William Katt Movies
The son of actors Bill Williams and Barbara Hale, curly-haired leading man William Katt is fond of noting that he made his movie "debut" while residing in his mother's womb during filming of Lorna Doone (1951). After attending Orange Coast College, Katt pursued a career as a musician. He then made his formal acting bow in summer stock and small TV roles. Among Katt's film credits are the role of the high-school jock date of telekinetic wallflower Sissy Spacek in Carrie (1977), and one-half of the title role in Butch and Sundance, The Early Days (1979). From 1981 through 1983, Katt played the reluctant-superhero protagonist (originally named Ralph Hinkley, redubbed Ralph Hanley after the '81 assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan) on TV's Greatest American Hero. Beginning in 1987, Katt played the recurring role of detective Paul Drake Jr. in the periodic Perry Mason TV movies, co-starring with his mother Barbara Hale, who resumed her "Della Street" characterization from the original 1961-66 Mason run. Katt also worked on the scripts of several of these latter-day Masons. More recently, William Katt was a regular on the 1991 Farrah Fawcett-Ryan O'Neal TV sitcom Good Sports. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
In the tradition of such psychologically-charged sci-fi outings as The Next One (1982) and K-PAX (2001) comes the cerebral science fiction opus The Man From Earth (2007). The story concerns Professor John Oldman, a scientist who summons a group of associates to a cabin one freezing night, and strikes them with a fantastic revelation: he is not a traditional human, but a 14,000 year-old immortal, who has survived centuries of evolution from the Cro-Magnon Era to the present. In the hours to follow, Professor Oldman's earth-shaking assertion about himself challenges the men on spiritual, scientific and historical levels. But the most incredible is yet to come - an even more astonishing truth in which the men's discussions culminate. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- David Lee Smith, Richard Riehle, (more)
Kelly LeBrock, William Katt, John Heard, and Beverly D'Angelo star in this comedy about four lifelong gamers - and the obsessive intruder - who attempt to make the most of their dreary lives by breaking the world record of gaming by playing "Demons, Nymphs, and Dragons" for over 74,558 hours. Their jobs may make them miserable, and their families may not understand, but perhaps if these fantasy-loving misfits can make the sacrifices needed to accomplish their shared goal, they'll all go down in the history books as the most dedicated dorks ever to slay an army of Orks. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kevin Sherwood, Kevin Kirkpatrick, (more)
- 2006
Rushed to the clinic after collapsing on the street, 15-year-old faith healer Boyd (Thomas Dekker) is diagnosed with a brain abnormality. House (Hugh Laurie) recommends immediate surgery, but Boyd refuses, claiming to be worried that he'll lose his headling powers if he goes under the knife. Of course, Boyd is hiding the real reason why he wants to avoid an operation, but in the meantime he lays hands on terminal cancer patient Grace (Tamara Braun)--who is convinced that she's cured, placing the doctors in this week's ethical dilemma. And in a less solemn moment, Boyd tries to help Dr. Wilson (Robert Sean Leonard) by claiming that God wants Wilson to join House's weekly poker game! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2005
This Hallmark Channel TV movie is one of several starring Kellie Martin as Samantha "Sam" Kinsey, the owner of a British-style American bookshop which traffics in mystery novels. This time out, Sam scores a coup when she manages to get reclusive mystery writer Donald Fiske (William Katt) to make a rare personal appearance at her "Mystery Woman" bookshop. Also on hand is the writer's bitchy wife Jody (Sheree J. Wilson) and his troubled son Cameron (AJ Trauth), not to mention a somewhat disreputable videogame developer named Randy (Jamie Elman), who has persuaded Sam to carry his latest creation, an addictive game called "Whodunnit?", in her store. When Fiske is murdered, Randy is the primary suspect, the result of an ownership squabble over "Whodunnit" which not only involved the dead man, but also some very shady characters from Russia. Though Randy seems to be guilty as hell, Sam nonetheless works overtime to prove his innocence, a task complicated when Sam is assaulted and Jody is kidnapped. Mystery Woman: Game Time premiered August 21, 2005. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2002
In the conclusion of a two-part story, several Justice League members are still trapped in a 1950s-style alternate reality with their "Golden Age" counterparts, the Justice Guild. Several disturbing images suggest that the Guild is doomed to a horrible demise--and that their deaths would also seriously affect the League. As it turns out, the entire dilemma is but an illusion, stirred up by a heretofore unspected menace. The climax of the story is as existential as anything dreamed up by Jean-Paul Sartre! ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- David Naughton, William Katt, (more)
- 2002
In the first episode of a two-part story, several Justice League members are whisked off to an alternate reality, reappearing in Seaboard City, a town that seems permanently locked in the 1950s. Here the Leaguers meet their counterparts, the Justice Guild of America -- all of whom resemble the "Golden Age" versions of DC Comics' familiar superheroes. The League and the Guild team up to thwart the doppelgangers of the "real world's" villainous Injustice Gang, here known as the Injustice Guild. Throughout the action, J'onn J'onnz (The Martian Manhunter) continues receiving psychic messages indicating that what appears to be happening may not be happening at all! ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- David Naughton, William Katt, (more)
- 2002
The Andromeda's latest rescue mission has the unpleasant aftereffect of bringing a dangerous maggot onto the ship. The intergallactic parasite worms its way into one of the vessel's hidden decks, chewing through the hologram of Eddie Aldrich (William Katt), a crew member who died over three centuries ago. Suddenly reactivated, the ghostly, malfunctioning Eddie doesn't understand the present situation and hijacks the ship, determined to have Dylan (Kevin Sorbo) stand trial for treason against the Old Commonwealth. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2001
To escape his enormous gambling debts, the highly unlikable Reese Williams (Marc Singer) decides to fake his own death, with the help of his long-suffering wife, Katie (Michele Greene). Once Reese is safely "deceased," Katie will fall heir to a five-million-dollar insurance policy, which will help the couple square their debts and start a new life elsewhere. But can it be that the scheme has not gone the way it was supposed to -- and that Reese is dead for real? Reese's sister-in-law Ginny (Veronica Hamel) may or may not be able to provide the answers to insurance investigators Logan (William Katt) and Mac (George Dzundza), one of whom has fallen in love with Katie. Though innumerable clues are adroitly planted along the way, the outcome of the story remains a jaw-dropping surprise. Originally intended for theatrical release, Determination of Death was not seen until its premiere on German television in 2002; thereafter, the film was added to the "Monday Night Movie" rotation on the American Lifetime cable channel. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
A man hoping to move out of the closet falls into a trap of drug-fueled hedonism in this cautionary drama. John (Jonathan Wade Drahos) is a police officer from a small town who is forced to leave his career behind when it is discovered that he's gay. Hoping to find more tolerant surroundings, John moves to West Hollywood and rents an apartment with Nina (Kiersten Warren), an old friend from his high school days. One night, John attends a party where he meets Hector (Andre Khabazzi), an attractive hustler with whom he quickly strikes up a relationship. Hector is a regular on the L.A. party circuit, and John soon falls in with him, but the endless barrage of music, drugs, and anonymous sex proves more than John can handle, and he soon develops a dangerous dependence on amphetamines. William Katt, Nancy Allen, and Bruce Vilanch also appear in the supporting cast. Circuit had its premiere at the 2001 L.A. Outfest, a festival devoted to gay and lesbian-themed films. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jonathan Wade Drahos, Kiersten Warren, (more)
A boy who's looking for trouble finds a lot more than he counted on in this action-comedy. Nathan (Ryan DeBoer) is a 12-year-old kid with a smart mouth and a bit too much attitude for his own good. Not happy at home, Nathan runs away and his parents report him missing to the police; when Nathan finds out, he finds himself dodging the cops at every turn. Low on money, Nathan happens upon a large amount of cash and figures his lucky day has arrived. However, it turns out the money he found belongs to gangsters who are bound and determined to get it back, and Nathan is forced to turn himself in to Norm (Tim Matheson), a police detective, in order to stay alive. But Nathan doesn't much care for cops, and Norm is not exactly charmed by Nathan, which makes working together rough sledding. Catch Me If You Can (also released as Deadly Game and Hide and Seek) also features William Katt and Carol Alt. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ryan De Boer, Tim Matheson, (more)
- 1998
This TV drama series, produced and scripted by Irwin Winkler and Rob Cowan, is adapted from their feature film, The Net (1995), a thriller with Sandra Bullock as reclusive Venice, California computer expert Angela Bennett, whose life is threatened. Brooke Langton (Melrose Place) portrays Angela Bennett in this new interpretation. During the debut TV series episode, Angela is puzzled by a cryptic computer message on her screen and goes out jogging. On her return, she discovers her bank account closed, her credit cards canceled, and her identity wiped and switched. Files show that she has been given the name Elizabeth, and state secrets are now stored on her hard disk -- which explains why the feds capture her at gunpoint. A stranger, Trelawney (Joseph Bottoms), engineers her release, but his true program is a kill file. After navigating to the info he wants, he intends to delete Angela right out of existence. Her only hope is Sorcerer (voice of Tim Curry), a helpful but anonymous voice from cyberspace. Filmed in Vancouver, B.C., the series premiered July 19, 1998 on the USA Network. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Brooke Langton, Joseph Bottoms, (more)
- 1997
- Add Mother Teresa: In the Name of God's Poor to QueueAdd Mother Teresa: In the Name of God's Poor to top of Queue
Internationally known actress Geraldine Chaplin offers a moving portrayal of one of the 20th century's greatest humanitarians. This made-for-television miniseries honors the life and sacrifices made by the feisty Yugoslavian nun who spent most of her life tending the poor and the sick of India. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Geraldine Chaplin, William Katt, (more)
- 1996
Aspiring TV journalist Sally McCormick (Suzanne Somers) can't get anyone to hire her--and the reason, she concludes, is that she is simply too chubby for the small screen. Although her boyfriend Andrew Burns (William Katt) tells her that eventually her talent will be judged separate from her weight, Sally would give anything to be thin; in fact, she would even sell her soul. Enter Seymour Kecker (Dabney Coleman), a somewhat diabolical spokesman for a popular weight-loss product. Entering into the standard Faustlike deal with Seymour, portly Sally becomes a sylphlike "Size Six" literally overnight, and before long she is anchoring the news at top-rated WPKV-TV. Of course, there's a price to be paid for this success--and the devilish Seymour intends to be paid in full! Produced for the Lifetime cable network, Devil's Food debuted September 2, 1996, originally shown in tandem with Devil's Diet, a documentary about the famous "full-figured" women of history. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1995
Joe Dante's original Piranha (1979) was a small gem, a clever parody of and homage to the numerous eco-kill pictures which followed in the wake of Jaws (1975). It featured a witty script by then little-known screenwriter John Sayles (Lone Star) and a great cast including Paul Bartel, Dick Miller, and Barbara Steele. This made-for-cable remake, however, is an abomination. It was as if director Scott Levy set out to make the original, scene-by-scene, only without benefit of a good cast and script. Screenwriter Alex Simon seems to have intentionally removed any trace of the sly, knowing humor of Sayles in favor of maudlin stock dialogue mouthed by mannequin-like drones. William Katt delivers a tedious performance which makes Bradford Dillman's work in the first Piranha look like art, and the sluggish Alexandra Paul's female lead is only a shadow of Heather Menzies, which is pretty difficult to imagine. The makeup by John Carl Buechler can't hold a candle to the craftsmanship of Rob Bottin's work in the original, either. About the only thing this disaster has going for it is a fairly interesting song called "Killer Mutant Piranhas," performed over the closing credits by Uncle Dog Food. The rest of the film is like watching a dull summary of the original rather than a real movie. ~ Robert Firsching, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Katt, Alexandra Paul, (more)
- 1994
In this chilling Canadian psycho-thriller a divorcee finds her life endangered when she returns to her hometown and finds herself the object of an unloved young boy's deadly obsession. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Alexandra Paul, Marc Marut, (more)
- 1994
In this crime thriller, a pair of police detectives investigates a series of related killings. As the evidence mounts, it becomes chillingly apparent that one of the two gumshoes is the guilty party. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Season nine of Murder She Wrote comes to an end as famous romance novelist Sibella Stone (Carroll Baker) descends upon Cabot Cove, home turf of mystery writer Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury). It isn't long before Sibella's assistant is murdered, and at first it appears that the novelist herself was the killer's original target. But when Jessica probes into the situation, she discovers that the dead woman was having an affair with the husband of Sibella Stone's publisher...and there are several other people who would like to have seen the victim get knocked off. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1992
A vacation in Scotland turns into hard work for Michael Cooper, a former Chicago policeman, when he runs into an engaging but nervous Englishman who appears as out of place as the American in a little Scottish fishing village. After the two become friendly, the ex-policeman learns the cause of the other man's nervousness: his daughter has been kidnapped by a criminal gang which is hoping to use her abduction in order to find the old man, who has been on the run from them for some time. Before long, Michael charges in to the rescue. This fairly tame action drama offers old-time fans of comic Norman Wisdom a chance to see him in a "straight" role. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Norman Wisdom, William Katt, (more)
- 1990
Perry Mason (Raymond Burr) comes to the defense of his secretary friend in this made-for-TV production. ~ John Bush, All Movie Guide
