Merlin of the crystal cave. Episode four, The return / based on the novel by Mary Stewart ; adapted for television by Steve Bescoby ; producer, Shaun Sutton ; director, Michael Darlow ; Noel Gay Television for BBC Television ; in association with BBC Enterprises.

London, England : BBC Worldwide, 1991.

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Ambrosius prepares for his invasion. News comes from Britain of an unsuccessful rebellion against his enemy Vortigern, the usurper High King who had been fortified by his recent alliance with the Saxons. Ambrosius knows that to overcome Vortigern he must be lured from his stronghold and defeated in open country. Merlin offers to go secretly to Britain with Ralf to bring this about. They arrive to find Merlin's home village, Maridunum, burnt and pillaged by Vortigern's army. His uncle, Camlach, has been deposed of his Kingship and is now a hunted fugitive. Ralf and Merlin also find Galapas murdered by his cave, and Merlin suspects that this is Camlach's work. Merlin and Ralf are seized by Vortigern's men who have had word of their arrival. They are carried North to Vortigern's strong great fortress that will defy all attacker. But as fast as the building rises, it collapses in ruins. Vortigern has captured Merlin because his soothsayers have told him that only the blood of a Royal Prince mixed into the mortar can make the fortress stand. But Merlin outfaces Vortigern, promising that he'll show him why his fortress keeps collapsing. He leads him and his court to a hidden shaft that leads downwards into the heart of the mountain. He boldly invites Vortigern to come with him into the cave ...

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English

June 27, 2022

Music composed and conducted by Francis Shaw.

George Winter, Robert Powell, Trevor Peacock, Roger Alborough, Jody David, Davyd Harries, Benedick Blythe, Don Henderson.