Another "what's this film?" thread

[NicolasB]

I'm looking for a film which featured Tom Baker as an evil magician (and no, it's not "The Golden Voyage Of Sinbad", that would be far too obvious). The plot concerned a young man whose mother is a witch, and who has to survive the seven curses of... somebody or other (Tom Baker's character).

The boy's mother changing herself into a puma (or a lion?) was a significant part of the action.

The young man's sword was supposed to open things like hidden doors.

I also recall a stop-motion ogre, and a lot of very tiny people (leprechauns, possibly?) using the hero's sword to saw through the ropes binding him.

The hero may possibly have been called "George".

There's a scene in which the mother announces she's going to double George's magic, but it all goes wrong and his sword, etc. become entirely non-magical for a while.

Any suggestions (other than "lay off the hallucinogens, Nicolas")?

[Garrett]

The only one I can think of with Tom and there are curses in is The Vault of Horror where he is a painter who gets revenge on his critics.

Have you looked on IMDB? here.

[NicolasB]

I've looked on IMDB and it's not listed (or at least not under Mr Baker).

[dfield2000]

Tom Baker has a website where you can ask questions straight to the man himself. If he doesn't know what it's called then no one will.

http://www.tombaker.tv/

[PoochJD]

Nicholas,

I have a suspicion that what you are thinking of, is not a film, but a BBC TV childrens drama from the late-80's/early-90's.

The BBC filmed several of the "Chronicles Of Narnia", and this may be "The SIlver Chair".

Look here for more details. Does that help?

Pooch

[NicolasB]

No it's not "The Silver Chair"! Tom Baker doesn't play an evil magician in that, he plays Puddleglum the Marshwiggle (who is very gloomy, but one of the good guys).

The thing I'm thinking of is quite a lot earlier than that, too....

[Kevo]

Is it The Curse of King Tut's Tomb ?

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080582/

[Garrett]

You are not getting mixed up with Torin Thacher? As he has played the role of an magician in a number of fantasy films? He has a bit of a gravelly voice.
See here and here.

[Mr.D]

Have to say I'm completely lost with this but it does sound like half a dozen sword and sorcery movies jammed together!

[Mr.D]

Try "The Magic Sword" 1962 on the IMDB: looks like it could be the one.
Basil Rathbone instead of Tom Baker maybe?

[NicolasB]

Originally Posted by Mr.D

Try "The Magic Sword" 1962 on the IMDB: looks like it could be the one.
Basil Rathbone instead of Tom Baker maybe?

Ooh, now, that's a possibility. I'll have to check that out....