Dr. Steven Strange, the Marvel Comics magician/superhero created in 1963 by
Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, made his long-awaited screen debut in this 1978 TV pilot film.
Peter Hooten plays Strange, while Sir John Mills portrays the doctor's sorcerer shaman, "The Ancient One." The Ancient One (whose real name is Lindmer) allows Strange access to the "Hermedic Arts," which enables him to control the elements. In the pilot, Strange's origin is retraced, then the story segues into a titanic battle between Strange and Camelot-era villainess Morgan LeFay (
Jessica Walter), who has come back to life in order to collect human souls.
Stan Lee reportedly disowned the video version of Dr. Strange, perhaps because one of his beloved characters was "camped up" for TV consumption. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide