Randy Doney Movies
- 1999
Can it have been only two years since Niles (David Hyde Pierce) found his "dream home" at the fashionable Montana Apartments? And now, Niles is facing eviction; it seems he has subleted his apartment to a therapist whose tap-dancing has kept his neighbors up all night. Niles must convince the snooty, sensitive coop board that he is not a menace and to allow him back into the Montana. A few of the characters introduced in the fourth-season Frasier episode "To Kill a Talking Bird" are in attendance here -- though one of them doesn't survive the night! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Comedian Billy Crystal made his directorial debut with this biography of fictional comedian Buddy Young Jr. (portrayed by Crystal himself), whose self-destructive tendencies prevent him from rising to top of the show business ladder during his five-decade career. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Billy Crystal, David Paymer, (more)
- 1979
The classic O. Henry yarn "The Gift of the Magi" is given the Alice treatment in this Christmas episode. With the Holidays approaching, everybody at Mel's Diner wants to buy everyone else an expensive present. Unfortunately, there isn't enough money to go around, resulting in some surprising sacrifices and a not-so-surprising (but still touching) denoument. (This episode was made long, long before every sitcom on earth was celebrating Christmas with a rehashing of It's a Wonderful Life!) ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1979
In the conclusion of a two-part story, Mel (Vic Tayback) has come to regreat his decision to sell his diner to the imperious Randolph Briggs (Hans Conried), but unfortuantely Briggs refuses to sell it back. Also in a regretful mood is Alice (Linda Lavin), whose apartment has become the location for Mel's new restaurant. In order to get Mel out of her hair and back behind his own company, Alice must resort to a disguise--and soon shows up at the old diner as a very contrary senior citizen. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1978
Though it may be impossible to comprehend, Flo (Polly Holliday) finds herself dateless on New Year's Eve. With everyone else out for a good time, lonely Flo is left to handle things at the diner all by herself. Victoria Carroll makes her first appearance as Mel's sometime girlfriend Marie. Appropriately enough, this episode originally aired on December 31, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
