Davis Roberts Movies
American actor Davis Roberts played character roles on stage, television, and in feature films for nearly 40 years. Between 1983 and 1984, he had a regular role as a blind bluesman on the television series Boone. He made his final film appearance in To Sleep With Anger. In addition to acting, Roberts served as an advisor for the Western division of the Actor's Equity Association. He also founded the Beverly Hills-Hollywood NAACP Image Award. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide- 1990
- PG
African-American drifter Danny Glover shows up at the LA doorstep of his old pal Paul Butler. In the spirit of auld lang syne, Butler takes Glover in, though his wife (Mary Alice) is not happy with this intrusion. She already has enough on her hands contending with her grown live-in son Richard Brooks and his real-estate agent wife Sheryl Lee Ralph. Glover ingratiates himself by reminding family of their Southern roots; less positively, he drinks a great deal, brings suspicious-looking cronies into the household. When Butler suffers a stroke, Glover assumes charge of the house--whereupon his charm evaporates and disaster follows. But Glover isn't really the villain of To Sleep With Anger: everyone in the film is depicted in all-too-human shades of gray. This effort by African American writer/ director Charles Burnett was the first of his films to attract widespread critical notice, almost 13 years after he created the seminal Killer of Sheep. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Danny Glover, Richard Brooks, (more)
A night beat cop, a good vampire who only drinks cows' blood, is after a bad vampire, who is sucking the blood of the city's human inhabitants. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rick Springfield
- 1984
Attack on Fear was based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning series of newspaper articles by Dave and Cathy Mitchell. Paul Michael Glaser and Linda Kelsey play the Michaels, who labor away at a tiny California daily. Upon hearing of iniquities at the famed Santa Monica drug-rehab center Synanon, the Michaels begin publishing their evidence. Despite legal pressure from Synanon and bizarre anonymously mailed threats, the Mitchells' story results in a major investigation of the revered institution. Completed in 1982, the made-for-TV Attack on Fear was not telecast until October of 1984, and then only after (presumably) being reshaped to satisfy Synanon's battery of attorneys. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1984
- PG
The owner of a professional football team must restore the titular train and run it from Tennessee to NYC in 24 hours if he is to inherit $1 million in this comedy. ~ Kristie Hassen, All Movie Guide
- 1982
The fact-based TV movie The Ambush Murders was adapted from a book by Ben Bradlee Jr. Dorian Harewood plays an African-American political activist who is loyal to his ideals and faithful to his friends and family. After two white policemen are killed, Harewood is charge with the crime. 49 months and two mistrials later, Harewood remains in prison. When lawyer James Brolin offers his services, Harewood doesn't trust him any more than any of the other self-serving white attorneys who've "helped" him in the past. But Brolin digs a little deeper than his predecessors, uncovering facts and evidence that may at long last spring his client. Ambush Murders was first telecast January 5, 1982. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
In this involved send-up of two American icons -- the automobile and the tourist trap -- the tiny Florida town of Ticlaw strives desperately for success after it has been denied the most essential of all tourist amenities -- a freeway exit. The insane, and mostly successful, schemes of the mayor (William Devane) and other distinctly unbalanced citizens interrupt, often hilariously, the lives of various eccentric travellers forced into a place they never intended to be. Critics disagree violently on whether this is a neglected classic or sophomoric nonsense. The winning record of director (John Schlesinger) (Midnight Cowboy, Marathon Man, Cold Comfort Farm, etc.,) and first-class performances by William Devane, Beau Bridges, Beverly D'Angelo, Hume Cronyn, JessicaTandy and a plethora of great character actors -- not to mention the water-skiing elephant and the wild rhino -- argue that it's worth a look. ~ Michael P. Rogers, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Beau Bridges, Hume Cronyn, (more)
- 1980
When one of the twin babies of Madeline and Bill Estes (Tyne Daly, Robert Ginty) dies under mysterious circumstances, the initial evidence points to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. But thanks to a small but criticial error in the coroner's office, Dr. Bob Gage (Jonathan Segal) suspects thar Madeline Estes actually murdered his child--and before long, even Madeline's husband Bill thinks that she's guilty. Can Quincy (Jack Klugman) come to the rescue before another tragic blunder occurs? ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1980
While leading his squadron into battle in Germany, Jason (Jon Walmsley) comes across a shell-shocked American soldier named Willis (Mark McClure). Despite his emotional problems, Willis is a very handy man to have around when the squadron is besieged by an elusive German sniper. And back on Walton's Mountain, storekeeper Ike Godsey (Joe Conley) is in trouble with the authorities for violating the rationing laws. Despite all indications to the contrary, the episode ends with good news for everyone concerned--even the hapless Ike. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1979
The disappearance of several items from the Bunker household coincides with a rash of petty thefts from the school attended by Stephanie. Though Archie and Edith are reluctant to believe it, the evidence is irrefutable: Stephanie has been stealing. The question is how best to punish the girl, who, after all, is not really the Bunkers' daughter. Davis Roberts appears as school principal Mr. Ruskin. Written by Larry Rhine and Mel Tolkin, "Stephanie and the Crime Wave" was originally telecast on January 28, 1979. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
While researching her family "roots" with the help of Jason (Jon Walmsley), Verdie Foster (Lynn Hamilton) comes across a slave ornament that had been worn by her grandfather. This artifact leads Verdie to a disturbing visit with a descendant of her grandfather's white owner. Elsewhere, 12-year-old Elizabeth (Kami Cotler) tries to impress the solider to whom she has been writing by claiming to be sixteen--and mailing him a picture of her older sister Erin (Mary Elizabeth McDonough). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1977
The devoutly religious Florida (Esther Rolle) is shocked when her son Michael (Ralph Carter) begins espousing an atheistic viewpoint. It turns out that Michael has fallen under the influence of his new boss, a confirmed nonbeliever. Florida angrily storms into the boss' headquarters for a showdown -- with startling results. Moses Gunn makes his first series appearance as Carl Dixon. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1976
- PG
Written and directed by Frank D. Gilroy, this Western casts Charles Bronson as Graham Dorsey, a two-bit Western outlaw who has a three-hour affair with lonely Amanda Starbuck (Jill Ireland). When Dorsey is reported killed, Starbuck capitalizes on her liaison by building up the "legend" of the supposed deceased outlaw. Soon Dorsey has become an icon, glorified in song, fable, and dime novels. Imagine Starbuck's discomfort when he turns up very much alive, and extremely upset at being turned into Amanda's own private cottage industry. At the end, Dorsey isn't even left with his own identity. This picture is somewhat unconventional for a Western, downplaying violence in favor of characterization and dark humor. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Charles Bronson, Jill Ireland, (more)
- 1976
George (Sherman Hemsley) is honored when he is invited to join an exclusive (and previously all-white) racquet club by a prominent judge (Keene Curtis). Little does he realize that he is merely a "token" member, accepted into the club to avoid legal tangles. The truth comes crashing down upon poor George when, during his first tennis match, he is relegated to handing out towels. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1974
Surrounded by the authorities after a bungled attempt to break through a police checkpoint, five terrorists take several people hostage. Unless they are given safe passage out of San Francisco, the terrorists will detonate a bomb, killing themselves and their prisoners. Making the situation personal for investigating detective Mike Stone (Karl Malden) is that one of the hostages is his own partner Steve Keller (Michael Douglas). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1974
Sgt. Ed Brown (Don Galloway) is dismayed to learn that his priest friend Steve Timmins (Christopher Connelly)has been targeted for murder. Even more dismaying is the fact that Father Steve knows the identity of the would-be killer, but is bound by the rules of the Confessional to remain silent. As Ed and Chief Ironside (Raymond Burr) endeavor to save Steve in spite of himself, they come across three seemingly random murders--and in each case,the victim is a drug dealer working in Steve's parish. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1974
Of the two rape-oriented TV movies of the 1973-74 season, A Case of Rape, first telecast February 20, 1974, is far and away the finer film (the other was the compelling but contrived Cry Rape). Elizabeth Montgomery stars as a housewife who is sexually assaulted not once but twice by a so-called family friend (Cliff Potts). The rape is only the beginning of a long cycle of humiliation and self-doubt: the investigating police are dismissive of Montgomery's charges, the female defense attorney (Rosemary Murphy) tries to put the victim on trial, and Montgomery's reputation and marriage (to Ronny Cox) are irrevocably damaged. Though things don't go well for her in the courtroom, Montgomery emerges from the experience a stronger and more self-reliant person, unwilling to allow herself to be destroyed by outside influences. Don't miss the final confrontation between raper and rapist after the trial--an underplayed but bone-chilling vignette. Had not Cicely Tyson sewn up the Emmy with The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, Elizabeth Montgomery would certainly have copped the prize with A Case of Rape. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1973
Fred Sanford (Redd Foxx) is convinced that his son Lamont (Demond Wilson) has become a homosexual. This is "confirmed" when Bubba (Don Bexley) spots Lamont and his pal Rollo (Nathaniel Taylor) entering a gay bar. In truth, it's all a big misunderstanding, but try telling that to Fred, who begins reading "hidden meanings" into every one of Lamont's utterances. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Redd Foxx, Demond Wilson, (more)
Welcome to Westworld, where nothing can go wrong...go wrong...go wrong....Writer/director Michael Crichton has concocted a futuristic "Disneyland for adults", a remote resort island where, for a hefty fee, one can indulge in one's wildest fantasies. Businessmen James Brolin and Richard Benjamin are just crazy about the old west, thus they head to the section of Westworld populated by robot desperadoes, robot lawmen, robot dance-hall gals, and the like. Benjamin's first inkling that something is amiss occurs when, during a mock showdown with robot gunslinger Yul Brynner, Brolin is shot and killed for real. It seems that the "nerve center" of Westworld has developed several serious technical glitches: the human staff is dead, and the robots are running amok. Suddenly promoted to the film's hero, Benjamin (who seems as surprised and shocked as the audience) must first avoid, then face down the relentless Brynner. Much of Westworld was lensed on the expansive grounds of the old Harold Lloyd estate in Beverly Hills, so it's no surprise that there's something Lloydlike about Dick Benjamin's instinct for self-preservation. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Yul Brynner, Richard Benjamin, (more)
Willie Dynamite (Roscoe Orman) is a Manhattan pimp whose life and career are documented in this blaxploitation flick. Willie makes it to the top of his precarious profession, only to hit rock bottom again in record time. In her last movie role, Diana Sands plays an ex-hooker who becomes a social worker. She tries to get Willie to clean up his act before it's too late. Willie Dynamite was produced by Richard Zanuck and David Brown, who shortly afterward collaborated on a more upbeat project, The Sting. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Titled Detroit Heat for video release, this blaxploitation flick concerns two Motor City detectives (Hari Rhodes, Alex Rocco) on the trail of a gang of thieves who attacked a political rally. Noted blaxploitation fan Quentin Tarantino sponsored a theatrical re-release in 1998, with a video reissue following. ~ John Bush, All Movie Guide
- 1972
Father Daniel Berrigan, at the height of the Vietnam War, was arrested along with eight other protesters (including his brother Philip) in Baltimore in 1968, for burning draft records. Berrigan later penned a didactic play, based upon the incident, which was the basis for this film. The motives behind the Vietnam War protesters are examined during their trial, but the plea for individual responsibility and personal action concerning the war is rejected by the judge, and the Nine are found guilty and sentenced to imprisonment. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gwen Arner, Ed Flanders, (more)
- 1970
- R
Neighbors in suburban Los Angeles segue a meeting to stop freeway construction into a sexual romp. A housewife (Ann Summers) gives in to the primal urges of her neighbor, (Clark Gordon) an erotic novelist. While her husband (Bernard Barrow) is off with his mistress (Jennifer O'Neill) at a forest retreat, she decides to have some fun on her own. Her husband's business partner (Philip Pine) has his eyes on their nubile 19 year old daughter (Deirdre Lenihan) who heart and the rest of her body belongs to daddy. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bernard Barrow, Deirdre Lenihan, (more)
- 1970
Lesley Ann Warren makes her first appearance as IMF agent Dana Lambert in Mission: Impossible's fifth-season opener "The Killer." Guest star Robert Conrad plays the title character, a professional assassin named Eddie Lorka. With only a few hours at their disposal, the IMF team must determine the identity of Lorka's newest target--not to mention the name of the underworld czar who hired Lorka in the first place. Based on an idea by Bruce Lansbury, "The Killer" was written by Paul Krasny. Originally telecast September 19, 1970, the episode was later remade as the pilot for the 1988 Mission: Impossible revival. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Leonard Nimoy, (more)
- 1969
Sr. Bertrille tries to save Alice the cow from the butcher shop. To do this, our heroine must figure a way to persuade Alice to start producing milk again. As it happens, Alice will "give out" only when she hears music-as good an excuse as any for Sally Field (Sr. Bertrille) to sing "What a Question". Written by Frank Crow and Leo Rifkin, "The Moo is Blue" made its ABC network bow on February 27, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1969
Bill (Brian Keith) grimly assumes all responsibility when a bridge on which he was working collapses, costing millions of dollars. Overhearing Bill's financial woes, the kids conclude that the family is about to go broke. This explains why Cissy goes out and gets a part-time job, while Buffy and Jody hold an auction of their most precious possessions--and also launch a brisk dog-walking business. Featured in the pivotal role of Mr. McAllister is veteran movie heavy Horace McMahon. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
