Elisha Cook, Jr. Movies
American actor Elisha Cook Jr. was the son of an influential theatrical actor/writer/producer who died early in the 20th Century. The younger Cook was in vaudeville and stock by the time he was fourteen-years old. In 1928, Cook enjoyed critical praise for his performance in the play Her Unborn Child, a performance he would repeat for his film debut in the 1930 film version of the play. The first ten years of Cook's Hollywood career found the slight, baby-faced actor playing innumerable college intellectuals and hapless freshmen (he's given plenty of screen time in 1936's Pigskin Parade). In 1940, Cook was cast as a man wrongly convicted of murder in Stranger on the Third Floor (1940), and so was launched the second phase of Cook's career as Helpless Victim. The actor's ability to play beyond this stereotype was first tapped by director John Huston, who cast Cook as Wilmer, the hair-trigger homicidal "gunsel" of Sidney Greenstreet in The Maltese Falcon (1941). So far down on the Hollywood totem pole that he wasn't billed in the Falcon opening credits, Cook suddenly found his services much in demand. Sometimes he'd be shot full of holes (as in the closing gag of 1941's Hellzapoppin'), sometimes he'd fall victim to some other grisly demise (poison in The Big Sleep [1946]), and sometimes he'd be the squirrelly little guy who turned out to be the last-reel murderer (I Wake Up Screaming [1941]; The Falcon's Alibi [1946]). At no time, however, was Cook ever again required to play the antiseptic "nerd" characters that had been his lot in the 1930s. Seemingly born to play "film noir" characters, Cook had one of his best extended moments in Phantom Lady (1944), wherein he plays a set of drums with ever-increasing orgiastic fervor. Another career high point was his death scene in Shane (1953); Cook is shot down by hired gun Jack Palance and plummets to the ground like a dead rabbit. A near-hermit in real life who lived in a remote mountain home and had to receive his studio calls by courier, Cook nonetheless never wanted for work, even late in life. Fans of the 1980s series Magnum PI will remember Cook in a recurring role as a the snarling elderly mobster Ice Pick. Having appeared in so many "cult" films, Elisha Cook Jr. has always been one of the most eagerly sought out interview subjects by film historians. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide- 1988
Legendary tough-guy actor Elisha Cook Jr. appears as Uncle Albert, Willie's least favorite relative. Paying a visit to the Tanners, the irascible Albert insists that he's undergone a character transformation and is now a sweetheart. But no one will ever know if this is true: After taking one look at ALF, Albert drops dead of a heart attack! All of this has a remarkable effect on ALF, who, though he's perpetrated a lot of mischief in the past, has up until now never actually killed anyone. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1988
In the concluding half of Magnum, P.I.'s final episode, Magnum (Tom Selleck) wrestles with the prospect of returning to active Naval service even as he lays a trap for the man who assaulted his former girlfriend Linda (Patrice Martinez). He also receives word that his daughter Lily, presumed murdered in an earlier episode, is still alive. Elsewhere, the impending marriage of Rick (Larry Manetti) and Cleo (Phyllis Davis) hits a few prenuptual snags, while T.C. (Roger E. Mosley) is unexpectedly reunited with his ex-wife Tina (Fay Hauser). And last but not least, the mystery of Robin Masters' true identity is finally solved...maybe. One of the highest-rated "finales" in network TV history, this episode leaves enough dangling plot strands to suggest that the producers had an elaborate "reunion" movie in mind. We're still waiting. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1988
Magnum, P.I. wraps up its eight-year run with a two-part final episode (originally telecast in a single two-hour timeslot). In Part One, Magnum returns to his home town for a family reunion, where his paternal grandfather (Howard Duff) offers to reinstate him as a Naval officer. But before Magnum can say "yes" or "no", he is summoned back to Hawaii by former girlfriend Linda Lee Ellison (Patrice Martinez), who insists that someone is stalking her. Upon his return, Magnum receives some startling information about his daughter Lily, whom he had presumed to be dead. Meanwhile, Rick (Larry Manetti) nervously prepares to marry the estimable Cleo Mitchell (Phyllis Davis). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1987
This made-for-cable outing is a loose remake of the Paul Muni film I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang. Val Kilmer inhabits the Muni role of World War I vet Robert Elliot Burns, whose exploits following his escape from a Southern work camp are detailed in episodic fashion. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Val Kilmer, Charles Durning, (more)
- 1987
Rick (Larry Manetti) is arrested for the murder of a hit man who had been hired to kill the missing Ice Pick (Elisha Cook Jr.). Though Magnum (Tom Selleck) would like to prove his friend's innocence, this may be an impossible task: Rick has already signed a full confession. The ending of this episode is curious indeed, suggesting that the producers were preparing to write "finis" to Magnum, P.I. at the close of the seventh season--a theory that would seem to be borne out even further by the NEXT episode. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1987
This episode bears a striking resemblance to the 1979 theatrical feature Time After Time. While running an errand for Higgins (John Hillerman), Magnum happens to see a woman who is the living image of a Hawaiian princess (Lei Maa Richmond) who died tragically in a fire...way back in 1910. Later on, the detective receives a package from a deceased stranger, containing a very old naval uniform and a locket containing a picture of Magnum side-by-side with the selfsame princess! Can this be irrefutable evidence of a "past life" for Magnum--or is someone perpetrating a sinister hoax? ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1986
When the beautiful Makua (Marlene Sai) witnesses a murder, Magnum (Tom Selleck) does his best to protect her from the killers. But his best may be none too good when he is knocked unconscious and nearly drowned. Awakening in a semi-amnesiac estate, Magnum discovers that he is on the "forbidden" island of Kapu--and that he is the prisoner of the island's highly superstitious natives. Prolific cartoon voiceover actress Jeannie Elias appears as a cousin of Magnum's friend Rick (Larry Manetti). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1986
French detective Claude Fornier (Paul Verdier), whose exploits have inspired several of Robin Masters' novels, is murdered just after presenting Magnum (Tom Selleck) with the "PI of the Year" award. Though anxious to solve Fornier's murder, Magnum finds that he'll have to wait in line as every other detective attending the awards ceremony (many of whom closely resemble popular TV gumshoes!) insists upon taking a crack at the case. Elisha Cook Jr., usually cast as shady businessman Ice Pick, reprises his characterization of weasely "gunsel" Wilmer from The Maltese Falcon in a dream sequence; and appearing as chief of security at the ceremony is prolific TV producer Stephen J. Cannell. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1986
Magnum is hired by one Dan Wolf (Morgan Stevens) to locate Dan's missing father, a disreputable character named Theo Wolf (Clu Gulager). Only when it is too late does Magnum discover that "Dan" is actually a professional hit man, hired to murder Wolf before he can testifying in a mob trial. Before the episode runs its course, Magnum is himself shot and seriously wounded--and while hovering between life and death, the detective experiences some truly weird visions, notably his friend Rick (Larry Manetti) in Humphrey Bogart guise! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1986
Much to the amazement of one and all, Rick (Larry Manetti) returns from vacation with a million dollars and a new fiancee. The money is the result of Rick winning a lottery, and the girlfriend, presumably, is the result of the money. Inevitably, the burden of instant wealth has a negative effect on Rick, nearly ruining everything he holds near and dear. Meanwhile, in their battle to prevents an evil land developer from bulldozing a clubhouse for underprivileged kids, Magnum (Tom Selleck) and T.C. (Roger E. Mosley end up getting arrested--three times! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1986
Deputy DA Carol Baldwin (Kathleen Lloyd) begins to suspect that her beloved mentor, Judge Hannibal Kearns (Michael Constantine), has been accepting bribes. Even more disturbingly, it appears that Kearns is in the pocket of shady businessman Ice Pick (Elisha Cook Jr.), who happens to be the role model and spiritual godfather of Magnum's friend Rick Wright (Larry Manetti). The likelihood that their respective idols have feet of clay results in a bitter quarrel between Carol and Rick...and there's worse to come. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1985
Heavily disguised for a new assignment, Hannibal (George Peppard) is mistaken for a skid-row wino named Jim Beam (Elisha Cook Jr.)--and vice versa. It soon becomes obvious that someone is trying to murder Beam. . .but why? To solve this mystery, and to rescue Hannibal in the process, the A-Team sets up a skid-row mission called the Road to Hope, with Murdock (Dwight Schultz) tearing a passion to tatters as street preacher Harry Dean Hanover (when he isn't trying to pass himself off as the Invisible Man, that is!). Look for future X-Files regular Mitch Pileggi in a small role. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1985
Rick (Larry Manetti) borrows $20,000 from Ice Pick (Elisha Cook Jr.) to purchase a luxury boat, fully equipped with bikinied geisha girls, from the redoubtable Mac (Jeff MacKay). Turns out, however, that the boat wasn't Mac's to sell, and now the real owners are out for Rick's blood. As if this wasn't enough trouble, a gang of Japanese gangsters likewise insists upon laying claim to the boat--and don't forget Ice Pick, who is a bit put out about losing that 20 grand and wants it back post-haste! This episode is highlighted by a climactic fight scene, which manages to be both thrilling and sexy at the same time. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1985
Everyone jumps to the obvious conclusion when inveterate lothario and infamous opportunist Dan (John Larroquette) begins dating Patty Douglas (Mimi Kennedy), an unattractive woman who is primed to inherit a fortune. But Dan indignantly insists that he's genuinely in love--and that he'd be genuinely in love even if Patty weren't worth forty million bucks! This episode marks the first appearance of William Utay in the role of philosophical derelict Phil Sanders. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1985
The Magnificent Five, a group of winos, steal the $4,000 intended to buy a stained-glass window for St. Dominic's by a bag lady. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1984
Veteran bank robber Garwood Huddle (Pat Hingle) escapes from prison--and since Garwood is an old friend of Higgins (John Hillerman), it is only logical that Magnum (Tom Selleck) should end up assisting Huddle in his flight. Fancying himself a modern-day Robin Hood, Huddle insists that he has escaped with the noblest of intentions: his grandson has been kidnapped, and he hopes to be the ransom by digging up a cache of cash he'd stolen back in the 1940s. But when the two men arrive at the burial site, it appears that someone has beaten them to it! Featured in the supporting cast is Nancy DeCarl, the real-life wife of series regular Larry Manetti--and listen for the voice of Phil Hartman as a TV newscaster. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1984
Mickey Rooney stars in this made-for-TV holiday effort as an angel who refuses to renege on his promise to spend one final Christmas with his grandson (Scott Grimes). ~ Jason Ankeny, All Movie Guide
- 1983
In this detective drama set in Hollywood, a private investigator uses logic to solve the murder of a famous mystery writer. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1983
Magnum (Tom Selleck) agrees to escort Rick's 22-year-old sister Wendy (Alice Wright) on a seemingly harmless evening of sightseeing. But though Rick (Larry Manetti) is convinced that Wendy is a sweet, innocent lass, she quickly proves otherwise by behaving in as wild and reckless a manner as humanly possible. Ultimately, Wendy turns up murdered--and a vengerful Rick holds Magnum entirely responsible. Entertainer Carol Channing appears as herself in this episode, which also marks the first appearances of Kathleen Lloyd and Elisha Cook Jr. in the respective recurring roles of Deputy DA Carol Baldwin and shady businessman Ice Pick. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1982
Terror at Alcatraz indeed! This 1982 TV movie is comprised of two never-shown pilot episodes for the short-lived TV series Fitz and Bones, which was telecast for a couple of months in 1981. Tom and Dick Smothers star as Fitz and Bones, a TV news team with a penchant for getting involved in causes. The main plotline concerns an old man (Tom Ewell) who, disgusted at the ill treatment afforded the elderly in the United States, begins bombing several San Francisco landmarks, including Alcatraz--hence the barely relevant title. A secondary plot (remember that this is a cobbled-together TV movie) concerns a shooting at San Francisco International airport, where the target may have been either the President or a notorious mob boss. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1981
While ghostwriting the autobiography of eccentric, reclusive millionaire Harold W. Farber, Virginia Fowler (Patch Mackenzie) finds that all her research notes have been stolen. Magnum is hired to find out why Virginia has been thus victimized--and along the way, he discovers that a seemingly unrelated delivery job accepted by T.C. (Roger Mosley Jr.) may provide the solution to several mysteries. Veteran movie bad guyElisha Cook Jr., who later joined the Magnum, P.I. cast in the recurring role of shady businessman "Ice Pick", is here seen as Harold W. Farber...or is he? ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1981
Mickey Rooney stars in this made-for-TV docudrama as circus clown Jack Thum, who aids his wife (Anne Jackson) in raising dozens of orphans; despite learning he is dying, Jack still struggles to earn money to support his growing brood. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Movie Guide
Steve McQueen's penultimate film deals with a fascinating western legend, founded on an insightful script by Thomas McGuane and Bud Shrake. Unfortunately, the film was done in by the five directors --Don Siegel, Elliot Silverstein, James Guercio, William Wiard, and McQueen himself-- that were, at one point or another, attached to the project. The film deals with the infamous Texas gunslinger Tom Horn. Horn gained fame for a variety of exploits; he served with Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders and was the Pinkerton detective who captured the notorious outlaw Peg Leg Watson. But as Tom Horn begins, something in Horn (Steve McQueen) has snapped. Tom quits the Pinkertons and hires himself out to rancher John Coble (Richard Farnsworth) to assist him in putting an end to his problems with the local homesteaders and rustlers. But Horn performers his job with a chilling intensity, killing so many people with such bloodthirsty rage that it is even too much for Coble and the ranchers to take. When Horn's violence cannot be stopped, Coble has to take the law into his own hands to put a halt to Horn's bloodbath. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Steve McQueen, Richard Farnsworth, (more)
It's December of 1941, and the people of California are in varying states of unease, ranging from a sincere desire to defend the country to virtual blind panic in the wake of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Thus begin several story threads that comprise the "plot" of this strange period comedy, a sort of satirical disaster movie, from Steven Spielberg. The stories and story threads involve lusty young men, officers (Tim Matheson) and civilians (Bobby Di Cicco) alike, eager to bed the young ladies of their dreams; Wild Bill Kelso, a nutty fighter pilot (John Belushi) following what he thinks is a squadron of Japanese fighters along the California coast; a well-meaning but clumsy tank crew (including John Candy) led by straight-arrow, by-the-book Sgt. Tree (Dan Aykroyd), who doesn't recognize the thug (Treat Williams) in his command; and homeowner Ward Douglas (Ned Beatty), who is eager to do his part for the nation's defense and, despite the misgivings of his wife (Lorraine Gary), doesn't mind his front yard overlooking the ocean being chosen to house a 40 mm anti-aircraft gun. There is also a pair of grotesquely inept airplane spotters (Murray Hamilton, Eddie Deezen) who are doing their job from atop a ferris wheel at a beachfront amusement park; a paranoid army colonel (Warren Oates) positive that the Japanese are infiltrating from the hills; a big dance being held on behalf of servicemen, being attended by a lusty young woman of size (Wendie Jo Sperber) eager to land a man in uniform; and General Joseph "Vinegar Joe" Stillwell (Robert Stack), in charge of the defense of the West Coast, who can't seem to get anyone to listen to him when he says to keep calm. And, oh yes, there's also a real Japanese submarine that has gotten all the way to the California coast under the command of its captain (Toshiro Mifune) and a German officer observer (Christopher Lee), only to find itself without a working compass or usable maps. Its captain won't leave until the sub has attacked a militarily significant, honorable target, and the only one that anyone aboard ship knows of in California is Hollywood. By New Year's Eve, all of these characters are going to cross paths, directly or once-removed, in a comedy of errors and destruction strongly reminiscent of the finale to National Lampoon's Animal House (as well as several disaster movies from the same studio), but on a much larger and more impressive scale. ~ Bruce Eder, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dan Aykroyd, Ned Beatty, (more)
