Hector Elizondo Movies
An actor of seemingly boundless range, New York-born Hector Elizondo began his career as a dancer. His initial training was at the Ballet Arts school of Carnegie Hall, from which he moved on to the Actors Studio. After several years' stage work, Elizondo made an inauspicious movie debut as "The Inspector" in the low-budget sex film The Vixens (1969). He was shown to better advantage in his next film, Hal Ashby's The Landlord (1970), which he followed up with strong character parts in such Manhattan-based productions as The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974) and Thieves (1977). With Young Doctors in Love (1982), Elizondo began his long association with director Garry Marshall, who has since cast the actor in all of his films, in roles both sizable (Matt Dillon's dad in The Flamingo Kid [1984], the cafe owner in Frankie and Johnny [1991]), and microscopic (Overboard [1987]). Elizondo's screen roles have run the gamut from scrungy garbage scow captains to elegant concierges (Pretty Woman). In addition, he has been a regular on several mediocre television series: Popi, Freebie and the Bean, Casablanca (in the old Claude Rains role of Inspector Renault), a.k.a. Pablo, Foley Square, and Down and Out in Beverly Hills, In 1994, Elizondo took on a co-starring role as a demanding chief of surgery on the popular TV medical drama Chicago Hope. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide- 2007
Best described as Dallas with a Latino flavor, the CBS drama series Cane dealt with a wealthy and powerful Cuban-American family, the Duques, who ran a luctrative rum-and-sugar business in South Florida. Sensing that he wasn't long for this world, patriarch Pancho Duque (Hector Elizondo) began making arrangements to turn over his business to a younger member of the family--but which one? The two leading contenders were Pancho's oldest biological son Frank (Nestor Carbonell) and his adopted son Alex (Jimmy Smits), who in his own sly-and-cunning way was the series' "J.R." character. As Frank and Alex fought tooth and nail over control of the Duque empire, Frank indicated a willingness to sell out to the rival Samuels family, if for no other reason than he was having an affair with Ellis Samuels (Polly Walker). Alex resisted the notion of a sell-out, not only out of loyalty to his adoptive father, but also because he was married to Pancho's biological daughter Isabel (Paola Turbay), making him son and son-in-law all in one! Befitting his status as the series' "hero-villain", Alex handled his business and personal affairs with equal ruthlessness, especially when it came to his dealings with his own son Jaime (Michael Trevino), who in the earliest episodes was being pressured to stay in college, though he himself was torn between joining the Army and making a commitment to his girlfriend Rebecca (Alona Tal). Cane premiered on September 25, 2007. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jimmy Smits, Hector Elizondo, (more)
- 2007
Suffering from the mother of all hangovers, George (T.R. Knight) is in no shape to meet his new father-in-law (Hector Elizondo)--especially after spending the night with a woman other than his wife. Alex (Justin Chambers) helps Jane Doe (Elizabeth Reaser) select her "new look" after she completes her surgery. Izzie finds out about Meredith's (Ellen Pompeo) drinking problem, all the while keeping mum about a secret of her own. And the arrival of Cristina's (Sandra Oh) former lover Colin Marlow (Roger Rees) seriously compromises her relationship with Burke (Isaiah Washington). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
A tech-savvy teen schemes to make a mint by making his dysfunctional family internet superstars in this comedy that proves there's always something worth watching online. Colby Bellinger (Matthew Botuchis) has secretly installed nanny-cams throughout his family's suburban home, and when he turns them on, the whole world tunes in. The Bellinger family is about to become the talk of the internet, and when Colby reveals that they'll be taking home a cool $17 grand a week, his parents (Beau Bridges and Rosanna Arquette) become convinced that dysfunction sells. But who cares about the parents; the video stream with the most hits comes from the camera stealthily placed in the bedroom of Colby eighteen year old step-sister Audrey (Baelyn Neff). Audrey may not realize it at the moment, but she's about to become the star attraction on the internet's most popular new show. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Beau Bridges, Rosanna Arquette, (more)
- 2003
Debuting January 27, 2003, the weekly, hourlong supernatural-drama series Miracles starred Skeet Ulrich as Paul Callan, a sincere, self-effacing young seminarian whose job it was to investigate "miraculous phenomena" on behalf of the Catholic church. At first, Paul adhered to the party line, declaring that most miracles could be logically explained. All this changed when, after a near-fatal accident, Paul was brought back to life by the mysterious healing powers of a boy named Tommy -- who paid for his act of grace with his life. Just before his recovery, Paul had seen the words "God Is Now Here," scrawled in his own blood. Galvanized by this sign from above, Paul quit his job and became a freelance investigator of miracles, hoping not only to prove beyond doubt the authenticity -- or lack of authenticity -- of those miracles, but also to ascertain the reason that his life was spared and Tommy's was not. Paul was joined on this mission by ex-Harvard professor Father Alva Keel (Angus MacFadyen), an expert in the paranormal -- and like Paul, the sort of true believer who demanded complete verification of his beliefs. Alva also headed a strange Boston-based organization called "Sodalitas Quaerito" ("Brotherhood in Search of Truth"), whose acolytes seemed to be preparing for an as-yet-undetermined "large event" that might well have culminated with the end of the world. The two investigators were occasionally assisted by a sympathetic former policewoman, Evelyn Santos (Marisa Ramirez), likewise a member of Sodalitas Quaerito. A presentation of the ABC network, Miracles might have lasted longer than its six episodes had the series not been constantly pre-empted by news coverage of the unrest in the Middle East. The show was canceled on March 27, 2003, but not before it had attracted a sizeable cult following. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Skeet Ulrich, Angus MacFadyen, (more)
- 2003
This ABC reality game show was based upon the Japanese TV series The Future Diary. Those chosen to date one another were strangers who had never previously met. Sent to a secret locale, minus money and friends, the contestants were told to read the instructions set down in a red diary, anonymously delivered to them. No matter how crazy or illogical the instructions, they were be to be followed to the letter -- and never before was the course to true love so rocky or fraught with peril. When the diary's "scenario" was completed and the new romantic couples were formed, said couples were then ordered to separate forever -- unless they were truly committed to their new relationship. Narrated by actor Hector Elizondo, The Dating Experiment debuted on June 25, 2003. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Hector Elizondo
- 2002
American Experience: Zoot Suit Riots covers the explosion of violence between military personnel and Mexican-American youth in Los Angeles in the summer of 1943. Baggy pants and long coats defined the "zoot suits" that became the calling card for young Mexican-Americans who, unlike their parents, defied traditional barriers. Racial tension came to the forefront of the Los Angeles community in 1942, when a young Mexican-American was killed at a party. The LAPD arrested 600 Mexican-American suspects and the ensuing trial, along with sensational coverage by the press, intensified strained relations. Finally, at the beginning of June in 1943, sailors armed with gun belts and chains began to seek out Mexican-Americans. When Mexican-Americans struck back, the situation escalated into the worst race riot in Los Angeles' history. On June 8, officials declared the city off limits to military men and the rioting ceased. The following day, zoot suits were outlawed. American Experience: Zoot Suit Riots includes historical film footage and interviews with participates. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr., All Movie Guide
Filmed in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, this massive biography of Cuban leader Fidel Castro begins in the 1950s, when the title character, then a young and hungry lawyer, bristles at the iniquities and corruption of the Batista political regime. Inspired by the words by left-wing radio commentor Eddie Chibas (Hector Elizondo), Fidel becomes active in a revolutionary movement aimed at toppling Fulgencio Batista (Tony Plana). In 1959, Castro and his followers stage a spectacularly successful coup, one that is staunchly supported by thousands of idealists and Cuban expatriates in the United States. Unfortunately, to paraphrase cartoonist Bill Mauldin, no sooner has Fidel come down from the hills like Robin Hood than he begins behaving like the Sheriff of Nottingham, killing scores of his political enemies in round-the-clock executions, routinely snatching away the basic human rights that he had promised his followers, and embracing Communism with a fervent passion. Although the film does not shy away from showing the darker side of Castro, it is essentially sympathetic to its subject, balancing the Cuban dictator's political outrages with his many acts of benevolence, and attempting to provide "motivation" for what seem to be appalling contradictions. Victor Huggo Martin and Honorato Magaloni are cast respectively as the younger and older Castro, with Maurice Compte as his brother Raul and Gael Garcia Bernal as the ill-fated Che Guevara.Fidel was originally telecast in two parts over the Showtime cable network on January 27 and 28, 2002. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Victor Huggo Martin, Gael García Bernal, (more)
Paulino Vargas' hit song comes to life on the big screen in director Jorge Reynoso Martinez's police thriller concerning an elite team of crime-fighters formed to take out a ruthless drug lord. Pedro Aviles has terrorized the citizens of Mexico for far too long, and when the emboldened kingpin wipes out multiple government agents the stage is set for an explosive confrontation. As a specially trained team of elite agents known as "Code 7" prepares to leap into action, the once-untouchable drug lord is about to find out that sometimes it doesn't pay to have such a high profile. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 2001
The disappearance of the Mayan nation has captivated archaeologists for decades. What happened to these obviously powerful people and what was their world like? These questions are partially answered in the program Nova: Lost King of the Maya. The city of Copan was headed by a militaristic leader who achieved legendary status. Information gleaned from crumbling ruins and faded hieroglyphics provides some clues as to the lifestyle of the Mayans. Nova follows Bill Flash into the Central American jungle as he strives to understand this lost civilization. ~ Sarah Ing, All Movie Guide
- 2000
Players of Latin American descent have made a huge impact on Major League Baseball in the past decade. MLB: Latin American Superstars profiles many of the top players in the game today, including Sammy Sosa, Alex Rodriguez, Juan Gonzalez, and Pedro Martinez. Hector Elizondo narrates this video, which examines the roots of baseball in Latin America, where baseball is the national pastime. Also available in Spanish, it offers behind-the-scenes looks at the pioneers of Latin American baseball, Roberto Clemente and Juan Marichal, as well as an in-depth look at the talents of today's greatest players.
~ Sarah Block, All Movie Guide
~ Sarah Block, All Movie Guide
- 2000
The animated Happily Ever After Fairy Tales series uses people of color as the characters in classic fairy tales, thereby including many children who might feel left out by most retellings. In this story, a king offers a crown to the man who can tell him how his beautiful daughters escape every night, thereby ruining their dancing shoes. A host of prominent entertainers lend their voices to this show, including Jon Secada, Robert Guillaume, and Hector Elizondo. ~ Rob Ferrier, All Movie Guide
- 1999
This unique video combines three film styles. Part documentary, part music and dance performance, and part dance instruction, Tango Magic is a journey through the world of Tango. Television and film star Hector Elizondo hosts this tour of Tango, which includes a look into the history of the music and dances, 15 performances by such artists as Pablo Ziegler, Maria Grana, and Jose Trelles, and dance steps demonstrated by dancers Diego Di Flaco and Carolina Zokalski. ~ Heather M. Fierst, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Hector Elizondo
Patrick Stewart plays Mace Sowell, a retired government operative who possesses damaging information about a presidential hopeful, and holes himself up inside his secure compound because he fears reprisal. In order to protect himself, Sowell has designed a system whereby the information will be released to the public if he is not there to type in a password at regular intervals. This he believes will keep him from being assassinated, but just in case, he stages elaborate self-defense drills with unwitting servants, and tries to convince his family that the explanation he gave them about his career was a cover story to hide his true military affiliations. The problem is, Sowell is also suffering the early stages of Alzheimer's, so his daughter (Joy Kilpatrick) considers his paranoid stories to be delusional ravings. She hires a psychiatrist (Kimberly Williams) to analyze her father and watch over him, in the hopes of easing his dementia. Sowell initially distrusts his new companion, but begins to lower his guard and care for her deeply. Meanwhile, his disease is advancing, and if he can't remember the password, his critical information will be released prematurely and he'll be hunted down by his enemies. ~ Derek Armstrong, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patrick Stewart, Kimberly Williams, (more)
- 1997
- Add The Mysterious Man of the Shroud to QueueAdd The Mysterious Man of the Shroud to top of Queue
The Shroud of Turin is a large sheet of linen fabric which was used to wrap the body of a man shortly after his death. Was that man Jesus Christ? This documentary, produced for CBS Television, takes a close look at the evidence on both sides of the issue, as well as presenting a computer-assisted reconstruction of what the man in the shroud looked like. Hosted by Hector Elizondo. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- 1997
The newly unattached Jim (Charles Kimbrough) looks forward to escorting the Raven-Haired Receptionist (Mary-Margaret Humes) to Mr. Lansing's testimonial dinner (actually a charity benefit for strippers!) Unfortunately, a few wires get crossed, and Miller (Christopher Rich) ends up with the "dream" date instead. Meanwhile, the relationship between Frank (Joe Regalbuto) and Dana is sorely strained by Frank's sudden upsurge in popularity with the opposite sex. Hector Elizondo and Jane Seymour appear as themselves. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1997
Divorced mom Kathleen Russell (Roma Downey) needs a lot of money in a hurry in order to afford a decent home for herself and her daughter Zoey (Sarah Rosen Fruitman). Meanwhile, Kathleen's boss, swinging bachelor Sam Field (Eric McCormick) must pretend to be happily married, and with children, if he wants to close a major business deal with mysterious Mexican financier Javier Del Campo (Hector Elizondo). At first, it seems as though Kathleen and Sam come up with the notion of posing as man and wife all by themselves; but as this made-for-TV romantic comedy-fantasy progresses, it is clear that two other people are actually pulling the strings--and there's a third character looming in the shadows! Although Borrowed Hearts is ideal Christmas-season fare, CBS chose to unveil the film on November 30, 1997. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1995
In this crime drama, a detective and a widow pair up to solve a double homicide in Beverly Hills. A conniving French nanny seems to hold the key to cracking the case. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Teri Garr, Hector Elizondo, (more)
- 1994
In this complexly-plotted action-packed police drama, Pittsburgh policewoman Keri Finnegan (Linda Kozlowski) returns to her home turf to clean up crime and clear the ruined name of her father, a cop who was wrongfully disgraced and fired from the force. McKees Rocks is one Steeltown's roughest ethnic neighborhoods, and though many residents are impoverished, they have yet to surrender their pride. Keri's father's reputation, plus her gender, make it very difficult for her to do her job. When a serial killer begins slaughtering owners of local property, Keri masquerades as an old woman and is attacked by what appears to be a policeman. He is eventually arrested for killing his wife, but for some reason the cops ignore the other killings. Keri, however, doesn't and thus launches her own investigation. She finds herself opposed at every turn, not only by her lover and fellow-detective Nick Donovan (John Shea), but also by the police chief, Nick's father, and a powerful gangster. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Linda Kozlowski, Paul Sorvino, (more)
The third entry in the popular Beverly Hills Cop series finds Detroit cop Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) returning yet again to Southern California, this time on the trail of two car thieves turned murderers. As he teams up again with L.A. cop Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold), Foley's investigation leads him to Wonder World, a theme park that is also the front for a major counterfeiting ring. More action and less wit are the trademarks of this film, which features Murphy dishing out his usual wisecracks, but with less flair and freshness than in the original film. Alan Young plays the old man who runs the amusement park, an interesting setting that still adds little to the tired premise. ~ Don Kaye, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold, (more)
- 1992
In this made-for-cable actioner a good-hearted social worker embarks upon a one-man crusade to save Miami teens from getting further involved with a gang of crack dealers. The social worker does this in large part to ease his own guilt at having been responsible for the death of his own son back when he was drinking heavily. To save the teen, he pretends to be a dealer and infiltrates the gang. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1992
This made-for-TV movie was originally offered in two parts under the title Scott Turow's Burden of Proof. Adapted by John Gay from Turow's bestselling novel, the film stars Hector Elizondo as defense attorney Alejandro "Sandy" Stern, the same character played by Raul Julia in the 1990 cinemazation of Turow's Presumed Innocent. This time, Stern's private and professional life have merged, as he investigates the suspicious suicide of his wife. He also comes to the aid of his rather unsavory brother-in-law Dixon Hartnell, a commodities broker who is under federal investigation. Hartnell is played by Brian Dennehy, who also appeared in Presumed Innocent, albeit in a different role. Part One of Burden of Proof first aired February 9, 1992; Part Two, wherein Sandy Stern is confronted with numbing revelations of sexual and economic misconduct, was telecast February 10. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1991
Made for television, Finding the Way Home was based on Mittelman's Hardware, a novel by George Raphael Small. George C. Scott stars as irascible 60-year-old businessman Max Mittelman, whose life and career are in tatters. Involved in a traffic accident, Mittelman suffers a concussion, loses his memory, and wanders into a community of migrant Latino farm workers. Enthusiastically and selflessly laboring shoulder to shoulder with his new friends, Mittelman gains a whole new perspective on life. Things begin to change, and not for the better, when his memory slowly returns. Hector Elizondo co-stars as the workers' spiritual leader. Filmed on location in Texas, Finding the Way Home was first telecast August 26, 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
