Browser’s Magnificent Seven

The Terminator 5.50pm beIN Movies Action 2

THIS sci-fi classic is an all-action thriller that made Arnold Schwarzenegger a household name. Bodybuilder Arnie is perfectly cast as a robot sent back from the future to kill a seemingly innocent woman and alter the course of history. The aim is to prevent the birth of her son who became a world leader.

Quality acting was provided by Linda Hamilton as the Terminator’s intended victim, but it was Arnie who captured the public’s imagination as an indestructible automaton. This former Mr Universe, a somewhat wooden actor with an Austrian accent, was never as dumb as he seemed.

Off screen, Arnie is a successful businessman and philanthropist who was twice Governor of California. He was even tipped as a future US President. If only . . .

This smash hit turned a $6 million investment into $80 million at the box office. The most recent of four sequels was screened in 2015.

Directed and co-written by unknown James Cameron in 1984 with pace and style.

Radio Times gave it a maximum five stars: “Generating maximum excitement from the first frame, the dynamic thrills are maintained right up to the nerve jangling climax. Wittily written with a sharp eye for detail.”