LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON

In "Dune," the miniseries based on Frank Herbert's science fiction novel, William Hurt and Alec Newman starred as father and son. In "Frankenstein," the Oscar� winner and his young colleague reprise their onscreen relationship - to a degree.

Although they aren't related in Hallmark Channel's gripping treatment of Mary Shelley's classic tale, Hurt plays Newman's mentor - a college professor trying to save his prize pupil from a dangerous obsession.

"I like playing father figures to Alec," Hurt says.

"We were joking, because Ian McNeice is [in the "Frankenstein" cast] as well," explains Newman. "We all worked together on 'Dune.' It was like some strange traveling theater company. What is it today, 'Frankenstein' or 'Dune?' 'Oh, no! I'm in the wrong costume!'"

"It's so wonderful to walk back into this situation and recognize somebody," Hurt adds. We have history and with history you can make something more pungent. Pungent," he laughs, "which doesn't mean I don't take a shower!"

"Frankenstein" premieres Tuesday, October 5 and Wednesday, October 6 (9/8c) on Hallmark Channel.

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