Under the Mountain

You people DO know that there is a book of "Under the Mountain" by Maurice Gee, right? I mean, you'd be surprised how many people have seen a film and said, "Wow, that was amazing but I couldn't make head nor tails of it," when there's a written version waiting in the nearest library! I didn't even know that there was a filmed version until today!

Summary of Under the Mountain Theo and Rachael are redheaded twins from New Zealand. They learn at an early age that they are different as they can each find objects the other has hidden by reading the thoughts of their companion. Their powers are discovered by Jones, a member of a wise alien race who is searching for just such a pair of twins to use as a powerful weapon that will kill off the wilberforces, another alien race imprisoned on earth whose single goal is to destroy and conquer planets. Unfortunately the wilberforces have also discovered the true nature of the twins and are out to find them. Rachael and Theo must learn to use the weapon and overcome the pain it causes them before the Wilberforces wake up properly and destroy the planet

Under the Mountain is a science fiction adventure, based on the novel by Maurice Gee. Set in Auckland, New Zealand, two red haired twins called Rachel and Theo are staying with their Uncle and Aunt for a holiday.

> An old man called Mr Jones is interested in the twins for a special reason. Mr Jones is the last surviving member of an alien civilization. His people were at war with another race of creatures who go from planet to planet, turning worlds into mud and stone. The Earth will be next unless the twins can stop them. The invading aliens are shapeless, tentacled creatures who can assume human form. They are known only as the Wilberforces...

This was a very good show. The first time I saw Under the Mountain I was actually living in New Zealnd. I recognized a lot of the places Rachel and Theo went to because I was born in Auckland: the familiar volcanoes Rangitoto and Mt Eden, the district Takapuna, even the library. When I saw it again some years later I actually felt home sick. The story was also good because it wasn't too predictable. You actually wonder if Earth really has a chance when the future depends on two young twins.

this aired on nickelodeon in the states back, hell, musta been 1983-85ish, as part of an anthology show called the third eye...others were "children of the stones" (now on region 2 pal dvd) and the haunting of cassie somebody...i was just a child when these shows were on, only 7 or nine, but i remember them capturing my imagination, and being able to follow the plots, for all of their convolutedness, because these shows didn't play down to kids, they embraced the imaginative nature of childhood and set us free to figure out what was going on...as i say, anyone has this anywhere, PLEEEEESE let me know, i'd simply revel in seeing this again...original tomorrow people too, if you please...and thank you.... hehehe...my stepbrother and i used to play under the mountain in the field behind my house...rainy days was for bad guy (muddy) parts, and clear was for the twins...no, neither of us played the girl...i was usually mr. jones....

My sister and I saw this on Nickelodeon when we were children (in the 80's sometime) and it completely messed with our heads. It made us afraid to walk by a large bush in our neighborhood, because it was the same shape as the slug people. To be honest, I don't remember many of the details of the plot, but I have thought about this show until now (I'm in my 30's), and my sister and I still reminisce about it, and I'm sure there are others out there like us! This and "The Tomorrow People" are great examples of the innovative, weird, and challenging programming of Nickelodeon of the 80's- It's dark and strange, and even though it scared me, I am nostalgic for those times!

All I remember from this show is the basic storyline. I Remember something like glowing communication "eggs"! that the twins had.

Now! here comes my Scary memories of this show: Although I recall it as being awesome, there was one thing that freaked me out. THE CAR (LOL), Stupid I know, but hey i'm not into cars except for my fascination with the Pontiac ("Original Knight Rider") and Lamborgini's (Mostly the "SL"). ANYWAY... That Black (I think - a 1930 Pontiac Two Door Sedan), ""Corrections welcome"" freaked me out. I was approx. 9 or 10 when I saw this show, (maybe even 8). Shortly after watching this show I moved into a block of flats with a parking bay underneath. Now! in this parking bay there was this "IDENTICAL" Black car which was ALWAYS there. It Never Moved (Day or Night) for +-2Yrs even after I moved again and happened to walk past on my way to school. Now at that age it made no sense whatsoever as cars are meant to move to and from places. I'm sure you see the link.

Well thats it. Would love to see it again and can't wait for the remake that is coming soon.

cya!