Michael Christian Movies
Born Michael Clouspy, this supporting actor appeared on screen from the late '60s. ~ All Movie Guide
- 2006
- PG13
- Add Pirates of the Great Salt Lake to QueueAdd Pirates of the Great Salt Lake to top of Queue
Two guys dream of becoming the scourge of the seven seas but have to settle for paddling around a shallow lake in this independent comedy. Kirk Redgrave (Kirby Heyborne) is a well-meaning but overly imaginative teenager growing in the suburbs of Salt Lake City. Determined to remake himself into someone exciting and dangerous, Kirk dons a pirate's hat, gets a rowboat, and begins calling himself Cap'n Kirk, the scallywag of the Great Salt Lake. While Kirk's mom, a strict Mormon widow, is mortified by her son's new hobby, Kirk soon finds a kindred spirit in Flint Weaver (Trenton James), a wholesome guy who wants to seem more dangerous in order to attract the attention of cute waitress Ruby (Emily Tyndall). However, the guys move one step closer to being real pirates when they find a map that will supposedly lead them to real buried treasure, though Drake, the owner of a neighborhood second-hand shop, is already looking for the spoils. Pirates of the Great Salt Lake was the first feature film from writer and director E.R. Nelson. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kirby Heyborne, Larry Bagby III, (more)
- 2000
Visit one of the scariest castles in Europe and adventure beyond the realm of science into the supernatural. Produced by Bob Schott, Witches, Ghosts and Phantoms offers a look at new discoveries in the paranormal world. The film takes viewers to Threave Castle, located on a small secluded island in south Scotland. Spend a frightening night at the castle with the team of paranormal investigators and authors who use sophisticated equipment to uncover the mystery of a roaming phantom figure, "the dungeon of the supernatural," and the buried heart of Robert the Bruce. The documentary provides a believable look at the supernatural. ~ Sally Barber, All Movie Guide
This erotic drama with an undercurrent of sexual politics stars Shannon Whirry as Emanuelle Griffith, a sexy supermodel who's also an outspoken feminist activist. Emanuelle is kidnapped one night by Richard Tate (Michael Christian), a deranged voyeur who floods her limousine with ether then imprisons the model in a high-tech love nest, where he intends to psychologically torture her into becoming the submissive and attentive "perfect woman." When her several attempts to escape don't work, Emanuelle decides to play Richard's sick game and uses her obvious assets to seduce and then turn the tables on her captor. In the meantime, a private eye (Bo Svenson) and an LAPD detective (Tony Burton) are searching for the famous Emanuelle, but by the time they track her down, she may no longer need any male assistance. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- 1994
In this German political drama, an ex-Stasi agent encounters an old friend whom he may have betrayed after his friend tried to escape East Germany. The former East German agent is Otto Skrodt who after many years is about to be promoted in the highest government ranks. He is anxious to maintain a squeaky clean image. His daughter is Isabelle. The young and friendly Kalle returns after spending many years in jail for his escape attempts. He doesn't know exactly who blew the whistle, but his friend Skrodt is definitely under suspicion. Kalle returns to ostensibly renew the friendship and to see Isabelle whom he loves. The duplicitous friendship between the two men becomes the main focus of the story which features interesting plot twists at the end. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Manfred Krug, Ulrich Mühe, (more)
- 1987
In the first episode of a two-part story (originally telecast in a single hour-long slot), Marcy (Amanda Bearse) leaves home in a huff after a fight with husband Steve (David Garrison). Hoping to cheer Marcy up, freewheeling Peg (Katey Sagal) takes her uptight neighbor to Troy's, a male strip club. Whilst dancing the night away with a stripper named Zorro (Billy Hufsey), Marcy drops a generous tip into Zorro's pants--and loses her wedding ring in the process! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1987
In the conclusion of a two-part story (originally telecast as a single hour-long entry), Marcy (Amanda Bearse) despairs over the loss of her wedding ring, which she lost while tipping a male stripper named Zorro (Billy Hufsey) at Troy's strip club. Meanwhile, Zorro shows up at the doorstep of Marcy's neighbor Al (Ed O'Neill) to return the ring. As a result, Al and Marcy's husband Steve (David Garrison) conspire to lay an enormous guilt trip on both their wives--after all, it was Al's spouse Peg (Katey Sagal) who apparently led Marcy astray. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1986
Panoramic, spectacular landscape shots enhance this wartime action film, but its emphasis on the philosophical and moral issues between Communists and fascists might be long-winded for some audiences. The setting is World War II in a divided and battered Yugoslavia. As the underground Partisans do the best they can to subvert Nazi domination, tension slowly increases. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lyubov Polishchuk, George Montgomery, (more)
- 1984
Having nothing whatever to do with the popular TV series Knight Rider, Mid Knight Rider is more like a trip through a sewer in a glass bottom boat. Michael Christian plays an impoverished actor who, unable to make a go of his chosen profession, turns to prostitution. He manages to make a great deal of money fulfilling the fantasies of wealthy, foolish middle-aged ladies. During a wild orgy, Christian suddenly rebels against his new lifestyle and goes on a violent rampage. Costar Keenan Wynn must have done this one on a dare. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1980
As this gritty drama about a young teen's fight to overcome her past begins to unfold, flashbacks are interspersed with the present-tense story. This technique keeps viewers wondering exactly where Sam (Tracey Mann) is going: in the direction that led her to jail, or towards a normal life? After she gets out of prison, her old friends and a corrupt cop named Brady (Bill Hunter) provide formidable obstacles. They all see her as a rebellious delinquent in spite of her efforts to change. Faced with nearly insurmountable odds, Sam's struggle for her future is not going to be easily won. Mann won a 1980 Best Actress Award from the Australian Film Institute for her performance. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tracy Mann, John Arnold, (more)
- 1978
Heartbreak Motel enjoyed a brief theatrical life on the drive-in circuit, then settled down into Late Late Show screenings. Leslie Uggams stars as a singer whose car breaks down a million miles from nowhere. Taking refuge at a run-down motel (hence the title), she finds herself at the mercy of salivating rednecks. This low-grade horror effort manages to tap the talents of such formidable thespians as Shelley Winters, Slim Pickens, Ted Cassidy and Dub Taylor. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
A quick-shot rifleman with a tragic past seeks refuge in a God-fearing Arizona town, only to discover that there's no running from the way of the gun in directors Hagen Smith andRichard Robinson's bullet-riddled Western. It was self-defense when Frank Woods killed three drunken hoodlums in a moment of desperation, but he knows as well as anyone else that he'll be heading for the hangman's noose if the law catches on to him. Though the citizens of the small religious town to which Frank has relocated welcome the even-handed newcomer and his commendable quest to clean the town of corruption, the criminal element doesn't take kindly to his presence and soon sets out to bring Frank down once and for all. Once again backed into a corner from which the only escape is to start shooting and pray that luck is still on his side, Frank fights for his life the only way he knows how -- with plenty of gunpowder and a fistful of bullets. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1975
Zwischen Nact Und Morgen is the third movie of that name to be filmed in German; the first two were filmed in 1931 and 1944, respectively. This third film's story has little if anything to do with those earlier films, however. Based on the writings of Erich Weinert, it tells of the author's life. As a dedicated communist, Weinert fled Germany in the early '30s and fought on the Republican side in the Spanish Civil War. Circumstances eventually forced him to settle in Moscow. As a writer living in exile, without an audience, he earned a living dubbing Soviet films into German. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Hermann Beyer
In this low-budget, violent and trashy exploitation outing, an African-American singer is kidnapped and forced to endure all sorts of torments and indignities at the hands of a white, psycho Southern family. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1975
- PG
Also released under the titles El Salvejo, 40 Graves for 40 Guns, Savage Red, and Outlaw White, this western takes place in New Mexico when a group of outlaws are attacked by a force led by a man who is half Native American. ~ Iotis Erlewine, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Robert Padilla, Richard Rust, (more)
- 1973
Terror on the Beach stars Dennis Weaver and Estelle Parsons as the parents of a family vacationing on the shores of California. A gang of vicious, marauding teenagers invade the campsite and proceed to make the family's life hell. Weaver resists giving into violence until the fierce climax, where he proves just as capable of evil as his tormentors. The highlight of this grim charade is a dune-buggy chase, far better staged and photographed than most of the violent set-pieces. Made for television, Terror on the Beach was filmed on location at California's Pismo Beach. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
A youthful Martin Sheen guests as an elusive contract killer who takes refuge amongst a group of anti-Vietnam protesters. In exchange for the group's silence, the cagey hit man promises not to expose an "underground railway" which is transporting draft dodgers to Canada. In order to trap the murderer, Ironside (Raymond Burr) must first gain the trust of the young antiwar activists--and that's a tall order for anyone over 30! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1969
John Abbott, a citizen of Ancient Rome, is transported against his will to the 20th Century. No sooner has he landed in Tinseltown than he's pounced upon by opportunists and sharpsters. Ad man Terry-Thomas exploits Abbott for marketing purposes, while gorgeous Lisa Seagram hopes to use the hapless Roman as a launching pad for her own showbiz career. There's a lot of comic talent in 2000 Years Later--in addition to Terry-Thomas, the film features Edward Everett Horton, Pat Harrington Jr. and Casey Kasem. In keeping with its title (in a manner of speaking), the film fares well as a 1960s time capsule, with cameo appearances by such icons of the decade as singer Monty Rock III and designer Rudi Gernreich. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1968
- G
- Add Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows to QueueAdd Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows to top of Queue
Mother Simplicia (Rosalind Russell) is the head nun at an all-girl school. Aided by the young Sister George (Stella Stevens), the two try to convert the wayward girls to prim and proper ladies with a solid religious foundation. Rosabelle (Susan St. James) and Marvel Ann (Barbara Hunter), are the leaders of the teenage girls who often rebel against authority.Arthur Godfrey plays the Bishop, and Milton Berle provides a hilarious cameo as a film director whose big cowboy chase scene is ruined by the arrival of the girl's school bus. Farriday (Robert Taylor) is the helpful neighbor, and Van Johnson is the priest who heads the school for boys in this mildly amusing comedy. Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart sing their self-penned title track. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rosalind Russell, Stella Stevens, (more)
- 1968
Ironside (Raymond Burr) wants to find out why young Tim Patterson (Michael Christian) has forsaken a stellar college career to become a pool hustler. It turns out that Tim has taken it upon himself to square the huge gambling debts incurred by his ne'er-do-well brother Bobby (Carl Reindel)--a task made difficult by venal professional gembler Phil Vance (H.M. Wynant). The episode's highlight is a demonstration of the genuine pool-playing prowess of guest star Jack Albertson, cast as champion cue-wielder Money Howard. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
