Patrick Duffy Movies
During the 1970s, '80s, and '90s, Patrick Duffy quickly evolved into one of prime time's old standbys for handsome, sturdy, dependable, and reliable leading men. Two key patterns hallmarked the majority of Duffy's career choices: he culled his broadest appeal and most substantial workload on television in lieu of the big screen, and exceedingly rare were those occasions in which he played a villain. In terms of audience recognition, Duffy maintained his strongest ties with two ongoing series roles -- his famous portrayal of Southfork Ranch stalwart Bobby Ewing on the blockbuster CBS prime-time soap Dallas (1978-1991), and a subsequent tenure as Frank Lambert on the ABC "TGIF" Friday-night sitcom Step by Step (1991-1998).Born in Townsend, MT, as the second child of two saloonkeepers, Duffy grew up in dire poverty. He attended high school in Everett, WA, then attended the actor's training program at the nearby University of Washington, graduating in 1971. The actor relocated to Southern California and began receiving screen credit only a few years after college, initially with roles in telemovies such as the 1976 Last of Mrs. Lincoln and the lead in the short-lived television series Man from Atlantis (as a half-man, half-fish). Dallas, of course, brought Duffy his big break, and as its ratings shot skyward, turning it into not simply the number one program on the air but an international phenomenon, Duffy's character became intertwined with the program's legacy. The series' premise is by now iconic -- it dealt with the Ewing family, a wealthy Texas oil clan with a history rooted in scandal. Its patriarch, John Ross "Jock" Ewing Sr. (Jim Davis), had driven himself into fabulous wealth by cheating his business partner out of a fortune and his one true love, with whom he started a family and launched an entire oil dynasty. Passing on the family torch were three sons: J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman), the megalomaniacal evil brother; Bobby Ewing (Duffy), the decent and moral brother, who had married the daughter of his father's partner; and the weak-willed Gary (Ted Shackelford), who grappled continually with emotional problems and quickly snagged his own series.
As Bobby, Duffy attained popularity second only to that of co-star Hagman -- popularity that prompted national headlines when Duffy opted to leave the program at the end of the 1984-1985 season. Series producer created and aired a scenario where he was killed by a hit-and-run driver, but the audience demand for Bobby Ewing grew so overwhelming during the following season that -- in an obvious bid to re-boost ratings and extend Dallas' longevity -- Hagman personally summoned Duffy to re-join the series. The writers then reposited the entire 1985-1986 season as the bad dream of Bobby's on-camera wife, Pam (Victoria Principal)! It may have seemed far-fetched to many, but as an attempt to bring the actor back to the program and draw a larger audience, it worked like a charm.
Not long after Dallas finally wrapped in May 1991, Duffy turned up on ABC's aforementioned Step by Step, a kind of unofficial update of The Brady Bunch; he played Frank Lambert, a divorced Wisconsin contractor with several kids who impulsively married a widowed beautician (Suzanne Somers) with several tykes of her own. Episodes dealt with the complications wrought when the two clans moved under the same roof together. As produced by William Bickley and Michael Warren, that program also connected with a large audience. It folded in 1998.
Duffy acted in several Dallas telemovies during Step by Step's run, and then ushered in guest roles on numerous additional series, including Touched by an Angel, Justice League, and Family Guy. Additional made-for-television feature credits in the late '90s and early to mid-2000s included such outings as Heart of Fire (1997), Don't Look Behind You (1998), Desolation Canyon (2006), and Falling in Love with the Girl Next Door (2006). Duffy landed another series assignment in 2006 with an ongoing role -- that of Stephen Logan Sr. -- on the CBS daytime drama The Bold and the Beautiful. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
- 2006
Reunited as adults, childhood friends Mark Lucas (Bridget Brannagh and Theresa Connolly (Crystal Allen) fall in love and decide to get married. The wedding plans are okay so far as Mark and Theresa's golfing-buddy dads are concerned. Alas, the couple's mothers constitute a different story: Betsy Lucas (Shelley Long) and Bridget Connolly (Patty Duke) have carried on a bitter feud for the past 25 years, and they aren't about to go into "all is forgiven" mode just because their kids are in love. The situation reaches a disastrous peak when Betsy and Bridget take it upon themselves to arrange the couple's Catalina Island wedding--and as terrifying as these two ladies are when they're on opposite sides of the fence, they're even more so when they join forces! Falling in Love with the Girl Next Door was first telecast February 4, 2006, as a cinematic Valentine card from cable's Hallmark Channel. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2003
In the first half of Touched by an Angel's series finale, Heavenly caseworker Monica (Roma Downey) is at long last on the verge of being promoted to supervisor. First, however, she is required to pass one last test--and it's a formidable one indeed. Monica must somehow restore hope and faith to the profoundly grief-stricken citizens of Ascention, where all the children have been killed in a school explosion. Curiously, several of Monica's former "clients" have apparently settled in Ascention, including mentally challenged Joey (Paul Wittenberg), the sole witness to the tragedy. And what exactly is the story of happy-go-lucky handyman Zack (Scott Bairstow), who shows up in town just in time to be accused of setting off the explosion? Guest star Randy Travis sings "When Mama Prayed". ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2003
In the conclusion of Touched by an Angel's two-part series finale, it appears as though Monica will fail her final test to become a Heavenly Supervisor. The town of Ascention remains entrapped in the grip of bitterness and hatred following a schoolhouse boiler explosion which killed all of the town's children. Worse still, genial handyman Zack (Scott Bairstow), the only person in town with a positive outlook on life, has been accused of deliberately causing the tragedy and put on trial for his life. Even with Monica's fellow angel Gloria (Valerie Bertinelli) and her old friend Mike (Patrick Duffy) handling his defense, the cards are obviously stacked against Zack--especially since the prosecuting attorney is really Satan in disguise. But what seems to be a hopeless situation takes a unexpected turn in the final moments...and there is a startling revelation at the very end. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2002
In the first episode of a three-part story (originally telecast as a single "feature film"), six Justice League members return from a space mission to find that Batman and his orbiting Watchtower have vanished. Even worse, the earth has transformed into a place of pure evil controlled by dictator Vandal Savage. On this alternate world, a different Batman leads a group of underground freedom fighters in a losing battle against Savage's hordes. The only way by which the Leaguers can set things right is go back in time to World War 2 -- and in so doing, they find new allies in the forms of "vintage" comic-book characters Sgt. Rock, the Blackhawks, and Wonder Woman's erstwhile 1940s boyfriend Steve Trevor! ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patrick Duffy, Phil Morris, (more)
- 2002
In the second episode of a three-part story (originally telecast as a single "feature film"), the Justice Leaguers have gone back in time to World War 2, the better to prevent the despotic Vandal Savage from becoming ruler of the world in "The Present." In pursuit of this goal, the Green Lantern hooks up with Sgt. Rock and Easy Company; Flash and Hawkgirl team with the Blackhawks; and Wonder Woman aligns herself with military officer Steve Trevor. Meanwhile, J'onn J'onnz discovers that the 1940s-era Vandal Savage has forged a psychic link with his modern-day counterpart -- but before J'onn can act upon this information, the Leaguers fall into a trap! ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patrick Duffy, Phil Morris, (more)
- 2002
In the conclusion of a three-part story, the Justice Leaguers, teamed with an alternate-reality Vandal Savage, have gone back in time to World War 2 in hopes of preventing the present from being horribly altered by despotic dictator Vandal Savage. Assisting the League in its efforts are such vintage comic-book heroes as Blackhawk, Steve Trevor (Wonder Woman's erstwhile mortal beau), and Sgt. Rock of Easy Company. Unfortunately, the villainy has been doubled as the 1940s-era Savage trades information with his modern-day counterpart. Will the combined forces of good be able to vanquish Savage, or will the horrifiying "alternate" world of the 21st century become reality? ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patrick Duffy, Phil Morris, (more)
- 2001
Peter (voice of Seth MacFarlane) takes great pride in being better than Chris (voice of Seth Green) at everything. He ignores Meg's (voice of Mila Kunis) dinner table announcement that she's joined the flag girls at school because he's too busy proving he can stick more silverware to his face than his son can. Stewie (MacFarlane) responds to Meg's announcement with a withering, "Now you can be somewhere else when the boys don't call." Meg is proud to be a flag girl, until a group of popular kids, led by cheerleader Connie (voice of Fairuza Balk), pelts her with rotten meat during a football game. Peter is so determined to maintain his victorious record over Chris that he shouts out, "Your mother and I are getting a divorce!" as Chris goes up for a critical shot in their basketball game. But during their post-game steam, Peter gets a good look at his son, and realizes, to his horror, that Chris is enormously well-endowed. Peter is bitter and resentful, and tries to compensate by buying a long red sports car and joining the local gun club. But on a father-son hunting expedition that goes awry, Peter learns a valuable lesson. Meanwhile, Lois (voice of Alex Borstein) helps Meg plot revenge against Connie and her pals. This episode features the vocal talents of Patrick Duffy. The musical number Stewie performs to demonstrate his "cool," is a note-for-note reenactment of William Shatner's notorious television performance of Elton John's "Rocket Man." ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
A group of youthful misfits learn the value of teamwork in this made-for-TV comedy-drama. Kanin (Cameron Finley) is a 11-year-old kid who loves baseball and wants to play on the local Little League team. But as much as he loves the game, Kanin isn't very good, and he figures he doesn't have much of a chance of making a place on the team coached by Bobby Geiser (Patrick Duffy), who has guided a number of league champions. Kanin is pleasantly surprised when he and a number of other less-than-stellar players make the cut, but they soon discover Geiser was forced to take them onto the team after losing a bet -- and that he'll see to it that they ride the pine all season. Kanin and his friends are outraged, and so is Diane (Tracy Nelson), Kanin's mom; with her help, Kanin and his friends oust Geiser as coach, and a retired high school baseball coach (Edward Asner) is brought in to replace him. However, the kids soon discover that their new coach needs a dose of confidence nearly as badly as they do. Perfect Game was produced for the Disney Channel, where it originally aired. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Cameron Finley
- 1999
To avoid prosecution himself, Jeff Corrigan (Patrick Duffy), CFO of a multinational corporation, agrees to testify against his boss, whom he has only recently discovered is actually a powerful druglord. Now Jeff must enter the Federal Witness Relocation Program, taking his estranged wife, Liz (Pam Dawber), and his bratty children, April (Tanja Reichert) and Bram (David Kaye), along with him. Though he is resigned to live out his life incognito, Liz is frustrated by the new restrictions imposed on her, while the children are downright hostile. But the worst is still to come: the bad guys have found out where the Corrigans are living, and their murderous minions are rapidly closing in. Made for cable, Don't Look Behind You debuted over the Family channel on July 25, 1999. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patrick Duffy, Pam Dawber, (more)
- 1998
In this sudsy made-for-TV installment of the Ewing saga, wily J.R. (Larry Hagman) finds himself discontent merely managing an oil conglomerate and decides to try to regain control of his father's company from Bobby (Patrick Duffy) and Sue Ellen (Linda Gray). But first he needs money. Opportunity knocks when he discovers that Ray Krebbs (Steve Kanaly) has a large untapped supply of oil upon his land. Best of all, Krebbs is ignorant of this fact. Unfortunately, J.R.'s long-time rival Carter McKay (George Kennedy) also knows about the oil and is not about to let J.R. get it. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy, (more)
A courageous canine protects his family from dastardly criminals. Hal Holbrook and Rue McClanahan star. ~ Rebecca Flint Marx, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Hal Holbrook, Rue McClanahan, (more)
- 1997
Made for television, Heart of Fire stars Patrick Duffy as Max Tucker, a veteran firefighter who has seen so much in his lifetime that he regards himself immune to the tragedies and heartaches of the world. Tucker's cynicism is put to the test when he tries to save a little girl named Katy (Alex McKenna), trapped beneath a burning tanker. Though the other firefighters have given up the girl for dead, Tucker puts his own life on the line in hopes of pulling off an "impossible" rescue--and restoring his faith in miracles. Produced by Arnold Shapiro of Rescue 911 fame, Heart of Fire (cable TV title: The Tanker Incident) first aired January 7, 1997 on CBS. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
James Michener's best-selling historical novel comes to the screen in this made-for-TV drama. In 1821, the Texas territory was still ruled by Mexico, but a growing number of settlers were unhappy with the despotic leadership of the notorious General Santa Ana (Lloyd Battista). In time, a movement arose calling for Texas to win its independence from Mexico, and under the leadership of Stephen Austin (Patrick Duffy) and Sam Houston (Stacy Keach), these demands evolved into a full-scale revolution, leading to the legendary battle of the Alamo, spearheaded by Davy Crocket (John Schneider) and Jim Bowie (David Keith). Originally shown as a two-part miniseries, James A. Michener's Texas also features Rick Schroeder and Randy Travis; Charlton Heston narrates. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patrick Duffy, Stacy Keach, (more)
This TV movie's original title was Danielle Steel's Daddy, which was either an invitation or a warning depending upon one's outlook. The usual Steel formula of a big city high-roller finding love in the hinterlands is followed religiously. Patrick Duffy, a chauvinistic advertising man coming off an acrimonious divorce, heads West to film a few commercials. He takes along his infant child, whom his wife (Kate Mulgrew) had up and left behind while finding herself. What Duffy finds is beautiful actress Lynda Carter, as gorgeous a surrogate mommy as you're likely to see in Prime Time. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
This medical instructional video is produced by the American Red Cross. Taking the viewer first through a twenty-question test on proper procedures for life-threatening medical emergencies, with an included test score card, the video then shows the recommended medical procedures for each depicted Emergency. ~ Tana Hobart, All Movie Guide
- 1990
The 14th and final season of Dallas finds ruthless oil executive J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman) escaping from a mental institution, then resuming his Herculean efforts to wrest control of Ewing Oil from his brother Bobby (Patrick Duffy). It turns out that poor Bobby may well be vulnerable to J.R.'s conniving: his new wife, April (Sheree J. Wilson), has just been kidnapped and killed during their Parisian honeymoon by the insane Sheila Foley, alias Hillary Taylor (played by daytime-drama diva Susan Lucci). Even so, Bobby is determined to keep Ewing Oil out of J.R.'s hands, and to that end his sells his interests to billionairess LeeAnn De La Vega (played by Larry Hagman's onetime I Dream of Jeannie co-star Barbara Eden!), who is determined to get even with J.R. for seducing and abandoning her back in college. LeeAnn in turn sells the business to April Stevens' sister Michelle (Kimberly Foster), now the wife of J.R.'s illegitimate son, James Beaumont (Sasha Mitchell). After murdering Sheila Foley to avenge her sister's death, Michelle breaks up with James, but not before selling half-interest in Ewing Oil to J.R.'s lifelong enemy, Cliff Barnes (Ken Kercheval). With startling rapidity, J.R.'s world falls apart. First, Cliff gains full control of Ewing Oil; next, J.R. fails in his efforts to regain his fortune by purchasing Ewing Oil; then, his beloved son, John Ross (Omri Katz), abandons him to live in Europe with J.R.'s ex-wife, Sue Ellen; and James Beaumont likewise relocates abroad with his new bride, Debra Lynn (Deborah Tucker). J.R. doesn't even own the Southfork estate any more -- it's in the hands of Bobby, who generously but contemptuously doles out an allowance to his once-swaggering brother. Besotted with alcohol, J.R. contemplates ending it all -- -whereupon a rather odd-looking "angel" (Joel Grey) appears to show J.R. what life in Dallas would have been like if he'd never been born. And it is with this perverse spin on It's a Wonderful Life, capped by another "cliffhanger," that the 14-year saga of Dallas comes to an end. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy, (more)
In this film a middle-aged woman tries to get married to her younger fiance but is hindered by her four grown children who come bearing grudges. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
