Peter Tolan Movies
- 1995
When new intern Nina (Juliet Tablak) sets her sites on Larry (Garry Shandling), the weak-willed host embarks on an affair that stirs controversy among the staff. Nina is soon taking advantage of her newfound relationship by bossing around the staff, but Larry remains blissfully unaware of the problem until she spots him flirting with Shawn Colvin and drops a rude reminder concerning their dinner plans. Meanwhile, with the eighth anniversary of the show fast approaching, Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) buys Larry, Artie (Rip Torn), and himself a trio of unpredictable race horses. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1995
Realizing that he has no money while in the midst of remodeling his home, a panicked Larry (Garry Shandling) quickly contacts his business manager, Frank (Paul Willson), in hopes of getting to the bottom of the financial dilemma. When Frank suggests that the problem may lie in a faulty office accountant, Larry denies the possibility and shifts the blame toward Frank himself. As Larry opts to make a few quick bucks by appearing in Kentucky Fried Chicken commercials and other advertisements, Artie (Rip Torn) and Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) embark on a drunken spree of retribution in which they burn down Frank's trellis. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1995
As Paula (Janeane Garofalo) discovers a lump in her breast and awaits the results of a biopsy, her stress in compounded by the doctor's request that she not drink any coffee. Anxious about her appearance on the show due to the fact that she had a relationship with Paula years ago, Brett Butler assumes the worst when Paula is unusually distant in their pre-interview. Meanwhile, Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) is momentarily stricken with grief when his manager, Sid, suffers a major heart attack, though the appearance of agents from the CAA and ICM brightens his outlook on things substantially. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1995
The job of a television producer can be highly stressfull and greatly under-appreciated, as Artie (Rip Torn) finds out when little things around the office begin to add up. After Artie's close friend Ryan O'Neal is bumped from an appearance on the show, Hank's (Jeffrey Tambor) incessant complaining and Larry's (Garry Shandling) indifference begin to grate on the already high-strung Artie. After he befriends Russian janitor Nikolae (Elya Baskin) while burning the midnight oil, the newfound friends leave obscene messages on Larry's machine to blow off some steam. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1994
As season three of The Larry Sanders Show begins, it appears as if Larry (Garry Shandling) has followed through on his promise to quit the show and move to Montana. Just as Larry has taken up life in a cabin by the river and begins settling into life as a miserable recluse, Artie (Rip Torn) appears at his doorstep to inform the former host that the network is suing Larry for breach of contract. Secretly eager to jump back into show business, Larry secretly hires back the entire staff against Artie's pleas to take things slowly. Though the network owner insists that he doesn't want Larry back on the air, an impromptu lie by Artie buys Larry a second chance. Guest stars include David Warner, Shashawnee Hall, Robin Williams, and Bernadette Peters. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1994
Despite his outrageously destructive appearances on The Tonight Show and Arsenio, Bobcat Goldthwait is booked on The Larry Sanders Show and warned by Larry (Garry Shandling), Artie (Rip Torn), and Paula (Janeane Garofalo) not to repeat his troublesome escapades. Meanwhile, Larry loses his sidekick when Hank (Jeffrey Tambor), fueled by Regis Philbin's offer to jump ship and join his new show, sets his site on not joining Philbin, but taking his job. Following Artie's accusation that Hank's wife is destroying his career, Hank hands in his resignation. Figuring that he can always join Philbin, he is shocked when told Philbin's new show is still three years from air. Oblivious to Hank's hasty departure, Larry happily accepts his sidekick's return to the show, and Goldthwait proves as predictable as ever. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1994
When Larry (Garry Shandling) makes a resolution to only endorse causes he truly believes in, his newfound philosophy is put to the test when it might result in the loss of an important guest. Though Larry is convinced that having Rob Reiner as an upcoming guest will add a touch of class to the show, Reiner's recommendation of Larry to host a benefit tests Larry's resolve. Despite Artie's (Rip Torn) warning that Reiner will cancel his appearance if Larry declines, the host sticks to his guns, and Reiner subsequently cancels with claims of a sprained ankle. Pulling rank on Hank (Jeffrey Tambor), who had picked up the hosting gig after Larry turned it down, Larry takes the job, hoping to catch Reiner in a lie. Guest stars include Richard Belzer, Rob Reiner, and Pauly Shore. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1994
Desperate for a filler host after Larry falls ill shortly before air, Artie (Rip Torn) reluctantly agrees to do something he swore never to do -- let Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) host the show. Hank is elated but somewhat hesitant for fear of failure, but his insecurity ultimately endears him to the audience and his appearance is a success. Empowered by his previous success, Hank takes the stage when Larry calls in sick again the following night, though his newfound confidence results in an arrogant stint that leaves everyone with a bad taste in their mouths. Guest stars include Shadoe Stevens and George Wendt. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1994
Soon after announcing the cancellation of her engagement, actress Sharon Stone appears on The Larry Sanders Show, and an elated Larry (Garry Shandling) proposes that the two go on a date. Despite the fact that all seems to be going well during their first date, Artie (Rip Torn) warns Larry that he may be headed for rough waters with his new relationship. When the womanizing host gets a taste of his own medicine, Larry proves fairly resilient, though Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) doesn't take the break-up quite so easily. Special guest stars include David Paymer, Jack Blessing, Julianne Phillips, Sid Newman, Lisa Edelstein, and, of course, Sharon Stone. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1993
The network is preparing a new show to follow The Larry Sanders Show in the late-night lineup, and everyone and their brother seems to have an opinion on who should serve as host. Despite all the hoopla surrounding Larry's follow-up act, however, our gracious host seems more concerned with the possibility of not winning a major award again. Guest stars include David Letterman, Deborah May, Gloria Dorson, Kevin Nealon, Richard Lewis, Bobcat Goldthwait, and Tom Snyder. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1993
There's certainly no shortage of behind-the-scenes conflict when it comes to television, and this episode of HBO's Emmy award-winning late-night talk show satire exposes the gritty backstage battles that have become the stuff of legend among television fanatics. In addition to Artie's (Rip Torn) stress concerning a ubiquitous Entertainment Weekly writer prowling the set, an argument between John Ritter and Gene Siskel nearly comes to blows and a nippy dog attempts to take a bite out of nearly everyone with whom it comes in contact. Guest stars include John Ritter, Joshua Malina, Peter Tolan, Maureen Mueller, Elizabeth Ashley, Gene Siskel, and Warren Zevon. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Larry (Garry Shandling) finds that a change of pace may be in order in this episode of HBO's Emmy award-winning satire of late-night talk shows. When a new owner acquires the station and begins meddling with the format of The Larry Sanders Show, Larry seriously considers either moving the show to the East Coast or quitting the business entirely and moving to Montana. Guest stars in this final episode of the second sesaon include David Warner, Bob Odenkirk, Robin Quivers, Fred Pinkard, Howard Stern, and Chris Farley. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1993
In his ongoing crusade to make sweeping changes at "FYI", hotshot network executive Mitchell Baldwin (Julius Carry) decides to subject the show's set to an extreme makeover--much to the dismay of Murphy (Candice Bergen). This incident leads to a full-scale war of nerves between Mitchell and Murphy, culminating in a momentous road trip to a charity event--and a mechanical malfunction in a particularly tough-looking DC neighborhood. This episode was directed by series regular Joe Regalbuto (Frank Fontana). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Murphy (Candice Bergen) can't hide her jealousy when Frank (Joe Regalbuto) is invited to appear on David Letterman's late-night TV show. To mollify his colleague, Frank invites her along to the studio--where in typical Murphy Brown fashion she manages to spread dissension and ill will amongst the other guests even before the show gets started! In addition to David Lettermanplaying himself, frequent Letterman guest Terri Garr makes a cameo appearance. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Though they're not quite ready for matrimony, Miles (Grant Shaud) and Audrey (Jane Leeves) agree to test the waters, so to speak, by moving in together. Audrey likes the set-up, but Miles is less enthusiastic. But the "fun" doesn't really get under way under Audrey's ex-boyfriend Colin (Trevor Goddard) also moves in with the couple, determined to pick up where he left off. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1992
The premiere episode of Garry Shandling's searing television satire The Larry Sanders Show finds talk show host Larry Sanders (Garry Shandling) struggling against an intrusive suggestion of on-air advertising. Faced with the prospect of promoting "The Garden Weasel" on his popular late-night talk show, Sanders balks at the prospect and finds himself in a battle of wills with a tenacious network executive. This episode of The Larry Sanders Show features guest stars Deborah May and Robert Hays. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1992
Guests and visitors test Larry's (Garry Shandling) patience in the second episode of The Larry Sanders Show. Not only has prospective guest David Spade been booked on another talk show, but the appearance of sidekick Hank's (Jeffrey Tambor) fan club has compounded the issue. Special guest stars include David Spade, William Shatner, and Dana Delany. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1992
Now that the dust has settled and she has brought her baby home, Murphy (Candice Bergen) returns to work at the "FYI" studio. Unfortunately, her job performance suffers for a number of reasons, not least Murphy's obsessive guilt over leaving her newborn with newly-hired "Nanny Number Four" (played by British actress Millicent Martin, best known for her work as Daphne's mother on Frasier). Clearly, a showdown is in the offing--but will Murphy have to choose between her journalistic duties and her parental obligations? ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1992
No sooner has he finished the screenplay for his own spy novel The Little Dutch Boy than Will Forrest (Scott Bryce) is sued for plagiarism. In order to clear her husband's name, Corky (Faith Ford) must read portions of her own diary in court. Unfortunately, what Corky has written in private bids fair to publicly expose the innumerable flaws in the "perfect" Sherwood-Forrest marriage. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1992
Arachnophobia rears its ugly head in the third episode of HBO's popular late-night talk show satire The Larry Sanders Show. With a spider-wrangler scheduled to appear on the upcoming show, Larry's (Garry Shandling) reluctance to gracefully accommodate his eight-legged guests finds him attempting to avoid the arachnids by arranging a skit with guest Carol Burnett. In addition to Burnett, this episode also features a guest appearance by popular comedic actor Jon Lovitz. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1992
In this broad but hilarious spoof of the Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings, Murphy is dragged before a Senate Committee after she files a story on the personal spending habits of government officials. Mercilessly grilled by a panel of fatuous politicians, Murphy does her best to defend her First Amendment rights, even in the face of a "Contempt of Congress" charge (with possible jail time!) It will not require the services of a political historian to figure out who such characters as "Senator Dennehy" and "Senator Hyden" are really supposed to be! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1992
Ever the rebel, Murphy (Candice Bergen) is outraged by the "appearance clause" in her contract, allowing the network to dictate exactly how she should look on the air. In protest, Murphy makes her next "FYI" appearance with a new, hacked-to-the-bone hairstyle in place of her familiar flowing tresses. The result: Not only is Murphy angry, but so is the network--not to mention virtually every "FYI" fan in America. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1992
Life in the spotlight can have its benefits and substantial drawbacks as Larry (Garry Shandling) discovers in this episode of HBO's The Larry Sanders Show. Following a woman's claim that Larry shoved her into a magazine rack and neglected to apologize, the tabloids hang the popular late-night talk show host out to dry. His nerves frazzled, Larry attempts a last-ditch effort at damage control in order to save face. Guest stars include Suanne Spoke, Tom Dahlgren, John Riggi, Paula McClure, Benjamin Lum, Suzanne Vafiadis, Jeanne Basone, Eduardo Quezada, David Paymer, and Bella Shaw. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1991
Eldin (Robert Pastorelli), the house painter who seems to have made Murphy's apartment his permanent port of call, is "discovered" by the elite of the Washington art world. Before long, he is being wined-and-cheesed by the upper circles of the cognoscenti, and has been granted his first showing at a prestigious art gallery. And is Murphy (Candice Bergen) thrilled and delighted by all this? Of course...not. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1991
The "FYI" anchor team agrees to compete against a group of brilliant Yale students on a popular "intellectual" TV quiz show. During a dress rehearsal, the Yalies reveal the length and breadth of their intelligence--and also reveal the mental shortcomings of Murphy (Candice Bergen) and her coworkers, who apparently have forgotten a great deal since their school days. Rather than settle for the "lovely parting gifts", the FYIers decide to put their heads together and cram for the Big Show--which is only a few hours away. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
