Terri Messina Movies
- 1971
Gloria Grahame joined the list of aging Hollywood stars who bloodied their hands in the wake of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? with this sick, effective horror film about nasty doings at a private orphanage. Grahame gives a wonderfully grotesque performance as Mrs. Dorothy Deere, a crazy widow who bilks the county out of money by running a home for wayward youths. If any of her tenants happens to run away, the wino handyman Tom kills them with a meat-cleaver and throws them into a deep-freeze in the cellar. Into this unsavory situation comes young Ellie Masters (Melody Patterson of TV's F-Troop), whose prostitute mother was viciously murdered with a claw-hammer while in bed with a john. Ellie witnessed the killer leaving the burning bedroom, and is warned by helpful cop Carruthers (Vic Tayback) that he could still be around. This film looks absolutely horrible considering the names involved, with an air of cheapness pervading even the most minor elements of the production. Nevertheless, it works because of the performances. Grahame brings a deadpan madness to her character that is a welcome and chilling change from the fright-wigged harridans of similar films, and Len Lesser exudes considerable menace as the murderous Tom. It might also amuse some to see a young Dennis Christopher as the nerdy Pete. The "shock" ending is pretty silly, but director Philip Gilbert manages to maintain a fairly skillful tone of depravity and madness until that point, making this an atmospheric (if ratty) treat. ~ Robert Firsching, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gloria Grahame, Melody Patterson, (more)
- 1969
Eve (Barbara Anderson) is upset that her niece Kimberly (Susan O'Connell) has been arrested on a marijuana possession charge--especially since it is the girl's second offense. Though she knows she will be institutionalized unless she reveals her supplier, Kimberly refuses to talk. In order to save the girl, Ironside conducts an investigation which leads him to Kimberly's high school--and a near-impenetrable wall of silence. In typical late-1960s fashion, the adult "enablers" are proven to be just as culpable as the pot-smoking kids. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
In this melodrama, Johnnie (Jayne Mansfield) struggles through a series of relationships and pregnancies only to be repeatedly deserted by her no-good lovers. As she moves from relationship to relationship, Johnnie continues to change her name, each time hoping for a new and better life. This was Jayne Mansfield's last film. ~ Iotis Erlewine, All Movie Guide
- 1968
Two parents worry about the feelings of their love-struck teenage son in this engaging romantic comedy. Grif (James Garner) and wife Jenny (Debbie Reynolds) are concerned about their son Davey (Donald Losby). When his girlfriend is slated for a tour of Europe, the teenage boy is heartbroken. Grif, a photographer by trade, draws the assignment as a photo journalist to cover the girl's tour. Jenny is swindled by Mr. Tilly (Terry-Thomas) who takes her money as rent payment on a Riviera villa. The house is owned by a French playboy who allows the pretty mom to stay. Comedy ensues when a jealous Grif discovers wife Jenny in a bikini given to her by the amorous Frenchman. Prolific songwriter Jimmy Webb provides the music for this feature. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- James Garner, Debbie Reynolds, (more)
- 1968
This episode marks the first appearance--and first disappearance--of Jeannie's magical pet dog Djinn Djinn. Jeannie (Barbara Eden) is thrilled to be reunited with Djinn Djinn after 2000 years. Her sentiments are not shared by Tony (Larry Hagman), for two important reasons: Djinn Djinn can render himself invisible, and he hates the sight of a human being wearing a uniform! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
