Thelma Houston Movies
French director Roger Vadim pillages his own grave in this nominal re-make of his 1956 creamy sensation And God Created Woman -- the film that made Brigitte Bardot an international star. Unfortunately, he is unable to do the same thing for the cool and cryptic Rebecca DeMornay in this version. DeMornay plays an escaped convict who lands in the limousine of New Mexico gubernatorial candidate Frank Langella and seduces him. For some inexplicable reason, she turns into a hot singing act. DeMornay also seduces innocent stud carpenter Vincent Spano along the way and suckers the poor guy into marrying her so that she can get an early parole. But the joke is on him when she announces that their marriage does not include sexual relations. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi
- Starring:
- Rebecca De Mornay, Vincent Spano, (more)
- 1984
After being mugged by two men, aspiring actress Kendall Gibley (Alexandra Paul) vows that she'll be ready for any future attacks. Kendall decides to "beef up" by undergoing a body-building regimen that would kill a lesser woman. Her devotion to physical culture sorely threatens her personal relationships with her friends, family and boyfriend, Mickey Ritter (David Naughton). Star Alexandra Paul's impressive physique is lovingly photographed by Howard R. Schwartz, as disco music pulsates on the soundtrack. A number of real-life bodybuilders of both sexes appear in supporting and bit roles. Made for television, Getting Physical debuted March 20, 1984. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Sandahl Bergman, Alexandra Paul, (more)
- 1977
- R
Game Show Models transcends its exploitational nature with some truly penetrating satire. A group of well-endowed young ladies go through a grueling audition procedure to be selected as "pointers" and "hand holders" on a popular (albeit fictional) TV game show. Those that are chosen must then run the gauntlet of libidinous producers, hosts and guests. The film's "stars" are virtual unknowns, but the supporting cast includes such veteran favorites as Sid Melton and Dick Miller--not to mention Hollywood columnist Charles Champlin. Clearly designed for the grindhouse trade, Game Show Models is better than one might expect. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1976
- PG
After wife Beatrice (Pearl Bailey) runs off to Mexico, a despondent Ben Chambers (Redd Foxx) travels to California to visit his son, Norman (Michael Warren). To Ben's dismay, Norman admits that he's gay -- and that his lover is a white man. ~ Jason Ankeny, Rovi
- Starring:
- Redd Foxx, Pearl Bailey, (more)
The 1975 TV movie Death Scream is based on the shameful Kitty Genovese affair of 1964, in which a N.Y.C. woman was stabbed to death while 38 witnesses locked their windows and doors and pretended not to hear. Raul Julia stars as the detective who investigates the murder and stirs up the guilt feelings of those who refused to help. The film casts celebrity actors in the roles of the witnesses (Diahann Carroll, Cloris Leachman, Lucie Arnaz, Nancy Walker, Art Carney, et al.). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
