Channel 2 (TVNZ) - Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger (1989)
Channel: Patrick Te Pou
Date: 2024-04-09

Friday night movies have always been a popular choice for a relaxing evening in front of the television.

And for fans of fantasy and adventure, the 1977 film Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger was a must-watch when it was shown on Channel 2 (now TVNZ 2) at 8pm on the evening of Friday 27 October 1989. What makes this screening of the film even more special is the fact that it was just a few days before I was born.

Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger is a classic fantasy adventure film, directed by British filmmaker Sam Wanamaker. It stars Patrick Wayne, son of Hollywood legend John Wayne, in the title role of Sinbad the Sailor with British actress Taryn Power, daughter of famous actor Tyrone Power.

The film follows the story of Sinbad and his crew, who set out on a perilous journey to help Sinbad's fiancée, Princess Farah (Power), who has been turned into a baboon by an evil sorcerer. In order to break the spell and restore Farah to her human form, Sinbad and his crew must retrieve a magical gem called the 'Eye of the Tiger' from an elusive creature known as the 'Trog' on the mysterious island of Hyperborea. Along the way, they encounter fierce beasts, treacherous terrain, and magical forces that test their strength and courage.

As a 1977 fantasy adventure film, Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger is filled with thrilling action sequences and spectacular stop-motion effects (by Ray Harryhausen). Along with Patrick Wayne and Taryn Power, the film also stars Margaret Whiting, Jane Seymour, Patrick Troughton, Damien Thomas, Bruno Barnabe and Peter Mayhew (best known for his role as Chewbacca in the Star Wars franchise).

But what makes this screening of Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger, as Channel 2's 'Friday movie', even more significant is the fact that it was preceded by the local production, That's Fairly Interesting, at 7.30pm.

This series, which was produced independently by Communicado and screened on TVNZ from 1987 to 1989, focused on fascinating and unusual people, places and stories from around New Zealand with Mark Leishman, Juliet Monaghan, Vicki Walker and Phil Keoghan as presenters. That's Fairly Interesting was a perfect lead-in for the fantasy adventure of Sinbad, capturing the audience's attention and setting the tone for an evening of entertainment.

For those who were fortunate enough to experience the magic of Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger on the evening of Friday 27 October 1989, it is a cherished memory that will live on for generations to come.

Special thanks to the NZ Analogue Archive (via Instagram) for the use of this clip, and I would like to apologise to you all for the quality of the picture and sound.