David Graham Movies
- 1992
A Jewish Londoner embarks on a journey to find himself after learning some shocking news about his past in this eccentric British comedy. As the film begins, Leon (Mark Frankel) is already in a time of transition, having quit his job for moral reasons and assumed a position in his mother's catering firm. His life is thrown into even more disarray when a bizarre coincidence reveals the truth behind his birth: not only was his birth the result of artificial insemination, but a lab mix-up means that his real, biological father is a complete stranger. The confused Leon sets out to find his "real" dad, and unexpectedly discovers that he is descended from a family of Yorkshire pig farmers. Co-directors Vadim Jean and Gary Sinyor move their story in fits and starts, allowing room for countless digressions, from a torrid affair with a outrageous artist (Maryam d'Abo) to the accidental breeding of a rather unique pig. While the film proves uneven, fans of the quirkier varieties of British comedy should find Leon the Pig Farmer's off-beat tone and taste for surrealistic details suitably entertaining. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Mark Frankel, Janet Suzman, (more)
- 1986
Set in the 1830s, this historical drama stars Robin Soans as George Loveless, a Methodist minister whose flock is a group of working families in Tolpuddle, a small town in the British Southwest. Most of the workers in the community are under the thumb of Frampton (Robert Stephens), a ruthless land owner, and his overseer Clerk (Murray Melvin); Frampton and Clerk demand long hours from their workers and pay meager wages. Convinced that the workers deserve a better shake, Loveless, encouraged by organizer Mr. Pitt (Michael Hordern), forms the Society of Friends, an early labor union, and organizes the men to negotiate with Frampton for better pay. When their salaries are instead cut, Loveless and his men go on strike, which could cripple Frampton financially. However, Frampton is well-connected, and soon both the government and private militias are sent in to break the strike and punish the rebellious laborers. The supporting cast includes James Fox, Freddie Jones, and Vanessa Redgrave. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Robin Soans, William Gaminara, (more)
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, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Gere, Alice Krige, (more)
This ambitious attempt to film a portion of Marcel Proust's epic novel Remembrance of Things Past stars Jeremy Irons as Charles Swann, a Jewish intellectual who has managed to overcome growing anti-Semitism in 19th century France and travels in an elite social circle. But Swann has become obsessed with Odette (Ornella Muti), a courtesan who cares more for money than Swann's passion for her. In time they marry, but Swann soon realizes his desire for her is based purely on physical lust for someone with whom he has no rapport, or even much affection, and the relationship begins to erode the social acceptance Swann struggled to achieve. Meanwhile, the Baron de Charlus (Alain Delon) finds himself similarly attracted to a young man who does not share his desires. Un Amour de Swann was much praised for its production design and the cinematography of frequent Ingmar Bergman collaborator Sven Nykvist, though many felt director Volker Schlondorff failed to capture the narrative depth and complexity of Proust's novel. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jeremy Irons, Ornella Muti, (more)
A big-budget spin-off from the series of three successful Superman movies, this film stars Helen Slater as the counterpart to the famous comic-book superhero. Supergirl is Kara, Superman's young cousin. She is sent to Earth is search of a Krypton power source, a lost ring that has been turned into a paperweight. She disguises herself as Linda Lee, a meek high-school student. Peter O'Toole is Zaltar, a mad villain who wants to use the power of the ring to take over the world. Faye Dunaway plays the evil sorceress Selena, who is also plotting to get the gem and uses her incredible powers of black magic in service of her scheme. Linda Lee meets Ethan (Hart Bochner), who is under a spell cast by Selena, which causes him to fall in love with the first person he sees. Selena had intended to use the spell to make Ethan fall in love with her, and she is furious when his affections are directed toward Supergirl. ~ Michael Betzold, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Faye Dunaway, Helen Slater, (more)
The election of Sandra Day O'Connor to the Supreme Court rendered the premise of First Monday in October anachronistic before the picture was even released; ignoring this, however, the film is supremely entertaining (no pun intended). Jill Clayburgh stars as Ruth Loomis, the first lady justice ever appointed to the Court. She's a conservative, while her principal foe on the bench, Dan Snow (Walter Matthau), is an old-line liberal. The film glides along on a predictable Tracy-Hepburn course until Snow comes to Loomis' defense when her late industrialist husband is accused of improprieties which might compromise Loomis' effectiveness. First Monday in October was adapted by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee from their own Broadway play, which starred Henry Fonda. Actress Martha Scott co-produced the film, while several other Hollywood veterans, including Herb Vigran and Ann Doran, dot the supporting case. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Walter Matthau, Jill Clayburgh, (more)
- 1979
A star-studded supporting cast enhances the enjoyment of the four-episode Doctor Who adventure "City of Death." On holiday in modern-day Paris, the Doctor (Tom Baker) and Romana (Lalla Ward) experience what turns out to be a "crack in time." Before long, they have joined forces with a private eye named Duggan (Tom Chadbon) in thwarting the villain of the piece: Count Scarlioni (Julian Glover), who plans to steal the Mona Lisa -- but for reasons that go far beyond financial gain. First telecast September 29, 1979, "City of Death, Episode 1" was written by Douglas Adams and Graham Williams. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Baker, Lalla Ward, (more)
- 1979
In the second episode of the four-part story "City of Death," the Doctor (Tom Baker) and Romana (Lalla Ward) team with private eye Duggan (Tom Chadbon) to find out why Count Scarlioni (Julian Glover), who has everything a man could want in life, is so determined to steal DaVinci's Mona Lisa from the Louvre. Besides, the Count already possesses six other Mona Lisas -- all of them originals. Catherine Schell co-stars as Countess Scarlioni. First telecast October 6, 1979, "City of Death, Episode 2" was written by Douglas Adams and Graham Williams. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Baker, Lalla Ward, (more)
- 1979
In the third episode of the four-part story "City of Death," the Doctor (Tom Baker) discovers that Count Scarlioni (Julian Glover) has been stealing and selling valuable works of art in order to raise funds for his time-travel experiments. But there is a more pressing matter at hand: Romana (Lalla Ward) and detective Duggan (Tom Chadbon) are in immediate danger of losing their lives at the Count's hands. Catherine Schell co-stars as Countess Scarlioni. First telecast October 13, 1979, "City of Death, Episode 3" was written by Douglas Adams and Graham Williams. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Baker, Lalla Ward, (more)
- 1979
In the conclusion of the four-part story "City of Death," Count Scarlioni (Julian Glover) -- aka the notorious art thief Scaroth -- has vanished into the past, with the Doctor (Tom Baker), Romana (Lalla Ward), and detective Duggan (Tom Chadbon) in hot pursuit. Unless the Doctor can stop Scaroth, the entire Time Continuum will be cataclysmically disrupted. Catherine Schell appears as Countess Scarlioni, while comic actors John Cleese and Eleanor Bron make uncredited cameo appearances as a pair of looney art dealers. First telecast October 20, 1979, "City of Death, Episode 4" was written by Douglas Adams and Graham Williams. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Baker, Lalla Ward, (more)
- 1972
Based on the novel by Aldous Huxley, the four-episode British miniseries Point Counterpoint was set in 1920s London. Concentrating on a group of dissolute young intellectuals, the story was a biting satire on the false, hypocritical, and often dangerous values of those with nothing but time on their hands. Lyndon Brook was cast as Huxley's alter ego Phillip Quarles, who quietly recorded the many fads and foibles (among them political fanaticism, open infidelity, and even a "necessary" murder) indulged in by his friends. First broadcast in Britain in 1972, Point Counterpoint was reedited as a five-parter and telecast in America as part of PBS' Masterpiece Theatre beginning February 18, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lyndon Brook, Max Adrian, (more)
In this film, two beautiful country sisters, Christine (Anne Michelle) and Betty (Vicki Michelle), travel to London to try to break into the modeling business. However, they soon discover that the agency they've joined is actually a coven of witches that participates in human sacrifice. ~ Iotis Erlewine, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ann Michelle, Patricia Haines, (more)
This animated, futuristic puppet fantasy finds Lady Penelope and Professor Brains working for the organization International Rescue. The professor has developed an aircraft for the New World Aircraft company. Corporate spies secretly working for the NWA organization steal the experimental flyer. The Lady and the Professor chase the villains around the world in their quest to return the plane to the rightful owners in this action-packed children's feature. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sylvia Anderson, Ray Barrett, (more)
- 1966
In the first episode of the four-part story "The Gunfighters," the Doctor (William Hartnell) and his companions Steven (Peter Purves) and Dodo (Jackie Lane) decide to take a well-deserved vacation. Unfortunately, the TARDIS crew ends up in Tombstone, AZ, just before the Gunfight at the OK Corral. While waiting to have Doc Holliday (Anthony Jacobs) take care of his aching tooth, the Doctor (William Hartnell) is deputized by Marshal Wyatt Earp (John Alderson); meanwhile, Steven (Peter Purves) is mistaken for a notorious gunslinger, and Dodo (Jackie Lane) is kidnapped by the bad guys. Written by Donald Cotton, "A Holiday for the Doctor" was originally telecast on April 30, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, Peter Purves, (more)
- 1966
In the ninth episode of the 12-part story "The Dalek Masterplan," the Meddling Monk (Peter Butterworth), a renegade Time Lord, unexpectedly offers to help the Doctor (William Hartnell) in his efforts to halt the Daleks' campaign of interplanetary destruction. More characteristically, however, the Monk double-crosses everyone at the first opportunity. Fortunately, Sara Kingdom (Jean Marsh) is on hand to duke it out with the Enemy (the Daleks, that is). Written by Dennis Spooner, "Golden Death" originally aired on January 8, 1966; this episode apparently no longer exists. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, Peter Purves, (more)
- 1966
In the third episode of the four-part story "The Gunfighters," the plot continues to thicken in the hours just prior to the gunfight at the OK Corral. Rescued from a lynch mob, Steven (Peter Purves) faces a new threat in the form of gunslinger Johnny Ringo (Laurence Payne). The Doctor (William Hartnell) is torn between rescuing Steven and coming to the aid of the still-imperiled Dodo (Jackie Lane). Written by Donald Cotton, "Johnny Ringo" was originally telecast on May 14, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, Peter Purves, (more)
- 1966
In the second episode of the four-part story "The Gunfighters," the Doctor and his companions encounter all manner of problems while making a stop at Tombstone, AZ, in the late 19th century. Dodo (Jackie Lane) has already been abducted by the notorious Clanton gang; Steven (Peter Purves), mistaken for a famous gunslinger, is about to be lynched; and the Doctor (William Hartnell), reluctantly deputized by Wyatt Earp (John Alderson), is unceremoniously thrown in jail. Written by Donald Cotton, "Don't Shoot the Pianist" was originally telecast on May 7, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, Peter Purves, (more)
- 1966
In the 11th episode of the 12-part story "The Dalek Masterplan," the Doctor tries to stop the Daleks from destroying the universe without risking the lives of his travelling companions. Captured by the villains, Steven (Peter Purves) and Sara (Jean Marsh) are in for the biggest surprise of their lives. And there's more to come; the Doctor abruptly vanishes without a trace. Written by Dennis Spooner, "The Abandoned Planet" originally aired on January 22, 1966; this episode apparently no longer exists. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, Peter Purves, (more)
- 1966
In the tenth episode of the 12-part story "The Dalek Masterplan," things bode ill for the Doctor (William Hartnell) and his companions. Steven (Peter Purves) and Sara (Jean Marsh) are taken hostage by the Daleks, who then prepare to recapture the Taranium core and resume their orgy of interplanetary destruction. The Doctor would like to stop the Daleks in their tracks, but he doesn't want to endanger the lives of his friends -- a choice he may have to ultimately take. Written by Dennis Spooner and originally telecast on January 15, 1966, "Escape Switch" is one of only two episodes from this story arc that are known to exist; the other one is episode five, "Counter Plot." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, Peter Purves, (more)
- 1966
In the eighth episode of the 12-part story "The Dalek Masterplan," the Doctor (William Hartnell) resumes his efforts to foil the mass-destruction schemes of the mutant Daleks. Unfortunately, he stymied by the unexpected appearance of his old enemy, the renegade Time Lord known as the Meddling Monk (Peter Butterworth). On another front, the Daleks, angrier than ever, step up their campaign of devastation. Written by Dennis Spooner, "Volcano" originally aired on January 1, 1966; this episode apparently no longer exists. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, Peter Purves, (more)
- 1966
In the conclusion of the 12-part story "The Dalek Masterplan," things come full circle as the TARDIS crew and the Daleks reconverge on the devastated, dust-covered planet Kembel. Will the Daleks finally succeed in their plans to wreak wholesale havoc with their Time Destructor? Or will the Doctor (William Hartnell) find a way to save the universe yet again? Written by Dennis Spooner, "The Destruction of Time" originally aired on January 29, 1966; this episode apparently no longer exists. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, Peter Purves, (more)
This British sci-fi film is based on a popular British television series Thunderbirds. The characters are portrayed by special marionettes. The story centers on the exploits of International Rescue, who use spaceships to save beautiful Lady Penelope from her kidnappers, the evil villains of New World Aircraft Corporation ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
An enterprising undertaker forms an unholy alliance with the owner of a diner in this low-budget exploitation horror film. Macabre humor and terror is combined as the victims of a small town down South are served human flesh at the diner. One of the deceased was named Susie Lamb, and soon the menu advertises leg of lamb as the culinary special of the day. The undertaker takes advantage of the bereaved and charges exorbitant prices for his services before processing their loved ones into lunch meat. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Robert Lowery, Ray Dannis, (more)
- 1965
In the second episode of the 12-part story "The Dalek Masterplan," the Doctor and his companions have landed in the jungles of Kembel, in hopes of thwarting the latest mass-destruction scheme of the mutant Daleks. The story takes an unexpected turn when the Doctor appears to align himself with the Dalek hordes, who promptly burn down the jungle. Taken aback, Bret Vyon (Nicholas Courtney) nonetheless struggles to keep the original mission alive. Written by Terry Nation, "Day of Armageddon" originally aired on November 20, 1965; this episode apparently no longer exists. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, Peter Purves, (more)
- 1965
In the third episode of the 12-part story "The Dalek Masterplan," the crew of the TARDIS pursues the destruction-minded Daleks as they make their escape from the burning jungles of Kembel. The next destination for the Doctor (William Hartnell) and his companions Katarina (Adrienne Hill), Steven (Peter Purves), and Bret (Nicholas Courtney) is the planet Desperus. Here is where the Daleks hope to foment more destruction and devastation by rallying the populace against a minority-group scapegoat. Written by Terry Nation, "Devil's Planet" originally aired on November 27, 1965; this episode apparently no longer exists. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, Peter Purves, (more)
