Gino Conforti Movies
Angels and Demons re-teams director Ron Howard and star Tom Hanks for the sequel to their international blockbuster adaptation of Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code. Although the book Angels and Demons was written before the novel The Da Vinci Code, the movie transpires after the events of the earlier movie. Hanks stars as professor Robert Langdon, the most respected symbologist in the United States, who uses his knowledge in order to decode a symbol on the skin of a murder victim. The clues put him on the trail of an international conspiracy involving the Catholic Church. Ewan McGregor and Ayelet Zurer also star in the Sony Pictures production. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Hanks, Ayelet Zurer, (more)
- 1999
Although actor-director-producer Michael Landon died of pancreatic cancer in 1991, his life and career remained indelibly etched on the collective consciousness of America for many years afterward, as witness this warts-and-all TV biopic written and directed by Michael Landon Jr. Although it is clear throughout that the younger Landon loved and adored his father, the film is unstinting in its depiction of the emotional damage wrought upon the boy when, at age 15, his parents were divorced. In fact, it is the elder Landon's infidelities (and his almost casual selfishness) that galvanize the storyline, creating a schism between father and son that would not be repaired until the two Landons came to terms during Michael Sr.'s long and painful terminal illness. To be fair, the film allows Michael Sr. to score points vis-à-vis his tireless dedication to his work and his sincere efforts to be a loving and protective father to his enormous family. John Schneider is cast as the elder Landon, with Joel Berti as the adult Michael Jr., Cheryl Ladd as his mother (and his dad's second wife) Lynn, and Julie Condra as Michael Sr's third wife Cindy, a makeup artist whom the actor had met on the set of Little House on the Prairie (is it any surprise that Lynn comes off far more sympathetically than Cindy in the context of the film?) Michael Landon, the Father I Knew premiered May 23, 1999 on CBS. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
The voices of Carol Channing, John Hurt, Jodi Benson and Gilbert Gottfried help bring this wonderful Hans Christian Andersen story to life. Barry Manilow contributed heavily to the film's music. Children still seem to enjoy this story about a young girl who was the size of a human thumb. She was kidnapped by a toad, just when she hoped to continue her life with Cornelius the Fairy Prince. This is a good "family film" with few, if any, parts that might be considered questionable for children. Kids are likely to enjoy how Gilbert Gottfried does the voice of a strange beetle and how Carol Channing breathes life into Ms. Fieldmouse. ~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jodi Benson, Carol Channing, (more)
- 1990
- R
Craig Sheffer stars as Zane, a TV producer looking for romance. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Craig Sheffer, Chelsea Noble, (more)
- 1990
- R
Jay Underwood plays Jeff Sherman, a teenage movie fan who idolizes the classic films of Humphrey Bogart. Jeff's Uncle Ben (Vince Edwards) owns a small detective agency, and Jeff asks if he could have a job working there to earn some extra money. Ben warily agrees, assigning Jeff the most rudimentary of tasks. But when a gangster client comes to the agency, needing someone to spy on his fiancee, Rita Benson (Tracy Scoggins), whom he suspects is cheating on him, Jeff is given the assignment. Hiding out in a closet in a hotel room, Jeff documents an assignation between Rita and her lover Glenn (Charles Lucia). But then strong-arm men push their way into the room, pump Glenn with tranquilizers, and carry him off. Jeff proceeds to fall out of the closet, and Rita asks Jeff for help. They immediately go to the police to report the crime. Unfortunately for the luckless duo, the police and the kidnappers are in cahoots, and soon Jeff and Rita are on the run from both the gangsters and the cops. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jay Underwood, Tracy Scoggins, (more)
- 1987
Quon Le (Denice Kumagai) races against the clock to be sworn in as a US citizen before her baby is born. Ah, you're way ahead of us: The moment she raises her right hand, Quon Le goes into labor--and at the same time, her husband Mac (Charlie Robinson) is stricken with appendicitis. As things turn out, Quon Le's child may very well be delivered by a podiatrist! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1986
When Christine (Markie Post) chokes on her lunch, Dan (John Larroquette) performs the Heimlich maneuver and saves her life. Much as Christine would like to repay Dan for his unaccustomed gallantry, the "price" he demands--namely, a night in bed--is a bit too high. Reluctantly, Christine says "Yes"...but Dan's hopes for an evening of purple passion are dashed by the unexpected appearance of a suicidal 38-year-old male virgin (Sandy Helberg)! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1984
Ebonie Smith makes her first series appearance as Jessica, the granddaughter of George and Louise Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford). Louise can't stand it when haughty Mrs. Van Morris (Dorothy Butts), perennial winner of the Volunteer of the Year award, brags about the piano skills of her grandson Van (a pre-Family Matters Jaleel White). Hoping to show up Mrs. Van Morris once and for all, Louise arranges for Jessica (whose musical talent is rudimentary at best) to compete against Van in a piano recital. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1983
In the last of three feature-length pilot films for the unsold TV series Joe Dancer, Robert Blake again stars as hard-boiled private eye Dancer, this time at large in Hollywood. While investigating an old scandal that could potentially destroy the career of a big star and topple a major studio, Joe Dancer is himself framed for murder. Directing this energetic if derivative whodunnit was Reza S. Badiyi, who had previously helmed several episodes of Blake's earlier cop series Baretta (and surprisingly remained on good terms with the mercurial star). Originally telecast by NBC on June 5, 1983, Murder One, Dancer 0 (working titles: Joe Dancer III, Lights, Camera. . .Murder) is probably due for a revival thanks to the more recent real-life legal travails of the redoubtable Robert Blake. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sondra Blake
- 1981
Virtually overnight, the remote Mexican village of San Remos has become a religious shrine thanks to the "sacred relics" unearthed by a young woman named Jacinta (Eugenia Wright). People from all over the world are crowding into the tiny community, hoping to be cured of catastrophic illnesses by Jacinta and her holy artifacts. At the request of Archbishop Vallejo (Rene Enriquez), Quincy (Jack Klugman) and Sam (Robert Ito) join an international medical team to determine if the ancient religious icons are genuine--and the results are quite astonishing for all concerned. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1979
Now that Jenny Jefferson (Berlinda Tolbert) is going to have a baby, the Jeffersons' maid, Florence (Marla Gibbs), begins considered motherhood. There is, however, one minor detail preventing this: Florence isn't exactly married yet. Hoping to expedite the landing of a husband and potential daddy for her potential offspring, Florence signs up with a video dating service. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1977
Surprise! Lenny (Michael McKean) and Squiggy (David L. Lander) have managed to persuade a couple of girls to go on a date. No surprise! Lenny and Squiggy are stood up. On condition that no one ever find out, Laverne (Penny Marshall) and Shirley (Cindy Williams) agree to accompany the boys to a fancy restaurant as "consolation" dates. The fun begins when Barbara (Lynne Marie Stewart), the girl who jilted Squiggy, shows up at the same restaurant, leading to an uproarious slapstick showdown. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1974
James L. Brooks' Thursday's Game is a witty made-for-television comedy about two businessmen (Bob Newhart and Gene Wilder) who meet every Thursday night to play poker and discuss their professional and personal problems. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Movie Guide
- 1973
Alan Bursky appears as Reuben Kincaid's nephew Alan, a natural-born foul-up who has never succeeded at anything. When Reuben (Dave Madden) leaves town, Alan is put in charge of managing the Partridge's next concert--and, true to form, disaster piles upon disaster for the family, both professionally and personally. Hoping to salvage what is left of Alan's battered ego, Laurie (Susan Dey) encourages him to fulfill his lifelong dream of doing standup comedy...if only he can overcome his fear of audiences. Song: "That's the Way It Is with You". ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Fuzz treads the line between raucous comedy and gut-churning melodrama. Based on an "87th Precinct" novel by Ed McBain (aka Evan Hunter), the film stars Burt Reynolds and Jack Weston as, respectively, detectives Steve Carella and Meyer Meyer. Their current assignment is to bring in Deaf Man (Yul Brynner), a mad bomber who has been targeting politicians. A subplot concerning a couple of punks who get their kicks by setting fire to sleeping winos is dramatically justified by the main storyline, but it was this element that caused a lot of trouble for the producers of Fuzz when a pair of real-life teenagers decided to imitate the film. On a lighter note, Raquel Welch co-stars as Detective Eileen McHenry, who is obliged to go undercover -- and under covers -- with fellow officer Bert Kling (Tom Skerritt). And as a bonus, viewers are treated to Burt Reynolds' first "drag" scene. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Burt Reynolds, Jack Weston, (more)
- 1972
Olivia (Michael Learned) strongly disapproves when husband John (Ralph Waite) invites four travelling carnival performers (one of them played by legendary "little person" Billy Barty) to stay with the Walton family. The quartet of "carnies" had found themselves stranded after their manager skipped town with the carnival's profits. Ever so gradually, Olivia warms up to these curious but likeable nomads -- and when the four entertainers discover that the Waltons hadn't had enough money to attend their carnival when it first arrived on the Mountain, a very special performance is staged in the family's barn. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1972
In this comedy, a burned out bookkeeper thinks about selling his soul to Satan. His thoughts invoke the presence of a bungling messenger from the devil himself. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
Dale Wasserman's long-running Broadway smash comes to the screen in this musical based on Miguel de Cervantes' classic satire Don Quixote de la Mancha. Cervantes (Peter O'Toole) is arrested and put in prison by the soldiers of the Spanish Inquisition after staging a comic performance which mocked the Spanish government. Cervantes' fellow inmates are eager to divvy up his belongings, but the author is desperate to save a manuscript of his latest work; in order to win the prisoners over, he stages, with their assistance, his latest comedy about the delusional knight Don Quixote (O'Toole). Don Quixote, with the help of his loyal manservant Sancho Panza (James Coco), is determined to battle evil, though he most often finds himself combating windmills. Don Quixote encounters the beautiful virgin Dulcinea -- personified by a jailed prostitute, Aldonza (Sophia Loren) -- and is certain he has found the love of his life. However, tragedy befalls Don Quixote when a band of savages rape Dulcinea as he sleeps, and he must decide where his greatest loyalty lies when his niece Antonia (Julie Gregg) arrives, asking Quixote to please return home to his family. In a move which was widely criticized at the time of the film's release, Peter O'Toole's singing voice was dubbed for most of his musical numbers, while Sophia Loren did all of her own vocal tracks. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter O'Toole, Sophia Loren, (more)
- 1971
The Partridges are shocked when Shirley (Shirley Jones) announces her plans to retire from the group. What the kids don't know is that European impresario Logan Mays (Gino Conforti) has booked a continental tour for the Partridge Family--provided that Shirley not appear with the group on the grounds that she isn't "relevant" to a young audience. The situation works itself out in Paris with a big surprise for the clueless Mr. Mays. Song: "I Can Feel Your Heartbeat". ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
The Partridges have a pungent problem on their hands when their psychedelic school bus is invaded by a skunk. As Shirley (Shirley Jones) and the kids try to figure out a way to dissipate the horrible aroma, manager Reuben (Dave Madden), unaware of the situation, books the family for a benefit show at a children's hospital. Maybe a good dose of tomato juice will alleviate the odor--and then, maybe not! Songs: &I Think I Love You" and "A Brand New Me". ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
Sr. Bertrille ends up in the doghouse when she takes care of the mutt owned by Felix the plumber (Gino Conforti). She does such a good job that the dog refuses to return to its master-and the heartbroken Felix refuses to repair the pipes in Carlos Ramirez' casino. Want to bet that Sr. Bertrille solves this problem by taking to the air again? "Man's Best Friend Isn't" was written by Milt Rosen; the episode first aired on February 13, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1969
This comedy was banned in Mexico and plagued by vandalism and threats of violence during film production in San Antonio, Texas. General De Santos (Peter Ustinov) organizes a ragtag group of Mexican nationals for the purpose of retaking the Alamo. Using the Washington's Birthday Parade in Laredo as a guise to enter the United States, the group continues towards San Antonio ignored and unchallenged. With the help of Sergeant Valdez (John Astin), the unlikely invaders manage to raise the Mexican flag over the old mission for 24 hours. General Billy Joe Hallson (Jonathan Winters) is a colorful redneck called on to lead the National Guard to the site of the occupied landmark. Keenan Wynn, Alice Ghostley, Pamela Tiffin and Harry Morgan also star in this film farce. During filming, one irate Texan was arrested after waving a rifle in protest over the raising of the Mexican flag over the Alamo, long a symbol of Texas' pride and history. Electric cables were cut during the filming of this production, as some Texans could not even tolerate the fictional premise of the plot. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Ustinov, Pamela Tiffin, (more)
- 1969
Filmed in 1969, Don't Push, I'll Charge When I'm Ready remained on the shelf until December 18, 1977. On that evening, it was discreetly offered as an NBC Sunday Night Movie presentation. If the film resembles an old Bob Hope comedy, it may be because it was put together by Hope's son-in-law, Nathaniel Lande. Italian actor Enzo Cerusio plays a POW who finds himself in an American uniform during World War 2. Cerusio's pacifistic sympathies are rather at odds with the gung-ho attitudes of his fellow GIs, notably sergeant Dwayne Hickman. The romantic element is handled by Sue Lyon, who obviously had a lot of trouble landing good parts after her spectacular screen debut in Lolita (1962). Saving the film from total boredom are such seasoned laughgetters as Jerry Colonna, Soupy Sales, Edward Andrews, Parley Baer and Avery Schreiber. ~ Hal Erickson, 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
Convent San Tanco has received a huge contribution from a mysterious benefactor named Juan Hernando-a far from uncommon monicker in Puerto Rico. Sr. Bertrille takes it upon herself to locate the elusive philanthropist. Meanwhile, a different Juan Hernando (Gino Conforti), this one a slightly larcenous politician, mistakenly believes that the convent has endorsed his candidacy. Written by Searle Kramer, "It's an Ill Windfall" was first telecast on December 5, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
