Frank Aletter Movies
- 1986
- PG13
It just isn't Gino's day. First of all, bank employee Gino (Paul Sorvino) is offered a lucrative deal from his dying boss Theo Marshall (Lorne Greene), if only he can keep the man's bank in control of his irresponsible son (Gary Raff) and out of the hands of his greedy relatives. To make matters even worse, when Gino arrives home from a hard day at work, he is greeted by his wife (Cassandra Edwards), his eight kids, and an ultimatum--get a vasectomy or give up any hope of a sex life. ~ Iotis Erlewine, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Sorvino, Abe Vigoda, (more)
- 1985
Mrs. Fletcher (Angela Lansbury) goes to Washington, where she has been tapped to serve out the term of a recently deceased Congressman. Before long, however, Jessica is up to her eyebrows in political intrigue, one-upsmanship, backstabbing and blackmail. Inevitably, a murder occurs--the victim is a Congressional secretary who "knows too much"--and Jessica, caught in the middle as usual, helpfully offers her services to truculent D.C. police detective Mendelsohn (Herschel Bernardi). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Three of the hallmarks of education in America -- nudity, teenage sex, and big, destructive gags -- are on plentiful display in this teen comedy. Christine (Phoebe Cates), a student at an exclusive all-girls private school, is in love with Jim (Matthew Modine), who attends an academy for boys nearby. Christine's archrival Jordan (Betsy Russell) also has her eye on Jim, and she is willing to do whatever she can to steal him away. Jim's über-slob buddy Bubba (Michael Zorek) is going with Betsy (Kathleen Wilhoite), Christine's cynical friend, though he would probably be unfaithful if any other woman were willing to get near him. Bubba and his pals sneak into the girls' school dressed in drag in hopes of reaching the Promised Land (better known as the women's shower room), while Christine and Jim run away together for the weekend, though their escapade isn't as romantic as they had hoped. Among the adults observing the chaos are Ray Walston, Fran Ryan, Martin Mull, and Sylvia Kristel; one of the sexy students on display is future scream queen Brinke Stevens. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Phoebe Cates, Betsy Russell, (more)
- 1983
Vera (Beth Howland) has taken up playing the cello, even though her talent somewhat exceeds her enthusiasm. That said, the gang at Mel's diner (except for Alice [Linda Lavin], who barely appears in this episode) is in for a surprise when Vera is invited to join a local string quartet. The music heard during the closing credits was reportedly played by series regular Beth Howland. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1982
In this followup to the Season Six episode "Who Speaks for the Children", Quincy (Jack Klugman) continues his crusade to push forward the stalled "Orphan Drug Act" in congress, creating funding to develop curative drugs for rare diseases. The big problem is money, or lack of it: the major pharamaceutical companies don't want to invest in research that will benefit only a handful of consumers, while dedicated scientists like Dr. Styer (Joseph Campanella) are facing severe cutbacks. The situation becomes personal when Quincy befriends a young mother suffering from Myoclonus, a degenerative nerve disease that has already driven another of Styer's patients to suicide. Returning from "Who Speaks for the Children" are Michael Constantine as pharmaceutical activist Dr. Ciotti, and Paul Clemens as Ciotti's son Tony. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1981
The infamous casting couch is the center point of this Hollywood behind-the-scenes drama that chronicles the exploits of a movie mogul and the actresses he turns into stars. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1981
Season Seven of Quincy, M.E. begins at a crowded job fair, where guest lecturer Quincy (Jack Klugman) ends up rushing to the aid of a young woman (Sharon Acker) who has fallen down an escalator. Recovering from her injuries in the hospital, the woman awakens with no idea who she is nor what has happened to her. One thing is certain, however; her fall was no accident. As Quincy tries to help the woman recover her memory, he also endeavors to shield her from the person or persons who tried to kill her--a task that proves tragically futile, leading to a powerful finale. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1978
At first glance, How to Dial a Murder would seem to be a TV remake of Orson Welles' Citizen Kane. But no, it's a 90-minute installment in the Columbo series, as we soon discover. Nicol Williamson guest stars as a wealthy psychologist and movie buff. He has already murdered his wife, and now he intends to do in her lover. To deflect suspicion from himself, he sets up the killing by phone. The victim-to-be answers, is prodded into repeating the word "Rosebud"-and is then torn asunder by Williamson's dobermans, who've been conditioned to attack upon hearing this verbal clue. Williamson manages to be miles away when the murder is pulled off. Still, the diligent Lt. Columbo (Peter Falk) manages to beard the culprit in his memorabilia-laden den. How to Dial a Murder originally aired April 15, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1978
At the height of a four-day torrential downpour, a mudslide unearths a body in a mountaintop cemetary. Peforming lab tests on the corpse, Quincy (Jack Klugman) discovers that the death may have been due to typhoid--and that this body and several others were buried illegally. In his frantic efforts to determine the truth behind this mystery, and to avoid a widespread epidemic, Quincy once again runs up against the brick wall of bureaucracy (to say nothing of that old municipal ritual popularly known as "C.Y.A.") ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1978
Archie envisions a life free of financial worries when Edith is chosen to appear in a detergent commercial. Unfortunately for Archie -- and the sponsor -- Edith is incapable of telling lies in front of the camera. Former child star Darryl Hickman delivers a hilariously understated performance as a gay TV director. Scripted by Ben Starr and Ron Bloomberg from a story by Bloomberg, "The Commercial" first aired on January 8, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1976
More ambitious and expensive than ABC's first "novel for television" miniseries QB VII, the eight-episode, 12-hour Rich Man, Poor Man was the one that truly put the genre on the map, its phenomenal success in the ratings making possible the even more spectacular Roots. Adapted from the mammoth novel by Irwin Shaw, the miniseries covers the years from WWII to the 1960s, detailing the vacillating fortunes of the immigrant Jordache brothers. "Rich Man" Rudy Jordache (Peter Strauss) is determined to use his hard-earned education -- and his inherent ruthlessness -- to carve out a business and political empire not unlike that enjoyed by Joseph P. Kennedy and his progeny. "Poor Man" Tom Jordache (Nick Nolte), a quick-fisted hothead, goes an entirely different route, first as a professional boxer, then as a functionary of the evil gangster chieftain Falconetti (William Smith). Naturally, both brothers become entangled in romance along the way, with Julie Prescott (Susan Blakely) ending up as Rudy's benighted spouse. Originally telecast on February 1, 2, 9, 16, 23, and March 1, 8, and 15 in 1976, Rich Man, Poor Man earned 20 Emmy nominations and led to a weekly sequel, Rich Man, Poor Man -- Book 2, in the fall of 1976 (this version necessitated a title change for the original, which was rebroadcast as Rich Man, Poor Man -- Book 1 in the spring of 1977). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Strauss, Nick Nolte, (more)
- 1976
No one can drive John (Randolph Mantooth) and Roy (Kevin Tighe) crazier in less time than their fellow parmedic, the insufferably orderly Craig Brice (James G. Richardson). Brice's rigid by-the-book approach to his work proves doubly irritating when he is assigned to a paramedic advisory committee. Elsewhere, the emergency team is called to an accident scene involving a power-pole worker, a tall building where a stunt climber is trapped, and a mountain where two other climbers are stranded. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1975
A pre-Rocky Sylvester Stallone is prominently featured in this episode as young detective Rick Daley, who accidentally shoots a boy while on duty. Daley claims that shots were being fired all around him at the time of the tragedy, and that he is innocent. Pressured by the higher-ups to protect Daley, Kojak (Telly Savalas) refuses to accept the young cop's story without positive proof--while certain members of the Internal Affairs division seem willing to throw Daley to the wolves whether he's guilty or not. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1975
During a tense hostage crisis, Hondo (Steve Forrest) sustains a slight bullet wound near his temple. At first he insists upon continuing his duties, but before long he is plagued with headaches, dizziness, and near-blindness. Forced to take a leave of absence, Hondo reluctantly leaves the SWAT team in the hands of prickly Lt. Purcell (Frank Aletter), whose methods serve only to alienate the team members. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Steve Forrest, Rod Perry, (more)
- 1974
Former B-western leading man Donald Barry guest stars as Charlie Bishop, an ex-convict who has ended up on skid row. Relaying a message to Officer Pete Malloy (Martin Milner), Charlie begs to sent back to prison--and indicates that he will go to any lengths to land behind bars. Malloy and his partner Jim Reed (Kent McCord) race against time to prevent Charlie from doing something that everyone will regret. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1973
Dana Wynter guest stars as Alexandria, a former sweetheart of Chief Ironside (Raymond Burr. Now that Alexandria has returned to San Francisco, the Chief is anxious to rekindle their romance. Alas, the course of true love is destined not to run smoothly: Alexandria happens to be a professional thief--and Ironside knows all too well that she is currently planning to swipe an ancient Chinese statue left in his care. This episode features the original composition "December Song", which like so many other incidental themes heard on Ironside was written by Marty and David Paich and performed by Carol Carmichael. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1972
In this nature adventure, a courageous cougar must struggle to survive after a cruel human hunter kills her mate. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1972
There's plenty of trepidation amongst the emergency staffers of Rampart Hospital when paramedic Roy DeSoto (Kevin Tighe) tries his hand at cooking. On a more serious note, the staff must contend with a particularly odious case of child abuse at the hands of a drug-addicted parent, an attempted suicide, and the impending birth of a baby suffering from a defective heart. And elsewhere, a workman is stranded on a crane, while a repairman suffers a serious electric shock from a malfunctioning washing machine. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1972
Described in the original TV Guide listings as "a young movie and TV comer", Martin Sheen essays another bad-guy role for producer Quinn Martin in this episode. Sheen is cast as Steve Chandler, a novice contract killer who goes into hiding from both the FBI and the Mob after bungling a job. On the verge of starting life anew with girlfriend Marcy Brandon (Meg Foster), Chandler realizes with startling suddenness that his days of freedom (and on earth!) might be numbered. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1972
In his second Ironside guest appearance, Burgess Meredith is cast as Harry Grenadine, a Hollywood make-up expert who has done jail time for bank robbery. No sooner has Harry been released from prison than a series of holdups occur, each one bearing his distinctive "signature." Ironside (Raymond Burr) sets about to determine whether Harry is back in business, or if his technique has been hijacked by a clever copycat. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1972
- G
- Add Now You See Him, Now You Don't to QueueAdd Now You See Him, Now You Don't to top of Queue
If anyone is interested in seeing what Kurt Russell used to do before transforming into Snake Plissken in Escape From New York, they can look no further than this labored Disney slapstick marzipan sequel to The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes. Kurt Russell, once again, is Dexter Riley, a science major at Medfield College, who, along with fellow science majors Schuyler (Michael McGreevey) and Debbie (Joyce Menges), concocts an invisibility spray. A gang of thieves, headed by A.J. Arno (Cesar Romero), want to get a hold of the formula to use in a bank robbery. The kids find themselves the prey of the crooks, as the bad guys attempt to get the spray. Meanwhile, Dexter employs the spray at a golf tournament, much to the surprise of apoplectic college president Higgins (Joe Flynn). But before Higgins can spout out "Wha? Wha? Wha?,." Arno continues onward with the chase for Dexter and the invisibility spray. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kurt Russell, Cesar Romero, (more)
This 25-million dollar epic collaboration accurately recreates the events that led to the Japanese attack on the American naval base during World War II. With Germany's invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, the wheels are set in motion by Japan to plan the attack. After internal differences in the government, the Japanese quickly mobilize plans for the assault. Key American personnel ignored warnings of the possibility of Japanese aggression. The first part of the film divides scenes from both countries. Part two contains spectacular battle scenes of the bombing that destroyed the American naval base of operations in Hawaii. Governmental errors on both sides add to the confusion, but the Japanese ultimately carry out the deadly mission. The film did well in Japan, did not do well in the he United States, and took years to make back the production costs. It remains an insightful and well crafted World War II action drama that was the result of years of negotiations between the two countries. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Martin Balsam, So Yamamura, (more)
- 1969
Leslie Parrish, best remembered for her film work in Li'l Abner and The Manchurian Candidate, guests in this episode as beautiful and worldly novelist Jacqueline Moran. Arriving at the Shady Rest, "Jackie" begins acting like one of her fictional characters by setting her cap for a married man--namely, Steve (Mike Minor). It looks like Betty Jo (Linda Kaye Henning) has got a real problem on her hands, but fortunately her sisters volunteer to help her remove Ms. Moran from the scene (or so they hope!). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1969
This episode takes place almost entirely in the cabin of a night plane travelling from Hawaii to San Francisco. Among the passengers are Chief Ironside (Raymond Burr), his assistants, and a federal witness whom they are escorting to testify against a racketeer. Unfortunately, also on board is a professional hit man, determined to bump off the witness before the plane lands--and worse,there may be more than one killer on the plane. Featured in the cast is Michael Sevareid,the son of celebrated TV journalist Eric Sevareid. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1968
When the skeleton of a shooting victim is unearthed by the Feds, Mafia functionary John Duqesne (a pre-superstardom Burt Reynolds) begins to tremble. He's currently trying to beat one murder rap,and now he's faced with charges for another killing ten years earlier. Further worrying Duquesne is the fact that the Mob has ordered the extermination of the one witness who could seal his doom--his ex-wife Irene (Diana Muldaur). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
