William Tell (1987– )
"Crossbow" (original title)

In this period action series, Wilhelm ('William', several names are anglicized) Tell isn't just a father whose masterly archery saves his boy (Matthew)'s life but more of a Swiss Robin Hood... See full summary »

Creator:

Friedrich Schiller

Stars:

Will Lyman, Jeremy Clyde, Nick Brimble

Cast

Series cast summary:
Will Lyman	...	William Tell (72 episodes, 1987-1989)
Jeremy Clyde	...	Gov. Hermann Gessler (72 episodes, 1987-1989)
Nick Brimble	...	Horst (72 episodes, 1987-1989)
David Barry Gray	...	Matthew Tell (72 episodes, 1987-1989)
Hans Meyer	...	Tyroll (72 episodes, 1987-1989)
John Otway	...	Conrad (72 episodes, 1987-1989)
Dana Barron	...	Eleanor (60 episodes, 1987-1989)
Guy Rolfe	...	The Emperor (49 episodes, 1988-1989)
Bertie Cortez	...	Ambrose (48 episodes, 1987-1989)
Bernard Spiegel	...	Weevil (48 episodes, 1987-1989)

Storyline

In this period action series, Wilhelm ('William', several names are anglicized) Tell isn't just a father whose masterly archery saves his boy (Matthew)'s life but more of a Swiss Robin Hood in medieval times, before the Alpine country became the present stand-alone republican Helvetic Confederation, who stands up time and again against grim feudal oppression, as administered by Governor Hermann Gessler and other noble lords, who exploit and abuse the simple mountain villagers practically as serfs.

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Plot Keywords:

medieval times | title directed by female

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Genres:

Adventure

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Details

Country:

France UK USA

Language:

English

Also Known As:

De kruisboog

Company Credits

Production Co:

Cinecom, Crossbow Films, RHI Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

26 min 26 min (72 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Edited into Crossbow: The Movie (1989)

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Soundtracks

"Song of the Crossbow"
(End Title Theme)
by Stanislas Syrewicz

User Reviews

Quality Film Series

The only thing that sunk this series was its timing. Produced in 1986, it was considered too similar to the highly successful "Robin of Sherwood" (1984-86) film series that had just finished its run in June. "William Tell" as it was called in the UK was shown at primetime in Summer 1989 and just didn't get the viewing figures. Actually a sumptuously filmed quality production with a stunning soundtrack, filmed in France and Europe, the similarities with its British cousin (RoS) were just too much.