John Aprea Movies
Aprea is a supporting actor, onscreen from Bullitt (1968); he married Cherie Latimer. ~ All Movie Guide- 2007
The sixth of the prime time "novelas" offered by the fledgling MyNetwork service, American Heiress was based on the Spanish-language TVAzteca soap opera (La Heredera--and could just as easily have been retitled "The Perils of Elizabeth." Alice Leigh Willis starred as toothsome young heiress Elizabeth Wakefield, whose adventures began when her family's private jet crashed in a Guatemalan rain forest. Surviving the wreck, the pampered Elizabeth was forced to battle the elements with her fellow survivor, hard-bitten pilot J.D. Bruce (Carter MacIntyre). Ultimately returning to civilization, Elizabeth found that her troubles were far from over: Her imperious father Lionel (John Aprea) was dead set against her romance with the charismatic J.D., while her scheming older brother Damian (Race Owen)--who may very well have engineered the plane crash--was tireless in his efforts to claim the entire family fortune for himself, leaving his siblings out in the cold. The other characters were similarly drawn with broad, unsubtle strokes, especially the resident "easy" girl Loren (AnnaLynne McCord). Debuting March 13, 2007 and initially planned as a 65-episode series to be run on a nightly basis, American Heiress was quickly pared down to 22 weekly installments thanks to MyNetwork's ever-plummeting ratings (the network would soon abandon original "fictional" programming entirely in favor of a docket of new reality series and old movies). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Someone is trying to get to West Coast gangster Frank DaVinci in this exploitational actioner. They are doing a good job too. So far, masked murderers have killed his bride and most of his henchmen. One of those gang members killed was the lover of the voluptuous Colette who decides to hide out until things settle down. Three months pass and finally Colette is able to get in touch with Frank in Las Vegas. She tells him that she is a CIA agent and that she and he are being stalked by a renegade agent, her former boss, Jameson. He wants her because he believes that she holds a CD-ROM that contains very incriminating information about his drug-smuggling activities in Vietnam. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Anna Nicole Smith, Joey Travolta, (more)
The ruthless leader of a New York City drug syndicate battles to maintain his power and avoid imprisonment in this fast-moving action drama. While the film's heroes are Scotty (Ice-T) and Nick (Judd Nelson), a pair of tough, streetwise cops, the main focus is their target, drug lord Nino Brown (Wesley Snipes). A criminal businessman with no room for pity or emotion, the flashy but severe Brown has built an empire and transformed an abandoned Harlem apartment building into a well-defended fortress. He begins to consider himself invincible, but his lust for power and the unpredictable actions of a former client turned police informer threaten to bring about his potential downfall. First-time director Mario Van Peebles keeps the traditional plot moving at an appropriately rapid pace, with stylish action sequences and energetic performances. The film's violence was somewhat controversial on its initial release, especially after shooting incidents marred showings in several theaters. However, the film's moral message is clearly anti-drug and anti-crime, its main intent to provide a high-powered, modern take on the gangster movie. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Wesley Snipes, Ice-T, (more)
- 1989
San Francisco is blanketed in a heavy fog, stranding the members of the Tanner household with Jesse's parents Irene (Yvonne Wilder) and Nick (Jon Aprea), and DJ's friend Kimmy (Andrea Barber). Even before the fog rolls in, tensions are at the snapping point in the house, thanks to an uncharacteristic display of temper from Jesse (John Stamos) when he catches DJ (Candace Cameron) and Kimmy fooling around with his recording equipment. And when Jesse attempts to make up for his angry outburst, things just go from bad to worse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
While attending a charity event with her family, DJ (Candace Cameron) meets her very first boyfriend, a 6th grader named Michael Montfort (Jonathan Brandis). Alas, the boy is merely using her to meet another girl, and before long our 13-year-old heroine is nursing a broken heart. Fortunately, DJ can count on her family to rally together and cheer her up in an amusingly unorthodox fashion (and this despite a time-consuming subplot involving a "bachelor auction.") ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
On Spring Cleaning Day, Joey (David Coulier) accidentally gives away Stephanie's beloved toy teddy bear. The girl is totally crushed, especially since "Mr. Bear" represents one of the last tangible links between Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin) and her late mother Pam (played in flashback by Christie Houser) in her only series appearance). On a lighter note, Jesse (John Stamos) attempts to replace a broken drawer-handle on his own, without telling Danny (Bob Saget)...and with the expected disastrous results. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
To find out why DJ (Candace Cameron) is failing Spanish, Danny (Bob Saget) pays a visit to his daughter's teacher, "Senorita" Linda Mosley (Lydia Cornell). What starts as a simple parent-teacher conference ends with an unexpected burst of passion as the smitten Senorita Mosley plants a kiss on Danny--an event that the whole school is soon buzzing about, to DJ's utter mortification. Meanwhile, Joey (David Coulier) and Jesse (John Stamos) groom Michelle (played by the Olsen twins) to star as a talking marshmallow in a TV commercial. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
In the first episode of a two-part story, Christine (Markie Post) is shocked by the behavior of Judge Harry T. Stone (Harry Anderson), who seems poised to accept a bribe from mob boss Marty Cologne (John Aprea). What Christine doesn't know is that Harry is participating in a sting operation against Cologne on behalf of the Feds. Unfortunately, Harry's self-proclaimed stepfather Buddy (John Astin) doesn't know this either--and when he finds out, he glibly spills the beans to Cologne! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Girls, guns, and gold are the key ingredients of this action adventure drama. Donna (Dona Speir) and Taryn (Hope Marie Carlton) are a pair of beautiful D.E.A. agents working out of Hawaii. After their successful efforts in cracking a major drug ring, Donna and Taryn are recruited to deliver some badly-needed vaccine to the Philippines. However, their mission of mercy takes a sharp left turn when the agents fall into the middle of a plot by Capt. Andreas (John Aprea) to recover a fortune in gold which was stolen by the Japanese during WWII and hidden on an island off the coast of the Philippines. Leading ladies Dona Speir and Hope Marie Carlton were both centerfold models for Playboy magazine, and director Andy Sidaris gives them plenty of opportunity to display the charms that made them famous; this was their third picture together as Donna and Taryn, and while Carlton would drop out of the series after this movie, Speir would star as Donna in another four films for Sidaris. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dona Speir, Hope-Marie Carlton, (more)
- 1989
- R
Donna (Dona Sper) and her partner Tanya (Hope Marie Carlton) are two beautiful female secret agents sent to stop the international villain Picasso Trigger (John Aprea) in this action spy thriller. Travis Abilene (Steve Bond) is the agent assigned to gather a group of sometimes questionable abilities to combat the international foes. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Steve Bond, Dona Speir, (more)
- 1988
Yvonne Wilder and John Aprea make their first series appearances as Irene and Nick Katsopolis, the bombastic parents of Uncle Jesse (John Stamos). After selling his first TV jingle, Jesse decides to give up his job with the family's extermination business and become a full-time musician--if only he can work up enough nerve to tell Irene and Nick. Meanwhile, a terrified Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin) prepares to have her first cavity treated by the family dentist (Peter Kwong). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1988
Having flown to Denver for a Yuletide family reunion, the Tanners are stranded in an airport waiting room by bad weather. This proves to be an unpleasant experience for most of the family members, and a particularly traumatic one for Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin). After all, it's only a few hours before Christmas, and Stephanie is terrified that Santa Claus won't be able to find her. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1987
A blushing bride (Melissa Gilbert) doesn't catch on that something's fishy when her new husband (Joe Penny), last name "Moran", introduces her to his distinctly Italian family, who kiss each other's hands a lot. In fact, she doesn't tumble to the fact that her "perfect" spouse is a Mafiosa until it's Too Late. Before she knows what's happening, the wide-eyed (and soft-headed) girl is swept up in drug trafficking. To keep the Italian anti-defamation league at arm's length, the producers of this film contrive to have Tony Franciosa portray an Italian-American FBI agent who comes to the heroine's rescue. Blood Vows: The Story of a Mafia Wife was originally telecast January 18, 1987. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1986
An exciting climax at a gymnastics competition highlights this sports-themed drama. Steve (Olympic champion Mitch Gaylord) finds his hopes for a successful career are in doubt when his family relationships suddenly fall apart. He and his father are continually at odds while his younger brother and mother can do nothing about it. Gymnast Julie Lloyd (Janet Jones) arrives on the scene and a romantic liaison with Steve is in the works. A big championship competition looms ahead on the horizon as both Steve and Julie prepare for a final challenge. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Mitch Gaylord, Janet Jones, (more)
- 1985
To save rock singer Stevie Faith (Valerie Stevenson) from kidnappers who claim to be opposed to her politics, the A-Team hides Stevie in a quiet suburban neighborhood. This requires our heroes to curb their violent tendencies and act like gentlemen--an assignment taken to extremes by Murdock (Dwight Schultz), who adopts the "Hi, neighbor!" personality of Mister Rogers! Meanwhile, Hannibal (George Peppard) has his troubles with a neighborhood watch group led by the inordinately zealous Joe Skrylow (Walter Olkewicz). . .while Stevie's crooked manager, the man behind the kidnapping plot, bides his time, waiting to strike again. Future Murphy Brown regular Robert Pastorelli shows up in a supporting role. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1985
Created by Stephen J. Cannell, the made-for-TV Stingray combines choice elements from such past successes as Knight Rider, The Lone Ranger, and (stylistically, at least) Miami Vice. Nick Mancuso stars as the title character, a mysterious good samaritan who has apparently named himself after his jazzed-up car. In the course of events, Stingray foils the plans of an insane doctor, scuttles the operation of a drug-and-vice lord, and locates a missing child using ingenuity, brute force, and a variety of disguises. All he asks in return from the people he helps is that they will someday do a favor for him -- at any time, at any place. Robyn Douglass costars as Stingray's lady love, Deputy D.A. Daphne Delgado (who probably sells seashells by the seashore). Originally broadcast July 14, 1985, on NBC, Stingray was blatantly the pilot for a weekly TV series, which ran from March 4, 1986, to July 31, 1987. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Nick Mancuso
- 1984
After being mugged by two men, aspiring actress Kendall Gibley (Alexandra Paul) vows that she'll be ready for any future attacks. Kendall decides to "beef up" by undergoing a body-building regimen that would kill a lesser woman. Her devotion to physical culture sorely threatens her personal relationships with her friends, family and boyfriend, Mickey Ritter (David Naughton). Star Alexandra Paul's impressive physique is lovingly photographed by Howard R. Schwartz, as disco music pulsates on the soundtrack. A number of real-life bodybuilders of both sexes appear in supporting and bit roles. Made for television, Getting Physical debuted March 20, 1984. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sandahl Bergman, Alexandra Paul, (more)
- 1982
John Sebastian's musical score lends an appropriately anachronistic touch to the endearingly outdated The Act. Robert Ginty and Sarah Langenfield are the principal participants in this satiric tale of political dirty trickery, with emphasis on underhanded union tactics. Also on hand are veterans Jill St. John, Eddie Albert and Pat Hingle, who laudably behave as if the dialogue they're spouting actually has some artistic value. If you don't remember The Act making the scene at your local theatre in 1982, don't feel bad. The film barely received a release at all until it was committed to videotape several years later. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Robert Ginty, Sarah Langenfeld, (more)
- 1982
When a woman is falsely accused of killing her father, private eye Matt Houston is called onto the scene. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lee Horsley
- 1981
In this socially conscious drama, set in 1955, three tough New York youths must learn to deal with a troubled world. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
The story of Philadelphia-based rock 'n' roll starmaker Bob Marcucci is given a pointed a clef treatment in The Idolmaker. Ray Sharkey plays Vincent Vacarri, who takes a couple of raw young kids (Peter Gallagher and Paul Land) and molds them into teen idols. If Gallagher and Land seem at times to be clones of Fabian and Frankie Avalon, then you've gotten the point. As played by Sharkey, Vacarri comes off as both maven and monster: he gives his boys everything they need professionally and everything they want personally, but it's subliminally clear that his interest is purely mercenary (incredibly, Bob Marcucci is the film's technical advisor). An excellent, clear-eyed view of show biz mechanics, The Idolmaker falters only in its anachronisms, notably the style of music performed by Vacarri's proteges. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ray Sharkey, Paul Land, (more)
- 1978
The made-for-TV Guide for the Married Woman was conceived by screenwriter Frank Tarloff as an "answer" to his frolicsome 1968 theatrical feature Guide for the Married Man. If the sequel isn't quite as much fun as the original, it may be because what was deemed "risque" in 1968 was kid's stuff in 1978. In her TV-movie debut, Cybill Shepherd plays a bored housewife who yearns for romance and excitement. With the help of a steady stream of celebrity guest stars, Shepherd is able to fantasize about extramarital hijinks to her heart's content. The supporting cast includes such luminaries as Peter Marshall, Eve Arden, John Beradino, John Byner, Bill Dana, Bonnie Franklin, George Gobel, Tom Poston, Barbara Feldon and Chuck Woolery (the guest-star list of the original Guide for the Married Man included Art Carney, Jack Benny, Lucille Ball, Carl Reiner, Terry-Thomas, Joey Bishop and Jayne Mansfield: guess which film had the bigger budget?) Guide for the Married Woman originally aired October 13, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Two bored and neglected suburban housewives find themselves intrigued by lesbianism after they watch two female lovers having an intimate lunch on the Sunset Strip. They are both fascinated and repelled, and one of the wives is disturbed to find herself attracted to the other. Still a passionate affair begins between the two friends. Giddy with love and happiness, everything falls apart when the wife who began the affair abruptly ends it by getting involved with a virile young actor. The other wife is devastated, decides that she really is a lesbian and sets out to prove it with a strong-willed dyke during a party. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Plumb, John Aprea, (more)
Cloris Leachman stars as Melba, a woman with whom violence is a way of life, in Jonathan Demme's high-pitched "B"-movie Crazy Mama. The film spans three decades in the violent life of Melba, beginning in Jerusalem, Arkansas in 1932, when law enforcers kill her father (Clint Kimbrough), turning her mother Sheba (Ann Sothern) into a bitter widow. Mother and daughter take off to Long Beach, California, and the time jumps to 1958, when the two are thrown out of their beauty salon for non-payment of back rent. Melba now has an attractive (and pregnant) teenage daughter Cheryl (Linda Purl). The three generations take to the road, stealing cars and creating general mayhem across the United States, robbing a motorcycle racetrack box office and a bank. But in 1959, Melba and Cheryl are picked up again, running a Miami Beach snack bar, their lives wasted in free-living terror. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Cloris Leachman, Stuart Whitman, (more)
