events that took place in Waterford, Ireland, in the late 1700s, director Stefan Schwartz's romantic comedy-drama concerns itself with a group of abductors who kidnap usually willing young women in order to persuade them to wed. Set during an era where law dictates that the eldest sons inherit family estates and younger siblings are left to either enter the priesthood or the military, young noblemen decide to take matters into their own hands by abducting the young heiresses and charming them for a night before releasing them to make their ultimate decision. As Anne (Sophia Myles) is subjected to the uninvited advances of Power (Liam Cunningham), Abduction Club member Byrne (Daniel Lapaine) schemes to kidnap Anne's older sister Catherine (Alice Evans). Though the kidnapping plan is foiled when Anne decides to tag along, Byrne's friend Strang (Matthew Rhys) finds himself attracted to the younger sister despite Abduction Club rules stating that abductees must be at least 18 (Anne is 17) and that no more than one member of the same family is to be abducted at any given time. Strang is subsequently expelled by Abduction Club leader Sir Myles (Patrick Malahide), and the fledgling affections of the mismatched couple face a formidable challenge as the local militia is tipped off to their scheme. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Alice Evans, Daniel Lapaine, (more)
- 2001
Not a religious program, the British mystery miniseries Messiah nonetheless contained Biblical elements, albeit sinister ones. London Detective Red Metcalfe (Ken Stott) and his crack team of investigators tackled the case of a serial killer who removed the victims' tongues and replaced them with silver spoons. It didn't take Metcalfe long to realize that the victims all had names that were strikingly similar to the names of Jesus' 12 disciples. Racing against time, Metcalfe attempted to prevent further killings, but the fanatical murderer always seemed to be a step or two ahead of him -- almost as if someone in Metcalfe's own circle of acquaintances was providing "inside information." Adapted from a novel by Boris Starling, the two-part Messiah was seen over the BBC's Northern Ireland service beginning May 26, 2001. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Ken Stott, Jamie Draven, (more)
- 2000
- Add Time Machine: The True Story of the Bridge on the River Kwai to Queue Add Time Machine: The True Story of the Bridge on the River Kwai to top of Queue
Each episode of the History Channel program Time Machine takes viewers on an in-depth journey through a seldom traveled corridor of world history. Relying mostly on interviews with experts and the use of archival footage, each tape puts viewers into the historical experience. This particular episode examines the myths and legends surrounding the historical events that inspired one of the most popular war movies of all time. Of particular interest is the resurrection of the reputation of Lieutenant Colonel Philip Toosey. Portrayed as a Japanese collaborator in the film, Toosey actually stood between his men and their Japanese captors. In this tape, survivors speak of Toosey and the man's words themselves are heard on archival audio tapes. ~ Rob Ferrier, Rovi
- 1996
Edward Woodward of The Equalizer fame stars in this TV movie as Edward "Teddy" Harrison, a retired Scotland Yard detective currently visiting his daughter Cecilia (Elizabeth Hurley) in New York City. At the request of a prominent lawyer, Harrison takes on the challenge of proving that an ex-convict-- and known drug dealer--did not murder a much-beloved NYPD narcotics officer. As he delves deeper into the case, Harrison is struck by the curious fact that the Police Department itself is only half-heartedly pursuing the investigation of the killing. As for Cecilia, she would just soon her dad drop the whole matter--at least before her marriage to a city cop! Chock full of unanticipated twists and turns, Harrison: Cry of the City made its first appearance over the UPN network on February 27, 1996. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
A disturbed woman starts getting friendly advice from some of the great murderers of history in this black comedy from Great Britain. Introverted Jody Greenwood (Jane Horrocks) and her bolder sister Beth (Imelda Staunton) both live under the thumb of their domineering mother Iris (Brenda Fricker). Jodie has romantic feelings for Dr. Ted Phillips (Jonathan Pryce), a local physician at least twenty years her senior, while Beth has become involved with a hunky male stripper, but both sisters feel paralyzed to do much about their relationships while Iris is still around. One night, Jody is visited by the ghost of Maj. Herbert Armstrong (Edward Woodward), a locally infamous man who made his small town famous with the spectacular murder of his wife. After he passes on some advice about how to achieve personal freedom, Jody kills Iris with an axe and hides the body with Beth's help. However, bad blood arises between Jody and Beth, and, after a nocturnal visit from well-known murderer Dr. Crippen (Hywel Bennett), Jody is inspired to pick up the hatchet again, doing away with Beth and her stripper. Jody beats the case against her in court and wins the heart of Dr. Phillips, but unfortunately she starts getting visits again ... . Jane Horrocks's performance as Jody won her the Best Actress award at the 1994 Catalonian International Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jane Horrocks, Brenda Fricker, (more)
Director Bruce Beresford followed up his Academy Award-winning Driving Miss Daisy with another meditation on race, Mister Johnson. Set in West Africa in 1923, Johnson (Maynard Eziashi), the clerk of British administrator Harry Rudbeck (Pierce Brosnan), attempts everything within his power to ingratiate himself into white society. Johnson hatches a plan to juggle the books so that Rudbeck will have the capital necessary to achieve his ultimate dream of a "great northern road," but when his scheme is uncovered, he is fired. After finding another job with a shopkeeper named Gollop (Edward Woodward), he is again fired for his "creative" financing skills; however, Rudbeck hires him back to oversee the road construction project. When funds are cut off, Johnson convinces workers to do their jobs for free to ensure the project's completion. Once again, he is caught embezzling, and once again, he is let go; in a fit of desperation, he robs and kills Gollup. After confessing to the crime, he begs Rudbeck to kill him, sparing him the humiliation of public execution. ~ Jason Ankeny, Rovi
- Starring:
- Maynard Eziashi, Pierce Brosnan, (more)
In this entry in the continuing exploits of Sherlock Holmes, the great detective must track down his nemesis Professor Moriarty after the villain kidnaps Holme's brother Mycroft. The evil doctor is forcing his captive to decode highly classified military documents. The film is also called Hands of a Murderer. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Edward Woodward, John Hillerman, (more)
- 1989
Based on a 1924 mystery novel by Agatha Christie, The Man in the Brown Suit was the eighth of Warner Bros. Television's Christie-inspired TV movies. Stephanie Zimbalist stars as an American tourist in Cairo (with Spain standing in for Egypt). She runs across a mysterious murder, and an odd encounter with a stranger; all this occurs even before she sets foot on a luxury liner with an all-suspect passenger manifest. It is established that the murderer, who is after a cache of valuable diamonds, is an internationally notorious criminal--but which one of the passengers is he (or she)? Maybe the villain romantic lead Simon Dutton, the "man in the brown suit" of the title...but don't discount such special guest suspects as Rue McClanahan and Tony Randall. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1989
Based on John Trenhaile's A Man Called Kyril, this byzantine-plotted spy melodrama stars Ian Charleson in the title role. Kyril is a supposed Soviet defector who relocates in London. In fact, his defection is a smoke-screen: Kyril has been sent by the KGB to seek out a British mole in Moscow Centre. At four hours, Codename: Kyril affords plenty of breathing space for the various plots and counterplots, but its excess of espionage verbiage may prove confusing to the average viewer. Filmed for British television in locales ranging from Norway to Holland, Codename: Kyril was first telecast in the US on the Showtime cable network on April 27, 1988; a videocassette version running 115 minutes was made available in 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1987
For years, the name "Uncle Tom" and the title Uncle Tom's Cabin have been synonymous with the most egregious form of racial condescension. John Gay's script for the 1987 film version of Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin hoped to "set the record straight" and restored the reputation of the 1852 abolitionist novel--mostly by returning to the source. Eliminating such theatrical "improvements" as Eliza's crossing the ice, this adaptation of Cabin depicts Uncle Tom (Avery Brooks) as an intelligent, non-submissive slave (there is only the slightest hint of "revisionism"); likewise, Jenny Lewis is a fully three-dimensional Little Eva. Simon Legree is as hateful as ever, but as played by Edward Woodward, Legree is shown to be more a product of his times than a cardboard hissable villain. Gay is very careful in his depiction of precocious preteen slave girl Topsy (Endyia Kinney), who still is so sexually misinformed that she believes she "just growed," but is not quite the mental midget described in Mrs. Stowe's novel. Produced for the Showtime Cable service, Uncle Tom's Cabin premiered on June 13, 1987. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Golden Globe winner Edward Woodward stars as private detective Robert McCall, a sophisticated former government agent atoning for the sins of his past by righting the wrongs of a flawed legal system in the groundbreaking hit suspense series The Equalizer. Follow this intense anti-hero in all 22 gripping first season episodes as he protects innocent people who feel they have nowhere else to turn. Following the clues each step of the way are some of Hollywood's hottest guest stars, including Luis Guzman (Out of Sight), Bradley Whitford (The West Wing), Melissa Joan Hart (Sabrina the Teenage Witch) and Tony Shalhoub (Monk). Nominated for seven Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes, The Equalizer is a provocative, action-packed murder-mystery series you won't want to miss!
- Starring:
- Edward Woodward, Robert Lansing, (more)
- 1985
Originally filmed in 1982, Arthur the King wasn't able to secure a network-TV berth until April 26, 1985. Malcolm McDowell plays good King Arthur, whose dream of Camelot is endangered by the evil Morgan Le Fay, played by Candice Bergen in her TV-movie debut. That this might have been intended as the pilot for a weekly series is evidenced by the otherwise pointless inclusion of Dyan Cannon, cast as a ditzy 20th- Century tourist who falls through a time warp while roaming around Stonehenge. You'll want to see Arthur the King if only to find out why minor-player Miro Pfeiffer's character name is "Undead Knight". ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Director Bruce Beresford has safely stayed within the domain of the Bible and not strayed into patches of Hollywood fiction in this routine version of the story of David (Richard Gere). For that reason, anyone unfamiliar with Biblical history might be puzzled by the episodic presentation of David's life. In the opening scenes, Samuel condemns Saul and anoints the young David as his heir, and in fairly quick succession David slays Goliath, incurs Saul's jealous wrath, leaves, and, much later, comes back to rule after Saul has died. Once David is on the throne, Bathsheba and then Absalom enter into the picture. Interspersed are brutal scenes of fighting, but not much in the way of motivation for David's complex behavior. Gaps in the narration or unclear motivation may be the result of trying to cover too many events in a 114-minute running time. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi
- Starring:
- Richard Gere, Edward Woodward, (more)
John Hurt plays the British jockey Bob Champion in this true story of how Champion overcame cancer and the rigors of chemotherapy for an impressive personal and professional comeback. Just as Champion is in the middle of a vacation in Kentucky, he finds out he has cancer, and, like others before him, submits to the full, painful treatments of multiple injections and radiation, suffering as much or more from the cure as from the illness (these treatments are graphic). Gaunt and nauseous, Champion also endures realistic meetings with his doctors that hold forth no guarantee of a cure. His eventual remission leads to yet another grueling physical schedule to get him back into shape for the Grand National Steeplechase -- a 30-fence, well-publicized race that offers difficult hurdles for both the horses and their jockeys. If the 115-minutes running time of this film were cut in places, it would create a better, trim and slim, fast-paced telling of an even more focused tale. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi
- Starring:
- John Hurt, Edward Woodward, (more)
Charles Dickens' classic holiday tale of one man learning the true meaning of Christmas is brought to the screen once again in this made-for-TV movie. Ebenezer Scrooge (George C. Scott) is a cynical old man whose greatest concern is money, and who regards compassion as a luxury he can't afford. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of Jacob Marley (Frank Finlay), his former business partner, who arranges for Scrooge to be visited by three spirits in an attempt to show him the error of his ways -- the Ghosts of Christmas Past (Angela Pleasence), Christmas Present (Edward Woodward), and Christmas Yet to Come (Michael Carter). The spirits force Scrooge to examine the failings of his own life, as well as the bravery and optimism of his loyal but ill-treated employee Bob Crachit (David Warner). A Christmas Carol also features Susannah York as Mrs. Crachit, Anthony Walters as Tiny Tim, and Joanne Whalley as Fan. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- George C. Scott
When producer/star Michael Landon took on this project, it was geared for theatrical release under the title Comeback. Innumerable production difficulties later (due in great part to Landon's tiltings with the writer and director), the film was retooled as a TV movie titled Love is Forever. TV turned out to be the ideal medium for this film, which despite its "epic" aspirations is at base a Prime Time soap opera. Landon plays real-life journalist John Everingham, who while stationed in Laos in 1977 is accused of being a spy, tortured, and expelled from the country. One year later, Everingham attempts to return to the Communist-controlled country in order to rescue the Laotian woman (Moira Chen) that he loves. The plan is to swim across the Mekong river without attracting attention. Much of the film's potential for suspense is minimized by its flashback structure. Too, much of the credibility is lessened by supporting actor Jurgen Prochnow's "Boris Badenov" portrayal of a Communist espionage agent. Edward Woodward costars as Landon's scuba instructor, while Priscilla Presley makes her TV-movie debut as a friend of Woodward's. Though Landon tried to quell the fact in the publicity packets, leading lady Moira Chen is also known as porn actress Laura Gemser. Originally running 150 minutes, Love Is Forever was cut to 127 minutes for its first telecast on April 3, 1983, then was further snipped to 100 minutes for syndication. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Michael Landon, Moira Chen, (more)
- 1982
- R
Released in the U.S. under the title The Final Option, this action thriller was produced and set in Great Britain. The British Special Air Services, an anti-terrorist group, is pitted against an organization of international terrorists who plan to take over the U.S. Embassy in London and hold everyone hostage. Captain Skellen (Louis Collins), a member of the Special Air Services, assumes a false identity in order to infiltrate the terrorists, who are rogue members of the anti-nuclear-weapons movement -- and uncover their plans. Judy Davis appears as Frankie, a key member of the anti-nuclear group. ~ Michael Betzold, Rovi
- Starring:
- Lewis Collins, Judy Davis, (more)
- 1982
In this British supernatural thriller a terrifying force takes possession of a classical musician and her father, compelling them to commit brutal murders. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- 1981
- Add Winston Churchill: The Wilderness Years to Queue Add Winston Churchill: The Wilderness Years to top of Queue
As indicated by its title, this British miniseries concentrated on the years between the two world wars, when the eminent Winston Churchill (Robert Hardy) was politically out of favor in his own country. Acutely aware of the danger looming in a newly re-armed Germany, Churchill vainly tried to warn his fellow Britishers that Hitler was not a man to be trusted. It was only after the benighted PM Neville Chamberlain (Eric Porter) saw the promise of "Peace in Our Time" blow up in his face that Churchill was ensconced in his proper position as leader of his nation. First telecast in the U.K. in 1981, Winston Churchill: The Wilderness Years aired in the U.S. two years later. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Robert Hardy, Sian Phillips, (more)
Breaker Morant is one of the most acclaimed Australian films, telling a powerful tale of wartime betrayal and injustice. Henry "Breaker" Morant (Edward Woodward) is an Englishman living in Australia at the end of the 19th century. When war breaks out in 1899 between Britain and the Boers (descendants of Dutch colonists), Morant and a number of Australians volunteer for duty and are absorbed into the non-regular units of the British army. Acting under orders from his commanders, Morant oversees the execution of several Boer prisoners; it turns out that one of them was German, and in order to keep the peace with Germany, Britain agrees to courtmartial Morant and two other soldiers, sentencing two to death and one to life imprisonment. Based on a play by Kenneth Ross, Bruce Beresford's film is powerfully filmed and acted and has become a classic anti-war movie since its 1980 release; the script (co-written by Beresford) was nominated for an Academy Award. The final execution scene is nearly overpowering in its sense of tragedy and futility. ~ Don Kaye, Rovi
- Starring:
- Edward Woodward, Bryan Brown, (more)
- 1977
In this comedy, two soldiers stationed in Singapore set off in pursuit of the fairer sex instead of carrying out their orders. Soon after their arrival on the exotic island, the two visit a local brothel and there encounter a pair of lusty nurses who have also come in for a bit of erotic R&R. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Robin Askwith, Nigel Davenport, (more)
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