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A BBC Sunday afternoon drama series aimed at family
audiences, telling the Arthurian tale from the point of view of Merlin,
from his youth to old age. The filming was mostly location work, and the
post-Roman hill forts were very realistically made, but because of its
targeted younger audiences it wasn't the best retelling of the legends. In
war-torn Britain, divided by civil strife, Merlin the Enchanter has, at
last, brought the young Prince Arthur to his throne. The story turns to
Merlin's own beginnings, and we see how he meets the wise old hermit who
will alter the course of his whole life. The young Merlin becomes
increasingly menaced by his Uncle Camlach, now Prince of South Wales. His
mother has retreated to a convent, and now friendless Merlin realises that
he must run away from the dangers that surround him. Time passes, and
Merlin's father Ambrosius and his brother Uther plan to invade Britain.
Merlin must seek out Vortigern, Ambrosius' most powerful enemy, and lure
his army south to a battleground where it can be destroyed. The battle is
fought and Merlin becomes a heroic figure in the light of Ambrosius'
victory.
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Writer: Steve Bescoby based on
the book by Mary Stewart
Producers: Hilary Bevan Jones and
Shaun Sutton
Director: Michael Darlow
A Noel Gay Production for the BBC
6 colour 30-minute episodes
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The Cave
The Flight
Ambrosius
The Return
(Unlisted)
The Raising Of The Stones
17th November - 22nd December 1991
(BBC1)
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