Florence Halop Movies
From a show business family, raspy-voiced comedienne Florence Halop played a bit in Junior G-Men (1940), a Universal serial starring her more famous brother Billy Halop and The Little Tough Guys. She also appeared in Nancy Drew...Reporter (1939) but spent the remainder of the 1940s in radio. A popular and extremely busy television actress, Halop went on to guest star in everything from I Love Lucy to St. Elsewhere but scored her biggest success as the sharp-tongued bailiff in the hit comedy series Night Court. Florence replaced another former radio actress, Selma Diamond, who died of throat cancer after only one season; tragically, the same exact fate befell Halop, who, in turn, was replaced by standup comedienne Marsha Warfield. ~ Hans J. Wollstein, All Movie Guide- 1985
Season three of Night Court finds at least four of the series' regulars still in residence: Harry Anderson as flippant night-court judge Harry T. Stone, Richard Moll as bald, saturnine bailiff Bull, Charles Robinson as super-efficient court clerk Mac Robinson, and John Larroquette as lecherous Assistant DA Dan Fielding. Conspicuous by her absence is Selma Diamond as court matron Selma Hacker; the actress had died during the summer of 1985, a tragedy that is deftly and tastefully written into the script of the season opener "Hello, Goodbye." Ironically, Selma Diamond's replacement, Florence Halop as Florence Kleiner, would herself pass away in July of 1986. Also gone from the series is Ellen Foley as public defender Billie Young. Lawyer Christine Sullivan (Markie Post), a character introduced during season two, succeeds Billie, and would remain with Night Court until its cancellation in 1992. The series' third season introduces two other recurring characters: Bumper Robinson as Leon, a runaway orphan who all but pitches camp in Judge Stone's court, and William Utay as Phil, an enigmatic derelict who later turns out to be a millionaire -- and who puts Dan in charge of a seemingly above-reproach charitable foundation. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Harry Anderson, John Larroquette, (more)
- 1984
Introduced to NBC's Wednesday-night schedule as a mid-season replacement on January 4, 1984, the weekly 30-minute sitcom Night Court quickly built a large and appreciative audience, enabling the series to remain on the network for nine seasons. Harry Anderson, a comedian who had established his reputation as a smooth-talking, nimble-fingered street magician and self-styled con artist, was perfectly cast as affable, irreverent Manhattan night-court judge Harry T. Stone. Although he came across as an iconoclastic jokester who held standard legal procedure in contempt (in one episode, his verdict was based on the flip of a coin), Harry was a highly successful jurist with a well-honed sense of fair play, whose handling of the oddballs that paraded in and out of his court resulted in a gratifyingly low "return" rate and quite a few reformations. Even those who'd never stood before Judge Stone in court were familiar with his lovable eccentricities, including his fondness for faded blue jeans and his adoration of singer Mel Tormé. The supporting cast included John Larroquette as Assistant DA Dan Fielding, who spent as much time trying to score with the ladies in night court as he did trying to secure convictions, and Richard Moll as bald-headed bailiff "Bull" Shannon (Richard Moll), whose bark was worse than his bite, but not by much.
During the series' first season, Paula Kelly was seen as legal-aid defense lawyer Liz Williams, who was alternately appalled and fascinated by Harry's unorthodox tactics; Karen Austin also appeared as court clerk Lana Wagner, who harbored a not-so-secret crush on Harry. In subsequent seasons, Liz was replaced by Billie Young (Ellen Foley), who in turn was replaced by Christine Sullivan (Markie Post); as for Lana, her replacement was Mac Robinson (Charles Robinson). Both Christine and Mac remained for the rest of the series; not so with Selma Diamond as abrasive jail matron Selma Hacker, a character who lasted only until Diamond's death. The actress' replacement, Florence Halop as Florence Kleiner, likewise passed away after only a short time on the series; she in turn was replaced by Marsha Warfield as Roz Russell, a character who stayed in place until the series' own demise. The on-again, off-again romance between Harry Stone and Christine Sullivan was definitely "off" during seasons seven and eight, when Christine was wed to undercover cop Tony Guillano (Ray Abruzzo), a union which produced a baby. After Christine divorced Tony, her relationship with Harry heated up considerably, but before long the ardor had cooled. Eventually, Christine was elected to congress, whereupon she was pursued not by Harry but by the ever-libidinous Dan Fielding. The final episode of Night Court, which set something of a record for the number of bizarre, surrealistic incidents occurring within a single half-hour, was broadcast on July 1, 1992. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
During the series' first season, Paula Kelly was seen as legal-aid defense lawyer Liz Williams, who was alternately appalled and fascinated by Harry's unorthodox tactics; Karen Austin also appeared as court clerk Lana Wagner, who harbored a not-so-secret crush on Harry. In subsequent seasons, Liz was replaced by Billie Young (Ellen Foley), who in turn was replaced by Christine Sullivan (Markie Post); as for Lana, her replacement was Mac Robinson (Charles Robinson). Both Christine and Mac remained for the rest of the series; not so with Selma Diamond as abrasive jail matron Selma Hacker, a character who lasted only until Diamond's death. The actress' replacement, Florence Halop as Florence Kleiner, likewise passed away after only a short time on the series; she in turn was replaced by Marsha Warfield as Roz Russell, a character who stayed in place until the series' own demise. The on-again, off-again romance between Harry Stone and Christine Sullivan was definitely "off" during seasons seven and eight, when Christine was wed to undercover cop Tony Guillano (Ray Abruzzo), a union which produced a baby. After Christine divorced Tony, her relationship with Harry heated up considerably, but before long the ardor had cooled. Eventually, Christine was elected to congress, whereupon she was pursued not by Harry but by the ever-libidinous Dan Fielding. The final episode of Night Court, which set something of a record for the number of bizarre, surrealistic incidents occurring within a single half-hour, was broadcast on July 1, 1992. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Harry Anderson, Richard Moll, (more)
- 1983
To supplement her waitressing income, Jolene (Celia Weston) moonlights by becoming a part-time stewardess. The rest of the diner crew panics, theorizing that whatever comes up, goes down--sometimes with a resounding thud. Thus it is that Jolene finds herself with some unexpected turbulence (of the human variety) during her inaugural flight. Comic actor Dick Gautier, the beloved "Hymie the Robot" from Get Smart, appears as Captain Sacks. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1981
It's an sorry state of affairs for Mel (Vic Tayback) when he is mugged in the alley outside the diner by a little old lady (played by future Night Court regular Florence Halop). To save face, Mel tells the girls at the diner--and anyone else who will listen--that he was jumped by four muscular men, whom he valiantly fought off as they stole his dough. Ultimately, the truth is revealed, and Mel must somehow regain his macho. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1977
Someone has lost a bag containing $40,000 in Mel's Diner. Law-abiding Alice (Linda Lavin) decides that it's the decent thing to do to seek out the owner. Alas, Alice is the only one subscribing to this line of thinking: everyone else is dreaming of how to spend the dough. If this episode enjoyed a higher rating than usual, it was probably because it originally aired the same night as the legendary finale of The Mary Tyler Moore Show. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1976
Edith becomes a celebrity when she saves the life of old Mr. Kleever (Phil Leeds) at the Sunshine Rest Home. She is even lauded with a medal, which is presented in front of a vast TV audience. Should anyone be surprised that Archie feels overshadowed -- and has become intensely jealous? Written by Mel Tolkin and Larry Rhine, "Mr. Edith Bunker" made its first CBS network appearance on November 27, 1976. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1975
Queen of the Stardust Ballroom stars Maureen Stapleton as Bea Asher, a woman faced with many new challenges since becoming a widow. She has been afraid for herself and her future since her husband's death, and friends concerned for her well-being take her to the Stardust Ballroom in the hopes that, for one night, she might dance her troubles away. While there, she meets Alvin Green (Charles Durning). They spend the evening dancing and talking and, thanks to his charm and goodness, Bea begins to come out of her sheltered existence. This story was directed for television by Sam O'Steen, who was Mike Nichols' only editor for almost 30 years. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Maureen Stapleton, Charles Durning, (more)
- 1970
This made-for-TV movie stars Herschel Bernardi as a middle-aged widower, contentedly resigned to his bachelorhood. Bernardi's well-meaning friends and relatives are tireless in their efforts to hitch him up with a new bride. All the candidates are played by prominent actresses (Shirley Jones, Tina Louise, June Lockhart et. al.); few of them are compatible with poor Mr. Bernardi. The bemused bachelor is determined to remain unmarried until he meets a lovely widow who is similarly indisposed to matrimony. Under the directorial guidance of Jerry Paris, But I Don't Want to Get Married rolls along with TV-sitcom efficiency. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1965
Billy De Wolfe guest-stars as a zany pet beautician (yes, pet beautician) in this canine spin on "Pygmalion." When a sketch on "The Alan Brady Show" involving a huge, ugly dog is cut just before air time, the staff is stuck with the aforementioned dog -- and of course no one wants to take care of the mutt. No one, that is, except Rob (Dick Van Dyke), who in moment of reckless abandon is convinced that the dog would make a wonderful pet for Laura (Mary Tyler Moore). When this turns out not to be the case, it's time for an "extreme makeover," doggie-style. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Billy De Wolfe, Richard Deacon, (more)
- 1960
William Bendix discards his oafish "Chester A. Riley" characterization in the role of Wally Legenza, the vicious, sadistic head of the Tri-State Gang. Legenza and such fellow hoods as Big Bill Phillips (Alan Hale Jr.) and Art McLeod (Gavin McLeod) specialize in hijacking trucks and murdering the drivers in cold blood. Elliot Ness (Robert Stack) is called in to squash Legenza when his gang makes the mistake of crossing state lines. In a rip-roaring climax, Legenza makes a last-ditch effort to bump off Big Bill's girlfriend Elizabeth Dauphine (Roxane Berard), who has offered to testify against the demented hoodlum. This episode marks one of the few times that one of Elliot Ness' "Untouchables" lays down his life in the line of duty--on camera, that is. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1958
Every so often, the prestigious 1950s CBS anthology Playhouse 90 would digress from its "live" format and offer a sumptuously produced film presentation. One of these was the suspenseful 1958 offering No Time at All, a fascinating precursor to the Airport films of the 1970s. On a routine night flight from Miami to New York, an airliner loaded with passengers is suddenly plunged into darkness due to an electrical failure. Losing contact with the plane, the ground crew in New York worries that all on board may be lost--especially since the weather has turned ugly. In a brilliant dramatic device, the viewer never sees the plane in flight nor its passengers and crew: Instead, the play stays on solid land, concentrating on the reactions of the friends and families of those on board. This Playhouse 90 entry boasts perhaps the most impressive cast ever assembled for the series, among them dramatic actors Bill Lundigan, Jane Greer, Betsy Palmer, Sylvia Sidney and Keenan Wynn; comedians Buster Keaton, Chico Marx (with a Jewish accent), and Harry Einstein (aka "Parkyakarkus", and the father of contemporary comic actors Bob Einstein and Albert Brooks); and musical-comedy favorites Jack Haley (in a rare unsympathetic role) and Cliff Edwards (the voice of Jiminy Cricket in the 1940 cartoon feature Pinocchio). Also seen in the supporting cast is an up-and-coming young player named Charles Bronson, here cast as a sentimental boxer; and "Floyd the Barber" himself, Howard McNear--who, indirectly, is the hero of the piece. Long considered a "lost" film, No Time at All was made available on the home-video market in the early years of the 21st century, complete with the original commercials and a preview of the next week's Playhouse 90. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Lundigan, Jane Greer, (more)
- 1952
These two episodes from the '50s TV series ("Vacation Plans," "Texas Ranch") include the commercials shown during their original broadcast. ~ John Bush, All Movie Guide
- 1952
Lucy (Lucille Ball) and Ethel (Vivian Vance) enter a contest in hopes of winning expensive new household furniture. As a result, Lucy must remain at home, awaiting the all-important phone call from the contest organizers. At the same time, Ricky (Desi Arnaz) has secured four tickets for the new Rodgers & Hammerstein musical. Figuring that he'll never be able to pry Lucy away from the phone in time to see the show, Ricky conspires with Fred (William Frawley) to place a phony call, telling the girls that they've won the contest. The scheme backfires when, in anticipation of receiving brand-new furniture, Lucy sells all her "old" furniture to a secondhand dealer (Hans Conreid) -- then uses the cash to ostentatiously redecorate the apartment. Yes, this is the classic "wallpapering" episode, far funnier seen than described. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Hans Conried, Florence Halop, (more)
The second entry in Warner Bros.' popular detective series, Nancy Drew, Reporter presented young sleuth Bonita Granville at her busybody best. This time, the irrepressible Miss Drew has entered a junior newspaper-reporter contest and, determined to win, insinuates herself into the ongoing investigation of the Lambert murder. Despite overwhelming evidence, Nancy refuses to believe that the murder victim's young ward (Betty Amann) is the culprit and instead shadows a mysterious man (Jack Perry) sporting a cauliflower ear. The brutish stranger and his floozy of a girlfriend (Sheila Bromley) lead Nancy and her faithful sidekick, Ted Nickerson (Frankie Thomas Jr.), on a merry chase that, naturally, ends with the apprehension of the real murderer. Trapped in the Bledenburg Hotel along the way, Nancy and Ted ingeniously call attention to their plight by changing the hostelry's neon sign to "Bedbug Hotel." Juvenile stars Granville and Thomas are this time aided by teenage singer Mary Lee, of Gene Autry Western fame, and child actor Dickie Jones, the latter insisting on imitating Donald Duck. A highlight of the film has the four youngsters performing swing versions of nursery rhymes in order to pay for their Chinese dinner. ~ Hans J. Wollstein, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bonita Granville, John Litel, (more)
