Leon Ames Movies
Hollywood's favorite "dear old dad," Leon Ames began his stage career as a sleek, dreamy-eyed matinee idol in 1925. He was still billing himself under his real name, Leon Waycoff, when he entered films in 1931. His best early leading role was as the poet-hero of the stylish terror piece Murders in the Rue Morgue (1932). In 1933, Ames was one of the founding members of the Screen Actors Guild, gaining a reputation amongst producers as a political firebrand--which may have been why his roles diminished in size during the next few years (Ironically, when Ames was president of the SAG, his conservatism and willingness to meet management halfway incurred the wrath of the union's more liberal wing). Ames played many a murderer and caddish "other man" before he was felicitously cast as the kindly, slightly befuddled patriarch in Meet Me in St. Louis (1944). He would play essentially this same character throughout the rest of his career, starring on such TV series as Life With Father (1952-54) and Father of the Bride (1961). When, in 1963, he replaced the late Larry Keating in the role of Alan Young's neighbor on Mr. Ed, Ames' fans were astounded: his character had no children at all! Off screen, the actor was the owner of a successful, high profile Los Angeles automobile dealership. In 1963, he was the unwilling focus of newspaper headlines when his wife was kidnapped and held for ransom. In one of his last films, 1983's Testament, Leon Ames was reunited with his Life With Father co-star Lurene Tuttle. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide- 1977
An upcoming Chief's examination has Captain Stanley (Michael Norell) more uptight than usual, due to the "bad blood" between himself and his former commander (William Boyett). Meanwhile, an actor (Leon Ames) who plays a doctor on a popular soap opera checks into Rampart as a patient, driving everyone crazy with his "medical expertise", and bringing along a further burden in the form of his publicity-hungry producer (Tom Williams). Also, a retired doctor (Dabbs Greer) is stuck in an elevator while suffering from an aneurysm. This was the last hour-long Emergency! episode to be filmed, though not the last to be telecast on NBC. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1976
Sherlock Holmes in New York is a topnotch TV movie starring Roger Moore (surprisingly effective as Holmes) and Patrick MacNee (an intelligent, compassionate Watson). The Great Detective travels to the Big Apple of the 1890s to thwart arch-villain Moriarty, who plans to devalue the world's gold supply. Holmes is also reunited with his lost love Irene Adler (Charlotte Rampling), whose honesty--or lack of it--is just as much in doubt as it had been in Doyle's Scandal in Bohemia. The film combines the razor-sharp deductions of Holmes with the deeper, darker aspects of his character. Sherlock Holmes in New York underwent numerous script and concept changes while the producers awaited the availability of Roger Moore, who in the mid-1970s was being kept busy as James Bond. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1975
When a couple of ruthless businessmen threaten her logging camp, a defenseless widow is aided by a group of Alaskan lumberjacks. ~ Kristie Hassen, All Movie Guide
- 1975
This episode focuses on the Jeffersons' interracial neighbors, Tom and Helen Willis (Franklin Cover, Roxie Roker). It seems that Tom's prejudiced white father (Leon Ames) refuses to have anything to do with Helen's prejudiced black father (Fred Pinkard), and vice versa. The Willises join forces with Lionel Jefferson (Damon Evans) to remedy this racial standoff. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1972
This is a remake of The Asphalt Jungle with an all black cast. In it a paroled convict plans to steal $3 million work of jewels, sell them, and use the bread to start a bank to back black businesses. He is assisted by two pals, his half-brother, and a preacher who also works as a thief. The operation is ultimately backed by a man who cheats on his wheelchair-bound wife with a sexy woman. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1971
The regular stars of the TV series Name of the Game (Gene Barry, Robert Stack, Tony Franciosa) keep a low profile in this episode, titled A Capitol Affair. The emphasis is on Howard Publications journalist Suzanne Pleshette, who labors long and hard to win her politician boyfriend Monte Markham a presidential appointment. But Pleshette's efforts are threatened by vitriolic gossip columnist Mercedes McCambridge. For reasons left unknown until the end of the episode, McCambridge conducts a one-woman campaign to thoroughly discredit Markham. A Capitol Affair first aired February 12, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
Hoping to increase Darrin's bank account and make life easier for Samantha, Endora casts an "ambition" spell on her son-in-law. As a result, Darrin becomes a greedy, power-mad backstabber -- and his boss, Larry Tate, suffers accordingly. Leon Ames makes a guest appearance as Larry's seldom-seen senior partner, Mr. McMann, with Jeanne Sorel as Mrs. McMann. Written by Lila Garrett and Bernie Kahn, "What Makes Darrin Run?" first aired on February 12, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
- 1966
Long before establishing herself as a top-rank actress of the British stage and screen, American-born Gayle Hunnicutt did starlet duty on The Beverly Hillbillies. In "The Badger Game," Hunnicutt and Leon Ames are cast as Emaline Foxhall and her "father" the Colonel , a pair of con artists posing as Ozark hillbillies. Convincing Jed that they're his neighbors from back home, the two sharpsters intend to place Jed in a compromising position, then use photographic "evidence" for blackmail purposes. Part one of a two-part story arc, "The Badger Game" first aired on October 5, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
In the conclusion of a two-part story arc, the police have arrested Colonel Foxhall (Leon Ames) for attempting to blackmail Jed. Undaunted, Foxhall's beautiful accomplice Emaline (Gayle Hunnicutt) is still intent upon getting her hands on the Clampett millions. To that end, the girl dons provocative clothing and attempts to trap Jethro into her web of deceit -- and if Jethro doesn't pan out, there is always banker Drysdale. Originally telecast on October 12, 1966, "The Badgers Return" has curiously been removed from several syndicated packages of The Beverly Hillbillies. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
Chosen to direct the senior high school play, Helen allows the kids to dance the Watusi during one of the production numbers. As a result, the show is closed down by ultra-conservative Principal Hampton (Leon Ames), who considers the production too "revolutionary". Helen retaliates with a new play which proves that Hampton's generation was considered pretty radical in itstime. First shown on November 14, 1966, "The Senior Play" was written by Sid Morse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Leon Ames, Aneta Corsaut, (more)
- 1965
The sequel to 1963's Misadventures of Merlin Jones finds young Mr. Jones (Tommy Kirk) still in college and still going out with Jennifer (Annette Funicello). In this movie, he must help football players pass their tests and invent a flying machine win a contest for the school. Funicello and the Beach Boys sing the title song. ~ John Bush, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tommy Kirk, Leon Ames, (more)
- 1963
Lucy's son Jerry (Jimmy Garrett) has begun his first year at military school, where the parents of the students are not permitted to pay any visits during the first two weeks. Of course, it takes lonely Lucy (Lucille Ball) only three days to make an effort to sneak on to the campus--disguised, naturally, as one of the cadets. Featured in the cast are Lee Aaker, best known to baby boomers as "Rusty" on The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin, and Stephen Talbot, the erstwhile "Gilbert" on Leave It to Beaver. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Leon Ames, Jackie Coogan, (more)
This cinemadaptation of John O'Hara's From the Terrace stars Paul Newman as Alfred Eaton, an unhappily married financial adviser, while his real-life wife Joanne Woodward portrays Mary St. John, his promiscuous screen spouse. Mary's libertine behavior is a by-product of her husband's inability to express love and affection, a trait he has inherited from his cold-blooded father. Mark Robson directs and Myrna Loy heads up a large supporting cast as Newman's alcoholic mother. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, (more)
Grace Metalious' once-notorious bestseller Peyton Place is given a lavish -- and necessarily toned-down -- film treatment in this deluxe 20th Century-Fox production. Set during WWII, the film concentrates on several denizens of the outwardly respectable New England community of Peyton Place. Top-billed Lana Turner plays shopkeeper Constance McKenzie, who tries to make up for a past indiscretion -- which resulted in her illegitimate daughter Allison (Diane Varsi) -- by adopting a chaste, prudish attitude towards all things sexual. In spite of herself, Constance can't help but be attracted to handsome new teacher Michael Rossi (Lee Philips). Meanwhile, the restless Allison, who'd like to be as footloose and fancy-free as the town's "fast girl" Betty Anderson (Terry Moore), falls sincerely in love with mixed-up mama's boy Norman Page (Russ Tamblyn). And while all this is going on, "white trash" Selena Cross (Hope Lange) is raped by her stepfather, drunken school caretaker Lucas Cross (Arthur Kennedy). Other characters essential to the action are wealthy Rodney Harrington (Barry Coe), who must pay the price for his dalliance with Betty Anderson; Nellie Cross (Betty Field), Selena's long-suffering mother; and the town's Voice of Reason, Dr. Swain (Lloyd Nolan). This 166-minute soap opera (whittled down to 157 minutes before release) culminates in a spectacular murder trial which lays bare the deep, dark secrets of Peyton Place. Filmed on location in Camden, Maine, Peyton Place was a huge moneymaker (even those who felt that the film was but a heavily laundered shadow of the Metalious original were pleased with the professionalism of it all); it not only spawned a 1961 theatrical sequel, but also a long-running prime time TV serial. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lana Turner, Hope Lange, (more)
- 1953
Filmed in Cinecolor, Sabre Jet concentrates as much on a group of jet pilots' wives as on the pilots themselves. As their husbands fly combat missions over Korea, the wives remain behind in Tokyo, waiting, hoping and dreading. The most prominent of the female contingent is Jane Carter (Coleen Gray), the journalist wife of flyboy Gil Manton (Robert Stack). At first resenting her husband's life-threatening work, Jane comes to realize the importance of dedication and sacrifice during wartime. Julie Bishop delivers a strong performance as the wife of downed pilot (Richard Arlen). Sabre Jet is something of a precursor to the 1961 film X-15. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Robert Stack, Coleen Gray, (more)
- 1953
This tuneful remake of 1937's The Awful Truth centers on the rocky marriage of a philandering composer and the wife who has her fill and decides to get even by having an "affair" of her own. Actually, hers is quite innocent. Unfortunately, her husband doesn't known this and the couple get a divorce. But somehow, beneath all their anger, the two are still in love and show it by trying to make the other jealous at every opportunity. The wife allows a handsome Alaskan tycoon to court her while the composer uses a pretty young woman. Of course, it doesn't take the pair too long to realize the awful truth and reunite. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jane Wyman, Ray Milland, (more)
- 1953
- Add By the Light of the Silvery Moon to QueueAdd By the Light of the Silvery Moon to top of Queue
By the Light of the Silvery Moon was a sequel to Warner Bros' On Moonlight Bay (1951); both films were loosely based on the "Penrod" stories by Booth Tarkington. Penrod himself (played by Billy Gray) takes a back seat to the main plot, concerning the hot-and-cold romance between Doris Day and Gordon MacRae. Gordon will not marry Doris until he is financially able to do so, which results in several breakups and reunions before the final clinch at the local ice rink. A silly subplot involves Penrod's suspicions that an attractive French schoolteacher (Maria Palmer) is not only romancing his father (Leon Ames), but is also an enemy spy! Set shortly after the end of World War I, Silvery Moon takes full advantage of that era's popular songs. The film isn't quite as good as On Moonlight Bay, but fans of Day and MacRae went home happy. Also: watch closely, and you'll spot Merv Griffin in a minor role. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Doris Day, Gordon MacRae, (more)
Jean Simmons' fascinating interpretation of an uncharacteristic role is the main drawing card of Otto Preminger's Angel Face. The daughter of Charles Treymayne (Herbert Marshall), who remarried a wealthy woman (Barbara O'Neil), Diane Treymayne's (Simmons) angelic countenance masks an unbridled psychotic who'll let nothing stand in the way of her happiness. Diane arranges for Catherine's death, making it look like an auto accident. Coveting family chauffeur Frank Jessup (Robert Mitchum), Diane steals Frank away from his sweetheart Mary (Mona Freeman) and forces him to become her spiritual accomplice in her stepmother's murder. And when Diane finally realizes that she'll never, ever, be able to hold Frank, she... well, enough said. If Angel Face doesn't look like a typical early-1950s RKO Radio film, it may be because its director was borrowed from 20th Century-Fox, and its cinematographer (Harry Stradling) was a loan-out from Sam Goldwyn. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Robert Mitchum, Jean Simmons, (more)
- 1951
Cattle Drive stars Joel McCrea as boss drover Dana Mathews. It is Mathews' task to make a man out of Chester Graham Jr. (Dean Stockwell), the spoiled-rotten son of railroad executive Chester Graham Sr. (Leon Ames). Accidentally left behind when his dad's train pulls out of a small cow town, Chester Jr. resents being forced to work side by side with Mathews and his drovers, but soon proves to be every bit as virile and capable as his co-workers (shades of Captains Courageous). Reportedly, much of the cattle utilized in Cattle Drive came from Joel McCrea's own ranch. Though the film has no leading lady, a photograph is briefly shown, revealing that Dana Mathews' sweetheart is none other than McCrea's real-life wife Frances Dee. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Joel McCrea, Dean Stockwell, (more)
Booth Tarkington's Alice Adams, coupled with his Penrod stories, were incorporated in the script of the 1951 Warner Bros. musical On Moonlight Bay. The role of the incorrigible Penrod is played by future Father Knows Best regular Billy Gray, but his is a strictly secondary part herein. The emphasis is on Penrod's hoydenish older sister, played by Doris Day. She falls in love with Gordon MacRae, whose mildly anti-capitalist sentiments sit not at all well with Doris' banker dad (Leon Ames). Once a subplot involving Penrod's prevarications concerning his father's drinking habits is out of the way, we are treated to several romantic scenes involving Doris and Gordon, and a steady stream of early-20th-century standards like "Till We Meet Again," "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles," "Cuddle Up a Little Closer," and the title song. On Moonlight Bay ends with MacRae marching off to World War I and Doris promising she'll wait for him; she did, as was proven in the 1953 sequel By the Light of the Silvery Moon. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Doris Day, Gordon MacRae, (more)
- 1950
Comprised of eight unrelated episodes of inconsistent quality, this anthology piece of American propaganda features some of MGM Studios' best directors, screenwriters and actors; it is narrated by Louis Calhern. Stories are framed by the lecture of a university professor. In one tale a Boston resident becomes angry when the census forgets to record her presence. Another sketch chronicles the achievements of African Americans while still another pays tongue-in-cheek tribute to Texas. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ethel Barrymore, Gary Cooper, (more)
- 1950
Louis B. Mayer's nephew Gerald proved himself an able director with the MGM "B" thriller Dial 1119. Marshall Thompson stars as an emotionally disturbed young man who pulls out a gun at a bar and holds the patrons hostage. As the police gather outside, the film concentrates on the various bar customers, each of whom has his or her own deep-rooted problems. Thompson is on the verge of killing everyone around him when a telephoned ruse breaks the crisis. A raw-nerved 75 minutes' worth of entertainment, Dial 1119 was a personal favorite of actress Virginia Field, who played one of the hostages. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Marshall Thompson, Virginia Field, (more)
