Fictional Characters

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews the new film version of Bram Stoker's novel. Schiff says the director's vision of the story dominates over the author's. The movie, he claims, is lacking in almost every respect -- except for a unique insight on love.

In the new thriller, Hopkins plays Doctor Hannibal Lecter, a brillant psychiatrist turned sociopath killer, who also holds the key to the identity of another crazed killer. He tells Terry how he developed the character, including his distinctive voice. Earlier in his career, Hopkins was a stage actor.

Television critic David Bianculli reviews "The Secret Life of Ian Fleming," a telemovie on the man who created James Bond. It stars Jason Connery, the son of Sean Connery, the first 007. And it shows the real-life inspirations for some of the characters who peopled the 007 movies and stories. Bianculli says it's enjoyable if you approach it with the right attitude. It airs over the TNT cable network.

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews the new James Bond movie, "License To Kill," starring Timothy Dalton as Agent 007.

Oz's new crime comedy, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, stars Steve Martin and Michael Caine. Oz also worked with Jim Henson to create several Muppets, including Miss Piggy and Fozzy Bear.

Ken Tucker reviews "TV's Best Adventures of Superman," the home video cassette of the popular "Adventures of Superman" series that starred George Reeves. The release coincides with the 50th anniversary of Superman's creation as a comic-strip character by two Ohio teenagers.

The franchise's newest installment, The Living Daylights, stars Timothy Dalton. Film critic Stephen Schiff says it's enjoyable enough, but its tone is too serious and sensitive for a Bond flick.

For those who missed the theatrical release, critic Ken Tucker recommends watching the suspense film on home video.

Gahan Wilson discusses his macabre cartoons, the werewolves, vampires, and monsters he and the irrational childhood fears he parodies. His latest work is "Gahan Wilson's America."

Raymond McNally studies vampires in folklore, literature, and film. He is a professor of Romanian and Eastern European History at Boston College. His books include "In Search of Dracula" and "Dracula was a Woman." He discusses the man who was the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Count Dracula, Vlad Dracula, or Vlad the Impaler.