Robert Carson Movies
The third remake of the 1932 drama What Price Hollywood?, this adaptation of A Star Is Born moved the story into the mid-1970's and changed the milieu from the movie business to pop music. John Norman Howard (Kris Kristofferson) is a rock star whose career has peaked; he is numbed by booze and cocaine, his music has lost its edge, and his performances have become painfully haphazard. One night, after a concert, he stumbles into a club where he sees a singing group fronted by Esther Hoffman (Barbra Streisand). John likes what he hears and loves what he sees; he tries picking her up, but soon realizes if he wants to see her, he'll have to ask her out on an actual date. He does, and before long the two become involved, although Esther has trouble with John's rock star lifestyle. One night, a typically burned-out John lets Esther sing a few songs at one of his shows; before long she's the talk of the record business. While Esther's star begins to rise, John's continues to sink, and while she desperately tries get John to clean up and focus on his music, it may be too late to save him. The song "Evergreen" earned this film an Academy Award for Best Song; the credits contain the amusing notice, "Ms. Streisand's Clothes from ... Her Closet." ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Barbra Streisand, Kris Kristofferson, (more)
- 1968
Buddy Rogers and Richard Arlen, who costarred in the very first Oscar-winning movie Wings, are reunited in this episode. The two veteran actors show up in Hooterville Valley to save the Pixley Bijou Theater from demolition, agreeing to appear at the theater's premiere screening of Wings. . .some four decades after the film was originally released. Along the way, Arlen and Rogers agree to immortalize their footprints in cement--which dries a bit too soon! Several high-quality excerpts from Wings are shown, including the brief appearance of up-and-coming Gary Cooper as a doomed pilot. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
Called up for two weeks' service as a Naval reserve Lieutenant Commander, Mr. Mooney (Gale Gordon) is reluctantly committed to be first officer on the submarine manned by Commander Moore (Robert Carson)--and it's all because of Lucy's well-meaning interference. But wait--there's more! Obliged to deliver an important message to Mooney, Lucy (Lucille Ball) is forced to disguise herself as a male sailor. A literally explosive climax caps this waterlogged misadventure, in which future Lucy Show semi-regular Roy Roberts (Mr. Cheever) appears as an admiral. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Roy Roberts, Robert Carson, (more)
- 1964
During the 1963-64 season of The Beverly Hillbillies, the Clampetts tried to go deep-sea fishing at Marineland of the Pacific. In this episode, Jethro makes a return visit to the famous tourist attraction. Jethro's logic is sublime: Since it is called "Marineland," what better place for him to enlist in the United States Marines -- as a counterintelligence agent? Sharon Tate makes one of her recurring appearances as bank secretary Janet Trego. Filmed on location, "Back to Marineland" first aired on November 4, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Rosemary DeCamp, who would appear in later Petticoat Junction episodes as the Bradley girls' Aunt Helen, is here seen as Emily Mapes, an old school friend of Kate Bradley (Bea Benadaret). Having recently remarried, Emily is convinced that the widowed Kate should take upon herself a second husband. To this end, she enlists the aid of Kate's daughters to round up all the local eligible bachelors--who even by Hooterville and Pixley standards are a sad lot indeed. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Elvis Presley plays a double role in Kissin' Cousins. When the U.S. government wants land owned by the hillbilly clan headed by Pappy Tatum (Arthur O'Connell), they send Air Force Lieutenant Josh Morgan (Presley), a cousin of the Tatum's, to try and secure the land for a proposed missile base. Josh comes face-to-face with Jody Tatum, his blonde-haired look-alike. Glenda Farrell plays Ma Tatum, and distaff interest for Elvis is provided by Cynthia Pepper, Yvonne Craig, a busty Beverly Powers, and Hortense Petra. Watch for Maureen Reagan as one of the Kittyhawks, a group of desperate, man-hungry females out to get some love. This film was the first of the low-budget movies that would unfortunately plague the rest of Elvis' movie career. The song selection also reflects a decline in the quality of both recording and acting parts offered to Presley. Once he fulfilled his contractual obligations for the forgettable features, Elvis ended his film career and devoted his efforts exclusively to live shows and recording. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elvis Presley, Arthur O'Connell, (more)
- 1964
Union Colonel Brackenby (Melvyn Douglas) and his second-in-command, Captain Heath (Glenn Ford), attempt to command a rather inept cavalry unit during the Civil War. General Willoughby (Jim Backus) heads them out West on assignment rather than allowing them to foul things up where it counts. They soon get involved with Martha Lou, a confederate spy (Stella Stevens) posing as a prostitute, and her boss, Jenny (Joan Blondell) as well as a group of renegades and an Indian chief. In spite of their ridiculous slapstick antics, they manage to carry out their mission. This comedy was based on Company of Cowards, a novel by Jack Schaefer. ~ Kristie Hassen, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Glenn Ford, Stella Stevens, (more)
Toward the end of Jerry Lewis's Paramount studio period, Lewis slapped together this bitter comedy about Hollywood phoniness and fame that has to be the most rancid portrait of the Hollywood star system in the Rat Pack era this side of Clifford Odets. When a famous entertainer suddenly is killed in an airplane crash, his team of flunkies -- producer Caryl Fergusson (Everett Sloane), writer Chic Wymore (Phil Harris), press agent Harry Silver (Keenan Wynn), director Morgan Heywood (Peter Lorre in his final film role), valet Bruce Alden (John Carradine), and secretary Ellen Betz (Ina Balin) -- decide to continue their life style by finding a complete unknown and manufacturing him into a Hollywood star. That unknown turns out to be the nervous and inept bellboy Stanley Belt (Jerry Lewis). They train Stanley to become an over-night singing sensation, and despite a disastrous recording session and a failed nightclub performance, the public relations blitz makes Stanley's recording of "I Lost My Heart in a Drive-In Movie" a smash single. So much so that Stanley is given a shot at appearing on "The Ed Sullivan Show." Expecting the worst, Stanley's management team abandons him right before his performance. But Stanley musters up enough confidence to go on the live program alone and manages to surprise his pessimistic ex-staff. A collection of Hollywood celebrities circa 1964 --George Raft, Ed Wynn, Ed Sullivan, Mel Torme, Rhonda Fleming and Hedda Hopper -- make cameo appearances. High spots include an apocalyptic music lesson with voice teacher Dr. Mule-rrr (Hans Conried), Ed Sullivan performing a bizarre impersonation of himself, and an ending that would make even Jean-Luc Godard blush. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jerry Lewis, Ina Balin, (more)
- 1963
Head over heels in love with brassy nightclub singer Niki Carroll (Diana Dors), Dr. Don Reed (John Gavin) intends to marry her despite the objections of his father, Horace Reed (Carl Benton Reid), and Niki's former boyfriend, Bill Floyd (Scott Brady). Even the fact that all three of Niki's former husbands met with violent deaths will not deter Don from popping the question. It would be nice to report that Don's instincts are on target, and that Niki is a "good girl" despite her reputation -- but that just isn't true, as Don learns to his everlasting grief during his honeymoon. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Gavin, Diana Dors, (more)
- 1962
Working the late shift at the neighborhood cop shop, beleaguered Captain Shaw (John Larch) finds himself saddled with a pair of lost souls: an old man (Claude Rains) suffering from amnesia and a little boy (Bill Mumy) abandoned by his parents. Instinctively, Shaw is persuaded that the oldster and the youngster belong together -- and in his efforts to expedite this bonding, the lieutenant is in for a surprise. This episode reunites John Larch and Bill Mumy, previously cast as father and son in the chilling Twilight Zone entry "It's a Good Life." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1961
Paroled after serving 20 years for robbery, Harry Beggs (Crahan Denton) returns to his hometown, hoping to patch things up with his wife, Edith (Jeanette Nolan). Harry has managed to save 1,636 dollars during his sentence, and with this he hopes to jump-start his life. Unfortunately, he meets a sexy young girl (Susan Silo) at a bar -- and by the time he leaves, his money is gone. This is disturbing enough, but not nearly so disturbing as what happens when Harry finally arrives at Edith's doorstep. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1961
Third-rate escape artist Joe Ferlini (Keenan Wynn) hopes to make the big time with a particularly dangerous stunt, in which he will be manacled hand and foot and locked into a submerged trunk. Both Joe's wife Wanda (Jan Sterling) and his manager Phil (Dennis Patrick) try to talk Joe out of this stunt, but only Phil is sincere; the faithless Wanda intends to use Joe's big escape as a cover for her plan to murder him. As things turn out, Wanda "wins" -- at least until the day of Joe's funeral, that is. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1961
When a storm at sea threatens to sink the freighter "Janeel Trader", first officer Jerry Griffin orders a million dollars' worth of cargo to be dumped overboard, taking full responsibility for what he regards as a life-saving act. But when returns to shore, Jerry must face charges brought by a maritime court. The only man who can clear Griffin is Captain Bancroft (Robert Armstrong); unfortunately, Bancroft is murdered and Griffin is accused of the crime. This turns out to be a real "out-of-town" assignment for Griffin's civilian attorney Perry Mason (Raymond Burr). Wesley Lau makes his first series appearance as Lt. Anderson. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1960
After unjustly serving six years for murder, Riley Morgan (Dean Harens) is released from prison when merchant seaman Burt Stokes (Casey Adams), who could have cleared Riley disappeared just before the trial, suddenly returns. But the story is far from over: Morgan's exoneration somehow leads to an extortion scheme and a second murder, with Stokes as the victim. Charged with the crime is Morgan's ex-wife Lorraine (Coleen Gray), who fortunately is a client of Perry Mason (Raymond Burr). Paul Langton is cast as Deputy DA Telford, the first of several temporary replacements for absentee series regular William Talman (Hamilton Burger). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1960
Although she insists upon calling him Bart, Bret (James Garner) is rather sweet on Ellen Johnson (Suzanne Storrs). When the girl disappears along with a cache of stolen diamonds, Bret heads to South America to retrieve them both. Upon arrival in Guatemala City, he is bedevilled by wide-eyed street urchin Angelita (Linda Dangcil), who refuses to leave his side. And oh yes, there's a murderer loose in the vicinity...to say nothing of a dead man who isn't quite dead yet. This episode is also known as "Tropical City". ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1960
Condemned for a murder he didn't commit, embittered death-row inmate Prof. Herbert Morrison (Brian Keith) has not only given up all hopes of a reprieve, but has informed his lawyer not to even bother getting him released. As his last hours tick away, Morrison is more annoyed than usual by the obnoxious ebullience of prison guard Pops Lafferty (James Westerfield). Figuring that he can only be put to death once, Morrison vows that his last act on Earth will be to shut Pops' mouth permanently! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1959
Lumber tycoon Bill Fleming (Paul Douglas) knows that his wife, Laura (Dody Heath), is unfaithful, but he draws the line at killing Laura's love, Philip Baxter (Hugh Marlowe). However, Fleming changes his mind when a young acquaintance named Sandy (Robert Morse) cites an archaic but still viable law, which declares that Fleming cannot be prosecuted if he kills his rival in a duel. What Sandy doesn't tell Fleming is that this law has its own peculiar conditions. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1959
Sarah Werner (Osa Massen) begs Perry to locate her husband Hugo (Kurt Krueger), who ran off with all her money, leaving her alone and destitute. Perry's secretary Della suspects that Sarah isn't being entirely truthful, especially since the woman is wearing a very expensive perfume. As for Hugo--or as he is now calling himself, Hans Breel--he is currently involved in an elaborate scam involving a priceless gem called the Pundit Stone. When Hugo turns up murdered, Sarah is accused of the crime, whereupon Perry does some diligent digging into the facts (some of which are actually fallacies) to clear his client. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1959
In another of scriptwriter Marion Hargrove's "westernizations" of classic literary material, this episode is based on 18th century British playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan's drawing-room comedy "The Rivals". In the original 1775 play, two young men, Jack Absolute and Ensign Beverly, exchange identities so that the wealthier Jack can win the heart of heroine Lydia Languish, who would otherwise reject him because of his wealth. In the Maverick version, Bret Maverick (James Garner is the "Beverly" counterpart, trading places with British playboy Jack Vandergelt (played by future Maverick costar Roger Moore), who pines for the beautiful Lydia Linley (Pat Crowley). The supporting cast includes Neil Hamilton (Batman's "Commissioner Gordon") as Jack's irascible father, who shows up at precisely the wrong time; Barbara Jo Allen (aka "Vera Vague" of radio fame) as language-mangling Mrs. Mallaver, the Maverick equivalent of the original play's imperishable Mrs. Malaprop; and Dan Tobin as Mrs. Mallaver's would-be suitor Lucius Benson ("Lucius O'Trigger" in the Sheridan play). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1959
Beaver (Jerry Mathers) "goofs up" again, and as a result, has gotten a failing grade in gym. Ward (Hugh Beaumont) tries to encourage Beaver to take an interest in athletics, but nothing really works until our hero signs up to play in a boys vs. girls baseball game. For the Beav, emerging as the winner in this titanic struggle is virtually a matter of life and death: the captain of the girls' team is none other than his perennial nemesis Judy Hensler (Jeri Weil). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rusty Stevens, Jeri Weil, (more)
- 1959
Hotel waitress Thelma Tompkins (Olive Deering) is surprised to learn that wealthy Mrs. Mannerheim (Celia Lovsky) has named Thelma in her will. Relating this news to her lazy musician boyfriend, Arthur (Rick Jason), in hopes that he will propose to her, Thelma is disappointed when Arthur replies that marriage is out of the question until Mrs. Mannerheim dies. Giving this set of circumstances, Thelma and Arthur have no alternative than to "help" Mrs. Mannerheim shuffle off her mortal coil -- a scheme ultimately foiled by the usual ironic twist. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1959
Diane Brewster makes her first appearance as Samantha Crawford, a larcenous lass who proves to be quite a handful for Bret Maverick (James Garner). Claiming to be the daughter of George Cross (Tol Avery), who once lost a great deal of money to Bret, Samantha charms our hero into player poker with her--and handily beats him at his own game. Hoping to recoup his losses, Bret goes into partnership with Samantha as the owners of a gambling hall, ostensibly for the purpose of driving crooked gambler Joe Riggs (Ted DeCorsia) out of business. Little does Bret realize that he's been set up for yet another double-cross. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1958
In the midst of his campaign to bring statehood to his territory, Judge Somervell (John Litel) loses a suitcase which contains some rather volatile documents. The Judge is convinced that Bart Maverick (Jack Kelly) stole the suitcase--and so, apparently, is everyone else in the territory, including an enigmatic young woman named Janet (Bethel Leslie) and a quartet of homicidal thugs. After being kidnapped, beaten and accused of murder, Bart begins to realize that he'd better locate the missing papers in a real hurry...and also find out why they're so valuable. Veteran serial villain Roy Barcroft appears as a mercurial US Marshal. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1958
Making the acquaintance of pretty Abigail Taylor (Joanna Barnes) in the lobby of a Denver hotel, Bret (James Garner) cannot help but notice that the lady has a tight grip on a hatbox. Abigail insists that the box contains important documents, and that there is a sinister stranger who is out to steal them. Would Bret be a darling and protect Abigail as she prepares to deliver the papers? Bret agrees--unaware that he's being set up as a dupe in an elaborate swindle. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1958
This episode is clearly inspired by the famous "Bridey Murphy" affair of the mid-'50s. During a party, Lucy Pryor (Phyllis Thaxter) allows herself to be hypnotized by Professor Miles Farham (Tom Helmore). While in a trance, she regresses to the year 1853 and assumes the personality of a Quaker woman named Dora Evans -- and then, just as Dora Evans had done over 100 years earlier, Lucy promptly murders her husband. During her subsequent trial, Lucy undergoes hypnosis a second time to prove that she had had no control over herself when committing the murder...and the results are astonishing. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
