Lew Grade

Production

Lew Grade

Born 1906-12-25 · Tokmak, Taurida Governorate, Russian Empire

Lew Grade, Baron Grade, OStJ (born Lev Winogradsky; 25 December 1906 – 13 December 1998) was a Russian-born British media proprietor and impresario. Originally a dancer, and later a talent agent, Grade's interest in television production began in 1954 when he founded the Incorporated Television Company (ITC; commonly known as ITC Entertainment) to distribute programmes, and following the success of The Adventures of Robin Hood decided to focus on bringing them to the American market. Grade had some success in this field with such series as Gerry Anderson's many Supermarionation series such as Thunderbirds, Patrick McGoohan's The Prisoner, and Jim Henson's The Muppet Show. Later, Grade invested in feature film production, but several expensive box-office failures caused him to lose control of ITC, and ultimately resulted in the disestablishment of ATV after it lost its ITV franchise. Description above from the Wikipedia article Lew Grade, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Acting credits

The World of Jim Henson poster
7.4

In this episode of PBS' Great Performances, the history and legacy of puppeteer Jim Henson is explored, from his six-second commercial beginnings to a five-season run on ABC of The Muppet Show to several theatrically released films, including five Muppet movies, The Dark Crystal, and Labyrinth.

The World of Jim Henson

1994

No artwork available
7.0

Documentary about television company ATV and its founder Lew Grade.

Just a Song and Dance

1987

All About 'Thunderbirds' poster
NR

A look at the story behind Thunderbirds (1965).

All About 'Thunderbirds'

2008

Heroes of Comedy: Arthur Askey poster
NR

Documentary about British comedy legend

Heroes of Comedy: Arthur Askey

1998

In My Mind poster
7.4

The film recounts one of Chris' early filmmaking experiences: an attempt to interview Patrick McGoohan - something McGoohan had resisted previously - about his enigmatic series for a Channel 4 commissioned documentary. A documentary that didn't quite go to plan. In a series of frank interviews conducted by Chris, most of which ultimately remained unused in the 1983 documentary 'Six Into One-The Prisoner File', McGoohan slowly reveals his innermost thoughts about his concept.

In My Mind

2017

Magic Night poster
8.0

This one hour TV special promoting the release of Can't Stop the Music featured the film's stars (The Village People, Valerie Perrine, Steve Guttenberg and Bruce Jenner) with guest appearances by Cher, Hugh Hefner and others.

Magic Night

1980

A Salute to Sir Lew Grade poster
7.0

An All-Star salute to Sir Lew Grade, featuring Julie Andrews, Tom Jones, and the last public performance by John Lennon.

A Salute to Sir Lew Grade

1975

Six Into One: The Prisoner File poster
10.0

After Channel 4 screened the finale of their 1984 repeats of The Prisoner, they broadcast this special show to delve into the mysteries about the enigmatic series. Featuring interviews from actors, writers, and directors of the show, it most importantly featured an interview with the man himself, Patrick McGoohan, then living in Canada. The story behind the making of this special was revisited in the 2017 documentary 'In My Mind'.

Six Into One: The Prisoner File

1984

Behind the camera

The Domino Principle poster
5.8

Roy Tucker, a Vietnam war veteran with excellent shooting skills, is serving a long prison sentence when a mysterious visitor promises him that he will be released if he agrees to carry out a dangerous assignment.

The Domino Principle

1977

Autumn Sonata poster
8.0

After a seven-year absence, Charlotte Andergast travels to Sweden to reunite with her daughter Eva. The pair have a troubled relationship: Charlotte sacrificed the responsibilities of motherhood for a career as a classical pianist. Over an emotional night, the pair reopen the wounds of the past. Charlotte gets another shock when she finds out that her mentally impaired daughter, Helena, is out of the asylum and living with Eva.

Autumn Sonata

1978

Raise the Titanic poster
5.4

To obtain a supply of a rare mineral, a ship raising operation is conducted for the only known source, the Titanic.

Raise the Titanic

1980

The Salamander poster
5.5

An Italian policeman investigates a series of murders involving people in prominent positions. Left behind at each murder scene is a drawing of a salamander. The policeman begins to suspect these murders are linked to a plot to seize control of the government.

The Salamander

1981

The Legend of the Lone Ranger poster
4.9

When the young Texas Ranger, John Reid, is the sole survivor of an ambush arranged by the militaristic outlaw leader, Butch Cavendich, he is rescued by an old childhood Comanche friend, Tonto. When he recovers from his wounds, he dedicates his life to fighting the evil that Cavendich represents. To this end, John Reid becomes the great masked western hero, The Lone Ranger. With the help of Tonto, the pair go to rescue President Grant when Cavendich takes him hostage.

The Legend of the Lone Ranger

1981

Something to Believe In poster
5.0

Reports of a weeping Madonna in Italy reach Las Vegas, where blackjack dealer Maggie has just learnt she has only weeks to live. With a massive leap of faith she convinces herself that seeing the Madonna with her own eyes could lead to her salvation, and travels to Europe to find it. Hitching through Italy, she meets pianist Mike, who is also en route to what he believes could be a life-changing event - a performance at the Barbarina concert in Naples.

Something to Believe In

1998