Roger Kern Movies
Directed by former Starsky and Hutch TV star Paul Michael Glaser, this post-apocalyptic science fiction yarn satirized American entertainment, mocking pro wrestling, game shows, and law-and-order reality programming. Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as Ben Richards, a cop in the totalitarian America of 2019, framed for massacring rioting civilians during a famine. After escaping from jail, Richards tries to prove his innocence, but his efforts are thwarted at every turn by a regime in need of a scapegoat. Richards is captured along with an innocent civilian, Amber Mendez (Maria Conchita Alonso), and they are forced to participate in a violent game show called "The Running Man," hosted by the unctuous Damon Killian (Richard Dawson). The object of the game for Richards and Mendez: obtain freedom by staying alive against a gauntlet of skillful assassins like "Subzero" (Prof. Toru Tanaka) and "Captain Freedom" (Jesse Ventura), each armed with unique weapons like razor-sharp hockey sticks and chainsaws. With the help of some fellow "contestants," Richards is able to tap into government computers and prove his innocence. The Running Man was very loosely based on a short story by Stephen King, who wrote it under the name Richard Bachman. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Arnold Schwarzenegger, Maria Conchita Alonso, (more)
In this Cold-War era actioner, the trouble begins when a group of scientists travel to an isolated island off the Chilean coast to plant experimental seismic monitors on the ocean floor. While encamped upon the island, they are ambushed by Russian scuba divers and of the original entourage, only four survive. While trying to survive, the researchers learn the truth about their scientific assignment. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Roger Kern, Jenny Neumann, (more)
- 1976
Set in late-19th-century Dakota, when it was still a vast wilderness, this outdoor adventure follows a pair of newlywed pioneers as they brave various obstacles and hardships in order to forge themselves a new life. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1976
- NR
This made-for-TV movie was a sequel to the 1975 telefilm The Young Pioneers, which also inspired a short-lived series. Christmas is just around the corner for David and Molly Beaton (Roger Kern and Linda Purl), two young settlers making a home in the Dakota wilderness of 1874, but the season has brought them little joy. Their son has died, and one of their best friends stands to lose his property to crooked railroad men. However, the Beatons discover that they can beat adversity by sticking together with their friends and neighbors, and learn the lessons of giving as the holidays draw to a close. Young Pioneers' Christmas also stars Robert Donner and Robert Hays, years before he reached stardom with Airplane!. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Linda Purl, Roger Kern, (more)
- 1974
The inspiration for the made-for-TV movie was an actual event which occurred in June of 1973. A crew of four sinks in a minisub off the Florida coast. As half the nation (apprised of the disaster by TV and radio) holds its breath, a daring rescue mission is organized. Lee J. Cobb and Martin Balsam are among the rescuers. Paul Michael Glaser, Joshua Bryant, Cliff Potts and Roger Kern are the helpless rescuees. Trapped Beneath the Sea was telecast fifteen months after the real-life crisis was resolved. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
