Russ Grieve
Horror auteur Wes Craven followed his threadbare but horrifically compelling cult classic Last House on the Left with this wonderfully demented morality fable about a bloody war of attrition between two extremely different families. The story opens on the journey of the Carters, a mildly dysfunctional extended family led by patriarch "Big Bob" Carter (Russ Grieve), as they travel across the California desert in search of an inherited silver mine. When a broken axle leaves them stranded in the middle of a former nuclear testing site, their attempts to find help lead them unwittingly into the territory of a savage family of cave-dwelling cannibals, the apparent progeny of the bearlike Jupiter (James Whitworth) and an abducted prostitute. Jupiter's eldest son Pluto (professional movie weirdo Michael Berryman) leads the first brutal attack on the defenseless Carters who, through necessity, are driven to equally extreme measures in order to survive. Though the film is not overtly bloody, the scenes depicting this confrontation are rendered with an unflinching directness, and the violations visited on the Carters are so brutal as to make the survivors' regression into savagery all the more convincing. No one is spared from the nightmare: Jupiter's boys have even kidnapped the youngest member of the Carter family -- a mere infant -- to serve as fodder for their next barbecue, and the baby becomes the main point of contention between the rival clans. Craven nevertheless refuses to take the easy way out by depicting his "monsters" as soullessly evil; parallels between either family's "values" are clearly drawn as the differences between the two clans begin to blur. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Susan Lanier, Robert Houston, (more)
- 1976
A computer error on John's paycheck results in his receiving several thousand dollars that he doesn't deserves. Dutifully, John (Randolph Mantooth) tries to report the error and return the extra cash, only to run up against the brick wall of departmental bureaucracy and butt-covering. This week's emergency manifiest includes a hobo trapped in a car that is headed for compressing machine, two injured workers on a high scaffold, and a dog that brings nothing but bad luck to everyone it meets. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1975
Fresh from his triumphant movie appearance in Blazing Saddles, Cleavon Little guest stars as James Travis Clark, the Waltons' new hired man. Upon learning that James is a prizefighter, Olivia (Michael Learned) and Grandma (Ellen Corby) strongly express their disapproval--until they find out that he plans to use the prize money from his upcoming bout to finance the building of a church for the local African American community. Unfortunately, it turns out that the fight is fixed, and James has no hope of winning. But though he's been counted out in the ring, James still may emerge a winner thanks to the help and support of his new friends on Walton's Mountain. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Another entry in the vast nature-amok horror subgenre of the late '70s, this murky low-budget woofer stars David McCallum as a pontificating college prof who begins to suspect something is amiss when the canine populace of a small college burg begin leaping at their owners' throats with wild abandon. As the professor spouts scientific double-talk in an effort to provide exposition, the locals spout copious amounts of blood, thus sparing audiences their abysmal attempts at acting. Finally, McCallum and his lady friend work up enough sense to pack up and leave before they get snarfed up by marauding packs of feral pups -- ranging from the fierce-looking (Dobermans and German Shepherds) to the downright silly (Poodles and Pekingese). The "surprise" final shot will probably provoke more groans than gasps. Released to theaters as Slaughter. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- David McCallum, George Wyner, (more)
- 1975
The station's TV will never be the same after John (Randolph Mantooth) and Chet (Tim Donnelly) try their hand at "repairing" the set. Back on the job, the squad comes to the aid of a man who has glued his eyelids shut, and another man trapped in a burning storm drain. Also, Dr. Brackett (Robert Fuller) suffers a toxic reaction while treating a man who has been bitten by a catfish; and John and Roy (Kevin Tighe) find themselves in the middle of a mudslide. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1975
This 72-minute pilot film of the Charlie's Angels series stars the three original "Angels": Sabrina (Kate Jackson), Jill (Farrah Fawcett-Majors), and Kelly (Jaclyn Smith). Police rookies stuck in go-nowhere jobs, Sabrina, Jill, and Kelly are hired by the never-seen Charlie (voiced by John Forsythe), who engages their services as private detectives. Their first assignment: finagle the owner of a vineyard (David Ogden Stiers) into confessing to the murder of his partner. David Doyle co-stars as Bosley, the affable liaison between Charlie and his Angels. A ratings powerhouse when it premiered on March 21, 1976, Charlie's Angels resulted in the long-running (and frequently recast) weekly series, which aired from September 22, 1976, through August 19, 1981. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1974
Suddenly possessed with a sense of social consciousness, Bob offers free counseling sessions to Miles Lascoe, a recently paroled armed robber. The new patient is relaxed enough, but Bob is a bundle of nerves. The role of Lascoe is played by Henry Winkler, just before his ascent to stardom as the Fonz on Happy Days. The first Bob Newhart Show directed by series regular Peter Bonerz, "Clink Shrink" was written by Paul B. Lichtman and Howard Storm, and first aired on January 26, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1973
Not long after a brand-new staff goes to work at the Duchess Jewelry Company, the owner is found murdered. At first, it looks like a simple mugging, but Kojak (Telly Savalas) suspects that something more sinister is afoot. Launching an investigation, Kojak ends up targeting a smuggling ring trafficking in stolen jewelry--but first he must find out the identity of the inevitable "inside" person, and figure out how the crooks are transporting their illicit cargo without arousing suspicion. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1973
Unable to produce the deed to their land, the Waltons are threatened with eviction from the mountain by a powerful lumber company. In order to raise the $200 necessary to register a deed, John (Ralph Waite) and John-Boy (Ralph Waite) head to the "big city", looking for work. Just when it seems that their troubles are over, the money is stolen by a pair of street bandits. An unhappy ending? Not THIS early in the nine-year TV run of The Waltons!. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1973
Three tons of narcotics are stolen by dealer Sam Hibbing (Claude Akins). To recover the drugs, and to ruin both Hibbing and his higher-ups, the IMF concoct an undermining scheme that once again requires agent Casey to pose as a criminal's daughter. Filmed on location in San Francisco, this episode was highlighted by a superbly photographed motorcycle chase, and also by the first appearance of series regular Greg Morris' mustache. Jenny Sullivan, daughter of actor Barry Sullivan, appears as the "real" Margaret Hibbing. Written by Lou Shaw, "Speed" first aired on February 16, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Lynda Day George, (more)
Fuzz treads the line between raucous comedy and gut-churning melodrama. Based on an "87th Precinct" novel by Ed McBain (aka Evan Hunter), the film stars Burt Reynolds and Jack Weston as, respectively, detectives Steve Carella and Meyer Meyer. Their current assignment is to bring in Deaf Man (Yul Brynner), a mad bomber who has been targeting politicians. A subplot concerning a couple of punks who get their kicks by setting fire to sleeping winos is dramatically justified by the main storyline, but it was this element that caused a lot of trouble for the producers of Fuzz when a pair of real-life teenagers decided to imitate the film. On a lighter note, Raquel Welch co-stars as Detective Eileen McHenry, who is obliged to go undercover -- and under covers -- with fellow officer Bert Kling (Tom Skerritt). And as a bonus, viewers are treated to Burt Reynolds' first "drag" scene. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Burt Reynolds, Jack Weston, (more)
- 1967
Jed has decided to join Granny in his eastward trek back to the Ozarks. As a result, the Clampetts pack up their belongin's, close up the mansion, and pile into the trusty old car. And, oh yes: Believing that his millions are something of a curse, Jed gives all his money to a trio of impoverished college girls. Sheila James returns to the series as budding social activist Ginny Jennings, while Ginny's college chums, Lucy and Fran, are played respectively by Bernadette Withers and Toby Kaye. "The Clampett Curse" was first telecast on January 18, 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1967
Uncle Joe (Edgar Buchanan) teams up with Sam Drucker (Frank Cady) to promote a fishing derby that will bring in fresh business to the Shady Rest. Although he has purchased several expensive prizes for the lucky winners, Joe makes certain that the rules of the contest are so difficult that he'll be able to resell the items at a profit. Alas, his scheme goes awry when several champion fishermen show up for the big event. This episode was originally scheduled for March 7, 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1965
Attempting to rescue a drowning Mary Ann (Dawn Wells), Gilligan (Bob Denver) is humiliated when he himself has to be rescued by the Skipper (Alan Hale Jr.). Now Gilligan is convinced that he is a coward, prompting Mrs. Howell (Natalie Schafer) to come up with several schemes to make it seem as though Gilligan is really a hero. When all else fails, the castaways stage an elaborate ruse whereby they will pretend to be captured by headhunters, then allow Gilligan to come to the rescue. Alas, the scheme falls apart when a real headhunter shows up, placing everyone in a bind--literally! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Russ Grieve
- 1965
In the first episode of Gilligan's Island's second season--which is also the first one filmed in color, and the first to include regulars Russell Johnson (The Professor) and Dawn Wells (Mary Ann) in the opening credits--the castaways remain firmly ensconsed on their deserted island, still hoping and dreaming to be rescued. This week, Gilligan (Bob Denver) finds himself the reluctant fiancé of a rotund native girl (Mary Foran), whose parents may well prove dangerous if he refuses the honor. In order to qualify for matrimony, Gilligan must pass a rigorous test dreamed up by his prospective father-in-law (Russ Grieve)...but our hero figures out a method whereby he can not only survive the test but also keep his bachelorhood intact. Henny Backus, the real-life wife of series regular Jim Backus (Mr. Howell), is seen as the Native mom. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Henny Backus, Russ Grieve, (more)
- 1965
In her neverending efforts to bring culture to the island, Mrs. Howell (Natalie Schafer) organizes a Castaway Orchestra. Much of the music that results is pretty wretched, save for the percussion section, which consists primarily of Gilligan (Bob Denver) on the drums. In fact, Gilligan's persistent beat-beat-beat of the tom-toms has a remarkable effect on the natives of a neighboring island--who are convinced that the drums are tapping out a war chant! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Frank Corsentino, Russ Grieve, (more)
- 1963
This is the last of four consecutive episodes in which Perry Mason appears only briefly, while a "guest" lawyer handles the case at hand (Raymond Burr was at the time recovering from minor surgery). Walter Pigeon stars as corporation lawyer Sherman Hatfield, who in Perry's absence tackles his first murder case. Hatfield's client is scatterbrained Hollis Wilburn (Joyce Bulifant), charged with the murder of her uncle John Wilburn (Carl Benton Reid), a high-profile industrialist who was being blackmailed by someone who knew of his illegal Swiss bank account. Excluded from the original Perry Mason syndicated rerun package in 1966, this episode would not be seen again until it was shown on cable TV in the mid-1990s. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
