Gordon Devol Movies
- 1978
- PG
The religious conversion of British actress Joan Winmill is chronicled in this bio-pic. Told via flashback her life up until that moment is chronicled from her miserable childhood, her mother's death, and a cousins death. Her bout with clinical depression resulting in suicidal tendencies is also chronicled. Apparently the problem was genetic as her grandmother also suffered a nervous breakdown related to the problem. Also depicted is her affair with Robert Kennedy. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Belinda Carroll, Roland Culver, (more)
- 1973
- PG
In A Reflection of Fear a young woman, Marguerite (Sondra Locke), cloistered in a turn-of-the-century Victorian dream-world by her mother, vies for the attention of her visiting dad, Michael (Robert Shaw), both conventionally and sexually, in hopes that she'll get to live with him. Her plans are complicated by a series of murders that may or may not be by Marguerite or her eerie life-size doll Aaron. The perpetrator moves around the estate through secret passageways. The first victims are Marguerite 's mother and grandma. While the investigation is under way, a local boy tries to woo the girl, but whenever he gets too close, the girl lashes out in unpredictable ways. Meanwhile Michael's fiancée, Anne (Sally Kellerman), becomes suspicious of Marguerite and what she understandably sees as Marguerite's creepy competitions for her dad's love. Anne's initial efforts to befriend Michael's daughter turn into exasperation and disgust. As the situation spirals out of control, the long-absent father is forced to confront Marguerite 's twisted personality and upbringing. ~ Michael Buening, Rovi
- Starring:
- Sondra Locke, Robert Shaw, (more)
The first independent production of former studio mogul Jack Warner, 1776 was adapted from the hit 1969 Broadway musical by Peter Stone and Sherman Edwards. William Daniels, Ken Howard, and Howard Da Silva are among the many actors who recreate their Broadway roles. The story is set during the first Continental Congress, when the Declaration of Independence was drafted by such founding fathers as John Adams (Daniels) and Benjamin Franklin (Da Silva). The script attempts to "humanize" these remote historical figures by contemporizing them -- particularly the character of Ben Franklin. Blythe Danner's character of Martha Jefferson is expanded for the film version to allow for an elaborate outdoor production number. After 1776, Warner made only one more film, the 1972 "grunge Western" Dirty Little Billy. On an added note: the picture was originally rated G with its theatrical running time of 141 minutes. It was later expanded to 166 minutes; the added scenes caused the MPAA to re-rate it PG (for language) in 1992. Both versions are available on video. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- William Daniels, Howard Da Silva, (more)
- 1971
Ken Swofford guest-stars as corrupt political boss Charles Peck, who will stop at nothing to get his hand-picked flunkey Steve Tallman (Lloyd Bochner) elected governor. To accomplish this, Peck stirs up a violent campus riot, for which the gubernatorial incumbent will surely be blamed. The IMF infiltrates the campus to prevent Peck's plan from succeeding. Originally telecast on January 2, 1971 (some eight months after the Kent State debacle!), "The Takeover" was scripted by Arthur Weiss, from a story by Weiss and Jerry Thomas. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Leonard Nimoy, (more)
A young man with a death wish and a 79-year-old high on life find love in Hal Ashby's cult black comedy. Deadpan rich boy Harold (Bud Cort) keeps staging elaborate suicide tableaux to get the attention of his mother (Vivian Pickles), but she keeps planning his brilliant future for him instead. Obsessed with the trappings of death, Harold freaks out his blind dates, modifies his new sports car to look like a mini-hearse, and attends funerals, where he meets the spirited Maude (Ruth Gordon). An eccentric to the core, Maude lives exactly as she pleases, with avid collecting and nude modeling among her many pursuits. To the disgust of Harold's relatives and the befuddlement of Harold's shrink, Harold falls in love with her. As lilting Cat Stevens tunes play on the soundtrack, Maude teaches Harold a valuable lesson about making the most of his time on earth. ~ Lucia Bozzola, Rovi
- Starring:
- Ruth Gordon, Bud Cort, (more)
- 1969
Samantha's new baby son has been born, and no one is prouder than her father, Maurice. Determined that his will be the most beautiful grandson in the maternity ward, Maurice casts a special which causes everyone -- including other expectant fathers -- to go into paroxysms of delight when they see the baby. As a result, Larry Tate hires Sam's new arrival as a model for a baby-food company, and the Witches Council fumes at Maurice's irresponsible behavior. Written by Richard Baer, "And Something Makes Four" first aired on October 16, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
- 1969
Samantha transforms a stray chimpanzee into a human named Harry (Lou Antonio). The trouble really begins when Harry refuses to be returned to ape-hood. And as if that wasn't enough of a dilemma, Harry is hired as a "perfect" model by Darrin's latest client, cologne manufacturer Evelyn Tucker (Gail Kobe). Scripted by the prolific Bewitched writing team of Lila Garrett and Bernie Kahn, "Going Ape" initially aired on February 27, 1969. This marked one of the few episodes in which Darrin Stephens does not appear at all;
he's said to be away on business for two days. Samantha speaks with him on the telephone at one point, but he is neither seen nor heard. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
he's said to be away on business for two days. Samantha speaks with him on the telephone at one point, but he is neither seen nor heard. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Agnes Moorehead, (more)
