Jeremy Slate Movies
One of the more talented "barrel-chested surfer boys" of the early '60s to follow in the wake of Tab Hunter and Troy Donahue, Jeremy Slate gained instant notoriety as a playboy hunk who set many a female heart aflutter.Born February 17, 1926, in Atlantic City, NJ, Slate first fell into the public spotlight at age 34, when cast as second-string fiddle to Keith Larsen in the CBS prime-time series The Aquanauts. Larsen and Slate played Drake Andrews and Larry Lahr, professional deep-sea divers who spent their days salvaging for treasure off the Southern California coast. The adventure drama debuted on CBS Wednesday evening, September 14, 1960. Unfortunately, The Aquanauts (unlike its syndicated competitor, Sea Hunt) ran headfirst into awful ratings. After several attempts by the network to save it from oblivion (including a new lead actor replacing Larsen, a new location in Malibu Beach, and a new title, Malibu Run) it quickly plummeted out of sight before wrapping in September 1961.
Slate's early film roles were almost all of the vacuous-hunk variety, and thus mirrored his Aquanauts turn. He appeared in a brace of Elvis flicks, G.I. Blues (1960) and Girls! Girls! Girls! (1962), and as Scandinavian beefcake Eric Carlson in Bob Hope's musical comedy farce I'll Take Sweden (1965). The Henry Hathaway-directed Westerns The Sons of Katie Elder (1965) and True Grit (1969) provided the actor with slightly more substantial roles. Meanwhile, Slate guest starred on an estimated 100 television programs, from Bewitched to Gunsmoke to Police Story to Mission: Impossible.
Slate maintained a higher profile as a writer and star of the motorcycle cult film Hell's Angels '69 (1969), directed by Lee Madden. This fell in the middle of a spate of grade-Z motorcycle flicks with Slate in the cast, from 1968's The Mini-Skirt Mob to 1967's Born Losers (the first of the Billy Jack cycle) to 1969's Hell's Belles. The "tough guy" role in these films was not anomalous for Slate, for as the '60s rolled on (and the actor entered his forties), his onscreen type shifted from that of a lusty Southern Californian sex symbol to a wizened street tough. The films in which he sustained this image varied somewhat in quality, but Slate scraped bottom (and then some) in William Grefe's nasty exploitationer The Hooked Generation (1969) as the head of a gang of drug pushers.
In 1979, Slate hit a second wind of his career as Chuck Wilson on the ABC daytime soap One Life to Live. The role lasted eight years. During the '80s and '90s, he also appeared as a character actor in such low-profile cinematic features as Deadlock (1988), Maddalena Z (1989), and The Lawnmower Man (1992, playing Father McKeen).
Jeremy Slate died at age 80, of complications following surgery for esophageal cancer, on November 19, 2006. His last film, Terry Leonard's Buttermilk Sky (2007), was released posthumously. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi
Loosely based on a short story by Stephen King, The Lawnmower Man was the first film to explore virtual reality technology and boasts a dazzling collection of computer-animated sequences. The story concerns the slightly-mad scientist Dr. Lawrence Angelo (Pierce Brosnan), who as part of a secret government agency called Cybertech has been experimenting with something termed "intelligence enhancement." By using drugs and virtual reality technology, Angelo has managed to boost the IQ of experimental chimps. But he also makes them more aggressive and, bit by bit, they go insane. When one of his animal subjects goes on a rampage, Angelo decides to go for a human guinea pig instead -- Jobe Smith (Jeff Fahey), a slightly retarded man who cuts his lawn. Not only do Jobe's intelligence and sex-drive improve thanks to Angelo's regimen, but he also develops extrasensory perception. As Jobe's mental and emotional state keeps increasing, so does his strength. As he gains more power, Jobe becomes angrier and more vindictive until he vows to get even with all the town's people that patronized him and treated him badly. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jeff Fahey, Pierce Brosnan, (more)
- 1991
- PG
In this comedy, college student Barry Davis (Corey Haim) longs to be able to afford a really great car to impress the coeds. However, when Barry receives a beautiful Porshe as an unusual gift, he discovers that his dream car isn't all it is cracked up to be, especially with a dead body in the trunk. ~ Iotis Erlewine, Rovi
- 1990
- PG13
A husband goes middle-age bonkers and leaves his wife in this comedy. Now she is determined to show him that she doesn't need him anyway. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Valerie Harper, Elliott Gould, (more)
Zombies rise up from a terrifying pit beneath a notorious mental asylum to do the bidding of the evil Dr. Ramzi, the crazed doctor who twenty years before was walled up alive in the crazy house after someone discovered his horrific experiments involving formaldehyde and illegal lobotomies. Following each experiment, the doctor would casually toss the dead victims into the pit. While his captor slowly bricks him up, Ramzi swears that he will have revenge. When enigmatic Jane Doe is admitted into the asylum for severe amnesia and she turns out to have amazing subconscious psychic power that wakens Ramzi from his hellish sleep, he gets his revenge. Jane and Ramzi seem to be psychically linked and he draws his power from her as he begins to resurrect his former victims. He then sends his small zombie army out into the hospital to find new recruits. Gory, creative killing occurs, for Ramzi's zombies are not only quick, they are also semi-intelligent. Now only Jane, the doctor who originally killed Ramzi, a psychotic demolitions expert and a lunatic zombified nun can stop them. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jeremy Slate, Danny Gochnauer, (more)
- 1989
In this detective yarn, a very traditional investigator from New Jersey moves to Hawaii and begins looking into the death of a prominent real-estate developer. Unfortunately, few locals welcome the detective's arrival. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- 1989
- R
The sequel to Goodbye, Norma Jean, this film introduces the theory that Marilyn Monroe's death was the result of a calculated mercy killing. ~ Iotis Erlewine, Rovi
- Starring:
- Misty Rowe, Paula Lane, (more)
- 1989
Zandy (Dunja Djordjevic) is a college student who has to do a research paper on the old days of the fishing industry on the California coast. She seeks out Dominic (Bill Ackridge), an elderly Italian who still earns a meager living from his tiny boat, and goes out on the water with him. They see things very differently, but gradually become friends. Zandy finds the earthy Dominic attractive in a one-night stand sort of way, and Dominic entertains notions of romance for the young woman as well. However, what he would really like is a long-term relationship and a young woman to come home to. Eventually they sort out the complications, as the fisherman is a level-headed sort. This film originally swept through the festival circuit in 1989 as Maddalena Z, then received a theatrical release in 1991 under the title Voyage of the Heart. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi
- Starring:
- Bill Ackridge, Dunja Djordjevic, (more)
In this made-for-TV thriller, Liz Barlett (Loni Anderson) is a rookie journalist covering a series of murders that seem to have touched nearly everyone she knows. When one of Liz's best friends, a fellow journalist named Jerry Caper, becomes the next victim, she meets Dan Walker (Joe Penny), a freelance investigative journalist who knew Caper and wants to track down his killer. Liz and Dan join in hopes of finding the murderer before he can strike again. Before long, they become emotionally involved, though Dan discovers that Liz has a past that she isn't entirely proud of. Whisper Kill also stars Jeremy Slate, June Lockhart, and James Sutorius. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- 1983
- R
This semi-documentary offers an interesting look at the infamous biker organization and makes the slightly slanted point, that despite their reputation as hell-raisers and violent thugs-on-wheels, they do in fact live by a strict code of honor and a genuine love of the road. The film chronicles their initial formation in the early '50s and features appearances by such performers as Willie Nelson, Jerry Garcia, and Johnny Paycheck. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- 1979
In this western, based on a William Goldman novel, the life of scout Tom Horn, an idealistic fellow whose life experiences turn him into a bitter bounty hunter, is chronicled. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- David Carradine, Richard Widmark, (more)
Notable as an early effort from renowned horror filmmaker Wes Craven, this made-for-TV occult thriller was loosely adapted from a novel by Lois Duncan. Star Linda Blair -- whose film career had taken a detour into TV-movie territory after her legendary bow in The Exorcist -- returns to the demon-possession genre as a teenager who can't seem to convince her parents that her visiting southern-belle cousin (Lee Purcell) is an evil witch. Purcell's diabolical meddling seems focused entirely on the innocent Blair, who loses both her prize horse and her boyfriend to the scheming sorceress before the rest of the family catches on. Though Craven's well-known extremism is curbed by the limitations of television, his talent at generating high-intensity suspense is still evident, making this a modestly entertaining horror item. ~ Cavett Binion, Rovi
- 1975
A cruel cougar terrorizes a pioneer family in California during the 1890s in this adventure. Fortunately, the unsettled settlers are soon protected by a friendly wild dog. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- 1974
The made-for-TV Stowaway to the Moon may be regarded by some as an excellent argument for birth control. Michael Link plays E.J., an 11-year-old boy fascinated by manned space travel. While visiting Cape Canaveral, E. J. accidentally finds himself on board a space missile. By and by, he is accidentally launched to the moon. But don't despair--this is a kiddie movie. Also in the cast is Lloyd Bridges, Jeremy Slate, and, in the role of a TV commentator, real-life former astronaut Pete Conrad. Curiously, the full-color Stowaway to the Moon was often telecast in black and white when it went into local syndication. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
A psychopathic killer administers a series of death sentences to various pornographic models. ~ Kristie Hassen, Rovi
- 1973
Filmed in Spain, this TV movie stars Stuart Whitman as a painter who drops out of sight for seven years. Upon resurfacing, he discovers that his name has been affixed to high-priced forgeries. What's more, a crooked art dealer is capitalizing on Whitman's supposed death. While mulling through all these plot developments, Whitman falls in love with Brigitte Fossey, whose previous lover is the duplicitous dealer who is benefitting from reports of the artist's demise. Originally titled A Spanish Portrait, this film was shot in 1970, then lay unseen on the shelf for nearly three years. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Stuart Whitman, Bernard Lee, (more)
- 1972
Breaking up a drug ring is hard enough; when a bunch of alligators are thrown into the picture, things really become uncomfortable for this pair of scuba divers. ~ Rovi
- 1972
In this horror movie, set upon the English moors during Victorian times, children born under the astrological sign of Cancer are compelled to become part of a demonic union. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- 1971
Also known as Cross Current, The Cable Car Murder emulates the 1971 theatrical feature Tick, Tick, Tick by teaming a black homicide lieutenant (Robert Hooks) with a white partner (Jeremy Slate). Simon Oakland costars as the team's apoplectic superior (is there any other kind?) Set in San Francisco, the story involves the cable-car murder of a shipping mogul's son, which was committed in broad daylight. Is Special Guest Star Robert Wagner the guilty party? Designed as the pilot for a TV series, Cable Car Murder received very little word of mouth when it premiered on November 19, 1971; after all, everyone was still talking about Steven Spielberg's Duel, which received its first telecast six days earlier. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1971
$75 million in stolen diamonds is hidden somewhere on the ocean floor. Only Frederick Hoffman (Jeremy Slate) knows the actual whereabouts of the gems, and Hoffman is currently the prisoner of sadistic master criminal George Berlinger (Fritz Weaver). The IMF must recover the diamonds before Hoffman cracks under Berlinger's torture--and to accomplish this, Phelps and Casey must convince Berlinger that they know what he wants to know. The underwater scenes were filmed on location at Marineland of the Pacific. Wrtten by Arthur Weiss, "Underwater" was first telecast on November 6, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Greg Morris, (more)
Chuck (Tom Stern) and his brother Wes (Jeremy Slate) are the wealthy siblings who plan to rob Caesar's Palace more for fun than profit. They ingratiate themselves to the Hell's Angels of Oakland, lead by Sonny Barger (himself). The brothers plan to use the gang as a diversion during the staging of the planned heist. When Betsy the biker babe (Conny Van Dyke) mistakenly reveals the plan, the brothers are forced to take other measures when they become separated in this boring biker movie that features real Hell's Angels gang members. ~ Dan Pavlides, Rovi
- Starring:
- Tom Stern, Jeremy Slate, (more)
- 1969
- PG
When Dan (Jeremy Slate) wins a motorcycle worth $2,000, he plans to sell the bike for a down payment on a ranch and settle down. After the motorcycle is stolen by Tony (Michael Walker), Tampa (Adam Roarke) takes possession of it. Dan is soon after the thugs who took the bike and who are on the way to Mexico. One by one, Dan eliminates the crooks with boulders, fists, and ropes, and he makes grisly and effective use of a pit of rattlesnakes to exact his revenge. His girl Cathy (Jocelyn Lane) shudders in terror as the men beat themselves into bloody submission in this manic macho motorcycle movie. ~ Dan Pavlides, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jeremy Slate, Adam Roarke, (more)
In fine Hollywood tradition, John Wayne had to play a "one-eyed fat man" before the Motion Picture Academy considered him worthy of an Oscar. In True Grit, Wayne plays grumpy, pot-bellied U.S. marshal "Rooster" Cogburn, hired by 14-year-old Mattie Ross (Kim Darby) to find Tom Chaney (Jeff Corey), who killed her father. The headstrong Mattie could have had her pick of lawmen, but selects the aging Cogburn because she believes he has "true grit" (she talks this way all through the picture, so be prepared). Also heading into Indian territory in search of Chaney is Texas Ranger La Boeuf (Glen Campbell), who wants to collect the reward placed on the fugitive's head for his earlier crimes. Complicating matters are Chaney's scurrilous cronies Ned Pepper (Robert Duvall), Quincy (Jeremy Slate), and Moon (Dennis Hopper), who have no qualms about killing a troublesome teenaged girl like Mattie. While the plot of True Grit, adapted (and streamlined) by Marguerite Roberts from the novel by Charles Portis, maintains audience interest throughout, the glue that truly holds this Western together is John Wayne, delivering one of his finest performances (though some believe he was better in She Wore a Yellow Ribbon). Wayne's casual charisma is infinitely more effective than the mannered method acting of Kim Darby and the floundering non-acting of poor Glen Campbell. And who could not love the climatic face-off between Duvall and company and John Wayne, whose "Fill your hand, you son of a bitch!" is not only a classic bit of dialogue, but the apotheosis of the Wayne mystique. In 1975, Wayne repeated his True Grit characterization opposite Katharine Hepburn in Rooster Cogburn, but the film failed to match its predecessor and the overall effect was blunted. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- John Wayne, Glen Campbell, (more)
- 1969
- R
The violent, gruesome world of international drug runners provides the basis for this grim, exploitation actioner. The story centers on the leader of a gang of dope peddlers who sail out to meet a Cuban boat loaded with heroin. The meeting occurs, and as a preamble, they smoke a little pot with the Cubans and then rob them after destroying their boat. As they race off across the water, they see a Coast Guard cutter heading toward the fire. Quickly the crooks stuff the narcotic in waterproof containers and toss it overboard with the intent of getting it later. While they do this a young couple, out for a romantic cruise witnesses them and calls the Coast Guard themselves. The film gets gory at this point as the desperate drug-dealers murder the Coast Guard officers and abduct the couple. They take them to their lair on the Seminole Indian reservation, and a gang member savages the girl. From there more murder and violence ensues as the desperados attempt to flee the FBI in the Everglades. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jeremy Slate, Steve Alaimo, (more)
- 1968
Taking advantage of the illness of his powerful rancher father Claude Roman (Denver Pyle), mean-spirited Jermey Roman (Jeremy Slate) runs roughshod over everyone. In addition to browbeating his sister Mary (Diane Muldaur) and reneging on a legitimate business deal with the Cartwrights, Jeremy also tries to get his father declared mentally incompetent. But by episode's end, Jeremy forcibly learns that there's more to greatness than merely inheriting a great name. First telecast on October 13, 1968, "The Passing of a King" was written by B.W. Sandefur. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
