The Magician of Samarkand is a children's book by

Alan Temperley ''Harry and the Wrinklies'' is a children's novel written by British author Alan Temperley. The book was published in paperback in February 1998 by Scholastic Corporation, Scholastic. It was Temperley's second published novel, after ''Murdo' ...

which was made into a special three-part television program in 2006 for the British series ''

Jackanory ''Jackanory'' was a BBC children's television series which was originally broadcast between 1965 and 1996. It was designed to stimulate an interest in Reading (activity), reading. The programme was first transmitted on 13 December 1965, and the ...

''. The television special starred

Ben Kingsley Sir Ben Kingsley (born Krishna Pandit Bhanji; 31 December 1943) is an English actor. He has received List of awards and nominations received by Ben Kingsley, various accolades throughout Ben Kingsley on screen and stage, his career spanning fi ...

and was produced and directed by

Nick Willing Nick Willing (born 1961) is a British director, producer and writer of films and television series. Early life Willing is the son of Portuguese painter Dame Paula Rego and English artist Victor Willing and was largely brought up in Portugal, ...

. The special was nominated for a

BAFTA The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA, ) is an independent trade association and charity that supports, develops, and promotes the arts of film, television and video games in the United Kingdom. In addition to its annual awa ...

Children's Award in the category of drama.

Plot

An evil magician moves into a small town in Asia and becomes enamored by Anahita, a poor girl who is in love with the local prince. The magician wishes to enslave Anahita, so she and her friends scheme to overthrow him.

References

BBC children's television shows Children's fantasy novels 2000s British children's television series {{2000s-child-novel-stub