John Bryans Movies

Hoping to cover up her own misdeeds, Servalan (Jacqueline Pearce) betrays her confederate, Travis (Brian Croucher), putting him on trial for his life. Meanwhile, Blake (Gareth Thomas), consumed with guilt over the death of the Gans, has exiled himself on a supposedly dead planet. The climax finds Avon (Paul Darrow) mounting a rescue attempt that will profoundly affect both Blake and Travis. "Trial" was first broadcast on February 13, 1979. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

In the third episode of the four-part story "The Creature From the Pit," the Doctor (Tom Baker) learns that the titular creature is actually an ambassador from the planet Tythonus, who has been imprisoned by the despotic Lady Adrasta (Myra Frances). The villainess hopes to drain the creature of the precious metals in its system, thereby strengthening her hold on the planet Chloris. Meanwhile, Romana (Lalla Ward) endeavors to rescue both the Doctor and the Creature, with Adrasta's henchmen hot on her heels. Written by David Fisher, "The Creature From the Pit, Episode 3" was originally telecast on November 10, 1979. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

In episode one of the four-part story "The Creature From the Pit," the Doctor (Tom Baker) and Romana (Lalla Ward) answer a distress call from the planet Chloris. Upon their arrival, they discover that the planet's precious metal supply has been monopolized by the covetous, power-hungry Lady Adastra (Myra Frances), who keeps the inhabitants in line with the help of the sinister Huntsman (David Telfer) and his wolf weeds. Complicating matters are two other antagonists: bandit leader Torvin (John Bryans) and a huge, amorphous blob (hence the title of this adventure). Former Doctor Who director Morris Barry appears in a cameo role as Tollund. Written by David Fisher, "The Creature From the Pit, Episode 1" was originally telecast on October 27, 1979. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Henry VIII and His Six Wives is a feature film based upon the 1971 BBC miniseries The Six Wives of Henry VIII. Keith Michell weathers several makeup changes as the much-married titular monarch. While the miniseries was able to explore the political and personal reasons for the selection (and sometimes rejection) of the wives, the shortened version concentrates chiefly on such highlights as the birth of Queen Elizabeth and the execution of Anne Boleyn. The film is constructed in flashback form, with an aged Henry recalling his marital record. Side note: Donald Pleasence appears as Thomas Cromwell in Henry VIII and His Six Wives; Pleasence's daughter Angela had played Katherine Howard, Bride No. 5, in the original Six Wives of Henry VIII. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

This anthology picture about a bad-luck mansion is a thriller with four episodes--all framed by a police investigation. A review of the files of the local policeman (John Bennett) shows that everyone who has owned the mansion has died in a horrible fashion. In the first episode, "Method for Murder," the obsessions of a mystery writer (Denholm Elliott) provide his wife with an opportunity to do him in. In the second, "Waxworks," Peter Cushing is the unhappy recipient of the attentions of a jealous husband. The third, "Sweets to the Sweet," has Christopher Lee fall victim to his charming little daughter, who plays with voodoo dolls. In "The Cloak," Jon Pertwee (best known for his TV portrayal of Dr. Who) is a horror-film star who insists on authenticity in his costumes. Somehow, he is given the cloak of a real vampire, with humorously ghoulish results. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide