Whilst Willow was Oscar nominated for 2 Best Effects categories, it also received 2 Razzie nominations for the screenplay and worst supporting actor! Nevertheless it was screened at the Cannes Film Festival in 1988 and whilst it had mixed reviews on its general release, Willow has since developed cult status. Willow is also noted for its use of digital morphing technology and the resulting special effects created through computer generated imagery (CGI). Directed by Ron Howard and based on a story by George Lucas with screenplay by Bob Dolman, much of the filming took place at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood. Whilst Lucas had come up with the storyline in the 1970s he decided to wait until the technology was available to put his vision on the big screen. The plot has a reluctant Nelwyn (dwarf-like people) called Willow (Warwick Davis) whose children find a baby Daikini (the large people). He undertakes to return the baby to the Daikini and meets Madmartigan (Val Kilmer), a warrior on the way who offers to take the baby from him. He relinquishes the child, but is then approached by the Brownies (fairies) on the way home who return the child to him. He is then told he has been chosen to protect this baby Daikini who is called, Elora (played by both Ruth and Kate Greenfield) from the evil queen, Bavmorda (Jean Marsh) and to achieve this Willow must go in search of the sorceress, Fin Raziel (Patricia Hayes). So begins Willow’s adventure. Joanna Whalley plays Sorsha.

Release / Airing: 09/12/1988