This multipart TV version of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic adventure novel Kidnapped is regarded by Stevenson purists as one of the best adaptations ever. Set in 18th century Scotland, the story was set in motion when young David Balfour (Ekkehardt Belle), heir to a large and bountiful estate, was robbed of his birthright by his scheming uncle Ebenezer (Patrick Magee). Kidnapped by a crooked ship's captain and sold into indentured servitude, David was rescued by common seaman Alan Breck (David McCallum), who turned out to be a member of the same clan that was presently battling the British Empire in order to reinstate Scottish independence. In endeavoring to help Alan realize his goal, David ultimately returned to his ancestral estate to settle accounts with the despicable Ebenezer. An English/German/French co-production, Kidnapped first aired over Scotland's HTV service in 13 25-minute installments, from April 7 to June 30, 1979. The property was later telecast in America in four 90-minute episodes.
by Hal Erickson
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