John Gray Movies
- 2006
The superhero story Stan Lee's Lightspeed concerns a man named Daniel Light, who discovers he has the ability to run at the speed of light after a brush with death. He must use his newfound skills to defeat the evil Goddard, a person who is half-man, half-snake. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jason Connery, Nicole Eggert, (more)
- 2005
Not dissimilar to the earlier "other-worldly" series Medium, Ghost Whisperer starred Jennifer Love Hewitt as Melinda Gordon, the recently married co-owner of a small antiques shop. By accident, Melinda discovered that she was possessed of a rare gift: the ability to communicate with dead people and pass on their words to the living. Evidently, her purpose in life was to take care of the issues and problems left unresolved when her "clients" had shuffled off their mortal coils. While Melinda's friend and business partner Andrea Moreno (Aisha Tyler) was fascinated by this phenomenon, Melinda's new husband, Jim Clancy (David Conrad), was less enthused; after all, he was a paramedic, and did not relish losing his patients just so they could converse with his wife! The weekly, hour-long series was executive-produced by real-life medium James Van Praagh, who based the premise on the exploits of professional "ghost-buster" Mary Ann Winkowski -- who in turn served as the series' technical consultant. After undergoing a lengthy gestation period involving a great deal of refilming and recasting, Ghost Whisperer made its CBS bow on September 23, 2005. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
The assassination of Julius Caesar has plunged Rome into chaos, and the only hope for the once-thriving empire lies in the ability of his 18-year-old nephew Octavius to defeat the manipulative Marc Anthony in this epic miniseries starring Santiago Cabrera and directed by John Gray, Kim Manners, and Greg Yaitanes. On the eve of Caesar's demise, Rome is thrown into anarchy and Octavius is thrust into exile with his guardian Tyrannus lest he meet a similar fate as his uncle at the hands of those who wish to see Caesar's bloodline severed once and for all. In the years that follow, Octavius is trained by his faithful mentor for the day he will return to Rome and seek revenge against the man who orchestrated his uncle's downfall. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
The most infamous multiple murders of the 1960s are brought back to life in this, the second made-for-television adaptation of Vincent Bugliosi and Curt Gentry's best-selling account of Charles Manson and his "family." Linda Kasabian (Clea DuVall) is a young runaway with a baby who, while wandering the fringes of Los Angeles' hippie subculture, encounters Charles Manson (Jeremy Davies), a charismatic ex-convict and aspiring musician who travels with a group of young people, mostly women, whom he calls his "family." Kasabian soon falls into Manson's orbit and moves in with the group at a combination riding range and standing Western-movie set, where she and the other members of the family -- among them Patricia Krenwinkel (Allison Smith), Susan Atkins (Marguerite Moreau), Squeaky Fromme (Mary Lynn Rajskub), "Tex" Watson (Eric Dane), and Bobby Beausoleil (Michael Weston) -- subsist through petty crime, handouts, and rescuing food from trash bins and bond with their leader through drugs, group sex, and constant study of his apocalyptic philosophy. Like the other members of the group, Kasabian's life soon revolves around Manson, who is desperate to record his music and frustrated with the slow progress he's seeing from his patron Dennis Wilson, drummer with the Beach Boys. Certain that an international race war foretold in his songs will soon wipe out civilization, and that he and his family will ultimately persevere, Manson decides it's time to kick start events by staging a pair of spectacularly repellent murders, which are carried out by members of his family who have been taught not to question Manson's word. In time, Manson and his family are arrested in connection with the murders, and District Attorney Vincent Bugliosi (Bruno Kirby) is given the difficult task of untangling the mingled strands of the bizarre killings and making a case in court against the family. Helter Skelter was first aired on Sunday, May 16, 2004, by CBS; the film was subjected to last-minute cuts to tone down the violent content in the film's gruesome murder sequences. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jeremy Davies, Bruno Kirby, (more)
- 2002
The meteoric rise of the most successful American comedy team of the 20th century is colorfully chronicled in the made for TV biopic Martin and Lewis. Sean Hayes of Will & Grace fame delivers an astonishing performance as the young Jerry Lewis, easily outdistancing British actor Jeremy Northam's capable but phlegmatic portrayal of Dean Martin. The film focuses on the years 1945 to 1956, during which a promising nightclub singer named Dean Martin finds himself pairing up with a manic Borscht-belt comic named Jerry Lewis. Sky rocketing to success in films and TV, Martin and Lewis enjoy a fanatical following comparable to the one attending The Beatles in the 1960s, but ultimately fame and fortune exacts a heavy toll upon the friendship of the two entertainers, culminating in a well-publicized breakup. The script does not flinch in its recreation of Martin's aloof selfishness or Lewis' bullying megalomania, but at the same time the viewer sees the positive character traits of both men, as well as their desperate yearning to be loved and accepted -- not only by their fans, by their families and friends. And even though he is not always shown in the best light, Jerry Lewis, surviving member of the team, loved the film and gave it his unconditional blessing when Martin and Lewis made its CBS bow on November 24, 2002. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sean Hayes, Jeremy Northam, (more)
John Gray wrote and directed this 2001 television production set in a fishing village on the west coast of Ireland in 1909. The 100-minute film gives Irish folklore a new character type, a seal that becomes a lovely human enchantress. The strange metamorphosis takes place after nine days of high tide create a mysterious "seventh stream," allowing the seal to go ashore and step out of her skin. From the outset, it seems clear that the sea-born beauty (Saffron Burrows) is meant for Owen Quinn (Scott Glenn), a fisherman who continues to lament the death of his wife five years after he buried her. However, villainous Thomas Dunhill (John Lynch) steals the sealskin and hides it. According to folk tales handed down over generations, whoever possesses the skin of a seal woman becomes her master. In addition, he reaps the benefits of the good luck she brings--in whopping catches of fish. Dunhill's father (Joseph Kelly), a wise old blind man, knows all about the myth of seal women. He also knows his son is a scoundrel. One day, he moves the sealskin to Quinn's property. Soon thereafter, the woman shows up at Quinn's doorstep, and he names her Mairead and falls in love with her--and she with him. But there are complications. Mrs. Gourdon (iona Shaw) a local shopkeeper, has set her cap for Quinn. Also, Thomas Dunhill has been murdered, and Quinn is a suspect. Finally, according to myth, Mairead must eventually reclaim her skin and return to the sea--or die. ~ Mike Cummings, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Scott Glenn, Saffron Burrows, (more)
Based in part on the autobiography of Gale Sayers, an Football Hall of Fame inductee and one of the finest halfbacks in the history of the game, this made-for-TV drama recounts the true story of Sayers (Mekhi Phifer) and his friendship with fellow Chicago Bears player Brian Piccolo (Sean Maher). In the mid-'60s, when Sayers joined the Bears, he was not welcomed by all members of the team, but soon developed a friendly rivalry with Piccolo, a running back who was gunning for the same place on the team as Sayers. Sensing a tension between the two men that might be used to make better players, coach George Halas (Ben Gazarra) decided to make Sayers and Piccolo roommates at training camp and on the road -- a decision that quickly became controversial, since Sayers was African-American and Piccolo was white. However, rivalry grew into respect, and when Sayers suffered a serious knee injury, Piccolo became the man who helped guide him through the difficult process of rehabilitation. Sayers not only returned to the team, he become a star player, but in time it became Sayers' turn to help Piccolo when Brian learned that a lingering illness was actually cancer. A remake of one of the most acclaimed made-for-TV movies ever (with James Caan and Billy Dee Williams as Piccolo and Sayers), Brian's Song also features Elise Neal as Linda Sayers and Janessa Crimi as Lori Piccolo, the players' wives. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Aidan Devine, Dean McDermott, (more)
An American journalist takes on the dangerous responsibility of rescuing nearly a thousand refugees from a Nazi concentration camp in this two-part made-for-TV movie based on a true story. In the early days of America's involvement in World War II, Ruth Gruber (Natasha Richardson) is a reporter who has been giving particular attention to a recent story: President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in violation of United States policies of the day, has announced he will grant asylum in America to 982 European refugees from Nazi labor camps. But someone needs to escort the prisoners to the U.S.; Gruber, of European ancestry and Jewish faith, volunteers for the assignment over the objections of her parents (Anne Bancroft and Martin Landau). Gruber travels to Italy on behalf of Secretary of the Interior Harold Ickes (Hal Holbrook), where she helps the refugees board the U.S.S. Henry Gibbins. But Gruber discovers that the American sailors manning the ship regard their passengers as little better than their Nazi jailers, and the State Department declares, upon their arrival in the United States, that all the refugees are to be housed in a camp in Oswego, NY -- even those who have families willing to sponsor them in America. Gruber realizes her work with the refugees is far from done, and she bravely battles against both bureaucracy and prejudice to win both dignity and fair treatment for the new settlers. Haven was originally broadcast on the CBS television network on February 11 and 14, 2001. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Natasha Richardson, Hal Holbrook, (more)
- 1999
- NR
The true story of the world's first submarine and its maritime usage by the Confederacy during the U.S. Civil War. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Armand Assante, Donald Sutherland, (more)
- 1998
The 24-hours surrounding the death of President Abraham Lincoln comprise this gripping made-for-television historical drama. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rob Morrow, Lance Henriksen, (more)
- 1997
When an old war buddy suddenly (after a 20-year absence) reappears with a suitcase full of money, bottles of absinthe and a desire to kill himself, eccentric Algernon finds himself caught up in an increasingly ridiculous situation. Before Norbie Hess (Charles Durning) showed up, and just prior to meeting the beautiful, enigmatic Madge Clerisy (Carrie-Anne Moss) at his favorite antique store, Algernon (John Cullum) led a quiet life in the splendiferous home of his great grandfather, a world renowned Egyptologist. His only companion is Eulalia, a porcelain statue of a cat, with whom he converses. With no job, Algernon supports himself by selling off some of his grandfather's valuable finds at the antique store. Madge tells Algernon that she is an Egyptologist and interested in his great granddad's collection, but she is actually a treasure hunter who has heard that the old man may have taken his really valuable finds to the grave. Eulalia knows this and tries to warn him, but Madge is beautiful, Algernon is lonely and will not listen. The night that Norbie shows up, the two old buddies stay up reminiscing and sipping absinthe until Norbie grabs Algernon's war pistol and shoots himself. Afraid that he will be accused of murder, the poor Algernon buries Norbie beside his great grandfather in the backyard. Things become more hectic when the determined Madge shows up to dig up Algernon's ancestor. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Cullum, Carrie-Anne Moss, (more)
Two cops with almost nothing in common find themselves brought together to capture a psychotic murderer in this action thriller. Jack Cole (Steven Seagal) was once a government intelligence operative known as "The Glimmer Man," because he could move so quickly and quietly that his victims would only see a glimmer before they died. Having left international espionage behind him, Cole -- steeped in Eastern mysticism and not used to working with others -- has become a detective with the Los Angeles Police Department, where he's paired up with Jim Campbell (Keenen Ivory Wayans), a tough, no-nonsense cop with a weakness for weepy movies (Casablanca is one of his favorites) and little patience for Cole's New Age philosophies and outsider attitude. Cole and Campbell have to set aside their differences when they're assigned to track down a serial killer the press has dubbed "The Family Man," for his habit of dispatching entire households at once. However, when the Family Man's latest victims turn out to be Cole's former wife and her current husband, Campbell learns about Cole's secret past, and they both think that Cole's former bosses may somehow be involved with this current crime wave. Leading man Seagal also wrote and played guitar on several blues-based songs that appear on the film's soundtrack. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Steven Seagal, Keenen Ivory Wayans, (more)
The unbreakable bond forged between a troubled boy and a gorilla forms the basis of this family-oriented children's adventure. Fourteen-year old Rick has become quite rebellious since his father abandoned them. Margaret Heller, his mother, is a behavioral scientist who studies communication with gorillas. She is finding it increasingly difficult to communicate with the sullen, isolated Rick. The story opens just as Rick, who had stolen his mother's van for a joyride, is released from jail. To punish him, Margaret forces him to clean out the animal research lab. Rick is especially loathe to clean out the gorilla cage. In that cage is a gorilla adept at sign language, Katie, whom Rick immediately despises. In time, he and Katie begin conversing, and the two become friends. But then Katie's legal owner, the cruel Gus Charnley, reclaims her and forces her to perform caged up in a carnival act. The degradation of his friend is more than Rick can handle, so he frees her and together they hit the road. Mayhem and adventure ensues until the two end up in court where Katie makes a touching plea on their behalf. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Wil Horneff, Helen Shaver, (more)
- 1994
In this touching drama, a kind-hearted pediatric nurse tries to adopt an HIV-positive baby and ends up taking care of its troubled, dying mother as well. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sissy Spacek, Mary-Louise Parker, (more)
- 1992
This fact-based drama centers on a sextet of WW II soldiers who are hailed as heroes upon their return to their hometown in Texas. Trouble follows when the vets unite to overthrow the town's corrupt politicians. They make a plan, but it is nearly derailed by the group leader's social-climbing wife and her father. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1991
- R
Based on a true story, Showdown at Williams Creek is about a British soldier named John Brown (Tom Burlinson), who moves to America's Wild West, settling in the Montana territory with the hopes of making a fortune. However, things don't go entirely as planned in America, as he has to survive not only nature, but a vast array of thieves, cheats, and schemers. The culmination of his misadventures is when Brown is put on trial for killing an old man. Boasting several terrific performances, Showdown At Williams Creek is one of the darkest examinations of the Old West and the gold rush to be told on film. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Movie Guide
- 1991
This suspenseful drama tells the chilling true story of up-and-coming model Marla Hanson who was viciously attacked by a make-up man after she rejected his advances. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Cheryl Pollak, Dale Midkiff, (more)
- 1990
In this made-for-TV gangster docudrama, Al Capone (Eric Roberts) wages war against his younger brother (Adrian Pasdar), a Midwestern sheriff. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Movie Guide
- 1989
Made for television, When He's Not a Stranger stars Annabeth Gish as a college freshman who is sexually assaulted by football jock John Terlesky. Ashamed by the incident-especially since she regarded Terlesky as a friend-Annabeth at first tells no one. But after a session with the school's counselor, the girls feel emboldened enough to file a complaint against her attacker, which leads to an avalanche of hostility from her peers. With nowhere else to turn, Annabeth takes her complaint to court. This stark dramatization of the "acquaintance rape" dilemma was first broadcast October 17, 1989. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1986
Lenny Von Dohlen plays Billy Galvin, the son of a no-nonsense construction worker (Karl Malden). Though his dad insists that he go to college to become an architect, Billy would rather go into his father's line of work. To prevent this, dad pulls strings to keep Billy out of the ironworker's union. His bullheadedness inevitably leads to ill-will and emotional disaster. Produced for PBS' American Playhouse TV series, Billy Galvin was afforded a very brief theatrical run. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Karl Malden, Lenny Von Dohlen, (more)
