King Arthur in Hollywood

Merlin – The Return

INTRODUCTION

   In ancient times, Mordred the evil sorcerer brought the legendary King Arthur Pendragon and his Knights of the Round Table to their knees.
   Across a dimensional time gate, will it be different this time around?
   Fifteen hundred years later, Merlin's spell is the subject of legend...and is weakening. Scientist, Joan Maxwell is experimenting with the magnetic flows of the earth, the precise source of Merlin's magic...

SYNOPSIS

   In ancient times, the vast army of the evil sorcerer, Mordred (CRAIG SHEFFER, star of The River Runs Through It and Some Kind of Wonderful) brought the legendary King Arthur Pendragon (PATRICK BERGIN of Sleeping with the Enemy and Patriot Games) and his Knights of the Round Table to their knees.
   In desperation, Merlin, the Wizard (RIK MAYALL from Drop Dead Fred, Whoops Apocalypse and UK TV smash hit, The Young Ones) used the immense power of Stonehenge to banish Mordred to the Netherworld. He then consigned Arthur and his knights to a long, dark sleep, promising future generations that Arthur would be on-hand to save the world should Mordred ever escape to threaten it again.
   Fifteen hundred years later, Merlin's spell is the subject of legend . . . and is weakening. Scientist, Joan Maxwell (TIA CARRERE from True Lies and Wayne's World 1 & 2) is experimenting with the magnetic flows of the Earth, the precise source of Merlin's magic. She has made contact with Mordred and in return for his promise of power, she is using her knowledge to free the sorcerer from his prison.
   Fourteen-year old Ritchie Gould is plunged into the age-old battle when his father dies and Ritchie's mother moves them to her former home in England.
   When Ritchie arrives, Merlin's spell is already all but destroyed by Maxwell's meddling. Arthur and his knights are awake, fifteen hundred years out of place, and Mordred is preparing to forge a dimensional gate to freedom. The only thing standing between Mordred and success are the ragged loyalties of Lancelot (ADRIAN PAUL of Highlander, Colbys and Dynasty fame) and Guinevere whom Merlin banished along with him.
   In a tale of myth, mythology, demons and duels spanning fifteen centuries, the forces of good and evil once more do battle. And at stake is the world as we know it.

CAST

Rik Mayall - Merlin

Tia Carrere - Joan Maxwell

Patrick Bergin - Arthur

Adrian Paul - Lancelot

Craig Sheffer - Mordred

RELEASE INFO

Released in England 22^nd December 2000 – A Peak Viewing Transatlantic Production

Production Designer  EDWARD THOMAS

Cinematographer  VINCENT G. COX  ASC. SASC.

Editor  PETER DAVIES

Executive in Charge of Production  PETER H. MATTHEWS

Producers  ELIZABETH MATTHEWS and  PAUL MATTHEWS

Written and Directed by  PAUL MATTHEWS