Ben Stiller and Cate Blanchett are teaming up to turn the 1960s espionage television series “The Champions” into a movie.
In addition to acting, Stiller is directing the upcoming film adaptation. Blanchett is producing through her company Dirty Films, and Stiller is producing through his label Red Hour Productions. Additional producers include ITV Studios America and New Republic Pictures.
“The Champions” movie, paying homage to the TV show from Dennis Spooner, follows three United Nations agents whose plane crashes into the Himalayas. Upon being rescued by an advanced civilization secretly living in Tibet, they are granted enhanced intellectual and physical abilities. When the agents return to the outside world, they use their new superhuman abilities to become champions of law, order and justice.
“’Champions’ is a long-forgotten gem that will excite a new generation in the same strange and magnificent way that the original series spoke to us. I’ve...
In addition to acting, Stiller is directing the upcoming film adaptation. Blanchett is producing through her company Dirty Films, and Stiller is producing through his label Red Hour Productions. Additional producers include ITV Studios America and New Republic Pictures.
“The Champions” movie, paying homage to the TV show from Dennis Spooner, follows three United Nations agents whose plane crashes into the Himalayas. Upon being rescued by an advanced civilization secretly living in Tibet, they are granted enhanced intellectual and physical abilities. When the agents return to the outside world, they use their new superhuman abilities to become champions of law, order and justice.
“’Champions’ is a long-forgotten gem that will excite a new generation in the same strange and magnificent way that the original series spoke to us. I’ve...
- 11/11/2021
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
ITV has hit a mighty milestone - first launched on September 22, 1955, the home of The X Factor, Downton Abbey and more is 60 years old today.
In its six decades, ITV has produced some of the biggest, best and most memorable TV shows in British broadcasting history.
But while everyone else is talking up Gladiators, Coronation Street and Blind Date, we wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate a few of the channel's less celebrated gems.
1. The Krypton Factor (1977-1995)
"Television's Toughest Quiz!" boomed the announcer back when the show launched in 1977. And even almost forty years later, nothing has quite matched Granada's brutal search for a UK superperson since.
Resembling a cross between a byzantine parlour game and a Soviet-era punishment for shoplifting, each week saw four more contestants subjected to a variety of cruel and unusual tests – from terrifying memory tests to landing a Boeing 747 (albeit on a simulator).
But worst of all?...
In its six decades, ITV has produced some of the biggest, best and most memorable TV shows in British broadcasting history.
But while everyone else is talking up Gladiators, Coronation Street and Blind Date, we wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate a few of the channel's less celebrated gems.
1. The Krypton Factor (1977-1995)
"Television's Toughest Quiz!" boomed the announcer back when the show launched in 1977. And even almost forty years later, nothing has quite matched Granada's brutal search for a UK superperson since.
Resembling a cross between a byzantine parlour game and a Soviet-era punishment for shoplifting, each week saw four more contestants subjected to a variety of cruel and unusual tests – from terrifying memory tests to landing a Boeing 747 (albeit on a simulator).
But worst of all?...
- 9/22/2015
- Digital Spy
ITV has hit a mighty milestone - first launched on September 22, 1955, the home of The X Factor, Downton Abbey and more is 60 years old today.
In its six decades, ITV has produced some of the biggest, best and most memorable TV shows in British broadcasting history.
But while everyone else is talking up Gladiators, Coronation Street and Blind Date, we wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate a few of the channel's less celebrated gems.
1. The Krypton Factor (1977-1995)
"Television's Toughest Quiz!" boomed the announcer back when the show launched in 1977. And even almost forty years later, nothing has quite matched Granada's brutal search for a UK superperson since.
Resembling a cross between a byzantine parlour game and a Soviet-era punishment for shoplifting, each week saw four more contestants subjected to a variety of cruel and unusual tests – from terrifying memory tests to landing a Boeing 747 (albeit on a simulator).
But worst of all?...
In its six decades, ITV has produced some of the biggest, best and most memorable TV shows in British broadcasting history.
But while everyone else is talking up Gladiators, Coronation Street and Blind Date, we wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate a few of the channel's less celebrated gems.
1. The Krypton Factor (1977-1995)
"Television's Toughest Quiz!" boomed the announcer back when the show launched in 1977. And even almost forty years later, nothing has quite matched Granada's brutal search for a UK superperson since.
Resembling a cross between a byzantine parlour game and a Soviet-era punishment for shoplifting, each week saw four more contestants subjected to a variety of cruel and unusual tests – from terrifying memory tests to landing a Boeing 747 (albeit on a simulator).
But worst of all?...
- 9/22/2015
- Digital Spy
The Twilight Zone: Shadow & Substance #1
Written by Mark Rahner
Illustrated by Edu Menna, Thiago Ribiero
Published by Dynamite
It hardly needs to be said that the original televised incarnation of The Twilight Zone (1959-1964) was a high water mark for fantastic fiction. The second (1985-1989) was a more than worthy successor that drew on notable talents like Wes Craven and Stephen King (Gramma, a first season episode adapted from King’s short story by Harlan Ellison is almost unbearably terrifying). The third (and to date last) TV go-round was a U.S.-Canada co-production lasted just a single season (2002-2003); which is fitting considering it’s quite mediocre.
Unfortunately, Dynamite’s new Tz comic series, Shadow & Substance, is quite reminiscent of the latter.
Giving a good indication of how little subtlety will be in play here, writer Mark Rahner introduces us to a celebrated horror author named William Gaunt,...
Written by Mark Rahner
Illustrated by Edu Menna, Thiago Ribiero
Published by Dynamite
It hardly needs to be said that the original televised incarnation of The Twilight Zone (1959-1964) was a high water mark for fantastic fiction. The second (1985-1989) was a more than worthy successor that drew on notable talents like Wes Craven and Stephen King (Gramma, a first season episode adapted from King’s short story by Harlan Ellison is almost unbearably terrifying). The third (and to date last) TV go-round was a U.S.-Canada co-production lasted just a single season (2002-2003); which is fitting considering it’s quite mediocre.
Unfortunately, Dynamite’s new Tz comic series, Shadow & Substance, is quite reminiscent of the latter.
Giving a good indication of how little subtlety will be in play here, writer Mark Rahner introduces us to a celebrated horror author named William Gaunt,...
- 1/22/2015
- by Steven Fouchard
- SoundOnSight
Midsomer Murders ITV
Despite the demise of Poirot and the unexpected cancellation of Whitechapel, ITV continues to dominate the market for British TV detective shows. Within this genre, there is arguably no show more popular than Midsomer Murders, and more blood has been spilled on the streets of Britain’s most dangerous rural community in the stories included in Acorn’s latest DVD release. Midsomer Murders Set 23 features three tales that are intriguing, unpredictable and just a little bit peculiar.
The trilogy of tales begins with The Dark Rider, a spooky adventure in which local residents are seemingly being tormented by the vengeful spirit of a headless horseman. The guest stars include William Gaunt who is perhaps best known for his role as Martin Clunes’ Dad in No Place Like Home. His onscreen wife is Doctor Who veteran Eleanor Bron while James Callis has his work cut out playing twins.
Despite the demise of Poirot and the unexpected cancellation of Whitechapel, ITV continues to dominate the market for British TV detective shows. Within this genre, there is arguably no show more popular than Midsomer Murders, and more blood has been spilled on the streets of Britain’s most dangerous rural community in the stories included in Acorn’s latest DVD release. Midsomer Murders Set 23 features three tales that are intriguing, unpredictable and just a little bit peculiar.
The trilogy of tales begins with The Dark Rider, a spooky adventure in which local residents are seemingly being tormented by the vengeful spirit of a headless horseman. The guest stars include William Gaunt who is perhaps best known for his role as Martin Clunes’ Dad in No Place Like Home. His onscreen wife is Doctor Who veteran Eleanor Bron while James Callis has his work cut out playing twins.
- 2/2/2014
- by Edited by K Kinsella
The sad passing of actress Alexandra Bastedo earlier this month saw many recalling and celebrating her work on '60s spy-fi series The Champions - just one entry in the canon of cult programme makers Itc Entertainment.
Though it also branched out into film production - with the likes of 1976's The Eagle Has Landed and 1982's The Dark Crystal - Itc was best known throughout the 1960s and '70s for its raft of cult TV programming, with shows like The Champions making an indelible screen icon of Bastedo and others like her.
These shows are now world-renowned - The Saint, The Prisoner, Thunderbirds - but the team behind them still go sadly unsung.
This week, the Week in Geek is looking to redress the balance with a fond tribute to Itc Entertainment - one of the UK's very best, most influential production teams.
Sherlock: The Problem of the Vanishing Detective
Doctor Who,...
Though it also branched out into film production - with the likes of 1976's The Eagle Has Landed and 1982's The Dark Crystal - Itc was best known throughout the 1960s and '70s for its raft of cult TV programming, with shows like The Champions making an indelible screen icon of Bastedo and others like her.
These shows are now world-renowned - The Saint, The Prisoner, Thunderbirds - but the team behind them still go sadly unsung.
This week, the Week in Geek is looking to redress the balance with a fond tribute to Itc Entertainment - one of the UK's very best, most influential production teams.
Sherlock: The Problem of the Vanishing Detective
Doctor Who,...
- 1/21/2014
- Digital Spy
Glamorous star of the 1960s television adventure series The Champions who went on to run an animal sanctuary
Alexandra Bastedo, who has died of cancer aged 67, found fame and sex-symbol status playing the secret agent and scientist Sharron Macready in the 1960s television fantasy series The Champions. She appeared with William Gaunt as Richard Barrett and Stuart Damon as Craig Stirling in the show about three agents working for the Geneva-based law-enforcement organisation Nemesis who gain superhuman powers after being rescued from a plane crash in Tibet by a mysterious lost tribe. With computer-like intelligence and Olympian levels of strength and endurance, they can communicate by telepathy and are assigned to cases where world stability is under threat.
It was one of the globally successful series made by the television mogul Lew Grade's international production and distribution company Itc. Bastedo described her butt-kicking character as a "gutsy girl before...
Alexandra Bastedo, who has died of cancer aged 67, found fame and sex-symbol status playing the secret agent and scientist Sharron Macready in the 1960s television fantasy series The Champions. She appeared with William Gaunt as Richard Barrett and Stuart Damon as Craig Stirling in the show about three agents working for the Geneva-based law-enforcement organisation Nemesis who gain superhuman powers after being rescued from a plane crash in Tibet by a mysterious lost tribe. With computer-like intelligence and Olympian levels of strength and endurance, they can communicate by telepathy and are assigned to cases where world stability is under threat.
It was one of the globally successful series made by the television mogul Lew Grade's international production and distribution company Itc. Bastedo described her butt-kicking character as a "gutsy girl before...
- 1/14/2014
- by Anthony Hayward
- The Guardian - Film News
Alexandra Bastedo has passed away at the age of 67.
The actress, who was best known for her role in 1968 sci-fi series The Champions, lost her battle with cancer on Sunday (January 12), theatre director and close friend Roger Redfarn confirmed.
Hove-born Bastedo was discovered by Columbia Pictures at the age of 16 and sent to Hollywood to make horror film 13 Frightened Girls.
She later landed the role of Sharron Macready in The Champions, which ran for 30 episodes on ITV between 1968 and '69.
The show, which also starred Stuart Damon and William Gaunt, centred around three agents for a United Nations law enforcement organisation who gain superpowers after a plane crash.
Watch the opening sequence of The Champions below:
Bastedo's other TV credits include an episode of Absolutely Fabulous in 1992 and EastEnders, in which she played Cynthia Marshall between 2008 and 2009. She also appeared in 1967 movie Casino Royale and 1995's Batman Begins.
Bastedo dated...
The actress, who was best known for her role in 1968 sci-fi series The Champions, lost her battle with cancer on Sunday (January 12), theatre director and close friend Roger Redfarn confirmed.
Hove-born Bastedo was discovered by Columbia Pictures at the age of 16 and sent to Hollywood to make horror film 13 Frightened Girls.
She later landed the role of Sharron Macready in The Champions, which ran for 30 episodes on ITV between 1968 and '69.
The show, which also starred Stuart Damon and William Gaunt, centred around three agents for a United Nations law enforcement organisation who gain superpowers after a plane crash.
Watch the opening sequence of The Champions below:
Bastedo's other TV credits include an episode of Absolutely Fabulous in 1992 and EastEnders, in which she played Cynthia Marshall between 2008 and 2009. She also appeared in 1967 movie Casino Royale and 1995's Batman Begins.
Bastedo dated...
- 1/12/2014
- Digital Spy
Steven Moffat may have some big surprises in store, but so far it seems Doctor Who’s fiftieth birthday will heavily weigh towards the extreme poles of Mark Gatiss’ docu-drama An Adventure in Space and Time and Moffat’s low-calorie (now with 43 years less nostalgia!), doubtless audacious Smith/Tennant/ John Hurt team-up. But it’s only right that we fans celebrate the spirit of Doctor Who, rather than a clip-show celebrating the letter—and pay tribute to its boldest and most original narratives.
So step forward, Revelation of the Daleks (1985)—a triumph from Colin Baker’s all-too-brief and troubled Doctorate. It’s a thoroughly unique and weird experiment—and its triumph, despite casting aside so much of Doctor Who’s then-standard repertoire, is as great a testament to Who’s storytelling prowess as any.
No matter what your taste in Doctor Who, chances are Revelation of the Daleks’ peculiar flavour is not easily acquired.
So step forward, Revelation of the Daleks (1985)—a triumph from Colin Baker’s all-too-brief and troubled Doctorate. It’s a thoroughly unique and weird experiment—and its triumph, despite casting aside so much of Doctor Who’s then-standard repertoire, is as great a testament to Who’s storytelling prowess as any.
No matter what your taste in Doctor Who, chances are Revelation of the Daleks’ peculiar flavour is not easily acquired.
- 7/3/2013
- by Hamish Crawford
- Obsessed with Film
Cinema Retro Has Received The Following Press Release:
This is the continuation of a legacy that started back in the early seventies, and over the years
have seen different names and organizers and now follows directly on directly from
Collector’s Film Convention’s. Organized for the past 18 years by Ed Mason.
Held six times a year at London’s Central Hall Westminster.
The conventions presents dealers from all over the UK , Europe , Us , Canada ,
Australia and South America that specializes in vintage and modern film memorabilia.
Items covering the history of Cinema can be found. From the silents to the present.
Not just appealing to avid film buffs, collectors, archivists researchers and students.
But a must for anyone with an interest in cinema and cult television!
Celebrity guests include Susan Hampshire, William Gaunt, Alexandra Bastedo, Shane Rimmer and Virginia Hey.
For details visit web site by clicking here...
This is the continuation of a legacy that started back in the early seventies, and over the years
have seen different names and organizers and now follows directly on directly from
Collector’s Film Convention’s. Organized for the past 18 years by Ed Mason.
Held six times a year at London’s Central Hall Westminster.
The conventions presents dealers from all over the UK , Europe , Us , Canada ,
Australia and South America that specializes in vintage and modern film memorabilia.
Items covering the history of Cinema can be found. From the silents to the present.
Not just appealing to avid film buffs, collectors, archivists researchers and students.
But a must for anyone with an interest in cinema and cult television!
Celebrity guests include Susan Hampshire, William Gaunt, Alexandra Bastedo, Shane Rimmer and Virginia Hey.
For details visit web site by clicking here...
- 2/23/2013
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Midsomer Murders ITV
N Conrad
Click here to friend Best British TV on Facebook or here to follow us on Twitter. You can also find us on Google+ by clicking here.
Click Here To Win A DVD Or Blu Ray Of Midsomer Murders
The Dark Rider saw Midsomer Murders regulars Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon) and Jones (Jason Hughes) investigating a seemingly supernatural headless horseman. Was the horseman really 17th century aristocrat Geoffrey DeQuetteville? Or was it someone else using the wealthy DeQuetteville family’s past to literally scare the living daylights out of the current inhabitants of Quitewell Hall? Basically, the Dark Rider was kind of a grown up version of the old Look and Read story Dark Towers only with better special effects and a bit more blood and guts. While the locals were taken in by tales of spooks and hauntings, it didn’t take Barnaby and Jones too...
N Conrad
Click here to friend Best British TV on Facebook or here to follow us on Twitter. You can also find us on Google+ by clicking here.
Click Here To Win A DVD Or Blu Ray Of Midsomer Murders
The Dark Rider saw Midsomer Murders regulars Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon) and Jones (Jason Hughes) investigating a seemingly supernatural headless horseman. Was the horseman really 17th century aristocrat Geoffrey DeQuetteville? Or was it someone else using the wealthy DeQuetteville family’s past to literally scare the living daylights out of the current inhabitants of Quitewell Hall? Basically, the Dark Rider was kind of a grown up version of the old Look and Read story Dark Towers only with better special effects and a bit more blood and guts. While the locals were taken in by tales of spooks and hauntings, it didn’t take Barnaby and Jones too...
- 2/2/2012
- by admin
Midsomer Murders
B Van Heusen
Click here to friend Best British TV on Facebook or here to follow us on Twitter. You can also find us on Google+ by clicking here.
Midsomer Murders returns to ITV with an all new episode on 1 February at 8.00 p.m. Neil Dudgeon who replaced John Nettles last year and Jason Hughes, resume their roles as the South of England’s top detectives. The guest stars for The Dark Rider include veteran William Gaunt (Without You) and Eleanor Bron (Doctor Who). Former BBC drama chief Jo Wright (Lovejoy) produced the story. The episode was largely filmed at Knebworth house in Hertfordshire and features members of the Sealed Knot war reenactment society.
The Dark Rider centers around the wealthy DeQuettevilles who regularly host civil war reenactments on the grounds of their home. The family and the mock battles are disrupted after a number of people claim...
B Van Heusen
Click here to friend Best British TV on Facebook or here to follow us on Twitter. You can also find us on Google+ by clicking here.
Midsomer Murders returns to ITV with an all new episode on 1 February at 8.00 p.m. Neil Dudgeon who replaced John Nettles last year and Jason Hughes, resume their roles as the South of England’s top detectives. The guest stars for The Dark Rider include veteran William Gaunt (Without You) and Eleanor Bron (Doctor Who). Former BBC drama chief Jo Wright (Lovejoy) produced the story. The episode was largely filmed at Knebworth house in Hertfordshire and features members of the Sealed Knot war reenactment society.
The Dark Rider centers around the wealthy DeQuettevilles who regularly host civil war reenactments on the grounds of their home. The family and the mock battles are disrupted after a number of people claim...
- 1/21/2012
- by admin
Anna Friel in Without You
Kieran Kinsella
Click here to friend Best British TV on Facebook or here to follow us on Twitter.
Click here to read the review of Without You episode two.
Anna Friel and Marc Warren are two of the best British actors of my generation and I guess we should thank TV producer Phil Redmond for introducing us to their talents since both of them got their first big breaks in Redmond produced shows. Friel in Brookside and Warren in Grange Hill. Episode one of ITV’s Without You was all about Friel though as she took on the role of a grieving widow whose husband was seemingly killed while conducting an extra-marital affair.
Much of the first episode consisted of slow moving but necessary scenes of Friel mourning her husband and interrogating his friends, colleagues and relatives about his alleged infidelity. We saw a few...
Kieran Kinsella
Click here to friend Best British TV on Facebook or here to follow us on Twitter.
Click here to read the review of Without You episode two.
Anna Friel and Marc Warren are two of the best British actors of my generation and I guess we should thank TV producer Phil Redmond for introducing us to their talents since both of them got their first big breaks in Redmond produced shows. Friel in Brookside and Warren in Grange Hill. Episode one of ITV’s Without You was all about Friel though as she took on the role of a grieving widow whose husband was seemingly killed while conducting an extra-marital affair.
Much of the first episode consisted of slow moving but necessary scenes of Friel mourning her husband and interrogating his friends, colleagues and relatives about his alleged infidelity. We saw a few...
- 12/16/2011
- by admin
The Celebrity line-up has been announced for this month's Winter Memorabilia Show at the NEC, near Birmingham.
Movie stars, TV personalities and sporting legends will be meeting fans and giving autographs at the UK convention.
Game of Thrones actors Finn Jones, Roxanne McKee, James Cosmo (above), Miltos Yerolemou (below) and Spencer Wilding will be among those in attendance - and they're bringing the hit fantasy series' iconic Iron Throne along with them.
James Cosmo (Braveheart, Highlander) plays Jeor Mormont, the 997th Lord Commander of the Night's Watch and the estranged father of Ser Jorah, while Roxanne McKee (Hollyoaks) plays Doreah, a handmaid and companion of Daenerys Targaryen who schools the young princess in the art of love.
Attending Memorabilia on November 19 only, Finn Jones plays the handsome Ser Loras Tyrell, a champion jouster known as the Knight of Flowers.
Miltos Yerolemou plays Syrio Forel, former First Sword of the Sealord of Braavos,...
Movie stars, TV personalities and sporting legends will be meeting fans and giving autographs at the UK convention.
Game of Thrones actors Finn Jones, Roxanne McKee, James Cosmo (above), Miltos Yerolemou (below) and Spencer Wilding will be among those in attendance - and they're bringing the hit fantasy series' iconic Iron Throne along with them.
James Cosmo (Braveheart, Highlander) plays Jeor Mormont, the 997th Lord Commander of the Night's Watch and the estranged father of Ser Jorah, while Roxanne McKee (Hollyoaks) plays Doreah, a handmaid and companion of Daenerys Targaryen who schools the young princess in the art of love.
Attending Memorabilia on November 19 only, Finn Jones plays the handsome Ser Loras Tyrell, a champion jouster known as the Knight of Flowers.
Miltos Yerolemou plays Syrio Forel, former First Sword of the Sealord of Braavos,...
- 11/14/2011
- by David Bentley
- The Geek Files
Gates Of Gold, a new comedic drama by Frank McGuinness will hold its American Premiere at 59E59 Theaters. Previews begin Thursday, February 19, 2009. The official opening will be on Sunday, March 1, 2009. Produced by Artists Theatre Group, Inc., Warren Baker and Sally Jacobs, the production is directed by Kent Paul. Written by acclaimed Irish author Frank McGuinness, who earned a Tony Award nomination for Someone Who'll Watch Over Me, and received a Tony Award for best revival in 1997 for A Doll's House, Gates Of Gold is an acerbic duel between Hilton Edwards and Miche?l MacLiamm?ir, fashionable and eloquent theatrical trailblazers who founded Dublin's Gate Theatre. Gates Of Gold is funny, witty, deeply moving and a vibrant celebration of art, love, and, finally, life itself. This production marks the American premiere of Gates Of Gold, which starred Alan Howard in Dublin and William Gaunt in the West End. Frank McGuinness was born in Buncrana,...
- 1/26/2009
- BroadwayWorld.com
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