Harry Goz Movies
Beloved to theater buffs for his long-running performance as Teyve in the Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof (which included more than 1,000 performances), actor Harry Goz endeared himself to a new generation of fans with his portrayal of lovably insane Captain Hazel "Hank" Murphy in the Cartoon Network's near-surreal animated series Sealab 2021. A native of St. Louis, MO, who got his start in show business by singing in nightclubs at the age of 16, Goz attended Washington University and the St. Louis Institute of Music before being inducted into the army, where he continuing to perform with the Special Services. Though his military experiences may have forced him to momentarily put his show business ambitions on hold, upon his discharge, Goz immediately picked up where he had previously left off, gradually steering from opera to theater and eventually becoming a fixture at the St. Louis Municipal Opera. It wasn't long after his New York debut in a production of Utopia Limited that Goz joined the National Chorus of America, and it was there that he met his future wife,Margaret Avsharian. In 1963, Goz began working as an understudy to Herschel Bernardi in the Broadway production of Bajour, and when Bernardi fell ill with chicken pox later that year, Goz made his Broadway debut. Once again backing up Bernardi in the Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof, his hard work eventually paid off when Goz eventually won the role of Teyve himself, with his colorful performance virtually defining the actor's early career. Goz crafted an impressive film career after making his debut in the 1976 thriller Marathon Man, and though he continued to develop his onscreen talents in such movies as Mommie Dearest, Bill (both 1981), and Rappin' (1985), there was never any mistaking his allegiance to the stage. Television roles included work in the popular series Wiseguy as well as the short-lived Debra Messing sitcom Ned and Stacey. In 1988, Goz returned to Broadway as a KGB "coach" in Chess. Throughout the '90s he was recognized primarily for his voice work in such animated efforts as Die Schelm von Schelm (Aaron's Magic Village, 1995) and Buster and Chauncey's Silent Night before settling nicely into the voice of Sealab 2021's Captain Murphy. Harry Goz died September 6, 2003, following an extended struggle with cancer. He was 71. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Juxtaposing footage and character poses from the '70s Hanna-Barbera animated effort Sealab 2020 with newly filmed background art, and dubbing in irreverent and scatological dialogue sardonically delivered by the likes of Brett Butler and Erik Estrada, the third season of The Cartoon Network's Sealab 2021 continues blazing new trails in late-night animated raunchiness. The many season-three adventures experienced by the oversexed members of the underwater Sealab team include a brain-switching exercise performed by Dr. Quinn and crewman "Stormy," a dark escapade wherein Captain Murphy blows out Sealab's fuse box, a sequel to the season-three episode "Swimming to Oblivion" depicting an unpleasant incident in voice actor Erik Estrada's trailer and a series reclamation job performed by a nervous Cartoon Network executive, an effort by Captain Murphy to transform Sealab into an obscenely expensive tourist attraction (among Murphy's "guests" is a chain-smoking Velma from Scooby-Doo, Where are You!), a drop-in by "Famous Hollywood Actor" Beck Bristow doing research for an upcoming Sealab 2021 rip-off, and the first appearance by Murphy's replacement, Tornado Shanks (voiced by Michael Goz, son of Murphy's "alter ego" Harry Goz). ~ Rovi
Juxtaposing footage and character poses from the '70s Hanna-Barbera cartoon effort Sealab 2020 with newly filmed background art and dubbing in irreverent and scatological dialogue sardonically delivered by the likes of Brett Butler and Erik Estrada, the second season of Sealab 2021 upholds its first-season standards for late-night animated raunchiness. Among the many season-two adventures experienced by the oversexed members of the underwater Sealab team: The entire crew's trapping itself in the tool closet, a brush with an addictive herbal supplement made of 99 percent kelp, a run-in with the "Bizarro" Sealab staff, and a "behind-the-scenes" glimpse of the series' voice actors (who come off as a bunch of egotistical jerks). ~ Rovi
- 2001
In the tradition of Space Ghost Coast to Coast, the adult animated series Sealab 2021 lifted footage from an old, obscure Hanna-Barbera kiddie cartoon show, reedited the material, and composited the images over newly drawn backgrounds. In this case, the "original" series was Sealab 2020, which was first seen on NBC during the 1972-1973 season. One of several "serious" H-B efforts of the era, the first Sealab took place in the early 21st century and was set in a domed experimental city several miles beneath the sea. Boasting a population of 250, Sealab was commandeered by oceanographer Dr. Paul Williams with the assistance of Captain Mike Murphy, Murphy's niece, Sallie, and nephew, Bobby, and the three Sealab aquanauts who had rescued Murphy et al. from a watery doom: Hal, Ed, and Gail. And, oh yes, there was a comedy-relief dolphin named Tubby. Developed by Adam Reed and Matt Thompson and first aired as a trio of pilot films on the Cartoon Network's "Adult Swim" anthology in 2000, Sealab 2021 was a wickedly satirical sendup on the earlier series, top-heavy with sexual references and scatological humor. The premise: The earth's ecological system had totally broken down, forcing the Sealab crew to remain underwater indefinitely. After being cooped up for a full year (hence the series' title), the crew had broken down as well, at least in terms of morale and inhibitions. Foul-mouthed, ill-mannered Captain Murphy--now known as "Hazel" to certain intimates--had no control over his randy subordinates, who in addition to becoming insatiably hedonistic were also terminally indolent and careless, causing one apocalyptic disaster after another. The series was a cornucopia of "inside" jokes for cartoon buffs and TV fans alike, especially in its choice of voice talent, which included TV-series icons Brett Butler and Erik Estrada. The irreverence spilled over into the closing credits in which the name of series producer Mike Lazzo was invariably misspelled. Also featured were cool, crazy excerpts from contemporary and "classic" rock albums. The weekly 15-minute series version of Sealab 2021 first aired on September 2, 2001. ~ Rovi
After testing the waters with three pilot episodes, The Cartoon Network finally gave the go-ahead for a full season of 15-minute Sealab 2021 episodes in the fall of 2001. Juxtaposing footage and character poses from the 1970s Hanna-Barbera cartoon effort Sealab 2020 with newly filmed background art, and dubbing in irreverent and scatological dialogue sardonically delivered by the likes of Brett Butler and Erik Estrada, the series' first season sets new standards for late-night animated raunchiness. Among the adventures experienced by the oversexed members of the underwater Sealab team include crew member Debbie's efforts to find someone to father her child; an attempt to capture a cannibalistic invisible monster by using crew mascot Dolphin Boy as bait; Captain Murphy's demand that his subordinates hack into a cable-TV system (causing Sealab to repeatedly explode!); Dr. Quinn suffering hallucinations after being continually electrocuted by crewman "Stormy"; and a strange interlude with a soda machine. ~ Rovi
- 1998
A series of threatening e-mails suggests that a young nurse found unconscious after falling down a flight of stairs was the victim of a voyeuristic cyber-stalker. Further investigation reveals that the woman may have faked her own attack as means of drawing police attention to her plight. As a result, the case is dropped -- and a murder occurs soon afterward. In a powerful courtroom finale, detective partners Briscoe (Jerry Orbach) and Curtis (Benjamin Bratt) each provide testimony which contradicts the other's words. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1997
Season one of Ned and Stacey concluded as selfish ad executive Ned (Thomas Haden Church) and abrasive left-wing journalist Stacey (Debra Messing) were on the brink of divorcing, thus breaking up the "marriage of convenience" that had been brokered by Stacey's sister Amanda (Nadia Dajani) so that Ned could keep his job with the firm of Kirkland & Haywood and Stacey could get a new apartment. However, there seems to be a bit of subliminal lust holding the couple together at the outset of season two, else how can one explain why this mismatched couple has decided to remain together? Even so, the series seems to be gradually morphing into "Ned and Amanda," as Stacey's sibling Amanda begins to figure more prominently in the proceedings with every succeeding episode. After getting Ned mixed up in a train wreck of a real-estate deal, Amanda still manages to talk him into becoming her partner in a small business concern, "Amanda's Amuffins" (Ford Rainey is added to the cast at this juncture as elderly Nate, the muffin shop's best customer). Meanwhile, back at the ad agency, Ned works hand and glove with Amanda's husband Eric (Greg Germann), chief clerk for Kirkland & Haywood, to thwart the machinations of such duplicitous clients as Les MacDowell (John Getz). Apparently, audiences weren't impressed by the shift of emphasis in Ned and Stacey. The second season had barely gotten under way when the Fox network decided to pull the plug, freeing up Debra Messing and Thomas Haden Church for more artistically fulfilling projects like Will & Grace and Sideways -- and leaving eleven of the series' completed episodes unaired. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Thomas Haden Church, Debra Messing, (more)
An amalgam of fairy tales penned by Jewish author Isaac Bashevis Singer, this charming animated musical tale is set in Chelm, a mythical Polish hamlet populated by fools. Chelm became so after one of God's cherubs -- charged by Yaweh to sprinkle foolishness throughout his newly created earth to temper the intelligence and wisdom distributed by other small angels -- clumsily dumps all of the idiot dust on the tiny town. The stuff is potent, and no wisdom or even common sense can be found amongst its residents. One day, orphan Aaron is sent there to be raised by his Uncle Schlemiel and Aunt Sarah. Aaron brings with him his wise, bespectacled goat Zlateh. As the only sources of intelligent life in town, it is up to them to save the people from the wicked machinations of a sorcerer seeking to steal the Book of Marvels from the town hall so he can release a destructive golem, a hideous monster made of clay, to ruin Chelm. Featuring detailed background work and only average animation, the story's appeal is for very young children, though some may not understand some of the Yiddish words used throughout. The songs were penned by Sheldon Harnick (Fiddler on the Roof) and Michel Legrand (Yentl). ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Tommy Michaels, Fyvush Finkel, (more)
Here's the premise for season one of Ned and Stacey: abrasive counter-culture journalist Stacey (Debra Messing) is in desperate need of an apartment. Arrogant advertising executive Ned (Thomas Haden Church) needs a wife to improve his image at the ad firm of Kirkland and Haywood, which caters heavily to the "family values" crowd. It so happens that Stacey's sister Amanda (Nadia Dajani) is married to Ned's chief accountant and best friend Eric (Greg Germann). At Amanda's urging, Ned and Stacey enter into an in-name-only marriage, with the understanding that they can continue going out with others. Not surprisingly, the couple find it impossible to get along for any more than a few minutes at a time, but they do manage to find prospective dates for one another. As the season progresses, Stacey leaves her job at The Village Voice and signs on with "Skyward," a cheap in-flight magazine for a cut-rate airline. Ned finally fixes Stacey up with "Mr. Right" and she falls deeply in love -- thus neatly bollixing up the couple's marriage of convenience. The season ends with a spirit of hearty recrimination and a determination on the part of both Ned and Stacey to get a divorce. But how can one dismiss that long, passionate kiss between them in the middle of Ned's apartment? Recurring characters during season one include Harry Goz and Dori Brenner as Stacey's parents Saul and Ellen; Andrew Arons as Eric and Amanda's son Howard; and James Karen as Ned's boss Patrick Kirkland. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Thomas Haden Church, Debra Messing, (more)
- 1987
Malcolm "Mace" Douglas (Ed Marinaro) is a vice squad detective who investigates the drug-related murders of strippers in this uneven, low-budget crime drama. The former homicide lieutenant was demoted when he earned his nickname for spraying mace down the throat of a suspect. He and Mark Cain (Darrell Larson) later become entangled in implausible international intrigue with Bulgarian diplomats, KBG agents, lowlife club owners, and blackmail. Mace loses his badge when he falls for the stripper Amber (Cassandra Gava). Isaac Hayes, Lynn Whitfield, Corbin Bernsen, and John Hancock co-star. ~ Dan Pavlides, Rovi
- Starring:
- Ed Marinaro, Darrell Larson, (more)
- 1983
Bill: On His Own is the laudable made-for-TV sequel to the Emmy-winning 1981 film Bill. Mickey Rooney once more shines as Bill Sackter, a mentally-retarded adult struggling to survive in the mainstream. The owner of a coffee kiosk at the University of Iowa, Bill becomes disoriented when his friend and mentor Dennis Quaid moves to Los Angeles. Taking over Bill's case is idealistic young social worker Helen Hunt. While studying towards his Bar Mitzvah (which he was denied at the age of 13 because of his "incompetence"), Bill suffers a severe personal blow that threatens to send him spiralling back into helplessness. Bill: On His Own was originally telecast November 9, 1983, some four months after the death at age 70 of the real-life Bill Sackter. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1981
This Emmy-winning made-for-TV movie, based on a book by Oscar-winning screenwriter Barry Morrow (from his true story), stars Mickey Rooney in the title role of a mentally-challenged adult who has spent his life holed up in a bleak institution. When documentary filmmaker Morrow (Dennis Quaid) and his family invite him into their home to stay with them, Bill is given his first taste of independence in the real world. Together, Bill and the Morrows unexpectedly teach each other valuable lessons about life and themselves. The film was so popular that it spawned a sequel two years later called Bill: On His Own. ~ Matthew Tobey, Rovi
- 1976
Maria Schell guest stars as a East European nun who arrives in New York accompanied by a countryman named Toza (Herb Edelman). In truth, the "nun" is a Yugoslavian princess named Viva Dushan, and Toza is her faithful general factotum. The two emigres are determined to recover a fortune in jewels stolen from the Princess during WW2, and they are convinced that the gems are in the possession of big-time mobster Vitto Colletti (Harry Goz). Inevitably, Kojak (Telly Savalas) must see to it that justice is done through the proper channels--and that the Princess survives the intrigue. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Doc Levy (Roy Scheider) is an American secret agent who has been running interference between the U.S. government and escaped Nazi war criminal Szell (Laurence Olivier). Believing that Doc has stolen a valuable cache of gems, Szell emerges from his South American hiding place and heads for New York. He has Doc killed, then kidnaps Doc's in-the-dark brother, Babe (Dustin Hoffman). Repeating the phrase "Is it safe?" over and over, Szell, a onetime concentration camp dentist, tries to extract information from Babe by performing sadistic "oral surgery" upon him. Babe, who still doesn't know about the gems, escapes, breaking his own self-imposed rule of nonviolence to defend himself against his pursuers and gearing up for sadistic revenge. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Dustin Hoffman, Laurence Olivier, (more)
