Garry Marshall Movies
The career of producer/director Garry Marshall has been marked by many peaks, the highest of which include such classic television sitcoms as The Odd Couple (1970-1975), Happy Days (1974-1984), and Mork and Mindy (1978-1982), and the phenomenally popular feature film Pretty Woman (1990). A Brooklyn native, Marshall (born Gary Marsciarelli) is the son of an industrial filmmaker and a dance instructor. His sister, Penny Marshall, is a comic actress and noted film director. Marshall majored in journalism at Northwestern University and subsequently served a stint in the army before becoming a reporter for the New York Daily News. He was also a jazz drummer in a band before becoming a television comedy scriptwriter for such artists as Joey Bishop and Phil Foster and the writer for Jack Parr on The Tonight Show.Marshall moved to Los Angeles in 1961, but he didn't make it big until he teamed up with writer Jerry Belson. Together, they penned numerous episodes for several sitcoms, notably The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Lucy Show. In 1970, Marshall produced The Odd Couple, which starred Jack Klugman and Tony Randall and was based on a popular Neil Simon play and movie. He reached his apex as a television producer during the '70s, with such hits as Laverne and Shirley (1976-1983) (a Happy Days spin-off starring sister Penny) and Mork and Mindy. In addition to his producing and television directorial efforts, Marshall occasionally appeared as a supporting actor.
In features, Marshall co-produced and co-wrote (with Belson) his first film, How Sweet It Is!, in 1968. A year later, the two produced and penned The Grasshopper. Marshall made his directorial feature film debut in 1982 with Young Doctors in Love, a comic look at daytime serials. As a film director, Marshall's output has received uneven critical reviews. Films such as the Goldie Hawn/Kurt Russell vehicle Overboard and the Bette Midler/Barbara Hershey melodrama Beaches (1988) had good box-office business, but were considered of average quality. 1990's Pretty Woman was Marshall's first big movie hit. Following its tremendous success, he tried his hand at a serious drama with Frankie and Johnny (1991) starring Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer. Since then, Marshall's films have tended more toward sentimental and straight dramas such as The Twilight of the Golds (1997) and The Other Sister (1999). Marshall returned to comedy -- and to his teaming of Julia Roberts and Richard Gere -- in 1999 with Runaway Bride.
In addition to his work behind the camera, Marshall has occasionally appeared as an actor in films and television shows alike. During the mid-'90s, many TV audiences came to recognize him for playing Candice Bergen's ratings-crazy boss, Stan Lansing, on Murphy Brown. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1965
Ritchie (Larry Mathews) plays an unusual game of "connect the dots," using a pen to connect the freckles on the back of his father, Rob (Dick Van Dyke). The result is a stunningly accurate outline of the Liberty Bell -- whereupon neighbor Millie (Ann Morgan Guilbert) suggests that Rob can cash in on this phenomenon. It seems that the famous newspaper column "Odd But True" is offering a 500-dollar prize for the oddest, truest item...and that's how Rob winds up in an outer office in the company of a man walking on his hands and another fellow jealously guarding a weird-looking potato! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ann Morgan Guilbert, Hope Summers, (more)
- 1964
In another flashback to the early days of the Petries' marriage, Laura (Mary Tyler Moore) is nervous over the prospect of meeting Rob's (Dick Van Dyke) parents for the first time. To calm herself, she takes some nerve medicine prescribed to her friend Millie (Ann Morgan Guilbert). Unfortunately, the pills turn out to be "uppers," resulting in an extremely hyperactive Laura during a riotous dinner with Rob's mom and dad. Watch for the moment in which the flashback is "fast-forwarded," anticipating home video technology by nearly two decades! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Bachelorette Sally (Rose Marie) is both flattered and confused when she starts receiving such gifts as a rose that smells of pastrami from a secret admirer. It turns out that Sally is being wooed by Bert Monker (Sid Melton), a shy bachelor. Can it be that Sally has finally found the "fella" of her dreams -- or is it possible that simply being two lonely people is not a firm foundation for matrimony? Trivia note: future Mary Tyler Moore co-star Gavin MacLeod was originally cast as Bert Monker (and billed as such in the TV Guide listings) but was forced by previous commitments to pull out at the last minute. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sid Melton, Frank Adamo, (more)
- 1964
Ever since he was a kid, Rob (Dick Van Dyke) has been a soft touch for his old neighborhood buddy Neil Schenk (Jack Carter). Neil's modus operandi is to show up unexpectedly, give Rob a gentle tap on the chin, and dole out small favors -- only to subtly suggest that Rob "return" those favors in a huge manner. This time around, the glad-handing Schenk expects Rob to bankroll an expensive project he has in mind. Can it be that, after all these years, Rob is finally going to say no, or is he going to be a patsy yet again? ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
Rob (Dick Van Dyke) comes across a crumpled network memo ordering his boss Alan Brady (Carl Reiner) to fire one of his writers. Certain that his job is on the chopping block, Rob reluctantly violates the edicts of his contract by looking for an outside writing assignment. His search leads to a bizarre encounter with neurotic ventriloquist Claude Wilbur (Paul Winchell) and an abusive, insulting -- and extremely popular -- hand puppet named Jellybean. And the moral of this episode? "Alan Brady may be many things, but he's certainly not nice!" ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carl Reiner, Paul Winchell, (more)
- 1964
Signing up for a nighttime creative writing class, Laura (Mary Tyler Moore) is unexpectedly lauded as a literary genius by her nerdy teacher Mr. Caldwell (Bernard Fox). Rob (Dick Van Dyke) suspects that Caldwell is playing up to Laura just to get an opportunity to show off his own writing efforts to a professional -- namely, Rob. Little does anyone suspect Caldwell's true ulterior motive -- to be alone and in a romantic embrace with the delectable Laura! This was the final episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show's third (and, arguably, funniest) season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bernard Fox, Cheerio Meredith, (more)
- 1964
When handsome bachelor Arthur Stanwycke (Anthony Eisley) moves next door to the Petries, Laura (Mary Tyler Moore) is once again seized by the matchmaking urge. Unfortunately, she overplays her hand by inviting both Sally Rogers (Rose Marie) and Donna Palmer (Lyla Graham) to meet Arthur on the same night. Worried that Sally will once again be unlucky in love, Rob does everything he can to keep Arthur and Donna apart. It turns out, however, that there is already a woman in Arthur's life -- and what a woman! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Anthony Eisley, Lyla Graham, (more)
- 1966
Comedian Godfrey Cambridge guest stars as federal agent Bond -- Harry Bond, that is -- who has been assigned to locate a supposedly deported gambler. It turns out that the best location for Bond's stakeout is the bedroom of Ritchie Petrie (Larry Mathews), meaning that Ritchie's dad Rob (Dick Van Dyke) must permit the government surveillance to be headquartered in his home. Though he has promised to stay out of the way of the feds, Rob cannot help but make a nuisance of himself as he expresses amazement and admiration over agent Bond's arsenal of high-tech gadgetry -- and as result, Bond's target may very well escape detection. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Godfrey Cambridge, Steven Geray, (more)
- 1965
When he finds out that Rob (Dick Van Dyke) wants to purchase a fur coat for Laura (Mary Tyler Moore), helpful Buddy (Morey Amsterdam) offers to arrange for Rob to get the coat wholesale from his pal. Despite the temptation of getting his hands on a "Nunzio original," Rob is queasy about entering into Buddy's scheme -- but he does anyway. The upshot of this transaction involves a "hot" mink that is several sizes too large for Laura. This was the final episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show's fourth season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lou Krugman, Peter Brocco, (more)
- 1965
When Rob (Dick Van Dyke), Buddy (Morey Amsterdam), and Sally (Rose Marie) each receive an unexpected 1,200 dollars, the intrepid trio decide to invest in a growing business. The most attractive prospect would seem to be the bargain shoe store owned by Buddy's Uncle Lou (Lou Jacobi). Unfortunately, running a business in this case translates to getting the business -- especially when Rob is stuck with the job of shoe clerk on an unusually busy day! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lou Jacobi, Milton Frome, (more)
This biography charts Garry Marshall from when he first gained fame as the creator of such '70s television classics as Mork and Mindy and Happy Days to directing the 1998 mega-hit Runaway Bride. ~ Jonathan Crow, All Movie Guide
The Escape Artist represents the laudable directorial debut of cinematographer Caleb Deschanel. Griffin O'Neal, the real-life son of Ryan O'Neal, plays Danny Masters, the offspring of a famed magician. Determined to match his dad's accomplishment, Danny runs into nothing but trouble. His biggest mistake is picking the pocket of the son of a corrupt town mayor. When not running from adults, the boy is being exploited by them. A critic's favorite, Escape Artist has slowly built up a cult following over the years, thanks largely to its eclectic supporting cast, including Raul Julia, Desi Arnaz Jr., Joan Hackett, Teri Garr, Jackie Coogan, Huntz Hall and M. Emmet Walsh. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Griffin O'Neal, Raul Julia, (more)
Set in 1963, The Flamingo Kid finds 18-year-old Brooklynite Matt Dillon, the son of blue-collar Hector Elizondo, getting a taste of the Good Life by joining several of his friends at "El Flamingo", a swank Long Island beach club. Wealthy car salesman Richard Crenna, the uncle of Matt's girl friend Janet Jones, befriends the boy and takes him under his wing. Thanks to Crenna's influence, Matt secures a good job at the Flamingo. The boy is bedazzled by Crenna's sumptuous lifestyle, and most especially by the older man's reputation as the Flamingo's reigning gin rummy champ. Dillon begins taking on airs, which alienates his down-to-earth father. Watch for a scene in which, while channel-surfing with his new remote control, Richard Crenna watches a fleeting clip from the old TV sitcom The Real McCoys--featuring Richard Crenna. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Matt Dillon, Richard Crenna, (more)
- 1969
- R
Christine (Jacqueline Bisset) is the young bank teller who is bored with her job and her husband. She leaves for Las Vegas where she scores a job as a chorus girl. The beautiful Christine does not have the talent to parlay the job into an upwardly mobile career. She marries an older man and becomes a "kept woman." Tommy Marcott (Jim Brown) is the greeter at a casino who poses for pictures with the guests and marries Christine. When Christine is invited to dinner by Roosevelt Dekker (Ramon Bieri), she is beaten up by her host. Tommy tracks down the construction magnate at a local golf course and beats him to a pulp. Danny (Corbett Monica) is the comic who gives Christine her first tour of Vegas and his bedroom. Christine hires a pilot to skywrite an obscenity that sums up her feelings about her experience. Joseph Cotten also appears in this drama of a naive young woman nearly swallowed up by the seamier side of the Las Vegas nightlife. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jacqueline Bisset, Jim Brown, (more)
Director Frank Darabont created this Frank Capra-inspired drama based on a screenplay by his friend and one-time schoolmate Michael Sloane. Jim Carrey stars as Pete Appleton, a screenwriter in the Hollywood of the 1950s. Pete's on top of the world with his first motion picture "Sand Pirates of the Sahara" just released to theaters and his romance with a beautiful starlet (Amanda Detmer) heating up. However, his triumph turns to dismay when he's called before the commie-hunting House Un-American Activities Committee and advised by a studio lawyer and his agent to play ball with the witch hunters. Depressed by the film industry's weak-kneed reaction to the hearings, Pete gets drunk and drives his car north along the California coast, where he crashes from a bridge and wakes up on shore the next morning suffering from amnesia. Wandering into the nearby small town of Lawson, Pete is mistaken for Luke Trimble, a lost hero of World War II who, like most of the area's young men, never returned from the war a decade earlier. "Luke" has soon reunited with both his father (Martin Landau) and his one-time girlfriend (Laurie Holden), and finds that his reappearance has given the citizens of Lawson an emotional boost that's sorely needed. When he refurbishes and reopens his family's decrepit movie theater, the Majestic, Luke revitalizes Lawson just as his memory of his true identity begins to reassert itself. Sloane's original script for The Majestic (2001) was entitled The Bijou. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jim Carrey, Bob Balaban, (more)
"Can two divorced men share an apartment without driving each other crazy?" This is question posed in the first episode of the first season of The Odd Couple--and though the answer is an emphatic "No!", mismatched roommates Felix Unger (Tony Randall) and Oscar Madison (Jack Klugman) will manage to remain friends, and under the same roof, for the next five years. Unlike the 1965 play and 1968 movie version, which began as Felix moved in with Oscar, the TV version finds the two divorced buddies already dwelling in the same New York apartment--which during Season One is a fairly exact replica of the set used in the the movie. In fact, the fifth episode, "The Breakup", is a virtual replay of the play and movie's third act--and one of the few times that the TV show and its antecedents bore any sort of a close resemblance beyond the basic characters, premise and theme music. Appearing during Season One only are Monica Evans and Carole Shelley, reprising their stage and screen roles as Felix and Oscar's toothsome neighbors, Cecily and Gwendolyn Pigeon; and Ryan McDonald as Oscar's accountant and poker-playing buddy Roy. Introduced this season in the episode "Lovers Don't Make Housecalls" is Joan Hotchkis as Oscar's girlfriend Dr. Nancy Cunningham, who will continue making sporadic appearances until the middle of Season Two. Other supporting players of note include a young Albert Brooks, a post-Addams Family John Astin, and child actor Clint Howard (Ron's brother). And in "Bunny is Missing Down by the Lake", Pamelyn Ferdin, later cast as Felix's daughter Edna, is seen in a different role. Finally, we are treated to the series' first flashback episode, "The Jury Story", which explains how compulsive slob Oscar and nitpicky neat-freak Felix became best friends in the first place. Throughout its first season, The Odd Couple was lensed in "movie" fashion, with a single camera on a Hollywood sound stage, and with a recorded laughtrack added in post-production. All this would change--for the better--when the series entered its second season in the fall of 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
During its first season, The Odd Couple had been filmed movie-style with a single camera, and a prerecorded laughtrack was used. At the insistence of stars Tony Randall (Felix Unger) and Jack Klugman (Oscar Madison), the second season--and all seasons thereafter--were filmed before a live studio audience, utilizing three cameras in order to effectively capture the "feel" of a live stage presentation. This decision did wonders for The Odd Couple's overall popularity and appeal. . .to say nothing of its ratings. As before, the series focuses on the misadventures of two ill-matched roommates, slovenly sportscaster Oscar and neat-freak photographer Felix, who remain best friends despite their quarrels and personality conflicts. Of Oscar's perennial card-playing buddies Murray (Al Molinaro), Speed (Garry Walberg), Vinnie (Larry Gelman) and Roy (Ryan McDonald), only Murray will continue to show up on a regular basis, with the rest reduced to recurring characters and Roy disappearing entirely. Also gone are Felix and Oscar's kooky neighbors the Pigeon sisters, though Joan Hotchkis continues to show up from time to time as Oscar's girlfriend Dr. Nancy Cunningham. Making their first appearances this season are the two protagonists' much-discussed but hitherto unseen ex-wives; Janis Hansen as Gloria Unger, and Bret Somer (the then-wife of Jack Klugman) as Blanche Madison. Likewise, Pamelyn Ferdin and Willie Aames are seen respectively as Felix's daughter Edna and son Leonard; and in the episode "The Odd Couples", Jane Dulo is cast as Oscar's mother. Finally, Penny Marshall, sister of series producer Gary Marshall and later a prominent TV star and film director in her own right, makes her debut appearance as Oscar's ditzy secretary Myrna Turner in "You Saved My Life". For the first time, The Odd Couple serves up a couple of guest stars as "themselves"; opera singer Richard Fredericks in "Does Your Mother Know You're Out, Rigoletto?" and comedian David Steinberg in "The Odd Couple Meet Their Host". And upholding a tradition established in Season One, Season Two features a brace of flahback episodes, the first, "Speak for Yourself" recounting the initial meeting of Felix and Gloria, and the second, "A Night to Disremember" puts a "Rashomon" slant on the events leading to the divorce of Oscar and Blanche. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Season Three of The Odd Couple begins with "Gloria, Hallelujah", introducing Elinor Donahue in the recurring role of Miriam Welby, occasional girlfriend of divorced photographer Felix Unger (Tony Randall. Which is not to say that the ex-wives of Felix and his sportswriter roomate Oscar Madison (Jack Klugman), played respectively by Janis Hansen and Bret Somers (then Mrs. Jack Klugman!), will not continue making significant appearances throughout the season. There have been a few changes made this year--not with the format or the basic character, but with certain casting choices. Doney Oatman takes over from Pamelyn Ferdin as Felix's daughter Edna in the episode "The Odd Father"; and Elvia Allman replaces Jane Dulo as Oscar's mother in "The Odyssey Couple". Ironically, actress Dulo appears this season as the wife of Oscar's poker-playing buddy Murray the Cop (Al Molinaro in "The Murray Who Came to Dinner". Having featured a pair of guest stars as "themselves" in the previous season, The Odd Couple upholds this tradition in Season Three. Howard Cosell is seen in the appropriately titled "The Big Mouth", sports legend Deacon Jones guests in "Felix's First Commercial"; and, in a brace of game-show takeoffs, Allen Ludden and Betty White are cast in the episode "Password", while Monty Hall does his standard emcee duties in "Let's Make a Deal". Steadily building a loyal fan base since its second season, The Odd Couple closed out its third year on the air as the 36th most popular TV show in the US. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
The fourth season of The Odd Couple continues to ask the question posed in the previous three: can two divorced men, compulsive neat-freak Felix Unger (Tony Randall) and confirmed slob Oscar Madison (Jack Klugman) live together in the same apartment without killing each other or driving one another crazy? Well . . .at least they haven't killed each other yet. The only new addition to the regular cast this season is Archie Hahn, playing Oscar's poker buddy Roger. Having proven their popularity in previous seasons, "flashback" episodes continue to abound: Season Three offers "This is the Army, Mrs. Madison", in which he recalls marrying his former wife Blanche (Bret Somers); "The Odd Holiday", wherein we learn the root cause of the split between Felix and his "ex" Gloria (Janis Hansen"; and "Cleanliness is Next to Impossible", in which one harkback sequence features Adam Klugman, real-life son of Jack Klugman, as "Little Oscar." And of course, Season Four has guest stars aplenty, virtually all of them as "themselves": Dick Clark in "The New Car", Jaye P. Morgan and Wolfman Jack in "The Songwriter", battle-of-the-sexes tennis pros Bobby Riggs and Billie Jean King in "The Pig Who Came to Dinner"; Hugh Hefner in "One for the Bunny"; Edward Villella, head dancer of the New York City Ballet, in "Last Tango in Newark". AND, for a change of pace, opera star Marilyn Horne plays a character other than herself (albeit with a magnificent singing voice) in "Vocal Girl Makes Good". ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Moving from Fridays to Thursdays for its fifth and final season, The Odd Couple opens the proceedings with "The Rain in Spain", featuring a surprise appearance by All in the Family's Rob Reiner as the boyfriend of Myrna Turner (played by Reiner's then-wife Penny Marshall), the secretary of sportswriter--and confirmed slob--Oscar Madison (Jack Klugman). Thereafter, it's business as usual, with Oscar getting on the nerves of his neatnik roommate Felix Ungar (Tony Randall), and vice versa, yet remaining best friends all the same. The celebrity guest stars continue to parade past the series' cameras during Season Five, beginning with Bob Hope in "The Hollywood Story". Gossip columnist Rona Barrett is seen in "The Dog Story", newscaster Howard K. Smith in "The Odd Candidate", Richard Dawson in "Laugh Clown Laugh", and, in a true "hit the jackpot" situation, sportscaster Howard Cosell, ABC executive Roone Arledge and Metropolitan Opera soprano Martina Arroyo in "Your Mother Wears Army Boots". Interestingly, while singer-composer Paul Williams plays "himself" in "The Paul Williams Show", country star Roy Clark is seen as "Willie Boggs" in "The Roy Clark Show" (though he still gets to play guitar). Episodes of special interest include "The Frog", in which Leif Garrett takes over from Willie Aames in the role of Felix's son Leonard; and "Our Fathers", a flashback to the 1920s wherein Felix and Oscar are "cast" as their own fathers. And let's not forget the series finale "Felix Remarries", with Felix and his ex-wife Gloria (Janis Hansen) reunited even while Oscar (Jack Klugman) joyously celebrates his "liberation" from Felix' fastidiousness! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Twenty-two year old Carla Tate (Juliette Lewis) is a slightly mentally challenged young woman who has spent several years at a sheltered private boarding school. Now she's coming home to her wealthy parents in northern California who are emotionally ill-equipped to deal with her and are guilt ridden over sending her away in the first place. The biggest limitation Carla must now overcome is her overprotective mother Elizabeth (Diane Keaton). When she takes a class at a trade school, Carla soon meets the equally challenged Daniel (Giovanni Ribisi). Despite his limitations, he maintains a job in a bakery and lives alone. Carla dares to dream of independence and love despite her mother who refuses to view her as an adult. When Daniel fails his class, his father cuts off his funds. Facing a move to Florida to live with his mother, the two turn to each other and find a way to stay together to face a world of adult opportunities and responsibilities. ~ Ron Wells, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Juliette Lewis, Diane Keaton, (more)
This teen comedy from Disney is based on a popular novel by Meg Cabot and directed by Garry Marshall. Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway) is a teenage klutz who's openly mocked by the popular Lana Thomas (pop singer Mandy Moore). In fact, Mia's only friend at her exclusive prep school is the socially outcast Lilly (Heather Matarazzo). Mia's life takes a dramatic turn, however, when her mom announces that her late biological father was in actuality the crown prince of a small European nation, Genovia. Now Mia is the sole heir to the throne, and her grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi (Julie Andrews) wants to tutor the awkward teen in royal behavior. It's a daunting task given Mia's lax table manners, poise, and hair care, but the girl perseveres with some makeover help from her grandmother's security chief Hector Elizondo) and a style expert (Larry Miller). In the meantime, Mia's romantic affections are torn between the handsome, popular Josh (Erik Von Detten) and the more appropriate Michael (Robert Schwartzman), who also happens to be Lilly's brother. The Princess Diaries is the second film from Whitney Houston's production shingle after the television version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella (1997). ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews, (more)
- 2004
- G
- Add The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement to QueueAdd The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement to top of Queue
Directed by Garry Marshall, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement picks up where its predecessor left off -- that is, with American teenager Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway) reeling over the news that she is a princess within the royal family of Genovia, a little-known European nation with a population of barely 50,000. As promised, Mia, along with her best friend, Lilly (Heather Matarazzo), travels to Genovia after their high-school graduation. The unlikely princess has hardly settled into the castle, let alone begun representing the country, when she learns that a larger title is approaching more rapidly than expected; it seems as though Mia will have to take over as queen. Suddenly, in addition to further schooling on the etiquette of royalty, Mia finds herself with a daunting prospect -- according to Genovian law, all princesses must be married before they can be crowned. In addition to Julie Andrews' reprisal of her role as Queen Clarisse Renaldi, The Princess Diaries 2 also features Hector Elizondo and John Rhys-Davies in supporting roles. Though Princess Diaries author Meg Cabot did pen a sequel (The Princess Diaries: Princess in the Spotlight), this film is not an adaptation. ~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews, (more)
Co-written by Jonathan Tolins and based on his original stage play, this Showtime drama concerns the possible role of genetics in determining sexual orientation. Suzanne Gold (Jennifer Beals), a medical-school dropout who manages a clothing store, marries genetic researcher Rob Stein (Jon Tenney), the son of Orthodox Jews who disapprove of what they perceive as their son's meddling with God's prerogatives. When Rob submits his and Suzanne's unborn son to his colleagues' experimental test procedures, the baby appears to have a 90 percent chance of being homosexual. Suzanne confides to her mother, Phyllis (Faye Dunaway), that she fears for the added burden her new family will face. Mom's got a big mouth, and before long Suzanne's father, Walter (Garry Marshall), and gay brother, David (Brendan Fraser), are weighing in with their conflicting opinions about whether or not Suzanne should abort the child and what such an action would mean about David's place in the family. The strain of such a decision ruptures existing fault lines in both the Gold family and Suzanne's marriage, culminating in revelation, transformation, and a group hug. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jennifer Beals, Jon Tenney, (more)
- 1968
This very short-lived series was later cited by TV Guide as one of the worst American sitcoms ever produced. It starred Peter Kastner as Timothy Blair, a young man desperately in love with an English ingénue named Julie Renfield (Patricia Brake). Timothy landed in hot water when his brother, the professional photographer Gene Blair (Garry Marshall!) was assigned to shoot pictures of west coast hippies for a London magazine; in a moment of complete catastrophe, the images were accidentally destroyed, so the desperate Gene convinced Timothy to dress in drag and pose for some photos as female model "Timmie" Blair. The Brits liked the photographs so much that they immediately summoned Tim to fly to the UK and headline a modeling assignment, a la Twiggy. Timothy agreed, for it gave him an excuse to be geographically close to Julie, but he soon found himself juggling dual lives - one as her suitor, the other as an incognito female impersonator. U.S. audiences didn't buy either, and the series tanked after four months. Marshall, of course, went on to be a successful television producer and movie director, but Kastner never quite lived down the ignominy associated with this series; it effectively ruined his career and made it extraordinarily difficult for him to get film or television work. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Kastner, Patricia Brake, (more)
