Peter Graham Scott Movies
Long esteemed as one of the most gifted directors (and occasional producers) of British telefilms, Peter Graham Scott arrived in that venue via a somewhat circuitous route. Born in East Sheen, Surrey, England, Scott accepted his mother's prompting to pursue an acting career, actualized with a bit part in an Alfred Hitchcock film, Young and Innocent (1937). Scott then realized, mid-production (while quietly watching Hitchcock set up a key tracking shot), that he wanted to direct his own ideas and stories. A brief stint at the British Ministry of Information, followed by an abortive attempt to shoot a script by Dylan Thomas, a helming assignment on a documentary, and an editing gig on the Graham Greene picture Brighton Rock (1947) preceded Scott's decision to join the BBC as a producer-in-training. His foremost ability, however -- as he had initially sensed -- lay in directing actors, and he indeed made his most enduring impact in that capacity, with such critically acclaimed efforts as Escape Route (1952), Hideout (1956), One (1956), and the 1958 Women in Love (not to be confused with the 1969 Ken Russell picture or an adaptation of D.H. Lawrence's work).In time, Scott ventured into helming episodes of ongoing British television series, particularly the cult spy-themed programs The Prisoner and The Avengers. In the 1970s and '80s, Scott also gravitated more from direction to production; his credits during that period include Kidnapped (1979), Jamaica Inn (1983), The Canterville Ghost (1986), and Passion and Paradise (1989). His Kidnapped qualified as the first British series to make it to U.S. cable television. Scott's greatest accomplishment over the course of his career, however, arguably lay in launching the careers of such legends as Judi Dench, Oliver Reed, Sean Connery, Glenda Jackson, and Peter Sellers, whom he hired for small-screen productions when they were virtual unknowns.
Scott spent the final years of his career at the HTV network in Great Britain. He died at age 83 on August 25, 2007, of unspecified causes. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
The four-hour TV movie Passion and Paradise traces the rise and fall of real-life British playboy Alfred de Marigny (Armand Assante). Little better than a gigolo, de Marigny finds himself in the Bahamas during World War II, where he romances the daughter (Catherine Mary Stewart) of fabulously wealthy Sir Harry Oakes (Rod Steiger). None of the "right people" can stomach de Marigny, but they're stuck with him once he marries Oakes' daughter. During the next few years, de Marigny manages to antagonize the Duke of Windsor (Andrew Ray), who is governor of the Bahamas; he also alienates local businessmen and infuriates a group of mobsters who want to set up a gambling casino in Nassau. As Part One of Passion and Paradise draws to a close, Sir Harry Oakes is murdered--and Alfred de Marigny is the most convenient (though not most likely) suspect. Part Two opens with the murder of Oakes in 1943. The higher-ups of the Bahama Islands sincerely hope that de Marigny is the killer, if only to get rid of the dreadful man. So anxious are certain parties to hang de Marigny that an official conspiracy to cover up vital evidence takes shape. De Marigny's only hope for salvation is an American private eye (Wayne Rogers). Filmed in Jamaica, Passion and Paradise painted so damning a portrait of Bahaman high society that several scenes (including most of those featuring the Duke of Windsor) had to be rewritten and reshot before the film's British television release. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Armand Assante, Catherine Stewart, (more)
- 1988
The made-for-TV Freedom Fighter is set in the divided Berlin of 1961. Tony Danza plays an idealistic American GI whose sweetheart is among those stranded in East Berlin by the erection of the Wall; he vows to help as many Easterners as possible escape to the freedom of the West. Other cast members include Sid Caesar as a philosophical holocaust survivor and David McCallum as a martinet Communist military officer. The film was lensed in West Berlin, one year before the Wall was bulldozed into oblivion. The script for Freedom Fighter was loosely based on The Berlin Wall, a book by Pierre Galante. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1986
- G
John Gielgud stars in this adaptation of Oscar Wilde's classic ghost tale. Simon de Canterville (Gielgud) becomes trapped in his family's estate after he runs away instead of engaging in a duel with another man. After he dies, his ghost haunts the mansion; his soul cannot rest until his descendents restore the honor of the family name. A few centuries later, a family moves into the estate and are a bit unnerved to realize that they aren't the only ones living there. ~ Rebecca Flint Marx, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Gielgud
Erich Maria Remarque's novel Arch of Triumph was originally adapted to film in 1948 with stars Charles Boyer and Ingrid Bergman under the direction of Lewis Milestone. This TV-movie remake aired May 29, 1985. Anthony Hopkins and Lesley-Anne Down play the star-crossed lovers whose prewar romance in Paris is endangered by intrigue and revenge. Hopkins, a doctor recently escaped from a concentration camp, rescues Down, the mistress of a dissipated playboy, from committing suicide. Their chance for happiness is sabotaged by Hopkins' desire to wreak vengeance on SS officer Donald Pleasence. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1985
- PG
Dyan Cannon stars in this 4-hour TV drama as Jenny Baines, an American woman of the pre-WW II era. Anxious to learn the fate of her son, a pilot who was shot down over Germany, Jenny travels to Berlin. Here she is reunited with her husband Hartmut Becker, who is now a high-ranking Nazi officer. With the help of allied prisoners, Jenny is smuggled into the POW camp where her son is presumably being held. The part of Jenny's son is played by Hugh Grant, meaning that Jenny's War is probably due for a revival. The 2-part drama was originally syndicated the week of October 26, 1985, as part of the Operation Prime Time series. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1984
It was not unusual in the 1980s for a British TV miniseries to resurface in America in the form of a re-edited feature-length "movie." The Master of Ballantrae, based on the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, offered a unique reversal on this process. Originally telecast in the United States as a three-hour TV film on January 31, 1984, the production subsequently aired on Scottish television as a six-part miniseries, 25 minutes per episode. On this occasion, the roles of rival siblings Henry and James Durrie were played by Richard Thomas and Michael York. The basic story remained the same: In 18th century Scotland, a toss of the coin determined that Henry would enlist in the service of Bonnie Prince Charlie, while James would stay behind as temporary master of Ballantrae Hall. Reported killed in battle, Henry spent the next several years trying to reclaim his birthright from his covetous brother. The "series" version of The Master of Ballantrae was broadcast in 1986. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1983
This made-for-TV remake of the Alfred Hitchcock adventure stars Patrick McGoohan as the head of a crew of smugglers; Jane Seymour plays his niece, who discovers the secret history of the title inn. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Movie Guide
- 1980
Originally made for television, the film centers on an Egyptian archaeological expedition, and the discovery of the tomb of the famed Pharaoh. After it is opened, disturbing events mark the trip. ~ John Bush, All Movie Guide
- 1979
This multipart TV version of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic adventure novel Kidnapped is regarded by Stevenson purists as one of the best adaptations ever. Set in 18th century Scotland, the story was set in motion when young David Balfour (Ekkehardt Belle), heir to a large and bountiful estate, was robbed of his birthright by his scheming uncle Ebenezer (Patrick Magee). Kidnapped by a crooked ship's captain and sold into indentured servitude, David was rescued by common seaman Alan Breck (David McCallum), who turned out to be a member of the same clan that was presently battling the British Empire in order to reinstate Scottish independence. In endeavoring to help Alan realize his goal, David ultimately returned to his ancestral estate to settle accounts with the despicable Ebenezer. An English/German/French co-production, Kidnapped first aired over Scotland's HTV service in 13 25-minute installments, from April 7 to June 30, 1979. The property was later telecast in America in four 90-minute episodes. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1977
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Originally airing in England in 1977, the haunting mini-series Children of the Stones takes place in an British village called Milbury, which is home to a Stone Henge-esque megalithic stone circle. It follows the strange adventures of astrophysicist Adam Brake (Gareth Thomas) and his son Matthew, as they explore the unique metaphysical properties and complex backstory that make Milbury unique. Originally built by ancient Druids, the highly magnetic and extremely powerful stone circle exists in a time rift, causing the same actions and events to manifest themselves over and over again - until the stones' time cycle can finally be completed. Noted for its chilling score and multi-faceted story, members of Children of the Stones' young target audience have often described it as a sophisticated introduction to magical realism, as well as a traumatizingly scary experience. ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide
- 1969
The Promise is a sentimental romantic triangle with a World War II. Russian soldiers John Castle and Ian McKellen fend off the Nazis during the siege of Leningrad. Somehow, they find time to give aid and shelter to homeless peasant Susan Macready. Loving both men equally, Macready must ultimately choose between them. Director Michael Hayes adapted the screenplay of The Promise from a play by Aleksei Arbuzov. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1968
CIA agent Donovan (Gene Barry) travels to Britain to untangle a web of international spies. He falls for the estranged wife of local secret agent Langley (Tom Adams). Anne (Joan Collins) starts a romance with Donovan before her son is kidnapped by rival agents. While any other mom would worry herself sick, Anne spends her time getting her hair done and selecting a fabulous gown in which she appears in the following scenes. Donovan narrows the suspects down to a trio of agents, all who may have reason to turn double agent and place their country in political turmoil with counter espionage. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gene Barry, Joan Collins, (more)
- 1967
When a builder writes a serious drama, the world views it as a comedy and it turns into a huge success. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1967
The fine line between knowledge and insight becomes a battleground in this episode of the classic British television series The Prisoner. Number Six (Patrick McGoohan) becomes aware of a strange new innovation created by scientists in the Village -- a type of brain implant that allows the subject to readily absorb information, but eliminates their ability to process their own thoughts. The role of Number Two is played in this episode by Colin Gordon, with Betty McDowell and John Castle heading up the supporting players. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- 1966
The title of this British series would seem to suggest that, at the very least, the "Man Craig" in question was a private eye or secret agent. Instead, protagonist Ian Craig (John Cairney) was dedicated comprehensive-school teacher, assigned to mold the minds and characters of the teenaged students in the Scottish town of Straithard. Debuting January 6, 1966 over BBC2, This Man Craig lasted two seasons, yielding 52 50-minute episodes. Curiously, this obviously popular dramatic effort is all but forgotten today. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1965
A highly respected government minister is caught trying to steal top-secret documents. Figuring that there's more to the story than meets the eye, Steed poses as a "genius" and joins an exclusive club for intellectuals in which the supposed traitor was also a member. Meanwhile, Emma is subjected to a particularly nasty session of psychological torture. Written by Robert Banks Stewart, "The Master Minds" originally aired in England on November 6, 1965; its American TV debut occured some eight months later, on July 11, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 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
When this weekly 50-minute British adventure series debuted in 1965, it went out under the title Mogul. Created by John Elliot, the series chronicled the exploits of a major oil company, from the executives on down to the riggers. After 13 episodes, the title was changed to The Troubleshooters, which it remained for the next 123 installments. The series continued wending its successful way through the BBC1 distribution channels until 1972. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1965
A prestigious university is the site for skullduggery when a noted economist is murdered while working on a plan to eliminate all forms of poverty. Arriving on the campus of Saint Bodes University to investigate, Steed and Emma discover that the place is festooned with suspicious characters, student and teacher alike. Though the episode scores points on its thrill contect, the highlight is a costume-party sequence wherein Emma is fetchingly garbed as Robin Hood (green tights and all). Written by Martin Woodhouse, "A Sense of History" was initially broadcast in England on March 12, 1966, and made its American TV debut on June 20 of that same year. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Diana Rigg
- 1964
In this lively British comedy, a newlywed couple's quaint country cottage becomes a nightmare of repairs as they try to fix it up themselves. They originally purchased the ramshackle pile to escape the influence of the new wife's meddlesome father. Unfortunately, the place needs more help than they are able to give and they must reluctantly get her father's help. He brings in a bumbling builder and things only get worse from there. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Leslie Phillips, Stanley Baxter, (more)
- 1963
It's Hoppity Goes To Town with sex in this 1963 British version of the old chestnut concerning an innocent country lass who travels to the big city and becomes corrupted, in this film version of Patrick Hamilton's novel The Street Has a Thousand Skies. Janet Munro runs the gamut of emotions as Jennie, a young girl from Wales who, with her girlfriend, is seduced and abandoned by a couple of heartless creeps in London, where she is later befriended by a kindly bartender John Stride. But Jennie snubs the bartender and takes up with a an unfeeling playboy. However, Jennie has gone around the park one time too many and is now torn between going back home or committing suicide. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Janet Munro, John Stride, (more)
- 1963
This colorful slapstick comedy concerns an honest locksmith who gets talked into a safecracking scheme by a couple of ruthless gangsters. Ernest Wright (Charlie Drake) is duped by a con man into opening a car and safe, which lands him in jail for a year. He is released, but a subsequent event gets him three year in jail and an undeserved reputation as a master thief. The Guv'nor (George Sanders) and Domino (Eddie Byrne) put the squeeze on Ernest to help them in a plan to pilfer some precious gems. With the help of undercover police woman Muriel (Nyree Dawn Porter), Ernest helps trap the crooks and clear his name. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Charlie Drake, George Sanders, (more)
- 1962
In this engaging costume melodrama of skulduggery on the low seas set back in the 18th-century, the swamps of a small seaside town and the nocturnal activities of the towns' men provide the atmosphere and action. The Royal Crown suspects a bit of smuggling is going on in this locale, and they send Captain Collier (Patrick Allen) and his crew to check it out. As the Captain gets into his investigation, mysterious swamp phantoms cloud up the real issue which seems plain enough to see. Captain Collier suspects that the odd village vicar (Peter Cushing) might be hiding something, and what better way to do that than by fortuitous ghosts to scare away the curious -- or by posing as someone he is not? ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Cushing, Yvonne Romain, (more)
- 1962
In a different type of comedy-drama based on a play by Mike Watts, director Peter Graham Scott looks at life in a British prison. Rainbow (Paul Massie) has just been sent into the slammer for a year for duking it out in a brutal fight over his girlfriend Wendy (Carole Lesley). He knows he is in for a miserable time of it, so much so that after being assigned kitchen duty he joins up with the rest of his co-workers in wheeling and dealing the food they can snitch for various sundries stolen from other parts of the prison's supply chain. This racket is well-organized, but one day its prime mover is framed and threatened with an extended sentence unless Rainbow can come up with a way to save him. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ronald Fraser, Paul Massie, (more)
