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Time Bandits (Original title)
Dates: 1981 (Copyright), 13 July 1981 (Release)

Country: United Kingdom

Directed by: Terry Gilliam

Synopsis: Fantasy, comedy. A young boy and a group of dwarfs on the instructions of the 'Supreme Being' pass through time holes to patch up the shoddier parts of his creation. Instead of mending, the dwarfs steal treasures from different periods of history, meet many famous characters, and encounter Evil.

Genres:
Comedy, Fantasy

Subjects:
Folktales, Theft, Childhood
Releases
Date: 13 July 1981Country: United KingdomRelease type: TheatricalFormat: 35mm Film - Colour - Technicolor - Sound - DolbyRuntime: 113 mins 26 secs - Length: 10208 FeetDialogue (original): EnglishDistributor: HandMade Films
Date: 03 April 1987Country: United KingdomRelease type: Home ViewingFormat: VHS Videocassette - Colour - SoundRuntime: 111 mins 13 secs - Dialogue (original): EnglishDistributor: Thorn-EMI

Credits (145)
©: The HandMade Film Partnership, Presents: HandMade Films, Executive Producer: George Harrison, Executive Producer: Denis O'Brien, Produced by: Terry Gilliam, Associate Producer: Neville C. Thompson, Production Manager: Graham Ford, Accountant: Brian Bailey, Assistant Accountant: Ray Parsons, Michael Yell, Accounts Secretary: Geraldine Dunn, Location Manager: Patrick Cassavetti, Production Assistant: Linda Bruce, Producer's Assistant: Rachel Neale, Production Runner: Steve Parker, 2nd Unit Director: Julian Doyle, Assistant Director (1st): Simon Hinkly, Assistant Director (2nd): Guy Travers, Assistant Director (3rd): Mark Cooper, Chris Thompson, Continuity: Penny Eyles, Casting Director: Irene Lamb, Written by: Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, Director of Photography: Peter Biziou, Camera Operator: David Garfath, Focus Puller: Bob Stilwell, Focus Puller (2nd Unit): Brian Herlihy, Clapper Loader: Simon Fulford, Clapper Loader (2nd Unit): Simon Haveland, Gaffer: Roy Rodhouse, Gaffer: Reg Parsons, Best Boy: Chuck Finch, Electrician: Stuart Monteith, Electrician: Tug Wilson, Lighting Equipment: Lee Electric (Lighting), Grip: Freddy Fry, Grip (2nd Unit): Tony Andrews, Camera Equipment: Joe Dunton Cameras, Stills.: Clive Coote, Optical Effects: Kent Houston, Paul Whitbread, [Optical Effects] Assisted by: Tim Ollive, [Optical Effects] Assisted by: Dennis De Groot, Peerless Camera Company, Matte Paintings: Ray Caple, Special Effects Senior Technician: John Bunker, Special Effects Technician: Ross King, Special Effects Consultant: Chris Verner, Andy Thompson, Special Effects Modeller: Chris Overs, Lewis Coleman, Special Effects Runner: Chris Ostwald, Trolls Made by: Ray Scott, Wireman: Bob Harman, Modelmaker: Val Charlton, Assistant Modelmaker: Carol De Jong, Assistant Modelmaker: Jean Ramsey, Assistant Modelmaker: Alix Harwood, Behira Thraves, Models Photographed by: Julian Doyle, Editor: Julian Doyle, Assistant Editor: Rodney Glenn, 2nd Assistant Editor: Adam Unger, Production Designer: Milly Burns, Art Director: Norman Garwood, Assistant Art Director: Celia Barnett, Fortress of Ultimate Darkness by: Westbridge Studios, Draughtsman: Steve Cooper, Sculptor: Geoff Rivers Bland, Laurie Warburton, Production Buyer: Karen Brookes, Property Master: Peter Grant, Stand-by Props: John Cole, Dave Newton, Dressing Props: Ray Perry, Prop Dresser: Steve Wheeler, Drapes: Ron Cowan, Storeman: Frank Marks, Construction Manager: Peter Verard, Supervising Carpenter: Len Day, Carpenter: Micky Fisher, Plasterer: Eric Nash, Painter: John Davey, Rigger: Dave Everall, Stand-by Carpenter: Craig Hillier, Stand-by Painter: Graham Bullock, Alan Grenham, Stand-by Rigger: Dave Wiggins, Stand-by Stagehand: Douglas Cox, Carpenter: Gary Hedges, Carpenter: Dennis Bovington, Carpenter: Steve Fitzwater, Carpenter: Norman Fletcher, Robert Devine, Plasterer: Michael Melia, Plasterer: Bruce Newell, James Taylor, Painter: Bob Mason, Rigger: Richard Harris, Les Beaver, Stagehand: John Tregear, Costumes Designed by: Jim Acheson, [Costumes Designed] In association with: Hazel Coté, Assistant Costume Designer: T. Stephen Miles, Costumier: Richard Cattermole, Dorothy Williams, Wardrobe Mistress: Dorothea Smylie, Wardrobe Assistant: Gilly Hebden, Wardrobe Assistant: Tony Williams, Day Murch, Hairdressing and Make-up by: Maggie Weston, Elaine Carew, Wigs and Beards Made by: Kenneth Lintott, Assistant Make-up: Sue Frear, Puppet Show by: John Styles, Music Score Composed and Orchestrated by: Mike Moran, Greek Dance Music: Trevor Jones, Additional Music: Music De Wolfe, Ready Music, Songs and Additional Material by: George Harrison, Percussion Sequences by: Ray Cooper, Music Director: Harry Rabinowitz, Music Produced by: Ray Cooper, Greek Dance Choreography: Tom Jobe, Sound Mixer: Garth Marshall, Sound Engineer: John Richards, Boom Operator: Bob Doyle, Sound Maintenance: Philip Chubb, Dubbing Mixer: Paul Carr, Brian Paxton, Dubbing Editor: Stanley Fiferman, Dialogue Editor: Mike Hopkins, Footsteps Editor: Dino Di Campo, Music Production Sound Effects: André Jacquemin, Stunts Arranged by: Peter Brayham, Terry Yorke, Stunt Knight: Brian Bowes, Unit Driver: Brian Brookner, Tony Hocking, Foreign Location Travel: Moving Movies, Og the Pig Supplied by: Mike Hearst, Benson the Dog Supplied by: Joan Woodgate, Studio: Lee International Studios
Cast (49)
John Cleese (Robin Hood), Sean Connery (King Agamemnon/fireman), Shelley Duvall (Pansy), Katherine Helmond (Mrs Ogre), Ian Holm (Napoleon), Michael Palin (Vincent), Ralph Richardson (Supreme Being), Peter Vaughan (Winston, the ogre), David Warner (Evil Genius), David Rappaport (Randall), Kenny Baker (Fidgit), Malcolm Dixon (Strutter), Mike Edmonds (Og), Jack Purvis (Wally), Tiny Ross (Vermin), Craig Warnock (Kevin), David Daker (Trevor, Kevin's father), Sheila Fearn (Diane, Kevin's mother), Jim Broadbent (compère), John Young (Reginald), Myrtle Devenish (Beryl), Brian Bowes (stunt knight/hussar), Leon Lissek (1st refugee), Terence Bayler (Lucien), Preston Lockwood (Neguy), Charles Mckeown (theatre manager), David Leland (puppeteer), John Hughman (The Great Rumbozo), Derrick O'Connor (robber leader), Neil McCarthy (Marion, 3rd robber), Declan Mulholland (2nd robber), Peter Jonfield (arm wrestler), Derek Deadman (Robert), Jerold Wells (Benson), Roger Frost (Cartwright), Martin Carroll (Baxi Brazilia III), Marcus Powell (Horseflesh), Winston Dennis (bull-headed warrior), Del Baker (Greek fighting warrior), Juliette James (Greek Queen Clytemnestra), Ian Muir (giant), Mark Holmes (troll father), Andrew Maclachlan (fireman), Chris Grant (voice of TV announcer), Tony Jay (voice of Supreme Being), Edwin Finn (Supreme Being's face), James Acheson ([man lifting up the horn]), Terry Gilliam ([voice of fireman]), Ray Cooper ([hands of God at end])
Articles held in BFI Reuben Library (33)
In: Deathray n21 Oct/Nov 2009  Pages: 80-81
Title: DeathRay Eight of the Best...Author: BAXTER, Stephen Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Descriptions of eight of Terry Gilliam's films.

In: Empire n214 April 2007  Page: 178
Title: Classic Scene: Time BanditsArticle type: ScriptLanguage: English
Description: Extract of the scene introducing the character of Evil Geniu s in TIME BANDITS.

In: StarBurst n341 September 2006  Page: 84
Title: Reviews: DVD ReviewsAuthor: RICHARDSON, David Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English

In: Empire n208 October 2006  Page: 158
Title: At home/Reissues on DVD: Time BanditsAuthor: JOLIN, Dan Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English

In: Film Review n674 September 2006  Page: 122
Title: Time BanditsAuthor: KEMPSTER, Grant Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English

In: StarBurst vSpec. n68 Time travel  Pages: 110-111
Title: Top Travel Tips for Time Tourists #9Author: WORLEY, Alec Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Part of a whole issue on time travel, this article looks at TIME BANDITS.

In: Creative Screenwriting v12 n4 Jul/Aug 2005  Page: 14
Title: Time Bandits: Screenplay by Michael Palin and Terry GilliamAuthor: GOLDSMITH, Jeff Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Article looking at some lost scenes from Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam's screenplay for TIME BANDITS.

In: Empire n161 November 2002  Page: 148
Title: RwdAuthor: [IF] Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English

In: Film Review n624 November 2002  Page: 92
Title: Time BanditsAuthor: WIGMORE, Gareth Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English

In: Fade In v6 n3 2001  Page: 20
Title: Get this DVDAuthor: KIT, Boris Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English

In: Classic Television Nov/Dec 2000  Pages: 28-29
Title: Terry Gilliam:The garage yearsAuthor: LUCAS, David Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: This is a profile of Terry Gilliam particularly looking at his first three films which were conceived in his garage; 'The Jabberwocky', 'Time Bandits' and 'Brazil'.

In: Positif n432 February 1997  Pages: 70-76
Title: Le voyage temporel dans le cinéma récentAuthor: CHION, Michel Article type: ArticleLanguage: French
Description: Discusses time and chronology in recent films- mentioning TWELVE MONKEYS, SMOKING/NO SMOKING, TIME BANDITS amongst others.

In: Sight and Sound vMovie nTimes Supp. May 1996  Pages: 12-13
Title: Movie works: James AchesonArticle type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Illustration of a sketch by costume designer James Acheson for Terry Gilliam's TIME BANDITS, and for Michael Hoffman's RESTORATION.

In: StarBurst n216 August 1996  Page: 55,56
Title: VideofileArticle type: NoteLanguage: English
Description: video note

In: Cinefex n38 May 1989  Page: Whole issue
Title: [Cinefex - n38 May 1989: no known title]Language: English
Description: The whole issue is devoted to the director Terry Gilliam and the special effects work particularly in TIME BANDITS, BRAZIL and the ADVENTURES OF BARON MUNCHAUSEN.

In: Écran Fantastique n23 1982  Pages: 15-16
Title: [ L'Écran Fantastique - n23 1982: no known title]Language: French

In: Positif n254/255 May 1982  Pages: 165-166
Title: [Positif - n254/255 May 1982: no known title]Language: French

In: The Listener v108 n2772 5 Aug 1982  Page: 34
Title: [The Listener - v108 n2772 5 Aug 1982: no known title]Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Review of video version.

In: Film Directions v4 n16 1982  Pages: 19-20
Title: [Film Directions - v4 n16 1982: no known title]Language: English

In: Cahiers du Cinéma n336 May 1982  Pages: 50-51
Title: [Cahiers du Cinéma - n336 May 1982: no known title]Language: French

In: StarBurst n37 1981  Pages: 18-21
Title: [StarBurst - n37 1981: no known title]Language: English

In: Motion Picture Product Digest v9 n13 2 Dec 1981  Page: 51
Title: [Motion Picture Product Digest - v9 n13 2 Dec 1981: no known title]Language: English

In: The Listener v106 n2720 30 Jul 1981  Page: 92
Title: [The Listener - v106 n2720 30 Jul 1981: no known title]Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Review by Gavin Millar.

In: TV Times v104 n33 6 Aug 1981  Page: 12
Title: [TV Times - v104 n33 6 Aug 1981: no known title]Article type: InterviewLanguage: English
Description: Details of an interview with Craig Warnock on RAZZMATAZZ(TTTV).

In: Screen International n303 1 Aug 1981  Page: 14
Title: [Screen International - n303 1 Aug 1981: no known title]Language: English

In: Monthly Film Bulletin v48 n571 August 1981  Page: 163
Title: [Monthly Film Bulletin - v48 n571 August 1981: no known title]Author: Pym, John Language: English

In: The Hollywood Reporter v269 n13 5 Nov 1981  Page: 3
Title: [The Hollywood Reporter - v269 n13 5 Nov 1981: no known title]Language: English

In: The Hollywood Reporter v269 n43 21 Dec 1981  Page: 11
Title: [The Hollywood Reporter - v269 n43 21 Dec 1981: no known title]Language: English
Description: Note on budget.

In: Variety 22 Jul 1981  Page: 18
Title: [Variety - 22 Jul 1981: no known title]Language: English

In: Monthly Film Bulletin v48 n572 September 1981  Page: 190
Title: [Monthly Film Bulletin - v48 n572 September 1981: no known title]Article type: NoteLanguage: English
Description: Corrigenda.

In: Screen International n242 24 May 1980  Page: 15
Title: [Screen International - n242 24 May 1980: no known title]Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
Description: Credits.

In:   Page: 50
Title: [ - : no known title]

In:   Pages: Fall 41-46
Title: [ - : no known title]


Books held in BFI Reuben Library (4)
Title: Flights of fancy: the great fantasy films
Author: VON GUNDEN, Kenneth  Pages: viii, 295p.

Title: Gilliam on Gilliam
Author: CHRISTIE, Ian  Pages: vi-x, 294p.

Title: Flights of fancy: the great fantasy films
Author: VON GUNDEN, Kenneth  Pages: 295p.

Title: Time bandits: a screenplay
Author: PALIN, Michael  Pages: 131p.


Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(13)
Accessible materials to view(3)
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 10427 FeetBFI identifier: C-564591
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)


Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: AcetateSound: CombinedBFI identifier: N-7077079
Status: Viewing - Viewing experience and projection may be compromised by condition of film print


Description: VHS cassetteLine standard: 625Colour standard: PALBFI identifier: C-831194
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access



Video materials(5)
Description: Umatic (unspecified)Line standard: 625Colour standard: PALBFI identifier: C-590982
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: Umatic (unspecified)BFI identifier: C-590938
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: VHS cassetteLine standard: 625Colour standard: PALBFI identifier: C-831194
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access


Description: Digital BetacamBFI identifier: N-376861
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved videotape


Description: Digital BetacamBFI identifier: N-376862
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved videotape



Film materials(8)
Description: 35mm Colour NegativeBase: SafetySound: SilentStock date: 1979BFI identifier: N-3683887
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 10429 FeetBFI identifier: C-172055
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 10427 FeetBFI identifier: C-564591
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)


Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: AcetateSound: CombinedBFI identifier: N-7077079
Status: Viewing - Viewing experience and projection may be compromised by condition of film print


Description: 35mm InternegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteStock date: 1981BFI identifier: N-3683889
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm InterpositiveBase: SafetySound: MuteStock date: 1981BFI identifier: N-3683899
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Magnetic recordingBase: SafetySound: SoundStock date: 1981BFI identifier: N-3683890
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm NegativeBase: SafetySound: SoundStock date: 1981BFI identifier: N-3683888
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film