Stars: Fairuza Balk, Nicol Williamson, Jean Marsh, Piper Laurie, Matt Clark, Michael Sundin, Tim Rose, Mak Wilson, Stephen Norrington, Justin Case, John Alexander, Deep Roy, Emma Ridley | Written by Walter Murch, Gill Dennis, L. Frank Baum | Directed by Walter Murch
According to Roger Ebert, Walter Murch is “the most respected film editor and sound designer in the modern cinema.” Across a career spanning over 50-years, including multiple Academy Award wins from nine nominations, he has only two directorial credits to his name. The second is a fourth-season episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, which was preceded over 25 years before by the only feature he directed; Return to Oz.
After her adventures in the Land of Oz, Dorothy Gale (Fairuza Balk) remains obsessed with the locale that she previously visited. Out of a fear that their niece is experiencing delusions, Dorothy’s aunt and uncle take her away to a sanitorium.
According to Roger Ebert, Walter Murch is “the most respected film editor and sound designer in the modern cinema.” Across a career spanning over 50-years, including multiple Academy Award wins from nine nominations, he has only two directorial credits to his name. The second is a fourth-season episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, which was preceded over 25 years before by the only feature he directed; Return to Oz.
After her adventures in the Land of Oz, Dorothy Gale (Fairuza Balk) remains obsessed with the locale that she previously visited. Out of a fear that their niece is experiencing delusions, Dorothy’s aunt and uncle take her away to a sanitorium.
- 4/15/2024
- by James Rodrigues
- Nerdly
Willow star Warwick Davis is still mourning the cancellation and removal of his 2022 fantasy/adventure series from the Disney+ platform.
In a recent post on X (fka Twitter), Davis wrote: “I meet lovely people on a daily basis who are fans of #Willow, who are the reason the @DisneyPlus series was made. Please tell me @WaltDisneyCo, what do I say to these subscribers when they ask why they can’t watch the series any more? #embarrassing”
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In a recent post on X (fka Twitter), Davis wrote: “I meet lovely people on a daily basis who are fans of #Willow, who are the reason the @DisneyPlus series was made. Please tell me @WaltDisneyCo, what do I say to these subscribers when they ask why they can’t watch the series any more? #embarrassing”
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- 10/16/2023
- by Nick Caruso
- TVLine.com
It appears “Willow’s” magic has already run out again. The Disney+ fantasy series, a sequel to the 1988 Ron Howard film of the same name, will not return for a second season, IndieWire has confirmed.
The news comes two months after the show, which premiered on November 30, concluded its eight-episode run on Disney+ in January. Like the film, “Willow” was produced by Lucasfilm, which has been one of the main drivers of content for Disney’s core streaming service through shows based on the “Star Wars” franchise; others include “The Mandalorian,” “The Book of Boba Fett,” “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” “Andor,” and the upcoming “Ahsoka,” “Skeleton Crew,” and “The Acolyte.”
Disney+ ended 2022 with 102.9 subscribers; another 61.3 million are in the ecosystem via Disney+ Hotstar.
The original ’80s film, which was directed by Ron Howard and executive produced by “Star Wars” creator George Lucas, told the story of aspiring sorcerer Willow (Warwick Davis), as...
The news comes two months after the show, which premiered on November 30, concluded its eight-episode run on Disney+ in January. Like the film, “Willow” was produced by Lucasfilm, which has been one of the main drivers of content for Disney’s core streaming service through shows based on the “Star Wars” franchise; others include “The Mandalorian,” “The Book of Boba Fett,” “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” “Andor,” and the upcoming “Ahsoka,” “Skeleton Crew,” and “The Acolyte.”
Disney+ ended 2022 with 102.9 subscribers; another 61.3 million are in the ecosystem via Disney+ Hotstar.
The original ’80s film, which was directed by Ron Howard and executive produced by “Star Wars” creator George Lucas, told the story of aspiring sorcerer Willow (Warwick Davis), as...
- 3/15/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
On 27th February 2023, Nucleus Films will release the shocking 1970s horror film Dark Places on Blu-ray.
There’S More Than Death Waiting For You In Dark Places
Legendary British stars Christopher Lee, Joan Collins and Herbert Lom get together in a grisly tale of hidden loot in a haunted house.
Dr Ian Mandeville and his sister Sarah mean to get their hands on the £200,000 stashed in the derelict Marr’s Grove – only to find that Edward Foster, a stranger to the district, has recently inherited the place. As Edward rapidly succumbs to the influence of the mansion’s long-dead owners, madness and bloody murder ensue…
Directed by Don Sharp, this long-awaited UK Blu-ray premiere has been remastered from original vault elements and is packed with bonus features.
Also starring Jane Birkin, Robert Hardy and Jean Marsh…
Dare you enter Marr’s Grove and encounter the evil lurking within?
Special Features:...
There’S More Than Death Waiting For You In Dark Places
Legendary British stars Christopher Lee, Joan Collins and Herbert Lom get together in a grisly tale of hidden loot in a haunted house.
Dr Ian Mandeville and his sister Sarah mean to get their hands on the £200,000 stashed in the derelict Marr’s Grove – only to find that Edward Foster, a stranger to the district, has recently inherited the place. As Edward rapidly succumbs to the influence of the mansion’s long-dead owners, madness and bloody murder ensue…
Directed by Don Sharp, this long-awaited UK Blu-ray premiere has been remastered from original vault elements and is packed with bonus features.
Also starring Jane Birkin, Robert Hardy and Jean Marsh…
Dare you enter Marr’s Grove and encounter the evil lurking within?
Special Features:...
- 2/18/2023
- by Peter 'Witchfinder' Hopkins
- Horror Asylum
Director John Sturges’ final feature is a handsome production that fumbles and stumbles in unexpected ways. Michael Caine and especially Donald Sutherland lead an impossible commando mission to kidnap Winston Churchill right from English soil. Tom Mankiewicz’s dialogue is witty but the tone is all over the place. We don’t know whether it’s the script, the direction or the editing that muffs so many potential bravura moments. On the other hand, every scene with Sutherland and Jenny Agutter is gold. [Imprint] gives us both a theatrical cut and a more satisfying extended cut.
The Eagle Has Landed
Region Free Blu-ray
Viavision [Imprint] 193
1976 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 135 + 151 min. / Street Date December 28, 2023 / Available from / au 69.95
Starring: Michael Caine, Donald Sutherland, Robert Duvall, Jenny Agutter, Donald Pleasence, Anthony Quayle, Jean Marsh, Sven-Bertil Taube, John Standing, Judy Geeson, Treat Williams, Larry Hagman, Joachim Hansen, David Gilliam, Siegfried Rauch, Wolf Kahler, Roy Marsden, Ferdy Mayne.
The Eagle Has Landed
Region Free Blu-ray
Viavision [Imprint] 193
1976 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 135 + 151 min. / Street Date December 28, 2023 / Available from / au 69.95
Starring: Michael Caine, Donald Sutherland, Robert Duvall, Jenny Agutter, Donald Pleasence, Anthony Quayle, Jean Marsh, Sven-Bertil Taube, John Standing, Judy Geeson, Treat Williams, Larry Hagman, Joachim Hansen, David Gilliam, Siegfried Rauch, Wolf Kahler, Roy Marsden, Ferdy Mayne.
- 1/7/2023
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Photo: ‘Willow’ Everyone knows George Lucas because of ‘Star Wars.’ For good reason: when it debuted all the way back in 1977, the franchise changed special effects in films and the kinds of movies people go to see. However, it’s less known that five years before this, Lucas conceived of an idea for another movie, one involving magic and darker fantasy themes. That movie eventually got made 16 years later under the direction of Ron Howard. ‘Willow’ follows the efforts of one sorcerer (played to perfection by Warwick Davis) to protect an abandoned child in order to fight against the evil Queen Bavmorda (an incomparable Jean Marsh) and bring peace to the Kingdom of Tir Asleen. The story ended in a climactic battle that ended in Willow tricking the evil sorceress into banishing herself. The child, Elora Danan, fell into the hands of the Queen’s daughter Sorsha (played by Joanne Whalley...
- 12/10/2022
- by Zachary DePiore
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
Willow Ufgood (Warwick Davis) and Graham Hughes in Lucasfilm’s ‘Willow’ (Photo © 2022 Lucasfilm Ltd)
Willow – the 1988 fantasy-adventure film directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Ron Howard (A Beautiful Mind) and written by Star Wars creator/auteur George Lucas – is the latest franchise to get a reboot.
Warwick Davis (who worked with Lucas in 1983’s Star Wars: Return of the Jedi) and reprises his role as the titular character from the original film, Willow Ufgood, a Nelwyn farmer/sorcerer, never imagined he would be playing Willow again.
“For years it’s been talked about, not by anyone official but by the fans,” explained Davis. “They’ve constantly pestered me, saying, ‘When are we going to see a sequel to that movie?’ And it’s a question I could never answer.”
Until he met Jonathan Kasdan, on the set of 2018’s Solo: A Star Wars Story (which Howard directed and Davis cameoed). The younger...
Willow – the 1988 fantasy-adventure film directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Ron Howard (A Beautiful Mind) and written by Star Wars creator/auteur George Lucas – is the latest franchise to get a reboot.
Warwick Davis (who worked with Lucas in 1983’s Star Wars: Return of the Jedi) and reprises his role as the titular character from the original film, Willow Ufgood, a Nelwyn farmer/sorcerer, never imagined he would be playing Willow again.
“For years it’s been talked about, not by anyone official but by the fans,” explained Davis. “They’ve constantly pestered me, saying, ‘When are we going to see a sequel to that movie?’ And it’s a question I could never answer.”
Until he met Jonathan Kasdan, on the set of 2018’s Solo: A Star Wars Story (which Howard directed and Davis cameoed). The younger...
- 12/5/2022
- by Kurt Anthony Krug
- Showbiz Junkies
Of all the life-changing cinema that premiered in the 1980s, Jonathan Kasdan singles out “Willow” as the first film to “mark time” in his existence. “It just had this psychological significance to me in my development,” Kasdan explains to Variety. “You’d be shocked at how many people say, ‘Oh, I saw that movie, it scared the shit out of me when I was a kid.’”
The 1988 fantasy, directed by Ron Howard (then 34) and executive produced by George Lucas, is centered around a lousy sorcerer named Willow (played by a 17-year-old Warwick Davis) who is tasked with protecting a magical baby from all manner of treachery. Its collection of revolutionary visual effects from Industrial Light & Magic — including the transformation of an army of men into squealing pigs — along with powerhouse performances from Jean Marsh, Val Kilmer and Davis all delivered with a touch of charm is what helped to keep...
The 1988 fantasy, directed by Ron Howard (then 34) and executive produced by George Lucas, is centered around a lousy sorcerer named Willow (played by a 17-year-old Warwick Davis) who is tasked with protecting a magical baby from all manner of treachery. Its collection of revolutionary visual effects from Industrial Light & Magic — including the transformation of an army of men into squealing pigs — along with powerhouse performances from Jean Marsh, Val Kilmer and Davis all delivered with a touch of charm is what helped to keep...
- 12/4/2022
- by Meredith Woerner
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
The screenwriter of the original Willow film is reflecting on the process of making the movie, along with opening up about ways in which working in the writers room of the new Disney+ television reboot didn’t feel as freeing.
Willow, the tale of a humble farmer enlisted to go on a quest to save the world, hit theaters in 1988 — but the idea for the fantasy film had been on George Lucas’ mind even before the 1977 release of Star Wars. Lucas, an executive producer on Willow and credited with writing the story, brought the project to filmmaker Ron Howard, whom Lucas had directed in 1973’s American Graffiti.
Howard, who had helmed such movies as Splash (1983) and Cocoon (1985), turned to Bob Dolman, his collaborator on a failed NBC pilot in the early 1980s, to write Willow’s script. Its story focuses on the titular farmer,...
The screenwriter of the original Willow film is reflecting on the process of making the movie, along with opening up about ways in which working in the writers room of the new Disney+ television reboot didn’t feel as freeing.
Willow, the tale of a humble farmer enlisted to go on a quest to save the world, hit theaters in 1988 — but the idea for the fantasy film had been on George Lucas’ mind even before the 1977 release of Star Wars. Lucas, an executive producer on Willow and credited with writing the story, brought the project to filmmaker Ron Howard, whom Lucas had directed in 1973’s American Graffiti.
Howard, who had helmed such movies as Splash (1983) and Cocoon (1985), turned to Bob Dolman, his collaborator on a failed NBC pilot in the early 1980s, to write Willow’s script. Its story focuses on the titular farmer,...
- 11/30/2022
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Offbeat fantasy doesn’t get much better than Ron Howard’s Willow. The 1988 film may have played out like a by-the-numbers epic about plucky heroes overcoming despotic evils, but its reputation as an all-ages adventure outweighs its triteness.
Now, with a sequel series on Disney+ (premiering today), Willow Ufgood (again played by Warwick Davis) and the denizens of this quirky universe make their long-awaited return. Luckily, judging by the first three episodes, Disney may have a new family favorite on its hands.
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Now, with a sequel series on Disney+ (premiering today), Willow Ufgood (again played by Warwick Davis) and the denizens of this quirky universe make their long-awaited return. Luckily, judging by the first three episodes, Disney may have a new family favorite on its hands.
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- 11/30/2022
- by Hayden Mears
- TVLine.com
Ironically, Willow was a bit too big. Or at least too big to succeed as George Lucas had imagined it could. The brainchild of Lucas since before the first Star Wars, the 1988 film starred Warwick Davis as the eponymous Willow Ufgood, a farmer and would-be sorcerer’s apprentice from a race of dwarves called Nelwyn. The premise was classic fantasy: after discovering a baby Daikini (or regular-sized folk), Willow goes on a journey to protect the baby from an evil sorceress queen (the deliciously pantomime-esque Jean Marsh) – by way of mountains, monsters, and some riotous action sequences.
Back then, studio bosses baulked at the film’s 35m (£29m) price tag. The production spanned three continents, a huge cast of little people and featured more special effects work than Lucas’s FX house, Industrial Light & Magic, was prepared for. The finished film is a bloated two hours-plus, which feels too much...
Back then, studio bosses baulked at the film’s 35m (£29m) price tag. The production spanned three continents, a huge cast of little people and featured more special effects work than Lucas’s FX house, Industrial Light & Magic, was prepared for. The finished film is a bloated two hours-plus, which feels too much...
- 11/29/2022
- by Tom Fordy
- The Independent - Film
An older, wiser Willow meets a band of fresh faces — and promptly proposes they embark on a mighty quest — in our exclusive sneak peek from Disney+’s forthcoming follow-up to the Ron Howard-directed fantasy film.
Sign Up For Disney+ to watch Willow, Andor, Tales of the Jedi, Zootopia+, Disenchanted and more!
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Developed by Jonathan Kasdan and based on characters created by George Lucas,...
Sign Up For Disney+ to watch Willow, Andor, Tales of the Jedi, Zootopia+, Disenchanted and more!
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Developed by Jonathan Kasdan and based on characters created by George Lucas,...
- 11/15/2022
- by Hayden Mears
- TVLine.com
“Willow” fans have long questioned how the new Disney+ series will linkup with Val Kilmer’s beloved character Madmartigan. And that answered was revealed via Christian Slater. The new character was announced at the D23 Expo where the actor surprised fans on stage.
Announced by series star Warwick Davis, Slater’s character is somehow tied to Madmartigan as a “friend,” but more will be revealed later. “You have such a lot of energy, I can’t wait until you see him he’s great,” Davis said.
Slater seemed pretty impressed with the ability to go rogue on set. “This was a very fun character, we got to have some improve, ad-libs we came up with stuff on the spot which was fun,” Slater said.
A new trailer was also released showcasing more trolls, Brownies and more. Davis and Joanne Whalley reprise their roles as Willow Ufgood and Sorsha, respectively. Set...
Announced by series star Warwick Davis, Slater’s character is somehow tied to Madmartigan as a “friend,” but more will be revealed later. “You have such a lot of energy, I can’t wait until you see him he’s great,” Davis said.
Slater seemed pretty impressed with the ability to go rogue on set. “This was a very fun character, we got to have some improve, ad-libs we came up with stuff on the spot which was fun,” Slater said.
A new trailer was also released showcasing more trolls, Brownies and more. Davis and Joanne Whalley reprise their roles as Willow Ufgood and Sorsha, respectively. Set...
- 9/10/2022
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Disney's D23 Expo has officially begun in Anaheim, California, and /Film's own Ethan Anderton is on the floor right now, bringing us pictures of concept art and costumes from the upcoming streaming series "Willow." Coming to Disney+ on November 30, the show stars Warwick Davis in a reprisal of his titular role from the 1988 film "Willow," which was produced by George Lucas and directed by Ron Howard.
The Disney+ series is a sequel, taking place 20 years after a young sorcerer named Willow helped a swordsman named Madmartigan (Val Kilmer) defeat Queen Bavmorda (Jean Marsh) to save the baby Elora -- prophesied to be an empress. The world needs him back now, and so does the new cast, including Erin Kellyman ("The Green Knight"), Ellie Bamber ("Les Misérables"), Ruby Cruz ("Mare of Easttown"), Tony Revolori ("Spider-Man: Far From Home"), Dempsey Bryk ("Black Mirror"), Amar Chadha-Patel ("Alladin"), and Talisa Garcia ("The Girlfriend Experience...
The Disney+ series is a sequel, taking place 20 years after a young sorcerer named Willow helped a swordsman named Madmartigan (Val Kilmer) defeat Queen Bavmorda (Jean Marsh) to save the baby Elora -- prophesied to be an empress. The world needs him back now, and so does the new cast, including Erin Kellyman ("The Green Knight"), Ellie Bamber ("Les Misérables"), Ruby Cruz ("Mare of Easttown"), Tony Revolori ("Spider-Man: Far From Home"), Dempsey Bryk ("Black Mirror"), Amar Chadha-Patel ("Alladin"), and Talisa Garcia ("The Girlfriend Experience...
- 9/9/2022
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
The September release slate from Severin Films has been announced and detailed today, this latest batch of new releases headlined by 1980 classic The Changeling on 4K Ultra HD.
Severin Films will be haunting disc players across the continent with a new 4K edition of Peter Medak’s beloved ghost story The Changeling, along with landmark Spanish television series Tales to Keep You Awake, My Grandpa Is a Vampire via the Severin Kids imprint, and the entire Plaga Zombie Trilogy through sublabel Intervision Picture Corp.
As if that isn’t enough, Severin will also be putting out a Blu-ray double feature of Al Adamson’s Dracula vs. Frankenstein and Brain of Blood as a standalone release.
Read on for everything you need to know about Severin’s September slate…
The Changeling: It has been called “remarkable” (Paste Magazine), “utterly terrifying” (Mondo Digital) and “a ghost story guaranteed to freeze the...
Severin Films will be haunting disc players across the continent with a new 4K edition of Peter Medak’s beloved ghost story The Changeling, along with landmark Spanish television series Tales to Keep You Awake, My Grandpa Is a Vampire via the Severin Kids imprint, and the entire Plaga Zombie Trilogy through sublabel Intervision Picture Corp.
As if that isn’t enough, Severin will also be putting out a Blu-ray double feature of Al Adamson’s Dracula vs. Frankenstein and Brain of Blood as a standalone release.
Read on for everything you need to know about Severin’s September slate…
The Changeling: It has been called “remarkable” (Paste Magazine), “utterly terrifying” (Mondo Digital) and “a ghost story guaranteed to freeze the...
- 8/15/2022
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Collector’s box on the horizon: Severin assembles hours of video extras and text illumination for another group of films featuring favorite actor Christopher Lee. The roundup of titles bookends his career as a screen vampire, with one of Lee’s earliest vampire roles and also his last turn as Count Dracula. Looming large on the academic side of Severin’s research are experts and biographers Kat Ellinger, Barry Forshaw, Troy Howarth, Kim Newman, Nathaniel Thompson and Jonathan Rigby, who also contributes a hundred-page book.
The Eurocrypt of Christopher Lee Collection 2
Blu-ray
Uncle Was a Vampire, The Secret of the Red Orchid, Dark Places, Dracula and Son, Murder Story
Severin Films
1959-1989 / Color / 2:39 widescreen, 1:66 widescreen, 1:85 widescreen
Street Date July 26, 2022
Available from Severin Films / 134.95
Starring alphabetically: Marie Hélène Breillat, Catherine Breillat, Joan Collins, Robert Hardy, Adrian Hoven, Klaus Kinski, Sylva Koscina, Herbert Lom, Susanne Loret, Jean Marsh, Marisa Mell,...
The Eurocrypt of Christopher Lee Collection 2
Blu-ray
Uncle Was a Vampire, The Secret of the Red Orchid, Dark Places, Dracula and Son, Murder Story
Severin Films
1959-1989 / Color / 2:39 widescreen, 1:66 widescreen, 1:85 widescreen
Street Date July 26, 2022
Available from Severin Films / 134.95
Starring alphabetically: Marie Hélène Breillat, Catherine Breillat, Joan Collins, Robert Hardy, Adrian Hoven, Klaus Kinski, Sylva Koscina, Herbert Lom, Susanne Loret, Jean Marsh, Marisa Mell,...
- 7/16/2022
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Disney+ has released the teaser trailer for “Willow,” the Lucasfilm and Imagine Entertainment series that serves as a sequel to the 1988 fantasy film of the same name.
The company revealed the first look footage during its Star Wars Celebration event in Anaheim, with star Warwick Davis, creator Jonathan Kasdan, the original film’s director Ron Howard, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and some of the series’ cast on hand.
“It’s a dream to return to this character,” Davis said onstage. “Making this movie was one of the best experiences of my life.”
Davis’ Willow narrates much of the teaser, reintroducing viewers to the mystical world of the original film.
“There is a balance between all things — light and shadow, good and evil,” Willow says. “When that balance is upset, the universe corrects. … Into the unknown, that’s where we must go.”
In addition to the first look, the “Willow” crew...
The company revealed the first look footage during its Star Wars Celebration event in Anaheim, with star Warwick Davis, creator Jonathan Kasdan, the original film’s director Ron Howard, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and some of the series’ cast on hand.
“It’s a dream to return to this character,” Davis said onstage. “Making this movie was one of the best experiences of my life.”
Davis’ Willow narrates much of the teaser, reintroducing viewers to the mystical world of the original film.
“There is a balance between all things — light and shadow, good and evil,” Willow says. “When that balance is upset, the universe corrects. … Into the unknown, that’s where we must go.”
In addition to the first look, the “Willow” crew...
- 5/26/2022
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
May 31st sees the release of The Eurocrypt of Christopher Lee Collection 2 from Severin Films, bringing more cult classic Christopher Lee films to Blu-ray, including Uncle Was a Vampire and Dracula and Son! We have all the details below, along with a trailer, and a look at the box set artwork:
The Eurocrypt Of Christopher Lee Collection 2
To celebrate the centennial of the legendary actor, Eurocrypt Collection 2 presents five of the most unexpected, underrated and underseen films of the iconic actor’s European career. Immediately following Horror Of Dracula, Lee reprised the role in the quirky 1959 Italian comedy Uncle Was A Vampire. Lee speaks fluent German opposite Klaus Kinski for the crazed 1962 krimi Secret Of The Red Orchid. In the 1974 UK psycho-thriller Dark Places, Lee toplines a cast that includes Joan Collins, Herbert Lom and Jane Birkin. Lee’s final performance as The Count in the 1976 French comedy Dracula And Son...
The Eurocrypt Of Christopher Lee Collection 2
To celebrate the centennial of the legendary actor, Eurocrypt Collection 2 presents five of the most unexpected, underrated and underseen films of the iconic actor’s European career. Immediately following Horror Of Dracula, Lee reprised the role in the quirky 1959 Italian comedy Uncle Was A Vampire. Lee speaks fluent German opposite Klaus Kinski for the crazed 1962 krimi Secret Of The Red Orchid. In the 1974 UK psycho-thriller Dark Places, Lee toplines a cast that includes Joan Collins, Herbert Lom and Jane Birkin. Lee’s final performance as The Count in the 1976 French comedy Dracula And Son...
- 3/31/2022
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
CineSavant reaches back to a U.K. disc released in 2014, because the subject is (what else) a semi-obscure science fiction effort. Favorite John Neville stars as a scientist opposite newcomer Gabriella Licudi, a beauty who may be an invader from outer space. This is the one with the teardrops that burn; not having seen it since 1966 or so, evaluating a ‘new’ Blu was an imperative. The main takeaway is that it’s awfully small-scale and the fantastic content is almost entirely confined to dialogue. But the performances are exemplary and actress Jean Marsh is terrific.
Unearthly Stranger
Region B Blu-ray
Network-bfi
1963 / B&w / 1:66 / 80 min. / Street Date November 3, 2014 / Available from Amazon / 14.99
Starring: John Neville, Philip Stone, Gabriella Licudi, Patrick Newell, Jean Marsh, Warren Mitchell.
Cinematography: Reg Wyer
Art Director: Harry Pottle
Film Editor: Tom Priestley
Original Music: Edward Williams
Written by Rex Carlton based on an idea by Jeffrey Stone...
Unearthly Stranger
Region B Blu-ray
Network-bfi
1963 / B&w / 1:66 / 80 min. / Street Date November 3, 2014 / Available from Amazon / 14.99
Starring: John Neville, Philip Stone, Gabriella Licudi, Patrick Newell, Jean Marsh, Warren Mitchell.
Cinematography: Reg Wyer
Art Director: Harry Pottle
Film Editor: Tom Priestley
Original Music: Edward Williams
Written by Rex Carlton based on an idea by Jeffrey Stone...
- 12/4/2021
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
It’s not unusual, in the world of Doctor Who, for the same actor to play more than one role on screen. From classic to modern Doctor Who, Nicholas Courtney, Ian Marter, Lalla Ward, Jaqueline Hill, Jean Marsh, Adjoa Andoh, Eve Myles, Naoko Mori, Vinette Robinson and more have all played multiple parts in the whoniverse. Before she debuted as companion Martha Jones, Freema Agyeman was a Torchwood employee who fell foul of the Cybermen in series two’s ‘Army of Ghosts’. Karen Gillan was a seer in series four episode ‘The Fires of Pompeii’ before she recurred as Eleven’s companion Amy Pond. Even the Doctor has had test runs. Colin Baker played a Gallifreyan commander in season twenty before taking over from Peter Davison. Peter Capaldi appeared in ‘The Fires of Pompeii’ as well as playing John Frobisher on Torchwood before taking up residence in the Tardis.
In...
In...
- 9/21/2021
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Kate Winslet is currently in first place in our early Emmy odds to win Best Limited/TV Movie Actress for “Mare of Easttown.” It would be her second Emmy and second win in the category — a perfect 10 years after her first.
The Oscar winner took home her first statuette for her performance on Todd Haynes‘ HBO miniseries “Mildred Pierce,” her first collaboration with the network. She beat out Taraji P. Henson (“Taken from Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story”), Diane Lane (“Cinema Verite”), Jean Marsh (“Upstairs Downstairs”) and Elizabeth McGovern (“Downton Abbey”). Remember when “Downton” competed as a miniseries? Good times. That’s how long ago this was.
“Oh, I didn’t think we were gonna win anything. Oh, look, I really did win it!” Winslet exclaimed upon accepting the trophy (watch above). “This means such a great deal to all of us because this really, I feel like, had nothing to do with me.
The Oscar winner took home her first statuette for her performance on Todd Haynes‘ HBO miniseries “Mildred Pierce,” her first collaboration with the network. She beat out Taraji P. Henson (“Taken from Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story”), Diane Lane (“Cinema Verite”), Jean Marsh (“Upstairs Downstairs”) and Elizabeth McGovern (“Downton Abbey”). Remember when “Downton” competed as a miniseries? Good times. That’s how long ago this was.
“Oh, I didn’t think we were gonna win anything. Oh, look, I really did win it!” Winslet exclaimed upon accepting the trophy (watch above). “This means such a great deal to all of us because this really, I feel like, had nothing to do with me.
- 7/21/2021
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Cannes has a history of screening Hollywood blockbusters alongside headier art fare.
In 1993, festivalgoers thrilled to Sylvester Stallone dangling from a mountaintop in Renny Harlin’s Cliffhanger. In 1987, audiences swooned to Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey when Dirty Dancing earned a special screening. And in 1988, Ron Howard’s Willow closed out the 41st festival.
The tale, devised by George Lucas (who served as executive producer), follows a dwarf (Warwick Davis, whom Lucas had met on the set of Return of the Jedi) joined by a swordsman (Val Kilmer) for a quest to defeat an evil sorceress queen (Jean Marsh).
“We wanted to find ...
In 1993, festivalgoers thrilled to Sylvester Stallone dangling from a mountaintop in Renny Harlin’s Cliffhanger. In 1987, audiences swooned to Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey when Dirty Dancing earned a special screening. And in 1988, Ron Howard’s Willow closed out the 41st festival.
The tale, devised by George Lucas (who served as executive producer), follows a dwarf (Warwick Davis, whom Lucas had met on the set of Return of the Jedi) joined by a swordsman (Val Kilmer) for a quest to defeat an evil sorceress queen (Jean Marsh).
“We wanted to find ...
- 7/10/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Cannes has a history of screening Hollywood blockbusters alongside headier art fare.
In 1993, festivalgoers thrilled to Sylvester Stallone dangling from a mountaintop in Renny Harlin’s Cliffhanger. In 1987, audiences swooned to Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey when Dirty Dancing earned a special screening. And in 1988, Ron Howard’s Willow closed out the 41st festival.
The tale, devised by George Lucas (who served as executive producer), follows a dwarf (Warwick Davis, whom Lucas had met on the set of Return of the Jedi) joined by a swordsman (Val Kilmer) for a quest to defeat an evil sorceress queen (Jean Marsh).
“We wanted to find ...
In 1993, festivalgoers thrilled to Sylvester Stallone dangling from a mountaintop in Renny Harlin’s Cliffhanger. In 1987, audiences swooned to Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey when Dirty Dancing earned a special screening. And in 1988, Ron Howard’s Willow closed out the 41st festival.
The tale, devised by George Lucas (who served as executive producer), follows a dwarf (Warwick Davis, whom Lucas had met on the set of Return of the Jedi) joined by a swordsman (Val Kilmer) for a quest to defeat an evil sorceress queen (Jean Marsh).
“We wanted to find ...
- 7/10/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Some Doctor Who characters are intended for greatness; some are intended to be killed off at the end of their first episode. Writers have a lot more control over the second than the first. What remains true for all characters, is the tension that exists between their function in the story and their potential to affect it. Even a guard who simply runs into a room to get shot could have dragged the story in another direction, should they be allowed (this stock background character was the inspiration for Terry Pratchett’s City Watch novels).
Successful one-off characters aren’t necessarily those who break away from their function,, but those who make a story soar to another level entirely. More often, what makes them work is when their function in the story is disguised. There are plenty of ways to do this and most of them intersect: casting, costume, dialogue,...
Successful one-off characters aren’t necessarily those who break away from their function,, but those who make a story soar to another level entirely. More often, what makes them work is when their function in the story is disguised. There are plenty of ways to do this and most of them intersect: casting, costume, dialogue,...
- 2/25/2021
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Crazy Rich Asians and In The Heights director Jon M. Chu has stepped down from directing the pilot for Disney+’s upcoming series, Willow.
The filmmaker announced his exit on Monday afternoon, noting that he’s “heartbroken” to step away from the project.
“With the production schedule moving due to continued lockdowns in the UK, and with a new baby coming this summer (surprise!), the timing is just not going to work for me and my family,” Chu wrote in a statement. “As you may know, Willow has been one of my favorite movies since I was a child, so I’m devastated that I won’t be able to work with my heroes old and new like Kathy, Ron, Jon, Wendy, Michelle, and the amazing cast and crew they’ve put together.”
In October 2020, Disney+ announced that Chu would helm the series pilot. The announcement of the new Disney+ series,...
The filmmaker announced his exit on Monday afternoon, noting that he’s “heartbroken” to step away from the project.
“With the production schedule moving due to continued lockdowns in the UK, and with a new baby coming this summer (surprise!), the timing is just not going to work for me and my family,” Chu wrote in a statement. “As you may know, Willow has been one of my favorite movies since I was a child, so I’m devastated that I won’t be able to work with my heroes old and new like Kathy, Ron, Jon, Wendy, Michelle, and the amazing cast and crew they’ve put together.”
In October 2020, Disney+ announced that Chu would helm the series pilot. The announcement of the new Disney+ series,...
- 1/11/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Erin Kellyman, Cailee Spaeny, and Ellie Bamber are negotiating to star in the “Willow” series at Disney Plus, Variety has confirmed.
Details on the characters the three would play are being kept under wraps. The show will take place years after the original and will introduce new characters to the world originally established in the 1988 film.
Kellyman previously appeared in the Lucasfilm release “Solo: A Star Wars Story.” Her other credits include the recent BBC miniseries take on “Les Misérables” along with shows like “Life” and “Don’t Forget the Driver.” She is repped by CAA and Curtis Brown Group.
Spaeny most recently starred in ” The Craft: Legacy.” She also starred in the FX on Hulu limited series “Devs” and will appear in HBO’s upcoming “Mares of Easttown.” Her other feature credits include “Pacific Rim: Uprising” and “Bad Times at the El Royale.” She is repped by WME, Identity Agency Group,...
Details on the characters the three would play are being kept under wraps. The show will take place years after the original and will introduce new characters to the world originally established in the 1988 film.
Kellyman previously appeared in the Lucasfilm release “Solo: A Star Wars Story.” Her other credits include the recent BBC miniseries take on “Les Misérables” along with shows like “Life” and “Don’t Forget the Driver.” She is repped by CAA and Curtis Brown Group.
Spaeny most recently starred in ” The Craft: Legacy.” She also starred in the FX on Hulu limited series “Devs” and will appear in HBO’s upcoming “Mares of Easttown.” Her other feature credits include “Pacific Rim: Uprising” and “Bad Times at the El Royale.” She is repped by WME, Identity Agency Group,...
- 11/30/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
After the wildly successful conclusion of the original Star Wars trilogy and meeting the wonderful Warwick Davis, George Lucas had a plan: to launch a new fantasy franchise with the man who’d bought Wicket the Ewok to life at the forefront. Reimagining a film he’d first conceived in 1972, Lucas got to work and five years later Willow hit screens in 1988. Directed by Ron Howard and written by Bob Dolman based on Lucas’ story, the film tells the tale of the titular hero and aspiring sorcerer who heads off on an incredible journey to return a baby to its people.
While the film wasn’t a huge commercial success and received mixed reviews on release, to a whole generation of kids–who have now grown up–and their kids it remains a classic. That’s why this Willow fan was incredibly excited to hear that Howard and Lucas will...
While the film wasn’t a huge commercial success and received mixed reviews on release, to a whole generation of kids–who have now grown up–and their kids it remains a classic. That’s why this Willow fan was incredibly excited to hear that Howard and Lucas will...
- 11/6/2020
- by Mike Cecchini
- Den of Geek
The Willow television adaptation has been handed a series order at Disney+.
Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M. Chu will direct the pilot for the series, which is slated to begin production next year.
This comes 18 months after news of the development of the adaptation of the movie, directed by Ron Howard from a story by George Lucas, first emerged.
The fantasy film starred Warwick Davis as a reluctant farmer who plays a critical role in protecting a special baby from a tyrannical queen who vows to destroy her and take over the world. Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley, Jean Marsh, and Billy Barty also starred.
Chu will also serve as executive producer along with showrunners Jonathan Kasdan (Solo) and Wendy Mericle (Arrow). Jonathan Kasdan wrote the pilot. Ron Howard, also returns as executive producer on the series with Bob Dolman, writer of the original film, serving as consulting producer. Kathleen Kennedy,...
Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M. Chu will direct the pilot for the series, which is slated to begin production next year.
This comes 18 months after news of the development of the adaptation of the movie, directed by Ron Howard from a story by George Lucas, first emerged.
The fantasy film starred Warwick Davis as a reluctant farmer who plays a critical role in protecting a special baby from a tyrannical queen who vows to destroy her and take over the world. Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley, Jean Marsh, and Billy Barty also starred.
Chu will also serve as executive producer along with showrunners Jonathan Kasdan (Solo) and Wendy Mericle (Arrow). Jonathan Kasdan wrote the pilot. Ron Howard, also returns as executive producer on the series with Bob Dolman, writer of the original film, serving as consulting producer. Kathleen Kennedy,...
- 10/20/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The enchanting world of “Willow,” created by George Lucas, is officially coming to the small screen.
Disney Plus has confirmed a sequel series taking place years after the events of the original Ron Howard-directed pic is heading into production next year. Howard is returning to the project as executive producer alongside original star Warwick Davis, who will once again play the titular hero Willow Ufgood.
The series has also tapped “Crazy Rich Asians” and “In the Heights” director Jon M. Chu to helm the pilot and exec produce. Jonathan Kasdan (“Solo”) and Wendy Mericle (“Arrow”) will serve as showrunners.
“Willow” the series hails from Lucasfilm and represents the company’s first non-“Star Wars” venture since 2015. The show will introduce all-new characters to the magical realm of fairy queens and two-headed Eborsisk monsters. News of the official greenlight from Disney Plus comes over a year after the project was...
Disney Plus has confirmed a sequel series taking place years after the events of the original Ron Howard-directed pic is heading into production next year. Howard is returning to the project as executive producer alongside original star Warwick Davis, who will once again play the titular hero Willow Ufgood.
The series has also tapped “Crazy Rich Asians” and “In the Heights” director Jon M. Chu to helm the pilot and exec produce. Jonathan Kasdan (“Solo”) and Wendy Mericle (“Arrow”) will serve as showrunners.
“Willow” the series hails from Lucasfilm and represents the company’s first non-“Star Wars” venture since 2015. The show will introduce all-new characters to the magical realm of fairy queens and two-headed Eborsisk monsters. News of the official greenlight from Disney Plus comes over a year after the project was...
- 10/20/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Lucy forgot her glasses, CBS was the king of the networks with 55 major nominations and three film legends found love among Emmy voters. The 27th Emmy Awards was held on May 19, 1975, and was the first of four ceremonies in its 72-year history without a host; however, the evening was not without laughs. Let’s flashback to the Emmys 45 years ago.
Leave it to the first Queen of Television Comedy to provide some entertainment for the host-less evening. Lucille Ball was given the honor of announcing the winner for Best Comedy Series, but the 63-year-old forgot her eyeglasses. After fumbling with the envelopes, she despaired that she was “really in trouble.” But an old friend and fellow comedy legend came to her aid — Milton Berle jumped onstage and offered an empty wine glass to look through. Did our favorite redhead forget her glasses, or did this comic duo plan the laughs?...
Leave it to the first Queen of Television Comedy to provide some entertainment for the host-less evening. Lucille Ball was given the honor of announcing the winner for Best Comedy Series, but the 63-year-old forgot her eyeglasses. After fumbling with the envelopes, she despaired that she was “really in trouble.” But an old friend and fellow comedy legend came to her aid — Milton Berle jumped onstage and offered an empty wine glass to look through. Did our favorite redhead forget her glasses, or did this comic duo plan the laughs?...
- 9/4/2020
- by Susan Pennington
- Gold Derby
Willow may be returning to the small screen. A series reboot of the MGM fantasy film from Ron Howard and George Lucas is being considered at Disney+.
Howard, who directed the film from a story by Lucas, told MTV’s Happy Sad Confused podcast that Jon Kasdan, a writer on Howard’s Solo: A Star Wars Story, has been “hounding” him about rebooting the pic for the upcoming Disney+ streaming service.
“I think it’d be a great way to go,” Howard said. “In fact, George always talked about the possibility of a Willow series, and it’d be great and more intimate, and built around that character and some of the others. And Jon Kasdan has, I think, an inspired take on it and it could be really, really cool.”
There have been conversations about the project at Disney+, a source tells Deadline.
The fantasy film starred Warwick Davis...
Howard, who directed the film from a story by Lucas, told MTV’s Happy Sad Confused podcast that Jon Kasdan, a writer on Howard’s Solo: A Star Wars Story, has been “hounding” him about rebooting the pic for the upcoming Disney+ streaming service.
“I think it’d be a great way to go,” Howard said. “In fact, George always talked about the possibility of a Willow series, and it’d be great and more intimate, and built around that character and some of the others. And Jon Kasdan has, I think, an inspired take on it and it could be really, really cool.”
There have been conversations about the project at Disney+, a source tells Deadline.
The fantasy film starred Warwick Davis...
- 5/1/2019
- by Denise Petski and Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Ron Howard is in talks to bring a “Willow” sequel series to Disney+, with actor Warwick Davis — who played the title character in the 1988 film — set to return, TheWrap has learned.
Howard said that “serious discussions” for a continuation — not a reboot — from himself and “Solo” writer Jonathan Kasdan were ongoing at the upcoming streaming service, during an interview with the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast.
“Warwick is so cool and so good and he’s such a good actor that I really hope we get the chance to see the mature Willow in action,” Howard said.
Disney+ declined TheWrap’s request for comment on the project.
Directed by Howard and produced by George Lucas, “Willow” starred Davis as Willow, a reluctant farmer who plays a critical role in protecting a special baby from a tyrannical queen who vows to destroy her and take over the world in a high fantasy setting.
Howard said that “serious discussions” for a continuation — not a reboot — from himself and “Solo” writer Jonathan Kasdan were ongoing at the upcoming streaming service, during an interview with the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast.
“Warwick is so cool and so good and he’s such a good actor that I really hope we get the chance to see the mature Willow in action,” Howard said.
Disney+ declined TheWrap’s request for comment on the project.
Directed by Howard and produced by George Lucas, “Willow” starred Davis as Willow, a reluctant farmer who plays a critical role in protecting a special baby from a tyrannical queen who vows to destroy her and take over the world in a high fantasy setting.
- 5/1/2019
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Ron Howard and “Solo” writer Jonathan Kasdan are in negotiations for a sequel series to Howard’s 1988 feature “Willow” at Disney+, Variety has confirmed.
The original fantasy film came from a George Lucas story and was produced by Lucasfilm, so a Disney+ series adaptation would seem like a natural fit, given how many other Lucasfilm projects are in the works for the streaming platform.
In an interview on MTV’s “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, Howard said that “serious discussions” were ongoing and confirmed that Warwick Davis, who played the titular character in the original, would be returning.
“Warwick is so cool and so good and he’s such a good actor that I really hope we get the chance to see the mature Willow in action,” Howard said.
“Willow” centers on a dwarf Willow Ufgood (Davis) who reluctantly forced into playing a critical role in protecting a special infant named...
The original fantasy film came from a George Lucas story and was produced by Lucasfilm, so a Disney+ series adaptation would seem like a natural fit, given how many other Lucasfilm projects are in the works for the streaming platform.
In an interview on MTV’s “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, Howard said that “serious discussions” were ongoing and confirmed that Warwick Davis, who played the titular character in the original, would be returning.
“Warwick is so cool and so good and he’s such a good actor that I really hope we get the chance to see the mature Willow in action,” Howard said.
“Willow” centers on a dwarf Willow Ufgood (Davis) who reluctantly forced into playing a critical role in protecting a special infant named...
- 5/1/2019
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
In the last shot of Alfred Hitchcock’s final (and underrated) “Family Plot,” impostor-psychic-turned-kidnapper Barbara Harris looks straight at the camera and winks. It was only time in Hitchcock’s career that he broke down the fourth wall, and the gesture felt like his goodbye to his fans.
Harris died August 21 at 83 of lung cancer. Her notable roles included “A Thousand Clowns,” “Nashville,” “The Seduction of Joe Tynan,” and a supporting actor Oscar nomination for “Who Is Harry Kellerman and Why Is He Saying Those Terrible Things About Me?” But for Hitchcock fans, her death reminds us that 42 years have passed since the master’s last film, and fewer of his actors are still alive.
It’s nearly impossible to track every actor who appeared in his work. (Anyone from Hitchcock’s early British films would have had to be a very small child.) However, there are still a number...
Harris died August 21 at 83 of lung cancer. Her notable roles included “A Thousand Clowns,” “Nashville,” “The Seduction of Joe Tynan,” and a supporting actor Oscar nomination for “Who Is Harry Kellerman and Why Is He Saying Those Terrible Things About Me?” But for Hitchcock fans, her death reminds us that 42 years have passed since the master’s last film, and fewer of his actors are still alive.
It’s nearly impossible to track every actor who appeared in his work. (Anyone from Hitchcock’s early British films would have had to be a very small child.) However, there are still a number...
- 8/22/2018
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
August’s horror and sci-fi home media releases are off to a great start, as we have numerous titles arriving this Tuesday that fans are going to want to add to their collections. Severin Films has put together a stellar limited edition release of The Changeling, and Scream Factory is resurrecting John Carpenter's Someone’s Watching Me! on Blu-ray as well. Scream Factory has also teamed up with IFC Midnight for a trio of releases—Pyewacket, Lowlife, and Wildling—and Marrowbone arrives on both formats, too.
Other notable releases for August 7th include Predator and the Predator 3-Movie Collection in 4K, Desecration, The Keeping Hours, and Dead Shack.
The Changeling Limited Edition
It is perhaps the most chilling supernatural thriller of our time. It remains a career peak for star George C. Scott and director Peter Medak. Now the film that Martin Scorsese calls, "One of the scariest movies ever made,...
Other notable releases for August 7th include Predator and the Predator 3-Movie Collection in 4K, Desecration, The Keeping Hours, and Dead Shack.
The Changeling Limited Edition
It is perhaps the most chilling supernatural thriller of our time. It remains a career peak for star George C. Scott and director Peter Medak. Now the film that Martin Scorsese calls, "One of the scariest movies ever made,...
- 8/7/2018
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
My first horror movie? Disney's "Return to Oz." I was in elementary school when I first watched Walter Murch's dark, visionary 1985 film, which was marketed to children despite being one of the most legitimately terrifying "family movies" of all time. It rattled me, deeply. I couldn't stop watching it. Released on June 21, 1985 to mixed reviews and poor box office, "Return to Oz" was the first and last directorial effort from esteemed Oscar-winning sound and film editor Walter Murch, who cut such acclaimed movies as "Julia," "Apocalypse Now," "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" and "The Talented Mr. Ripley." It was not, as they say, your grandmother's "Oz" movie. The Wicked Witch of the West may have been frightening for very young kids, but she was nothing compared to the devilish, head-swapping Princess Mombi, the sadistic, baritone-voiced Nome King, and, god help us, the cackling Wheelers, a group of fluorescent roller-derby...
- 6/30/2015
- by Chris Eggertsen
- Hitfix
Reviewed By: Chris Wright
Morehorror.com
The Changeling
Directed By: Peter Medak
Written By: Russell Hunter, William Gray, Diana Maddox
Starring: George C. Scott (John Russell), Melvyn Douglas (Senator Joseph Carmichael), Trish Van Devere (Claire), Eric Christmas (Albert Harmon), John Colicos (De Witt), Jean Marsh (Joanna Russell), Roberta Maxwell (Eva Lingstrom), Barry Morse (Doctor Pemberton) Terence Kelly (Sgt. Durban)
A good ghost story is hard to come by today. The various attempts of haunted houses and ghost tales today rely heavily on jump scares and loud sound affects to propel the story along. Thankfully “The Changeling” doesn’t follow the model! I had only heard of this film in passing but never actually made an attempt to watch but now I am glad I did. Plus, don’t we all love a good ghost story?
The story follows John Russell to a new old style home after the tragic loss...
Morehorror.com
The Changeling
Directed By: Peter Medak
Written By: Russell Hunter, William Gray, Diana Maddox
Starring: George C. Scott (John Russell), Melvyn Douglas (Senator Joseph Carmichael), Trish Van Devere (Claire), Eric Christmas (Albert Harmon), John Colicos (De Witt), Jean Marsh (Joanna Russell), Roberta Maxwell (Eva Lingstrom), Barry Morse (Doctor Pemberton) Terence Kelly (Sgt. Durban)
A good ghost story is hard to come by today. The various attempts of haunted houses and ghost tales today rely heavily on jump scares and loud sound affects to propel the story along. Thankfully “The Changeling” doesn’t follow the model! I had only heard of this film in passing but never actually made an attempt to watch but now I am glad I did. Plus, don’t we all love a good ghost story?
The story follows John Russell to a new old style home after the tragic loss...
- 1/4/2015
- by admin
- MoreHorror
Peter Capaldi is far from the only Doctor Who actor to appear in multiple roles. Mark talks us through the many others to have done so...
It's been just over a year since the BBC announced that Peter Capaldi would play the Twelfth Doctor. There were rumblings of his casting in the week before the announcement was made, to the point where bookies stopped taking bets on it.
We've spent the last twelve months in anticipation of what seems like dream casting for the Time Lord, but some of us were a little sceptical that an actor of his profile and standing would take the role until it was actually announced, but “he's been in it before” was not atop the list of reasons why we thought it was too good to be true.
Over the course of 50 years, Doctor Who has inevitably reused actors as different characters- there are...
It's been just over a year since the BBC announced that Peter Capaldi would play the Twelfth Doctor. There were rumblings of his casting in the week before the announcement was made, to the point where bookies stopped taking bets on it.
We've spent the last twelve months in anticipation of what seems like dream casting for the Time Lord, but some of us were a little sceptical that an actor of his profile and standing would take the role until it was actually announced, but “he's been in it before” was not atop the list of reasons why we thought it was too good to be true.
Over the course of 50 years, Doctor Who has inevitably reused actors as different characters- there are...
- 8/12/2014
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Feature Alex Westthorp 28 Mar 2014 - 07:00
In a new series, Alex talks us through the film roles of the actors who've played the Doctor. First up, William Hartnell and Jon Pertwee...
We know them best as the twelve very different incarnations of the Doctor. But all the actors who've been the star of Doctor Who, being such good all-rounders in the first place, have also had film careers. Admittedly, some CVs are more impressive than others, but this retrospective attempts to pick out some of the many worthwhile films which have starred, featured or seen a fleeting cameo by the actors who would become (or had been) the Doctor.
William Hartnell was, above all else, a film star. He is by far the most prolific film actor of the main twelve to play the Time Lord. With over 70 films to his name, summarising Hartnell's film career is difficult at best.
In a new series, Alex talks us through the film roles of the actors who've played the Doctor. First up, William Hartnell and Jon Pertwee...
We know them best as the twelve very different incarnations of the Doctor. But all the actors who've been the star of Doctor Who, being such good all-rounders in the first place, have also had film careers. Admittedly, some CVs are more impressive than others, but this retrospective attempts to pick out some of the many worthwhile films which have starred, featured or seen a fleeting cameo by the actors who would become (or had been) the Doctor.
William Hartnell was, above all else, a film star. He is by far the most prolific film actor of the main twelve to play the Time Lord. With over 70 films to his name, summarising Hartnell's film career is difficult at best.
- 3/26/2014
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
The BBC did a cracking job of filling the week before the Doctor Who 50th anniversary with new programming to appeal to Whovians across the globe. Noted scientist Brian Cox hosted a seminar about the nature of space and time, while noted actor Brian Cox starred in An Adventure in Space and Time. Paul McGann starred in a short adventure featuring the eighth Doctor, while Doctors Five, Six, and Seven hatched their own plan to crash the festivities.
David Bradley as William Hartnell as The Doctor in An Adventure in Space and Time
Mark Gatiss penned An Adventure in Space and Time, a dramatic adaptation of the early years of the classic series. Brian Cox and Jessica Raine (Call the Midwife) starred as Sydney Newman and Verity Lambert respectively, the minds behind the show, while David Bradley (Game of Thrones, Harry Potter) took the role of William Hartnell, the first Doctor.
David Bradley as William Hartnell as The Doctor in An Adventure in Space and Time
Mark Gatiss penned An Adventure in Space and Time, a dramatic adaptation of the early years of the classic series. Brian Cox and Jessica Raine (Call the Midwife) starred as Sydney Newman and Verity Lambert respectively, the minds behind the show, while David Bradley (Game of Thrones, Harry Potter) took the role of William Hartnell, the first Doctor.
- 11/25/2013
- by Vinnie Bartilucci
- Comicmix.com
The Day of the Doctor
The 50th anniversary special The Day of the Doctor set a record yesterday as the largest ever simulcast TV event. The episode attracted a peak audience of over 10 million viewers in the UK. It was also simultaneously broadcast in 94 other countries including Russia, Peru and Ethiopia. Dedicated fans also had the opportunity to watch a 3-D version of the episode in one of the 1,500 hundred movie theaters that aired it.
The Day of the Doctor served to plug the canonical gap between the “classic show” and the current version of the sci-fi classic. John Hurt (I Claudius) was introduced as a dark version of the Doctor who committed genocide to end the Time War. With a little help from his later incarnations (David Tennant and Matt Smith), the Hurt version of the Timelord turned the clock back and rewrote history so the genocide was averted.
The 50th anniversary special The Day of the Doctor set a record yesterday as the largest ever simulcast TV event. The episode attracted a peak audience of over 10 million viewers in the UK. It was also simultaneously broadcast in 94 other countries including Russia, Peru and Ethiopia. Dedicated fans also had the opportunity to watch a 3-D version of the episode in one of the 1,500 hundred movie theaters that aired it.
The Day of the Doctor served to plug the canonical gap between the “classic show” and the current version of the sci-fi classic. John Hurt (I Claudius) was introduced as a dark version of the Doctor who committed genocide to end the Time War. With a little help from his later incarnations (David Tennant and Matt Smith), the Hurt version of the Timelord turned the clock back and rewrote history so the genocide was averted.
- 11/24/2013
- by Edited by K Kinsella
When watching An Adventure In Space And Time, I noticed one feeling dominated all others. It wasn’t excitement at seeing early Doctor Who recreated in high definition colour. It wasn’t admiration in the playing of the lead actors (all wonderful), nor even some fannish desire for accuracy (I let several anachronisms of speech and behaviour slip by, suspending my disbelief in the spirit of the piece).
The overwhelming feeling I had was one of protectiveness. I felt protective towards Verity Lambert, Waris Hussein, even Sydney Newman, the old so-and-so. But I felt especially protective towards William Hartnell. As an actor his reputation is pretty much intact, despite a few swipes at his memory from those too ignorant to know better. But as a man I felt that he had been much maligned, and An Adventure In Space And Time could either support the myths, or set the record straight.
The overwhelming feeling I had was one of protectiveness. I felt protective towards Verity Lambert, Waris Hussein, even Sydney Newman, the old so-and-so. But I felt especially protective towards William Hartnell. As an actor his reputation is pretty much intact, despite a few swipes at his memory from those too ignorant to know better. But as a man I felt that he had been much maligned, and An Adventure In Space And Time could either support the myths, or set the record straight.
- 11/24/2013
- by David Martin Farmbrough
- Obsessed with Film
Feature Seb Patrick 21 Nov 2013 - 22:30
Here's what writer Mark Gatiss said about An Adventure In Space And Time at the BFI screening. Spoilers ahead if you haven't seen it...
Warning: contains spoilers for An Adventure In Space And Time. Our spoiler-free review is here.
As part of a Q&A session with members of the cast and crew at the premiere screening of An Adventure in Space and Time at the BFI, writer Mark Gatiss had plenty to say about the making of the ninety-minute BBC2 film. Now that the special has been broadcast – and with the proviso that it contains spoilers if you haven’t yet watched it! - here’s a selection of what he had to say about bringing William Hartnell, Verity Lambert, Sydney Newman and the rest of the early days of Doctor Who to life…
To begin with, Gatiss talked about the origins of the story,...
Here's what writer Mark Gatiss said about An Adventure In Space And Time at the BFI screening. Spoilers ahead if you haven't seen it...
Warning: contains spoilers for An Adventure In Space And Time. Our spoiler-free review is here.
As part of a Q&A session with members of the cast and crew at the premiere screening of An Adventure in Space and Time at the BFI, writer Mark Gatiss had plenty to say about the making of the ninety-minute BBC2 film. Now that the special has been broadcast – and with the proviso that it contains spoilers if you haven’t yet watched it! - here’s a selection of what he had to say about bringing William Hartnell, Verity Lambert, Sydney Newman and the rest of the early days of Doctor Who to life…
To begin with, Gatiss talked about the origins of the story,...
- 11/21/2013
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Sara Kingdom
Portrayed by: Jean Marsh
Doctor: First Doctor
Story: 1 story (9 episodes), The Daleks’ Master Plan (Nov, 1965 – Jan, 1966)
Background: Sara Kingdom is the dedicated, powerful, top agent for the Space Security Service, working under the traitorous Gaurdian of the Solar System Mavic Chen, when she meets the Doctor. Initially an antagonist, Sara discovers Chen’s treachery and switches allegiances, working with the Doctor to bring down him and his allies, the Daleks.
Family/Friends: Sara has a brother, Bret Vyon (played by Nicholas Courtney of Brigadier fame), who discovers Chen’s plot before she does and goes rogue. Tasked with hunting him down, Sara stays firm to her orders and kills him, and this decision eats away at her, causing her to more easily see Chen for what he is and team up with the Doctor.
Personality: Sara is disciplined, driven, and unshakingly loyal. She’s a soldier and apt to follow orders,...
Portrayed by: Jean Marsh
Doctor: First Doctor
Story: 1 story (9 episodes), The Daleks’ Master Plan (Nov, 1965 – Jan, 1966)
Background: Sara Kingdom is the dedicated, powerful, top agent for the Space Security Service, working under the traitorous Gaurdian of the Solar System Mavic Chen, when she meets the Doctor. Initially an antagonist, Sara discovers Chen’s treachery and switches allegiances, working with the Doctor to bring down him and his allies, the Daleks.
Family/Friends: Sara has a brother, Bret Vyon (played by Nicholas Courtney of Brigadier fame), who discovers Chen’s plot before she does and goes rogue. Tasked with hunting him down, Sara stays firm to her orders and kills him, and this decision eats away at her, causing her to more easily see Chen for what he is and team up with the Doctor.
Personality: Sara is disciplined, driven, and unshakingly loyal. She’s a soldier and apt to follow orders,...
- 11/19/2013
- by Kate Kulzick
- SoundOnSight
House of Elliott
Mr Selfridge, Downton Abbey and The Paradise have introduced a new generation of TV watchers to early 20th century fashions. Therefore, Acorn Media’s November 5 release of House of Elliott will have a ready-made audience. Set in 1920s England, it tells the tale of two fashionistas who are left virtually destitute when their father unexpectedly passes away. They sell his assets to clear the family’s debts and use the little money that remains to found a clothing business. Before long, the House of Elliott is a well-renowned fashion house that caters to the wealthiest and most snazzily dressed “flappers.”
Fashion is the glue that gels the show together but the episodes focus on the sister’s personal lives as well as their professional trials and tribulations. Evie is a bit of temptress who leaves a trail of broken hearts in her wake as she fully embraces...
Mr Selfridge, Downton Abbey and The Paradise have introduced a new generation of TV watchers to early 20th century fashions. Therefore, Acorn Media’s November 5 release of House of Elliott will have a ready-made audience. Set in 1920s England, it tells the tale of two fashionistas who are left virtually destitute when their father unexpectedly passes away. They sell his assets to clear the family’s debts and use the little money that remains to found a clothing business. Before long, the House of Elliott is a well-renowned fashion house that caters to the wealthiest and most snazzily dressed “flappers.”
Fashion is the glue that gels the show together but the episodes focus on the sister’s personal lives as well as their professional trials and tribulations. Evie is a bit of temptress who leaves a trail of broken hearts in her wake as she fully embraces...
- 11/5/2013
- by Edited by K Kinsella
Had Alfred Hitchcock somehow made it all the way to 2013, he would be turning 114 years old today. And while that probably wasn't likely, today is a reminder of just how powerful, influential and flat out entertaining his work remains decades later. One of cinema's premiere filmmakers, entertainers and technicians, Hitchcock broke new ground, delighted and thrilled audiences, and not only conquered cinemas but television too. We could go on for paragraphs about the importance of his work and his impeccable craft, but instead we'll offer you this little birthday treat. Earlier this year, British TV host and presenter Jonathan Ross delivered "Perspectives: Alfred Hitchcock - Made in Britain," which as the title suggests, digs into the the U.K. years of the director. And now it has made its way online. Running a shade over 45-minutes, the TV special/documentary explores the British roots of Hitchcock, visits Gainsborough Studios where he first got work,...
- 8/13/2013
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
Fantasy films have become hot again thanks to the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. It.s no wonder that this adventure from Ron Howard would make its way to Blu-ray. The film may not have aged exactly well, but it does introduce us to the talent named Warwick Davis. Evil queen Bavmorda (Jean Marsh) has been given a prophecy. A child born with a peculiar birthmark will be the one that brings about her downfall. She has sent her militaristic daughter Sorsha (Joanne Whalley) to gather all the pregnant women and death awaits the one born with the sign. When the child is born a sympathetic midwife sneaks the girl (Ruth and Kate Greenfield) out of the...
- 4/5/2013
- by Jeff Swindoll
- Monsters and Critics
Sometimes you are born for a life of adventure and sometimes adventure recruits you into its cause. For George Lucas, the latter approach is preferable as witnessed in Luke Skywalker in Star Wars and Willow Ufgood in Willow. While Skywalker unknowingly had it in his blood, Willow was far more the ordinary person thrust into an extraordinary cause.
Lucas conceived of Willow’s tale back in 1972 and kept it rattling around his mind until technology was sophisticated enough to tackle it on film. Casting Warwick Davis as Wicket in Return of the Jedi probably began the move from backburner to the front of the production slate even though it was another five years before the film began production. By then, Lucas was no longer interested in directing, instead choosing Ron Howard to mount his first major fantasy. By then, Howard, who was a directing contemporary of Lucas although they traveled in different circles,...
Lucas conceived of Willow’s tale back in 1972 and kept it rattling around his mind until technology was sophisticated enough to tackle it on film. Casting Warwick Davis as Wicket in Return of the Jedi probably began the move from backburner to the front of the production slate even though it was another five years before the film began production. By then, Lucas was no longer interested in directing, instead choosing Ron Howard to mount his first major fantasy. By then, Howard, who was a directing contemporary of Lucas although they traveled in different circles,...
- 3/27/2013
- by Robert Greenberger
- Comicmix.com
Chicago – I’m dating myself but I was a young, fantasy-obsessed teen when I first saw Ron Howard’s “Willow.” Revisiting it 25 years later in the newly-released Blu-ray, I was instantly stunned by how old the film looked. A lot of the physical effects, the general tone, the dialogue — it feels more like a ’70s movie than some ’80s fantasies that predate it (“Legend” and “Ladyhawke” come to mind). And a sinking feeling entered my bones. “Willow” isn’t great. Yes, it has some nostalgic charm and hardcore fans will dig the HD release but I hope you don’t have the same realization that I do that my 13-year-old self may have overrated it.
Rating: 3.0/5.0
“A movie for little people that even big people want to see!” I’m not making that up. It’s part of the introduction of “The Making of an Adventure,” a 25-year-old behind-the-scenes piece...
Rating: 3.0/5.0
“A movie for little people that even big people want to see!” I’m not making that up. It’s part of the introduction of “The Making of an Adventure,” a 25-year-old behind-the-scenes piece...
- 3/26/2013
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Willow Contest Giveaway Sweepstakes. This Willow Blu-ray contest, giveaway, sweepstakes illustrates Willow‘s release on DVD and Blu-ray on March 12, 2013. Ron Howard‘s Willow stars Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley, Warwick Davis, Jean Marsh, Billy Barty, Gavan O’Herlihy, Phil Fondacaro, Tony Cox, Kevin Pollak, and Rick Overton. Journey to the far [...]
Continue reading: Contest: Willow (1988) Blu-ray: Ron Howard, Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley...
Continue reading: Contest: Willow (1988) Blu-ray: Ron Howard, Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley...
- 3/20/2013
- by Rollo Tomasi
- Film-Book
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