Gene Tyburn Movies

Rollercoaster was a by-product of the brief "Sensurround" craze of the 1970s. Nutsoid Timothy Bottoms sabotages an amusement-park roller coaster, killing several innocent revelers. After several other acts of terrorism, Bottoms (whose character is credited as Young Man) presents his demands to the authorities via audio tape: one million dollars, or he'll stage five roller-coaster disasters simultaneously in five different parks. Because detective Harry Calder George Segal evinces a grudging respect for the elusive extortionist, Bottoms declares that only Detective Calder will be permitted to deliver the money. Thus the stage is set for an explosive climax, which during the film's original run was accompanied by the Sensurround effect, a gimmick that electronically caused the filmgoer's chairs to begin shaking and vibrating during the "thrill scenes." As with most disaster flicks of the era, Rollercoaster is top-heavy with "guest stars," including Richard Widmark, Henry Fonda, Harry Guardino, and Susan Strasberg. Watch for 13-year-old Helen Hunt as Detective Calder's spunky daughter. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

At the height of his fame as "The Meathead" on All in the Family, Rob Reiner accepted a guest-star assignment on this episode of The Rockford Files. Reiner is cast as Larry "King" Sturtevant, a second-string quarterback for the Southern Illinois Warriors football team. Jim Rockford (James Garner) is brought into the story when Sturtevant accuses the detective of blackmailing him with some compromising audio tapes, which are conveniently missing. In his efforts to clear himself, Jim essentially becomes his own client, and in so doing exposes himself to more physical abuse than usual. Former pro footballer Dick Butkus appears as himself in a party scene. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

In this made-for-TV movie, a driver is involved in a hit-and-run accident. By the time the guilt-ridden fellow returns to the accident scene, the body has mysteriously disappeared. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

Everest Julian, a dying lawyer, is the bearer of a brain which holds memories from before mankind lived on the planet, and all subsequent experiences. Before he dies, Julian must find some poor fool to receive this unwelcome legacy. He chooses David Reynolds, an artist who is slow to understand the implications of his request. One highlight of the film is the repeated appearance of a mysterious, problem-solving cat. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi

Sidney Poitier stars as John Kane, a heavenly emissary who pays a visit to the Alabama town where he was born. Making it his mission to purge the community of all hatred and prejudice, "Brother John" is nothing less than the Messiah returned to earth. Trouble is, he's black, and it's Alabama-so who's going to pay attention? Will Greer costars as a local town doctor. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Stephen McNally guest-stars as Nazi war criminal Kruger Schtelman, the only man who knows the whereabouts of a fortune hidden by the Germans during WW2. To prevent Schtelman from using the money to finance a neo-Nazi revolt, the IMF must trick him into revealing the whereabouts of the hidden cash. The solution: To convince Schtelman that the War is still in progress--and that he is on board a Nazi submarine (meticulously recreated by Mission: Impossible art director Gibson Holley). Lee Meriwether makes her second appearance as IMF agent Tracey. Written by Donald James, "Submarine" first aired on November 16, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

While posing as a hard-hat to ferret out a thief at one of his construction sites, Bill (Brian Keith) befriends fellow worker Scott Norvell (Ray Baxter), whose hobby is raising tropical fish. In a well-meaning effort to promote family togetherness, Scott relays his fascination with exotic fish to Buffy (Anissa Jones), Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) and Cissy (Kathy Garver), but the scheme backfires when the kids' little finny friends begin multiplying at an alarming rate. This episode reunites three actors from the 1966 film hit The Russians are Coming, The Russians are Coming: Brian Keith, Johnnie Whitaker and Ray Baxter. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Hoss Cartwright seriously injures washed-up boxer Hank Kelly (Michael Conrad in a challenge fight. Feeling guilty, Hoss refuses all entreaties to fight on a professional basis-but younger brother Joe is eager and willing to show off his pugilistic prowess. Featured in the cast are Phillip Pine as Ross Dugan and Mari Aldon as Rubi Kelly. Written by Robert L. Goodwin, "The Fighters" first aired on April 24, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi