Julian Bond Movies
The lavishly produced three-part telemovie The Far Pavilions was adapted from the best-selling novel by M.M. Kaye. Set in colonial India during the second Afghan war, the film concerns the exploits of Ashton Pelham-Martyn (Ben Cross), a British officer. Born and raised in India, Pelham-Martyn finds himself a victim of his own divided loyalties as he leads a campaign against the rebellious tribal leaders on the northwestern frontier. The meat of the drama is Pelham-Martyn's "forbidden" romance with his lifelong friend, half-caste Hindu princess Anjuli (Amy Irving). The supporting cast includes the illustrious likes of Omar Sharif and Christopher Lee. Filmed on location on a budget of $12 million (the most costly made-for-cable movie up to 1984), The Far Pavilions originally aired over the HBO service on April 22, 23 and 24, 1984. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Adapted from the novel by H.E. Bates, the British miniseries Love for Lydia featured Mel Martin in the title role. A young and giddy heiress, Lydia spent the better part of the 1930s holding several eligible bachelors in her thrall. Meanwhile, long-suffering Edward Richardson (Christopher Blake), convinced that he'd be the heroine's one true love if only given the chance, stood quietly on the sidelines as the impulsive Lydia toyed with the emotions of his rivals. The 13 hour-long episodes of Love for Lydia were originally aired over London Weekend Television in 1977, then telecast in America as part of PBS' Masterpiece Theatre anthology beginning September 23, 1979. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Mel Martin, Jeremy Irons, (more)
- 1978
Previously adapted as a Hollywood film in 1940, Howard Spring's best-selling novel My Son My Son was given the miniseries treatment by Britain's BBC in 1978. Set in the period between the two world wars, the story concerned a self-made millionaire who was determined that his son would never suffer the same hardships that he himself experienced. In consequence, the son was spoiled rotten, resulting in tragedy. Syndicated worldwide by Time-Life Television, the six 50-minute installments of My Son My Son were broadcast in the United States beginning April 13, 1980. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1977
This 1977 episode of Saturday Night Live is hosted by Julian Bond and features musical guest Tom Waits and Brick. ~ Skyler Miller, Rovi
- Starring:
- Julian Bond, Al Brick, (more)
- 1977
- PG
Based on the life story of NASCAR auto racing champion Wendell Scott, this film, starring Richard Pryor as Scott, covers his struggles -- from the end of World War II to 1971-- to overcome racism and gain the freedom to demonstrate his winning auto-racing skills to everyone. He is not without support: he has Mary Jones (Pam Grier), his loving wife, a sense of humor, and quite a few good friends, including the white race-car driver Hutch (Beau Bridges). Filmed in the Atlanta area, this movie features performances by folksinger Richie Havens, Julian Bond (later a Congressman), and Maynard Jackson (at one time Atlanta's mayor). ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi
- Starring:
- Richard Pryor, Beau Bridges, (more)
- 1976
A former policeman investigates a series of murders by centering on an organization which re-creates medieval battles. ~ John Bush, Rovi
- 1974
Produced for British television, Haunted: The Ferryman is based on a story by Kingsley Amis. Jeremy Brett plays a novelist whose work begins permeating his consciousness day and night. The writer is haunted by visions of the characters he has created and will create. Foremost among these phantoms is a sinister ferryman, the traditional literary symbol for the Angel of Death. Natasha Parry and Lesley Dunlop also appear in this tantalizingly brief mood piece. Haunted: The Ferryman was adapted for TV by Julian Bond. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jeremy Brett, Lesley Dunlop, (more)
- 1971
October, 1906: In charge of the household during his wife's absence, Richard Bellamy (David Langton) tries to concentrate on the book he is writing. Instead, he becomes involved in the problems of under-housemaid Mary (Susan Penhaligon). Richard's magnanimous offer of assistance may have a disastrous effect on his Parliamentary career. Written by Julian Bond, "A Cry for Help" originally aired on November 14, 1971, as the sixth and final episode of Upstairs, Downstairs' trial BBC run. It was not seen in American until 1988. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1968
Bill McLean (Van Heflin) is a former CIA agent living in London. He had been fired when he stuck up for one of the men in his command who turned out to be branded a Russian defector. The embittered ex-agent combines forces with another operative to deliver a top Russian secret police official for a price. Before he can deliver the Russian, a trail of corpses and double crosses changes his plans. When his partner who concocted the scheme is murdered, McLean returns the check to the CIA. They offer him his old job back, but the proud man refuses in this suspenseful spy yarn with plenty of intriguing twists and turns. ~ Dan Pavlides, Rovi
- Starring:
- Van Heflin, Heidelinde Weis, (more)
- 1959
In this crime drama, an innocent man is imprisoned and his 10-year-old son is left to suffer the consequences at the hands of his schoolmates who taunt him mercilessly. One day the boy witnesses the same type of crime that got his father in prison. To bring the real culprits to justice, the police use the brave boy as a decoy. Though his life is endangered for a time, the ruse works and his father is finally freed. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
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