Beauty and the Beast: Once Upon a Time (1987)

Country of Origin: USA
Date(s) of Broadcast: 25 September 1987
Running Times: 50 mins
Format: colour
Sound: mono

PRODUCTION
Production Company: Republic Pictures Corporation

DIRECTION
Director: Richard Franklin
2nd Assistant Director: Jodi Ehrlich

CAST
Linda Hamilton (Catherine Chandler)
Ron Perlman (Vincent)
Roy Dotrice (Father)
Jason Allen (Kipper)
Ava Lazar (Carol Stabler)
John McMartin (Charles Chandler)
Ron O'Neal (Issac Stubbs)
Kimber Sissons
Ray Wise (Tom)

Pilot for successful TV show with an intriguing premise. A rare series excursion into fantasy (as opposed to SF as sword and sorcery) and even rarer as it targets a female audience. A member of an unknown civilisation living beneath the earth appears above ground and falls for an earthly woman. The below ground dwellers are a bit too noble but Perlman is excellent and Hamilton, between Terminator assignments makes something out of the beauty role. The series could get a bit repetitive and ended messily but this makes unusual and interesting viewing.

underground