Henny Backus Movies
- 1972
When John (Randolph Mantooth) predicted that this Wednesday would be a "weird" one for Rampart Hospital, he wasn't kidding. The case log includes a feisty 80-year-old woman (Jeanette Nolan) who sprains her ankle while dancing at her own birthday party, a panicky hooker who hauls her cardiac-victim "John" into the hospital, a near-fatal case of hiccups, a teenager (played by a young, uncredited William Katt) who tries to put himself into a deep-freeze, and a parachutist who ends up in a high tree. And have we mentioned the snakes on the golf course? ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
When irascible boss T.R. Hollister (Jim Backus) threatens to pull the plug on an underwater environmental living project, employee Fred Miller (Tony Randall) and his wife, Vivian (Janet Leigh), take their family down in the deep to live for 30 days. With all the modern conveniences of a home on land, the family even invites a rock & roll band to get down and record. Merv Griffin (himself) arranges an underwater interview for his television show while Mel Cheever (Ken Berry) schemes to get Fred's job back on dry land. Two of the Miller kids, Lorrie (Kay Cole) and Tommy (Gary Tigerman), join three others (Richard Dreyfuss, Roddy McDowall, and Lou Wagner) in the rock band. Friendly dolphins fend of shark attacks as the land sharks try to scuttle the underwater project in this family film. Music is provided by Jeff Barry. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tony Randall, Janet Leigh, (more)
- 1965
In the first episode of Gilligan's Island's second season--which is also the first one filmed in color, and the first to include regulars Russell Johnson (The Professor) and Dawn Wells (Mary Ann) in the opening credits--the castaways remain firmly ensconsed on their deserted island, still hoping and dreaming to be rescued. This week, Gilligan (Bob Denver) finds himself the reluctant fiancé of a rotund native girl (Mary Foran), whose parents may well prove dangerous if he refuses the honor. In order to qualify for matrimony, Gilligan must pass a rigorous test dreamed up by his prospective father-in-law (Russ Grieve)...but our hero figures out a method whereby he can not only survive the test but also keep his bachelorhood intact. Henny Backus, the real-life wife of series regular Jim Backus (Mr. Howell), is seen as the Native mom. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Henny Backus, Russ Grieve, (more)
- 1959
Director Henry Levin followed up this light romantic comedy with Where the Boys Are and started a beach trend going. This conventional story stars one of his favorite actors Clifton Webb as Robert Dean, the father of two lively teen-age daughters. He and his wife Mary (Jane Wyman) accompany their daughters on a South American junket. Meg (Jill St. John) and Betsy (Carol Lynley the 17-year-old model turned actress) are the teens. Since Robert is a psychiatrist, one would assume he has the inside scoop on the teen years, but as the family make stops in Lima, Sao Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro it is clear that the daughters are winning the day. Handsome young men enter the picture, and it is not long before romance follows right behind. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Clifton Webb, Jane Wyman, (more)
- 1956
Based on a novel by television producer Al Morgan, The Great Man is a Citizen Kane-style look at the private life of a public figure. The Great Man is a beloved radio and television personality who dies suddenly. Jose Ferrer (who also directed) plays a writer/commentator who has a chance to break into the Big Time by preparing a eulogistic broadcast concerning the deceased celebrity. As he interviews the various people who knew the Great Man on the way up (including Julie London and Ed and Keenan Wynn) he learns that the "idol of millions" was actually a conniving, duplicitous scoundrel who stepped on everyone in his path and who took credit for the hard work of others. Warned by his boss (Dean Jagger) that his career will be ruined if he tells the truth, Ferrer nonetheless takes to the airwaves with a "warts and all" biography--and the results are surprising only to those with no cynicism in their souls. The Great Man stirred up a sensation in 1956 because it was perceived to be an a clef study of the enormously popular (and ruthlessly powerful) media star Arthur Godfrey. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- José Ferrer, Dean Jagger, (more)
- 1956
A whole slew of guest stars makes Meet Me in Las Vegas a special treat for movie buffs. The central plot concerns wealthy rancher Chuck Rodwell (Dan Dailey), who takes a Vegas vacation with his mother (Agnes Moorehead). At the same time, ballerina Maria Corvier (Cyd Charisse) also arrives in Las Vegas, accompanied by chaperone Sari Hatvany (Lili Darvas). During one marathon gambling session, Chuck comes to the conclusion that Sari is a good-luck charm, and insists that she remain by his side throughout his visit. Naturally, their relationship deepens into love, but not before a few complications, misunderstandings, and song-and-dance duets. Among the celebrities making cameo appearances (à la Around the World in 80 Days) are Jerry Colonna, Paul Henreid, Lena Horne, Frankie Laine, Peter Lorre, and Sammy Davis Jr. (voice only). Featured as dancers in Cyd Charisse's troupe are stars-to-be Liliane Montevecchi and George Chakiris. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dan Dailey, Cyd Charisse, (more)
- 1952
Esther Williams generously shares screen time with Joan Evans and Vivian Blaine in Skirts Ahoy! The three leading ladies play WAVE officers who experience a daunting series of romantic misadventures. Whitney Young (Williams) had joined the WAVES after leaving her fiancé at the altar. Conversely Mary Kate Yarbrough (Evans) was jilted on her wedding day by her intended, while Una Yancy (Blaine) has donned a uniform in hopes of finding a husband. Much of the humor is of the gender-switch variety, with the three lady sailors ogling and whistling at every eligible male who crosses their path. Inevitably, Williams sheds her navy duds in favor of a swimsuit, while Blaine performs a comic torch song in the manner of her "Miss Adelaide" characterization in Guys and Dolls. Poor Joan Evans isn't given a musical number, but she does get her man (Keefe Brasselle) at the end. Guest performers include the singing DeMarco Sisters and youthful aquatic champs Russell and Kathy Tongay. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Esther Williams, Joan Evans, (more)
