In this episode Mark talks about one of his favourite films: the 1979 science fiction horror film "Alien", directed by Ridley Scott. The premise of the film revolves around the crew of the commercial space tug 'Nostromo', who encounter the eponymous Alien - a deadly and aggressive extraterrestrial Xenomorph that gets set loose on the ship and subsequently terrorises and attempts to eliminate the crew one by one. The film stars Tom Skerritt as Captain Dallas, Sigourney Weaver as Warrant Officer Ellen Ripley - who is the main protagonist of the Alien film franchise - as well as John Hurt as Kane and Ian Holm as Ash. Since its innitial release the film has garnered positive reviews and it still continues to be well regarded as one of the best films ever made. The story of "Alien" and the character of Ellen Ripley has been continued in many forms, including several motion picture sequels - and both "Alien" and Sigourney Weaver's Ripley are often sighted for revolutionising the science fiction/horror genre through its depiction of a strong female protagonist, the exception practical special effects, and the tension that is generated by the action set pieces which drive the film's story from beginning to end.
