Bill Erwin Movies
One of show-businesses busiest grandfatherly figures, actor Bill Erwin has been appearing in film and television since the early '40s, and as of 2003, he's shown no signs of slowing. His consistently reliable performances in such high-profile efforts as Somewhere in Time (1980), Home Alone (1990), and Forces of Nature (1999) have found Erwin enduring to become one of the most in-demand supporting players around. A Honey Grove, TX, native who earned his bachelor's in journalism at the University of Texas in Austin in 1935, Erwin went on to California to complete his Masters of Theater Arts at the Pasadena Playhouse in 1941. Though a stint in World War II would momentarily put his acting career on hold, Erwin returned stateside to make his film debut in, appropriately enough, the 1941 Phil Silvers comedy You're in the Army Now. Throughout the years, Erwin has appeared in numerous stage productions on both coasts, and repeat performances on such television classics as Gunsmoke, The Twilight Zone, Growing Pains, and Seinfeld have ensured Erwin's popularity with many generations of television viewers. His role in Seinfeld earned him an Emmy nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1993. From high-profile releases like Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead (1995) to edgy, low-budget sci-fi movies like Menno's Mind (1996), Erwin has done it all, and equally well. Outside of his film work, Erwin spends his time writing and illustrating cartoons in his North Hollywood home. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi- 2003
Glenne Headly makes her first appearance as Karen Stottlemeyer, the woman whom Captain Stottlemeyer (Ted Levine) disdainfully dismisses as "my hippie wife." While filming a documentary about Miles Holling (Patrick Cranshaw), the world's oldest man, Karen is thrown for a loss when Holling dies in bed. Though her husband is certain that Holling succumbed to natural causes (he was, after all, just one day shy of his 115th birthday!), Karen is convinced that the man was murdered--and she wants Monk (Tony Shalhoub) to prove it. In the course of his investigation, Monk uncovers a surprising link between Holling's death and a hit-and-run fatality that occurred five years earlier--the only unsolved case in Captain Stottlemeyer's career. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 2001
Boys will be boys, and that's not always a good thing, as this dark drama with comic overtones reveals. Matt (Keith Carradine) and Harley (David Keith) were best friends in high school, but since then their lives have followed a very different course. Matt drifts from job to job, swilling beer and making trouble wherever he lands, while Harley is a building designer with a nice home and an attractive wife, Fox (Janet Gunn), who wants to have a baby, though Harley isn't so certain he wants to be a parent. One day, Matt walks off his job at an Alaskan oilfield and heads to California, appearing on Harley's doorstep; Harley has neither the heart nor the desire to turn Matt away, and soon Matt is giving Harley a new taste of the bachelor lifestyle as they head out drinking, carousing, and chasing women from dusk till dawn. But Fox soon becomes wary of the way Matt is bringing out the less wholesome side of Harley's personality, while Harley notices Matt's behavior is advancing past good-natured rowdiness into something more sinister. Matt's fondness for fast sex with prostitutes and his sudden friendship with a gangster (Jan Triska) leads Matt down a dangerous road that proves to have disastrous consequences for the two friends. Cahoots was the first feature film for writer and director Dirk Benedict, who is best known for his career as a television actor, having starred in the TV series Battlestar Galactica and The A-Team. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Keith Carradine, David Keith, (more)
- 1997
Drew (Drew Carey), Mimi (Kathy Kinney), and Larry (Ian Gomez) all want to replace the retiring employee representative on the store's board of directors. Larry seems to be eliminated from the race at the beginning thanks to his cloddish behavior, while Drew and Mimi are preoccupied with undercutting each other. Finally, Drew appears to have a "lock" on the position thanks to his new magic act -- but store owner Mrs. Louder (Nan Martin) has a surprise for everyone. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1993
This film noir style, made-for-TV movie contains three parts, each based on stories by three different authors (Jim Thompson, Cornell Woolrich, and James Elroy). It looks as if a con-artist (Peter Gallagher) has finally met someone who can pull the wool over his eyes in "The Frightening Frammis." In "Murder, Obliquely," a shifty man (Alan L. Rickman) manages to win the affections of a woman (Laura Dern). Little does she know that his former girlfriend might have been murdered by his own hands. The mobster Mickey Cohen (James Woods) and Howard Hughes (Tim Matheson) both have their eyes on the same woman and Buzz Meeks (Gary Busey) has been contracted to seek her out in "Since I Don't Have You." ~ Iotis Erlewine, Rovi
Julia Cole (Diane Salinger) is more than a little upset about turning 40. She's depressed about growing older, distressed at the lack of attention from her workaholic husband Charles (John Calvin), and bored with being a stay-at-home wife and mother. On her birthday, she finds a bottle of enchanted soap bubbles. Blowing them transports her to moments of happiness from earlier times in her life. Soon, she not only regains her youthful vigor, she cannot even remember how old she is. She changes her appearance, her personality is transformed from reclusive to outgoing, and her values change from strict to permissive. Eventually, she realizes that happiness is not age-dependent. George Clooney and Wallace Shawn are the biggest names in this low-budget, independently produced romantic comedy, also known as The Magic Bubble, directed by Deborah Taper Ringel and Alfredo Ringel. ~ Michael Betzold, Rovi
- Starring:
- Diane Salinger, John Calvin, (more)
- 1991
In this wild spoof of The Twilight Zone in general and that series' 1960 episode "A World of Difference" in particular, Ben (Jeremy Miller) expresses the wish that Real Life were more like TV. In true "be careful what you wish for" fashion, Ben dreams that he and his family are actually characters in a TV sitcom called "Meet the Seavers"--and that he is really an actor named Jeremy Miller! The concept is played for all it is worth, with the rest of the Growing Pains cast members identified by their real names, not to mention cameo appearances by the series' production staff and by Joanna Kerns' daughter Ashley Kerns. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1991
When Eddie (K.C. Martel) elopes to Las Vegas with hat-check girl Tina (Melissa Young), Mike (Kirk Cameron) and Kate (Chelsea Noble) go along for the ride--not so much to witness the ceremony as to talk Eddie out of his foolishness. Upon finding out what's happened, Mike's parents Jason (Alan Thicke) and Maggie (Joanna Kerns) leap to the conclusion that it is Mike and Kate who intend to tie the knot. This is the last episode of Growing Pains' sixth season, and the last with the original production crew. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1991
Where else but on network television would you be able to see a movie starring Bob Newhart, Linda Gray, and Michael Jackson's pet chimpanzee "Bubbles"? The Entertainers was advertised as "the touching story of a chimp, a chump and the woman they love." Newhart is cast as Todd Wilson, a second-echelon nightclub comic who has a chance to make it big in Las Vegas. The hitch: Wilson won't get hired unless he reteams with his old partner Bubbles. It really is better than it sounds, thanks to supporting appearances by several veteran cabaret entertainers, short on name value but big on talent. The Entertainers was first telecast November 21, 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1991
While volunteering at nursing home, DJ befriends 75-year-old Eddie Johnson, and invites him to pay a visit at the Tanner home. But there's a couple of minor problems: DJ has no authority to "sign out" Eddie; and the likable senior citizen turns out to be suffering from Alzheimers. Elsewhere, Jesse (John Stamos) dons a cumbersome "sympathy pad" to prove that he understands what his pregnant wife Becky (Lisa Loughlin) is going through; and Steph (Jodie Sweetin) and Michelle (played by theOlsen twins) stage a dog show--doing their best (?) to rig the outcome in favor of their own dog Comet. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1990
While their termite-infested house is being fumigated, the Seavers seek out another place to spend the weekend. Unfortunately, Jason (Alan Thicke) misplaces his wallet and is unable to rent a motel room--and even more unfortunately, his mom Irma (Jane Powell) is unable to put the family up due to a meeting of the Jerry Vale Fan Club (guess who shows up as "himself"). Ultimately, the family takes up temporary residence in the tiny apartment of their son Mike (Kirk Cameron)...an experience that will remain etched in their psyches for all time! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1990
Appropriately telecast just before Halloween (on October 27, 1990, to be exact), this eerie Next Generation episode was equally appropriately titled. One by one, the crew members of the Enterprise are disappearing without a trace, and no one except Dr. Crusher has any memory of their existence! This phenomenon is the handiwork of Crusher's own son Wesley, who has been foolishly experimenting with warp fields. Only by overcoming his guilt over what has happened will Wesley be able to set things right before it's too late. "Remember Me" was written by Lee Sheldon. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1989
A dying burglar hires Maddie (Cybill Shepherd) and David (Bruce Willis) to investigate a heist committed 25 years ago. No, the old man doesn't want to clear his name; instead, he wants to prove to the cops that he has committed the "perfect crime." Maddie wants no part of this, but David is intrigued. And besides, it will get their minds off the much-talked-about "Anselmo Case" (remember?) ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1989
In this pivotal episode, both Mike (Kirk Cameron) and Julie (Julie McCullough) suffer pre-marital jitters--to say nothing of a mutual case of cold feet--on the eve of their wedding. In hopes of resolving his doubts, Mike seeks advice from literally everyone, including (via telephone) his former high school teacher Coach Lubbock (played by Bill Kirchenbauer, then currently portraying Lubbock on the Growing Pains spinoff Just the Ten of Us). The ending of this episode is both startling and bewildering: suffice to say that this marks the final regular appearance of Julie McCullough. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1989
A travel snafu bollixes up Maggie's plan to take the family on a trip to Martha's Vineyard. The result: Maggie (Joanna Kerns), Jason (Alan Thicke), Carol (Tracey Gold), Ben (Jeremy Miller) and baby Chrissy are stranded on the mainland, while Mike (Kirk Cameron) and the baby's nanny Julie (Julie McCullough) end up alone on the island--and in the same overnight shelter! This episode is highlighted by the performance of frequent Growing Pains supporting actor Bill Erwin in a dual role. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1988
A computer glitch results in a pre-approved credit card for Buck, the Bundy family's dog. Reasoning that they aren't really purchasing anything if they aren't using their real names, the Bundys go on an insane shopping spree with the errant card, purchasing everything from foot-long cigars to hot tubs. Christina Applegate (Kelly Bundy) does not appear in this episode, leaving plenty of space for Bud Bundy (David Faustino) to accumulate an unprecedented two girlfriends at the same time! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1988
In the conclusion of a two-part story, Maggie (Joanna Kerns) is pressed into service as a deejay for the school dance which she and Jason (Alan Thicke) have agreed to chaperone. Out on the dance floor, a disillusioned Mike discovers that his "dream girl" Lydia (Cathy Podwell) has a voice that would shatter glass, while Carol (Tracey Gold) suffers repercussions after tripping the light fantastic with Mike's pal Boner (Josh Andrew Koenig). And elsewhere, Ben (Jeremy Miller) and Stinky (Jamie Abbott) end up in a seedy diner during their quest for a legendary pinball machine known as The Flipper. With this episode, Growing Pains moved from Tuesday to Wednesday evening, where the series would remain for the rest of its third season. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1987
On Fire stars John Forsythe as the chief arson inspector of a major metropolis. After 22 years' service as a firefighter, Forsythe is summarily ordered to retire. He tries to fight this in court, but learns that, although mandatory retirement is illegal on a federal basis, it can be enforced on a local level in cases of life-threatening jobs. While this TV movie starts well with Forsythe's anger and confusion over being cast adrift at age 60, the script descends into by-the-numbers melodrama after a harrowing experience leaves Forsythe more scared and distracted than ever. Carroll Baker, the "Baby Doll" of the 1950s, is cast against type in On Fire as John Forsythe's patient and supportive wife. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1986
Jason (Alan Thicke) has made elaborate plans for his 17th wedding anniversary, including an entire day without the kids! Unfortunately, Maggie (Joanna Kerns) is called away on an assignment to Washington DC, and it looks like she won't be back in time for the celebration. And as if that wasn't irritating enough, Jason also has problems with the household plumbing. This episode was originally slated to air on February 11, 1986. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1983
In a rare television appearance, Dorothy McGuire plays a farm widow who has been impoverished by the siphoning of her water supply. A nearby big-city aqueduct has priority over water rights, leaving the rural outskirts virtually dry. Attempting to bring her cause to the forefront, McGuire dynamites the reservoir, half-hoping that she'll be "martyred" in the process. When she fails to arouse public support, she targets the local power plant for her next blast (Don't look for this film to be rebroadcast in the light of more recent bombing tragedies). Assistant DA Victoria Racimo, who as an orphaned Indian girl had been virtually raised by McGuire, decides to challenge the water-department bureaucracy on McGuire's behalf. Filmed on location in Utah, Ghost Dancing was a winner of the ABC Theatre Award. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1982
In the first episode of a two-part story, Louise (Isabel Sanford) books George (Sherman Hemsley), Florence (Marla Gibbs), and herself on a murder-mystery cruise ship. To get a discount, George pretends to be a mystery novelist, just like the rest of the passengers. This pose may well prove to be his undoing when a genuine murder apparently occurs. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
Dick Van Dyke is the Drop-Out Father in this lighthearted TV movie. A successful but unsatisfied insurance executive, Van Dyke decides one day to kick over the traces. As his wife (Mariette Hartley) and family listen in fascinated horror, our hero announces his plans to move from the suburbs to a Manhattan loft, there to "find himself." With the exception of his loyal youngest daughter, Van Dyke's family elects to stay put, permitting him to carve out a new life on his own. Peter Matz won an Emmy nomination for his sprightly musical score. Originally telecast September 17, 1982, Drop-Out Father was followed in 1988 by a made-for-TV sequel, innovatively titled Drop-Out Mother. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1981
After the sudden death of her father, Ben's wife Cindy (Leslie Winston) has a bizarre dream about a carousel, and about a woman whose face she briefly glimpsed at her dad's funeral. Ultimately, Cindy discovers that she was actually adopted--and that's not the end of the story! Meanwhile, Elizabeth (Kami Cotler) becomes jealous when her boyfriend Drew (Tony Becker) neglects her to spend time with the rest of the Walton siblings. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1981
Just one day before he is eligible for his pension, longtime bank employee Clarence Stovall (Bill Erwin) is fired by Boss Hogg (Sorrell Booke). In a brief fit of pique, Clarence steals $30,000 from the bank--and it is up to the Dukes to return the money without getting either Clarence or themselves thrown in jail. In this episode, Deputy Cletus (Rick Hurst) manages to top his previous blunders by making the same stupid mistake three different times! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
After a plane crash, killer tarantulas escape from the cargo, threatening orange groves and scaring the crop out of the locals in this arachnorama. ~ Kristie Hassen, Rovi
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