Marco Polo (TV miniseries)

Marco Polo is the title of a four-part miniseries that was produced in 1982, and tells of the adventures of the Venetian merchant's son Marco Polo.

Action

Marco Polo is growing up in Venice, and is brought up by his uncle Zane and his aunt Flora, cloth merchants by profession. His mother dies when he is still a child; his father, who is in Asia on a year- long business trip on the road, he has never met. With his friends, however, he dreams to be at great adventure in distant lands, and therefore builds even has its own boat.

At this moment Marcos father Niccolo and his uncle Matteo Polo arrive in Venice. It is the first meeting between father and son. The brothers Polo have been sent by the great Kublai Khan, to find Christian scholars who accompany them in his kingdom. The Khan, open-minded towards other religions, also asks for consecrated oil from the Holy Sepulchre of Jesus.

The request, however, can only be met by the Pope. However, since four years ago meets the conclave, the Polos by the Doge of Venice to Acre (Israel ) will be sent to our petitions to the papal legate, Teobaldo Visconti, not knowing that this chosen in a few months to Pope Gregory X. will be. Marco is allowed to accompany his father and uncle only to prayers of the Pope to the east.

Hardships and privations characterize the way. Finally, the group reached Mongolia. Here he befriends with Chinkin, the son of Kublai Khan and Empress Chabi, who suffers from epilepsy. Through his skill, it creates Marco Prefect of the Khan, who has to experience how China is threatened by Japan, and as well as internal conspiracies cause the Mongol rulers to wage a war against his brother Nayan, the Kublai Khan finally wins. This seems assured his power.

When Marco Polo years later returns as a rich man to Venice, and is at war against Genoa, he is arrested by the church. He is accused to have worshiped pagan gods, and bring heretical influence to Italy. He spent nine years in prison and his experiences familiar to the writer Antonio at Rustico. In winter 1299 Marco Polo is accused and acquitted in court.

Background information

Marco Polo was filmed on location in Italy, Morocco, Nepal and China.

For the title role, which embodied the then 32 -year-old newcomer Ken Marshall, came among others Peter Firth, Michael Ontkean and Mandy Patinkin considered, but rejected.

Synchronizes was Ken Marshall from that time entirely unknown voice actor Detlef Bierstedt, who is known as the default spokesman George Clooney today.

Awards

The film was nominated in eight categories at the Emmy Awards in 1982 and won two Oscars TV.

Award

  • Best Costume Design of a TV series
  • Best Miniseries

Nominations

  • Best Sound Editing Miniseries
  • Best Hair Styling
  • Best Art-Direktion/Set-Dekoration
  • Best Camera
  • Best Editing
  • Best Creative Achievement

Also Cutter John A. Martinelli in 1983 nominated for the Eddie Best in category section of a mini-series.

1982 in film Giuliano Montaldo Screenplay David Butler (screenwriter) Film score Pasqualino De Santis Lorenzo Tiepolo Ahmad Fanakati David Warner (actor)
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