Reviews

As a Dracula film, this is rather sad and misguided and very typical of the late Hammer fare. But as a piece of classic cheesy 70's British filmmaking, it's a treasure! Loads of tacky scenes and acting, rough looking down-and-out location work and a collection of cheddary extras and character actors.

Peter Cushing looks like he's about to kick the bucket (die) although he miraculously seems to grow younger and less grandpa looking by Star Wars (1977). Who'd have thought he make it to 1994!! There's a healthy dose of Cushing hair flicking in this. Although not to the standard of earlier Frankenstein hair flicks, the old locks are still thrashing around :)

The only thing that sunk this series was its timing. Produced in 1986, it was considered too similar to the highly successful "Robin of Sherwood" (1984-86) film series that had just finished its run in June. "William Tell" as it was called in the UK was shown at primetime in Summer 1989 and just didn't get the viewing figures. Actually a sumptuously filmed quality production with a stunning soundtrack, filmed in France and Europe, the similarities with its British cousin (RoS) were just too much.

Why was this so bad? Because the decision to make it came from 90's TV execs. This was trying to be slick and hip with a young politically correct cast and no relation to the original whatsoever. The ORIGINAL series was successful because it didn't take itself seriously. And it had humour! And character actors who developed 'brand loyalty'. Now if Universal had approached Larson Entertainment and persuaded Hasselhoff to return with the Original KITT (ignoring the mistake that was KR2000) and all new Larson-stable plots and directors, we would have had a guaranteed hit.

History has been kind to Who Dares Wins (the original UK title). Panned by critics , probably due to the bad timing of the film's release (1980 Iranian Embassy Siege, 1982 Falklands War), it's actually very popular. Yes, there are some cheesy dialogue scenes and some hammy acting, but the SAS choreographed action is top notch and Roy Budd's score is rousingly funky. Lewis Collins is as hard-nosed and arrogantly top rate as ever but looks like he's suffering from Bodie-fatigue.A well scripted sequel would be well received with Collins as an older Skellern. Get him doing what he does best.

This series surely defined 80's primetime TV for a generation. Typical Glen Larson formula: Set up the plot, Put regular characters in familiar situation, plenty of tongue-in-cheek humour and a generally relaxing ambience, supplemented with late 70's Stu Phillips score (series 1) and 80's synth score (Don Peake Series 2 -). Well produced and still highly watchable, especially for David Hasselhoff's range of camp clothing (contrast collar polo shirts, HUGE shades, and TIGHT jeans). And you knew that when cheesy jokes started to appear in the epilog, that any minute the TransAm would zoom into the California desert skyline.....The World...of the Knight Rider.

Another classic teatime viewing experience from Glen Larson. Totally mindless, relaxing formulaic Larson stuff. The success and longevity of his series prove that old formulas work and this 5 year series was no exception. Colt , Howie and Jodie (most male viewers reason to watch!) were to the 80's what Xena is to a new generation.