F. William Parker Movies
- 1976
When the editor shuts down the newspaper where he works, John-Boy is given the opportunity to start up a periodical of his own. But before he can issue the first edition of the "Blue Ridge Chronicle", he must purchase the old paper's printing press--and thus he takes a full-time job to raise the money. His new responsibility cut into his study time at college, and it seems as though John-Boy's journalism teacher Professor Parks (Paul Jenkins) has no intention of cutting the boy any slack. . .but Parks may not be quite as cold-hearted as he seems. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1976
In the conclusion of a two-part story, J.J. (Jimmie Walker) has gone to work as a numbers runner in order to financially bail out his family. Although J.J. doesn't know at first that the gamblers to whom he is indebted are also trafficking in drugs and prostitution, he considers it wise to lie to his family, claiming that he's landed a job as an ad man. But J.J.'s mom, Florida (Esther Rolle), is fully aware of what her son has gotten himself into -- and when he refuses to quit his unsavory activities, Florida kicks him out of the apartment. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1977
Working as a volunteer at a neighborhood help center, Louise (Isabel Sanford) tries to find a worthwhile job for ghetto youth Marcus Garvey Henderson. Much against his will, Louise's husband, George (Sherman Hemsley), hires Marcus for one of his dry-cleaning establishments. Not long afterward, a costly suede jacket turns up missing. Ernest Harden Jr. makes his first series appearance as Marcus. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1977
The story of "red light bandit" Caryl Chessman, previously dramatized in the 1955 film Cell 2455, Death Row (based on Chessman's own book), was adapted for television as Kill Me If You Can. In a radical departure from his usual duties as MASH's Hawkeye Pierce, Alan Alda plays Chessman, who in 1948 was found guilty of robbery, kidnapping and sexual assault. Under the laws of the era, Chessman was sentenced to die in the gas chamber. But by studying the law and publishing four books on his plight, the brilliant (albeit still repugnant) Chessman managed to forestall his execution for 12 years. Though no effort is made in the film to make the sociopathic Chessman any better than he was, John Gay's script comes out squarely in opposition of capital punishment. Kill Me If You Can first aired on September 25, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Alan Alda, Talia Shire, (more)
- 1977
Gaining access to Bookman's citizen's band radio (remember those?), Michael (Ralph Carter) decides to line up a few dates by posing as his older brother J.J. Using this "handle," Michael connects with another CB enthusiast, who identifies herself as "Fun Girl." Describing herself as the ultimate in sexy sensuality, Fun Girl neglects to mention that she is a paraplegic, confined to a wheelchair. Sharon Brown, the daughter of series regular Johnny Brown (Bookman), guest stars in this poignant episode. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1977
It seemed like only yesterday that Bob and Emily celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary (actually, it was in an episode which aired approximately ten months earlier, in February of 1977). And now here they are, blowing out the candles on their tenth anniversary cake. On this momentous occasion, both Bob and Emily wonder what life would have been like had they married other people -- and a brace of fantasy sequences shows them what life would have been like. The supporting cast features Morgan Fairchild as Linda Bianca and E. William Parker as Marcus. Written by Lloyd Garver, "Grand Delusion" first aired on December 17, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1979
Moving from its traditional Tuesday-night slot to a Thursday evening berth, Laverne & Shirley kicked off its fifth season with the conclusion of a two-part story which debuted September 11, 1979 on its "sister" series Happy Days. That show's leading characters Richie (Ron Howard) and Fonzie (Henry Winkler) have gotten themselves into deep do-do by flirting with Helga (Vicki Frederick) and Inga (April Clough) pair of curvaceous. Now the boys are faced with the prospect of a shotgun wedding, thanks to the girls' rifle-toting pappy Vernon (F. William Parker). It is up to Laverne (Penny Marshall) and Shirley (Cindy Williams) to rescue our heroes by posing as Richie and Fonzie's fiancees! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Steve McQueen's last film concerns a modern day bounty hunter who searches for bail jumpers. Based on real life bounty hunter Ralph "Papa" Thorson, the film details his exciting life, traveling from one city to another, trying to track down fugitives and continually risking his life in the process. Buzz Kulik directed the confusing mish-mash that, nevertheless, features stunt work that anticipates the Lethal Weapon series. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Steve McQueen, Eli Wallach, (more)
- 1980
While celebrating their wedding anniversary, George and Louise Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford) have another of their legendary arguments, this time over the subject of George's honesty. After George angrily storms off to spend the night in a hotel, Louise begins to suspect that her husband is up to some extramarital hanky-panky. Her worst fears seem to be confirmed when she heads to George's hotel room -- only to be met by her hubby's secretary. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
Jinxed is an apt name for this disastrous project which, sadly, turned out to be Don Siegel's final film. The film takes place in Reno, where blackjack dealer Willie Brodax (Ken Wahl) becomes an innocent victim of a broken-down gambler named Harold Benson (Rip Torn). Such is Willie's luck that when he sees Benson sit down at his blackjack table, he realizes that he will soon be out of a job. Benson is also giving his girlfriend Bonita Friml (Bette Midler) a difficult time. When she notices Willie and sees how Bensen is putting him through the wringer, she begins to fall for him and gets him involved in a scheme to kill her boyfriend. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bette Midler, Ken Wahl, (more)
- 1982
The chances of burned-out cabbie Reverend Jim (Christopher Lloyd) passing any sort of competency test is roughly equivalent to a snowball's chance of surviving in hell, but that's just what he must do in this episode. Upon learning that his late father has left him three-and-a-half million dollars in his will -- but with certain very rigid conditions: Jim must prove he is of sound mind, and fast! He must also dress and act like something resembling a normal human being, and for help in this matter he turns to the most "normal" people he knows: Alex (Judd Hirsch)...and Louie (Danny DeVito)? ~ All Movie Guide
- 1982
Boss Hogg (Sorrell Booke) oversteps his bounds once too often when he arranges for a new state highway to bypass three nearby counties. Outraged over being denied the opportunity to shake down passing drivers for ill-gotten gains, a trio of rival country bosses--Sharkey (Earl Montgomery), Hopkins (F. William Parker) and Bowman (William Bramley)--target Boss for extermination, forcing him to hide out on the Dukes' farm. The outcome of the story hinges on a covert tape recording, courtesy of Vance Duke (Christopher Mayer). Singer Mel Tillis, who'd previously shown up in character role in the episode "The Rustlers", herein appears as himself. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1983
- PG
A cautious single mom and a frustrated writer dance around the prospect of getting together in this romantic comedy. Caustic, difficult Emily (Susan Sarandon) lives with her potty-mouthed son, Tim (Wil Wheaton), and her obnoxiously bossy mother (Jean Stapleton). Her social life consists of afternoon dalliances with a total cad. When part-time writer/inventor and full-time school security guard Joe (Richard Dreyfuss) passes up the chance to turn Tim in for not meeting the school's residency requirements, a paranoid Emily accuses him of masterminding a blackmail scheme. Unbeknownst to Emily, though, the friendless, fatherless Tim strikes up an unlikely friendship with Joe. Eventually, against her better judgement, so does Emily herself. But when one of Joe's inventions begins to take off, his sadistic ex-girlfriend, Carrie (Nancy Allen), shows up to spoil things. Directed by TV vet Glenn Jordan, The Buddy System was written by future Beaches scribe Mary Agnes Donohue. The film marked the feature debut of future Stand By Me and Star Trek: The Next Generation star Wheaton. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Dreyfuss, Susan Sarandon, (more)
Terms of Endearment covers three decades in the lives of widow Aurora Greenway (Shirley MacLaine) and her daughter Emma (Debra Winger). Fiercely protected by Aurora throughout childhood, Emma runs into resistance from her mother when she marries wishy-washy college teacher Flap (Jeff Daniels). Aurora is even more put out at the prospect of being a grandmother, though she grows a lot fonder of her three grandkids than she does of her son-in-law. Flap proves that Aurora's instincts were on target when he enters into an affair with a student (Kate Charleson). Meanwhile, Emma finds romantic consolation with an unhappily married banker (played by John Lithgow, who registers well in a rare "nice guy" performance). As for Aurora, she is ardently pursued by her next-door neighbor, boisterous astronaut Garrett Breedlove (Jack Nicholson). After 75 minutes or so of pursuing an episodic, semi-comic plotline, the film abruptly shifts moods when Emma discovers that she has terminal cancer. Terms of Endearment won Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Screenplay for TV veteran James L. Brooks making his first feature film, Best Actress for MacLaine, and Best Supporting Actor for Nicholson. It was followed by a sequel, The Evening Star (1996), which again featured MacLaine as Aurora. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Debra Winger, Shirley MacLaine, (more)
- 1983
In this syrupy drama, a terminally ill priest continues trying to keep his orphanage from closing. Fortunately, a rousing soccer game (featuring the legendary player Pele) saves the orphanage ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1983
On the advice of self-proclaimed legal expert Earl Hicks (Dave Madden), Mel ups the security at the diner by having his waitresses bonded. This throws Vera into a panic; it seems that she has (or thinks she has) a "criminal past." Before the situation is resolved, Vera has gone on the lam and is hanging out with a group of colorful (and aromatic) street people. In the original TV Guide listings, future Night Court regular Selma Diamond is credited as the "bag lady", but the episode itself credits comedienne Carol Arthur, the wife of Dom DeLuise. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Revenge of the Nerds is the juvenile sex comedy perhaps most synonymous with the 1980s, alternating gags and scantily clad women with a power to the underdogs mentality that prompted three sequels. The handsome jocks of Alpha Beta, led by Stan (Ted McGinley), run Adams College, which means that when they burn down their house after a stunt involving grain alcohol and an open flame, they kick a bunch of socially inept freshman out of their dorm and into the gymnasium. But sleeping on cots is only the beginning of their worries, as the so-called nerds soon become the target of pranks by Alpha Beta, assisted by Betty (Julie Montgomery) and the gorgeous gals of Pi Delta Pi. Instead of taking the abuse sitting down, the displaced freshman, led by Gilbert (Anthony Edwards) and Lewis (Robert Carradine), buy a ramshackle house, affiliate themselves with the only national chapter who will take them (the all-black Lambda Lambda Lambda), and use their superior intellect to launch a counterstrike. The bespectacled but loveable geeks set up surveillance cameras in the Pi bathroom and put liquid heat in the athletes' jock straps, then draft a sister sorority of misfits (Omega Mu) to strengthen their resources. The frats quickly become bitter rivals, and the goal is to win the annual fraternity decathlon, which involves such feats as a burping contest and a go-cart race, with bragging rights (and perhaps peace of mind) at stake. Look for John Goodman and future thirtysomething cast member Timothy Busfield in small roles, and expect a torrent of nasal laughter. ~ Derek Armstrong, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Robert Carradine, Anthony Edwards, (more)
- 1984
- PG
Jack Lemmon stars in Mass Appeal as a popular Los Angeles parish priest, who has retained the good will of his parishioners by cracking jokes and never taking a stand on crucial matters. Enter young seminarian Zeljko Ivanek, whose rebellious reputation threatens to earn him an expulsion. Lemmon is expected to bring Ivanek around to the Church's "party line," but the younger man resists the older man's advice--quite loudly at times. The audience is fully aware that, by film's end, Ivanek will have converted Lemmon instead of the other way around, but the sheer joy of watching two superb actors at work transcends the story's predictability. Mass Appeal was based on a play by Bill C. Davis, and produced by none other than the widow of McDonalds mogul Ray Kroc. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jack Lemmon, Zeljko Ivanek, (more)
A seat-of-the-pants militia attitude gets a boost from this conventional drama about the heroics of a teen son anxious to free his father from captivity in a small Middle Eastern nation. Doug's (Jason Gedrick) father is an Air Force pilot who was shot down on a mission near the border of an Arab country and is now held hostage. Failing adequate U.S. intervention causes a desperate Doug to enlist his school chums in a wild plan to essentially sneak away with two Air Force jets and take off on a mission to rescue his father. He convinces the veteran Chappy (Louis Gossett, Jr.) into flying one plane, while Doug himself flies another (he learned how to pilot from his father). Yes. If audiences believe all this, then the ending should come as no surprise either. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Louis Gossett, Jr., Jason Gedrick, (more)
- 1985
This made-for-TV drama was inspired by the real-life Toughlove program, set up to help parents of kids with severe alcohol, drug and behavior problems. Lee Remick and Bruce Dern star as a middle-aged couple who have completely lost control of their teen-aged son Jason Patric. When all else fails, the couple joins Toughlove, adhering to the organization's policy of being cruel (but not abusive) in order to be kind. Their story alternates with the travails of Toughlove member Piper Laurie and her suicidal daughter DeDee Pfeiffer (sister of Michelle). Toughlove was originally telecast October 13, 1985. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1986
This episode opens with the grave announcement that it has NOT been filmed in 3-D (the glasses didn't show up in the mail). Once this is established, we segue into the curious tale of the Great Kandinski, a famous escape artist who has recently died. Inasmuch as Kandinski had threatened to come back from the grave to get even with his philandering wife (K Callan), David (Bruce Willis) and Maddie (Cybill Shepherd) are engaged to do some "corpse sitting" at the local funeral parlor--but comes the dawn, and the body has disappeared...and even worse, it looks as if Kandinski has carried out his threat. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1987
Adam Arkin plays a frustrated teacher who decides to hit the road. En route to nowhere in particular, he befriends drifter David Morse, a former convict. Arkin and Morse get along famously until the stunning Susan Wheeler Duff enters the scene. The performances in this deliberately "small" film are uniformly fine, with Ms. Duff close to perfection. Personal Foul falters a bit pace-wise, but it doesn't really hurt the picture. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Adam Arkin, David Morse, (more)
Director Blake Edwards departed from his customary sex farces to direct an unusual satirical Western comedy-thriller. In 1927, legendary lawman Wyatt Earp (James Garner) comes to Hollywood to serve as an advisor to a film studio making a movie about Earp's life. He meets silent screen cowboy star Tom Mix (Bruce Willis). The two stumble upon a murder that has apparently occurred on the set but is linked to a renowned bordello. The aging cowboy and the young actor set off on a series of time-warp misadventures to try to solve the mystery. Along the way, they encounter the shady Alfie Alperin (Malcom McDowell) and the intriguing Cheryl King (Mariel Hemingway). ~ Michael Betzold, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Willis, James Garner, (more)
- 1989
- PG13
- Add Gleaming the Cube to Queue
Gleaming the Cube does for skateboarding what Over the Top did for arm wrestling -- i.e. not a hell of a lot. Christian Slater is the skateboarding star, playing Brian Kelly, a sneering and laconic teen outcast. He feels left out and envious of his adopted Vietnamese brother Vinh's (Art Chudabala) success as an honor roll student and as the center of attention in his family. When Vinh commits suicide, Brian is suspicious and rolls away on his skateboard to find out what really happened -- and ultimately to avenge his murder. Brian's investigation is aided and abetted by a sardonic detective named Al Lucero (Steven Bauer), a collection of skateboard aficionados, and an incredibly attractive Vietnamese girl, Tina (Min Luong). ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Christian Slater, Steven Bauer, (more)
- 1989
Marcy (Amanda Bearse) is more uptight than usual when a gypsy fortune teller (Carmen Zapata) predicts her premature demise. Since the psychic has seen good things in the future for the Bundys, Marcy insists that Al (Ed O'Neill) and Peg (Katey Sagal) accompany her on a plane trip to New York, as a form of "life insurance". The journey proves to be unforgettable thanks to the delirious reaction of the Bundys to First Class accommodations. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
