Keene Curtis Movies
Beloved by television audiences for his endearingly snippy portrayal of upstairs restaurant owner John Allen Hill on Cheers, Tony-winning stage actor Keene Curtis endeared himself to Broadway audiences as Annie's Daddy Warbucks before embarking on a successful career in television and film. Born in Salt Lake City, UT, and raised in nearby Bountiful, Curtis first realized his love for the stage while a student at the University of Utah. Though a three-year stint in the Navy put a brief halt to his education, Curtis returned to the University to study for his bachelor's and master's degrees and was subsequently discovered by Orson Welles when Welles directed a 1947 college production of Macbeth. So impressed with Curtis' performance was Welles that the popular filmmaker cast the burgeoning actor in a professional production of Macbeth the following year. With his stage career kicking into full gear, Curtis would pursue acting while simultaneously working as a stage manager at the Martha Graham Dance Company for the next 12 years. Equally adept in film, television, and the Broadway stage, Curtis also appeared in Welles' film version of Macbeth in addition to roles in such features as Heaven Can Wait (1978), The Buddy System (1984), and I.Q. (1994). Following his memorable performance in Annie, Curtis appeared in such Broadway productions as Twelfth Night, Saint Joan, and Comedians. 1971 found Curtis the recipient of a Tony for his multiple roles in the musical The Rothschilds. Though he was prolific in film and on-stage, it was on television that Curtis made a lasting impression with roles on such popular series as M*A*S*H, Benson, and The Pretender. Curtis also did voice-over work for Scooby and Scrappy-Doo and The Smurfs. Always concerned with helping aspiring actors realize their dreams, Curtis would later endow an acting scholarship, in addition to donating his Tony and other theater memorabilia, to his alma mater. On October 13, 2002, Keene Curtis died of Alzheimer's disease in Bountiful, UT. He was 79. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi- 1999
Awakening from suspended animation, O'Neill (Richard Dean Anderson), Carter (Amanda Tapping) and Jackson (Michael Shanks) are told that 79 years have passed while they slept, and that they are the only survivors of the SG-1 team. A group of scientists, claiming that they need the trio's memories to continue the fight against the Gou'ald, holographically recreate SG-1's past adventures (via excerpts from the earlier episodes "The Nox", "The Torment of Tantalus", "The Serpent's Lair" and "Secrets". Only when it is almost too late do the SG-1 team members realize that their futuristic trappings are merely an illusion, cooked up by evil Goa'uld leader Hathor (Suanne Braun)--but for what purpose? The "cliffhanger" climax of this final second-season Stargate SG-1 episode would not be resolved until the opening installment of Season Three. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Made by and for the TNT cable network, this sharp, satirical courtroom drama skewers the increasingly symbiotic relationship between the judicial system and popular media. The story centers on the trial of a famous model (Gina Gershon) who has been accused of murder. The media touts it "the trial of the century," a notion notorious celebrity lawyer Norman Keane (James Garner) does nothing to dispel. He also doesn't seem to be concerned about the myriad of rumors flying through the airwaves. Reporter Brenda Whitlas (Kathleen Turner) is not as easily fooled as the public and tries to ferret out the truth. Meanwhile a rookie lawyer involved in the case tries desperately to stay afloat amidst the confusion. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- James Garner, Gina Gershon, (more)
John Murlowski directed this straight-to-video sequel to 1994's Richie Rich. Featuring all new actors filling the roles originally created for the Richie Rich comic book, Richie Rich's Christmas Wish finds the richest boy in the world in an It's a Wonderful Life-style holiday adventure after he wishes that he'd never been born and is overheard by Professor Keanbean's Wishing Machine. Suddenly Richie is in a world where even his family doesn't know him. Can he find Professor Keanbean and the Wishing Machine so he can wish himself back to reality? With David Gallagher filling the shoes formerly occupied by Macaulay Culkin, the film also features Eugene Levy as Professor Keanbean, Keene Curtis as Herbert Cadbury, and Martin Mull and Leslie Ann Warren as Richie's parents. ~ Matthew Tobey, Rovi
- 1997
A film produced in 1945 reveals that a Professor Langford (Duncan Fraser) and his team had managed to activate a Stargate long before the technology was officially discovered--and that Langford's young associate Ernest Littlefield (Keene Curtis) had disappeared through a wormhole, never to return. In the present, Jackson (Michael Shanks) relates this information to Langford's daughter Catherine (Elizabeth Hoffman), the onetime fiancee of Littlefeild. Catherine and the SG-1 team embarks upon a search for Littlefield, only to find themselves entrapped in a room that may contain all the secrets of the universe--and which they may never be able to leave. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
The first season of Ally McBeal centers around Ally's (Calista Flockhart) introduction to a law firm as full of eccentric characters as it is legal files. Not only must Ally adjust to her former high-school sweetheart's choice to marry another, but she also has to learn how to cope with having both him and his wife as co-workers. This season was a highly successful test of Ally McBeal's unique format, which emphasized musical numbers and special effect-laden flights of fancy. Despite initial low expectations from the network, Ally McBeal became a sleeper hit, owing much of its success to its originality, incorporation of truly unique characters, and its expert combination of modern issues of political-correctness with age-old matters of the heart. ~ Tracie Cooper, Rovi
- Starring:
- Calista Flockhart, Courtney Thorne-Smith, (more)
- 1997
- Add Mother Teresa: In the Name of God's Poor to Queue Add Mother Teresa: In the Name of God's Poor to top of Queue
Internationally known actress Geraldine Chaplin offers a moving portrayal of one of the 20th century's greatest humanitarians. This made-for-television miniseries honors the life and sacrifices made by the feisty Yugoslavian nun who spent most of her life tending the poor and the sick of India. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Geraldine Chaplin, William Katt, (more)
- 1997
When Drew (Drew Carey) generously offers to help out at a shabby retirement home, Mr. Wick (Craig Ferguson) tries to curry favor with Mrs. Louder (Nan Martin) by forcing everyone else in the office to volunteer. The scehem backfires when Drew is talked into escorting the home's residents to Winfred-Louder by a wizened old con artist named Gus (Tim Conway)--who promptly frames Drew on an "elderly abuse" charge as part of a scheme to extort an enormous amount of money! Cleveland TV newscaster Ted Henry appears as himself. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1997
In the series' 100th episode, Ally is hired by a man who believes he can fly, and he tries to prove to her that she can, too; and John scoffs as Richard and Elaine try matchmaker Harriet Pumple (Nell Carter). ~ TV Guide, Rovi
- Starring:
- Calista Flockhart, Courtney Thorne-Smith, (more)
- 1997
At a bachelor auction to benefit a Biotech institute, likable "Angel of Death" Andrew (John Dye) is entered as one of the prizes. The winning bid is registered by Dr. Kate Calder (Stephanie Zimbalist), who has only entered the auction to spite her rival Beth Popik (Lisa Eichhorn)--and as such, Kate flatly refuses to go out on a date with Andrew. Under normal circumstances, Kate's turndown would be the end of the story. Instead, Andrew is ordered by his Heavenly predecessor Adam (played by former series regular Charles Rocket in a return appearance) to take Kate out no matter how much she protests--and to make certain that Adam fulfills his assignment (the purpose of which is not revealed until late in the proceedings), Monica (Roma Downey) and Tess (Della Reese) set up an "instant" restaurant! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1997
Ally tries to shake off her prudish image; and the firm is sued again---this time by the object of Elaine's lawsuit. ~ TV Guide, Rovi
- Starring:
- Calista Flockhart, Courtney Thorne-Smith, (more)
- 1996
After missing his ride with the Optimists Club carpool, Drew (Drew Carey) finds out that he just barely escaped being killed in a traffic accident. He finds this out when, upon showing up at work, he hears Mimi (Kathy Kinney) somewhat prematurely celebrating his demise! Convinced that he has been saved by Divine intervention, Drew forsakes all worldly goods and sets about to become a minister--but alas, his skills at dispensing pastorial advice leave a great deal to be desired. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1995
Rule-bound Dr. Kayson (Sam Anderson) again incurs the wrath of Lewis (Sherry Stringfield) when he orders the early release of a heart patient named Vennerback (Michael Monks). But when Vennerback is brought back to the ER in critical condition, it is Lewis who is held responsible for the tragedy that follows. Elsewhere, Benton (Eriq La Salle) adopts a somewhat nasty method to stem the constant complaints of his student, Carter (Noah Wyle); and Lewis' pregnant sister, Chloe (Kathleen Wilhoite), announces her intention to move to Texas. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Legendary scientist Albert Einstein (played here by Walter Matthau) takes a break from theoretical physics to try to set up his intellectual niece with a handsome auto mechanic in this romantic comedy. The movie's central conceit is that Einstein's brilliance extends to matters of the heart, allowing him to immediately sense that Ed Walters (Tim Robbins), a bright, lower-class mechanic obsessed with Popular Science Magazine, would be perfect for his niece Catherine (Meg Ryan). Unfortunately, Catherine is already engaged to a stiff Princeton man. In order to defeat Catherine's resistance, Uncle Albert decides to help Ed pretend to be a revolutionary scientist, a charade that inevitably leads to much farcical confusion. Einstein's scientist pals are portrayed as a Greek chorus of Catskills-style kibitzers, featuring such notable perfomers as Lou Jacobi as Kurt Godel and director Gene Saks as Boris Podolsky. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi
- Starring:
- Tim Robbins, Meg Ryan, (more)
- 1994
Multimillionaire Lou Bond (Keene Curtis) offers to purchase the Tanner house, in which he lived as a youth, for an astronomical price. Everyone in the household looks forward to this huge cash windfall, and to moving into brand-new homes. Only Michelle (theOlsen twins) balks at the notion of leaving San Francisco--and she's willing to go to extreme and devious lengths to keep the family together under one roof. This is the final episode of Full House's seventh season. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1993
Cabot Cove has been chosen as the location for the pre-Broadway staging of a new play starring David North (Peter Donat), a prominent actor who is emerging from a 10-year retirement. No sooner have rehearsals started than a murder occurs, with North's business manager Eric Benderson (Bradford Dillman) as the victim. Needless to say, Jessica (Angela Lansbury) is determined to find out "who done it"--and this time, there are plenty of subtle pop-cultural clues at hand, thanks to the cunning of screenwriter J. Michael Straczynski (Babylon 5. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1993
Carla's careless daughter Serafina (Leah Remini) has to get married before she begins to "show." Though Carla (Rhea Perlman) is not too upset over Serafina's pregnancy, she is outraged at the girl's wedding plans. It seems that Serafina wants her father, Carla's disreputable ex-husband Nick Tortelli (Dan Hedaya), to walk her down the aisle. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1993
In the conclusion of a two-part story, Lilith (Bebe Neuwirth) returns to her estranged husband Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) just in time to find him in bed with Rebecca (Kirstie Alley). Notwithstanding, Lilith begs Frasier to give their marriage a second chance. Things take a hilariously dangerous turn when Lilith's wild-eyed lover Dr. Pascal (Peter Vogt) demands a showdown with Frasier -- literally, with gun in hand. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1993
While his apartment is being fumigated, Sam (Ted Danson) makes arrangements to sleep over at the home of a lady friend. Alas, the lady cancels and Sam locks himself out of Cheers, his second choice for a nocturnal resting place. One thing leads to another, culminating with him bunking at the home of garrulous Cliff Clavin (John Ratzenberger). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Phillip Noyce directed Joe Eszterhas's adaptation of Ira Levin's novel about voyeurism, starring Sharon Stone as Carly Norris, a book editor on the rebound from an emotionless seven-year marriage. Carly decides that a change of location will help her in the healing process, so she moves into a sleek Manhattan high-rise. In her new apartment, she meets a collection of curious neighbors --Vida (Polly Walker), who snorts cocaine along with ingesting all the dark secrets of the building and its tenants; Jack Landsford (Tom Berenger), a successful writer who also wants to also be successful with Carly; and Zeke Hawkins (William Baldwin), Carly's new landlord. Carly is attracted to Zeke, but she sees that he is hiding something from her. Unbeknownst to Carly, Zeke, an obsessive voyeur, watches his tenants from a bank of television screens at his headquarters. But when Carly discovers Zeke's voyeurism, she herself becomes obsessed with the daily lives of her neighbors. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi
- Starring:
- Sharon Stone, William Baldwin, (more)
- 1992
The guys at Cheers inaugurate a marathon poker game, ostensibly for the purpose of teaching Woody (Woody Harrelson) how to play. While the boys are otherwise occupied, Rebecca (Kirstie Alley) bravely holds down the fort -- or rather, the bar -- with the help of Carla (Rhea Perlman). Fortunately, Cheers enjoys one of its busiest nights ever; unfortunately, the bar's liquor license has just expired, forcing Rebecca and Carla to concoct some bizarre, alcohol-free improvisations. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1992
The war between Sam (Ted Danson) and snobbish restauranteur John Hill (Keene Curtis) re-escalates when Sam thinks he's broken a tooth while eating a crab salad from Melville's. Meanwhile, Carla (Rhea Perlman) must face the fact that her son Gino (Josh Lozoff) plans to enter the priesthood. Elsewhere, Cliff (John Ratzenberger) becomes a standup comic ("What's up with that?"), only to find that he has a fan following of precisely one person -- and you'd never guess who it is. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1992
Hoping to raise the spirits of his "low self-esteem" therapy group, Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) brings his patients to Cheers. It doesn't take long for the group to fall under the spell of the jocular "Mr. X" and "Mr. Y." -- alias Norm (George Wendt) and Cliff (John Ratzenberger). Meanwhile, with his regular barber under the weather, Sam (Ted Danson) allows Woody (Woody Harrelson) to trim his locks...and what a trim it is. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1992
The 11th and final season of Cheers begins directly after the chaotic wedding of Woody (Woody Harrelson) and Kelly (Jackie Swanson). Back at Cheers, and feeling depressed about her own unmarried status, Rebecca (Kirstie Alley) begins smoking again. Fortunately, she quits before it becomes a habit; unfortunately, she didn't quit soon enough to avoid setting the bar on fire. Now she must do some quick thinking in order to blame something other than an errant cigarette on the conflagration. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1992
Fed up with the interference of his wealthy father-in-law Mr. Gaines (Richard Doyle), Woody (Woody Harrelson) confronts the man for a showdown. Startlingly, Mr. Gaines acquiesces to Woody's every demand; after all, the old man has been caught with a woman other than his wife, and how does he know that Woody isn't out for blackmail? Meanwhile, Rebecca (Kirstie Alley) plans an elaborate Thanksgiving dinner at Cheers. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1992
Restauranteur John Hill (Reid Shelton), the pompous bête noire of Sam Malone (Ted Danson), suffers a heart attack. Much to everyone's surprise, Hill's current amour Carla (Rhea Perlman) seems sublimely indifferent to her lover's condition. But Cliff (John Ratzenberger) can't be bothered with this emotional intrigue; he's convinced that his new neighbor is Adolf Hitler. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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