Mason Adams Movies
Mason Adams was once described by a colleague as having a "non-actor's face." This has hardly hampered Adams' professional success, which has hinged almost exclusively on his instantly recognizable voice. After receiving an MA in Theater Arts and Speech from the University of Wisconsin, Adams became a teacher at New York's Neighborhood Playhouse. In radio from 1940 onward, Adams gained fame in the title role of the popular soap opera Pepper Young's Family. Typically cast in kindly, folksy roles, Adams enjoyed playing villains and psychos, notably the evil Atomic Man on the radio saga Superman. A prolific commercial spokesman, Adams has for nearly four decades been principal pitchman for the Smuckers condiment company. From 1977 through 1982, Adams played managing editor Charlie Hume on TV's Lou Grant. In films, Mason Adams has occasionally been permitted an opportunity to break free from his paternal TV image, e.g. his corporate bad-guy assignment in 1988's F/X. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2001
- Add They Came For Good: A History of the Jews in the United States - Present at the Creation, 1654-1820 to QueueAdd They Came For Good: A History of the Jews in the United States - Present at the Creation, 1654-1820 to top of Queue
The first installment in the PBS documentary series They Came for Good: A History of Jews in the United States, this film uses historical reenactments, interviews, and vintage artwork to document the role of Jews in the dawning of American History. They Came for Good: A History of the Jews in the United States -- Present at the Creation, 1654-1820 begins with the arrival of Jewish exiles from Brazil in the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam, and traces their ongoing battle against prejudice and ignorance to live and worship as they saw fit in the New World. The film also explores the role of Jewish settlers in the American revolution, and how Jewish traditions were shaped by life in the new nation. This film was followed by They Came for Good: A History of the Jews in the United States -- Taking Root, 1820-1880. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- 2001
- Add They Came For Good: A History of the Jews in the United States - Taking Root, 1820-1880 to QueueAdd They Came For Good: A History of the Jews in the United States - Taking Root, 1820-1880 to top of Queue
The two-part PBS miniseries They Came for Good: A History of the Jews in the United States notes the effects of the influx of Jewish immigrants to America, as well as the development of Jewish heritage within the country after immigration. Part two, Taking Root, 1820-1880, presents famous Jewish peddlers like Levi Strauss, and defines the important role Jews played during industrialization. Internal struggles in the Jewish community, like familial decisions to reform or remain conservative, and the divisional effects of the Civil War are also discussed. Using period actors, the series reenacts the events that would shape American Jewish communities in the coming centuries. ~ Sarah Sloboda, All Movie Guide
- 1999
After Justice Joseph Crouch (Mason Adams) steps down from the Supreme Court, President Bartlett (Martin Sheen) questions his first choice to replace him, Peyton Cabot Harrison III (Ken Howard), when an old brief reveals he does not share the administration's position on privacy rights. Bartlett turns to controversial minority candidate Judge Roberto Mendoza (Edward James Olmos). As if this were not enough for the staff to deal with, a publicity-hound Congressman claims that one-third of the White House staff is on drugs, forcing the senior staff to consider instituting drug tests. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
Originally aired on HBO and directed by Apollo 13 star and space enthusiast Tom Hanks, among others, From the Earth to the Moon explores the ups and downs of space travel, beginning with President Kennedy's famous speech before Congress on May 25, 1961, and chronicling the journey to putting the first man on the moon. This highly acclaimed, Emmy-nominated, 12-episode series is available in a six-tape VHS set and a four-disc DVD set. ~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- David Andrews, Bryan Cranston, (more)
This film is the product of an unlikely pairing between novelist Elmore Leonard and maverick screenwriter-director Paul Schrader. Leonard usually writes Detroit-based crime novels; this time, Schrader transports one of Leonard's quirkier, non-crime books to an L.A. scene. Christopher Walken plays slick ex-preacher and musical promoter Bill Hill, who is trying to rescue his former church organist Virginia Worrell (Conchata Ferrell) from an abusive husband. He enlists a former Franciscan priest, a Brazilian named Juvenal (Skeet Ulrich) who now works as an alcohol rehabilitation counselor. Juvenal not only calms down Virginia's husband, he cures her blindness. Later, he also cures a young boy of leukemia. His laying on of his hands causes his palms to bleed with the stigmata of Jesus Christ. As work of his miraculous powers spreads, Juvenal becomes the prey of several people who want to exploit him, including Hill, who's out for money, and a militant traditionalist Catholic, August Murray (Tom Arnold), who wants Juvenal to help his crusade to restore the old-fashioned Latin Mass. Juvenal is also pursued by a television reporter, Kathy Worthington (Janeane Garofalo) and a tabloid TV show host, Debra Lusanne (Gina Gershon), who wants to televise his miracles live. Hill's scheme is to use an assistant record producer, Lynn Faulkner (Bridget Fonda), to pretend to be an alcoholic, get admitted to the center where Juvenal works, and find out more about Juvenal. ~ Michael Betzold, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bridget Fonda, Christopher Walken, (more)
- 1997
This comedy-drama is the feature theatrical debut of TV director Nell Cox. Manhattan lawyer Laura (Rya Kihlstedt) is on edge about her promotion to partner at her law firm, while husband Jeff (Robert Stanton) is tired of the grind producing TV commercials. They head upstate for a weekend with Laura's mother, sculptor Julia (Lois Smith), hoping to resolve their marital conflicts. Shown at the 1997 Mill Valley Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rya Kihlstedt, Robert Stanton, (more)
Sinbad offers some unusual advice on how to make friends in this wacky comedy. Kevin Frankin (Sinbad) is a guy who dreams of starting his own business. However, getting it off the ground is another matter altogether, and soon Kevin discovers that the two loan sharks who fronted him money want to be paid, and paid promptly, otherwise Kevin will be spending some time in the hospital. On the run through an airport, Kevin is trying to find a way out when he overhears Gary Young (Phil Hartman) wondering where his friend is. It seems that Gary has arranged a reunion with an old friend from childhood, but since he hasn't seen him in 25 years, he has no idea what he looks like today, beyond the fact that he's black. Kevin fits the bill that far and claims to be Gary's long lost buddy, which Gary buys hook, line, and sinker. Gary seems to enjoy bonding with his old friend, and Kevin likes staying at Gary's fine home (and raiding his large icebox), but Kevin discovers that impersonating a stranger is a lot more complicated than he expected after he's forced to perform oral surgery and give a speech at a grade school "Career Day" presentation. However, this is all small potatoes on the "oh, no" scale when the loan sharks track Kevin back to Gary's home in the suburbs. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sinbad, Phil Hartman, (more)
- 1994
Bigotry and values are questioned when a Black West Point cadet is singled out and harassed by fellow cadets and senior officers. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1994
Produced by WQED and the National Wildlife Federation, this film looks at grassroots efforts by ordinary people to save American wildlife and habitats. With gorgeous footage of animals and landscapes, the film celebrates the efforts of conservationists of all ages and backgrounds. The viewer goes with narrator Burgess Meredeth to meet Montana's Children for Wildlife, a group of kids who monitor an eagle's nest for the Forest Service and build platforms for loons. Featured also are a couple in Massachusetts who build nesting sites for ospreys; a lady who saves turtles in Texas; and an Oregon man who cares for orphaned bear cubs. This inspirational film makes the point that anyone with a desire to do so can be of service to the environment.
~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
- 1994
Narrated by Mason Adams, this documentary deals with the ongoing battle to conserve the ever-changing U.S. coastline. The video profiles the men and women who work to preserve the coastal environment, including the California Marine Mammal Center, where workers rescue wildlife damaged by human abuse of the environment. The efforts of single individuals to conserve their areas of coastline are also detailed, as well as the factors that affect the coastlines -- from natural erosion by wind and water, to the damage caused by human recreation and pollution. The video was produced in association with the National Wildlife Federation. ~ Michael McGrath, All Movie Guide
Meaning to thwart the advances of a hometown boy, a college student takes her California surfer roomie to her Midwestern home for Thanksgiving and passes him off as her husband-to-be. After a few complications, the visiting couple falls for each other, the family finally accepts him and the suitor-hopeful is no longer a threat. Pauly Shore and Carla Gugino star in this light comedy. ~ Kristie Hassen, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Pauly Shore, Carla Gugino, (more)
- 1992
This true story tells of the loving adoption of a Down Syndrome boy by a volunteer following the decision of the boy's parents to not allow a life-extending operation. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Chris Burke
Dead Poets Society and Die Hard bash heads in this action drama set in a Northeastern prep school. The film opens as a crazed Central American terrorist, Luis Cali (Andrew Divoff), goes on a shooting spree, attempting to gain his drug baron father's release from extradition to the United States. The following sequence introduces some malcontented rich kids from the prep school --Joey Trotta (Wil Wheaton), the son of a New Jersey mob leader; Billy Tepper (Sean Astin), a reprobate who has been to four boarding schools in as many years; Snuffy Bradbury (Keith Coogan), whose rich banker father is the chairman of the Republican Party; Ricardo Montoya (George Perez), the son of a big-shot lawyer; and Hank Giles (T.E. Russell), whose father is the head of the House Armed Services Committee. The boys disregard their studies and spend their waking hours giving Dean Parker (Louis Gossett Jr.) a hard time. The two storylines collide when Luis, with a group of terrorist goons, make their way across the U.S. border and invade the boarding school, planning to take hostage the son of his father's judge. But the authorities have already removed the boy from danger, so Luis and the terrorists decide to hold the entire student body hostage until their demands are met. Working with the FBI and the special government forces, the rebellious groups of boys have to devise a plan to short-circuit the hostage situation. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sean Astin, Wil Wheaton, (more)
- 1991
In this entry in the long-running mystery series, Perry Mason must reevaluate his legal principles when an old buddy asks him to represent the gangster suspected of murdering his wife. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Raymond Burr, Paul Anka, (more)
- 1989
Just before attending the funeral of an old friend, Jessica (Angela Lansbury) makes the acquaintance of young Rick Banner (Marc Singer), former college roommate of the dead woman's long-lost son Peter. When Rick hears a song written by Peter, the ball starts rolling for a onslaught of intrigue, ill will and murder predicated on the fact that the missing Peter will fall heir to millions should he ever make a return appearance. Jessica's fellow sleuth on this occasion is rumpled, clownish Chief Underwood (Lane Smith), who may remind some viewers of Peter Falk's Lieutenant Columbo (of course, both Columbo and Murder, She Wrote were created by the same writing team!) ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1987
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This film presents a portrait of the artist Norman Rockwell. Famous and beloved for his idealized oil paintings of small-town America, Rockwell's work appeared on over 300 covers of The Saturday Evening Post. Many other magazines featured his illustrations, including Collier's, Look, and Life. His style became so familiar that the description of life "like in a Norman Rockwell painting" entered the American vernacular. The video showcases some of his best work, which has only recently gained recognition for its artistic value, after his long run as America's favorite pop artist. Interviews with Erma Bombeck and other friends give perspective on the character and life of the artist. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
- 1986
Under Siege was first telecast in February 1986, a time when the notion of foreign terrorists in America was still speculative fiction. A militant group sets off explosives at US Army bases, then branches out to such civilian targets as crowded shopping centers. FBI director Peter Strauss discovers that these outrages are possibly being orchestrated by Iranian extremists. Despite pressure to take retaliatory action, US President Hal Holbrook continues to preach moderation, until he can be certain of the true source of the attacks. Under Siege was cowritten by Bob Woodward, of All the President's Men fame. Little Rock, Arkansas substitutes for Washington DC in several scenes, including one startling sequence set in the Capitol Building. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1986
Who Is Julia? was based on author Barbara H. Harris' "speculative fiction" page-turner. Mary Frances (Mare Winningham) is a dull, drab housewife suffering from brain disease. Julia (Judy Ledford) is a drop-dead-gorgeous model who is killed in a car accident. Out of desperation, the surgeons decide to transplant Julia's brain into Mary Beth's body. The balance of the film involves Julia's distressed reaction to being trapped with the plain features and blue-collar lifestyle of Mary Beth. Sidelines sufferers include Jameson Parker as Julia's husband and Jonathan Banks as Mary Frances' spouse. Who Is Julia? is a farfetched but irresistible made-for-TV effort. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1986
In this sci-fi film an astronaut finds himself endowed with superhuman powers after he was exposed to severe radiation resulting from a solar disturbance during the time he was in space. He uses those powers to find the one who murdered his colleague. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Greg Evigan, Deborah Wakeham, (more)
A man who simulates death for a living finds himself unwittingly tied into the real thing in this New York-based suspense drama. Special effects man Rollie Tyler (Bryan Brown) makes his living simulating gory mayhem and photogenic violence for movies such as "I Dismember Mama." Tyler is given a chance to expand his professional horizons when he's approached by Lipton (Cliff DeYoung), who introduces himself as an FBI agent and makes an unusual proposal. Mob kingpin Nicholas DeFranco (Jerry Orbach) is willing to testify against his fellow gangsters, but the investigators are worried about his safety. Lipton wants Tyler to help him and his staff fake DeFranco's assassination; if everyone is convinced DeFranco is dead, people will be a lot less likely to look for him. Tyler grudgingly takes the assignment, and while he's able to realistically simulate DeFranco being shot in a crowded restaurant, after the "gag," he discovers that he's been double crossed, and he's wanted for the murder of the man he just "shot." Tyler hides out with his girlfriend Ellen (Diane Venora), but he realizes that whoever set him up wants him dead after she's killed by a bullet meant for him. With the help of fellow effects artist Andy (Martha Gehman), Tyler goes underground and tries to unravel the truth behind the Lipton murder. Meanwhile, police detective Leo McCarthy (Brian Dennehy) is convinced that something is not right when he's called to the scene of DeFranco's murder and is certain that the dead body is not the gangster. F/X was followed by a sequel, and later a short-lived TV series. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bryan Brown, Brian Dennehy, (more)
- 1986
This two-part TV movie was the sequel to the ratings-grabbing 1983 miniseries Rage of Angels; both were based on the best-seller by Sidney Sheldon. Jaclyn Smith returns as dynamic New York trial lawyer Jennifer Parker, while Ken Howard likewise reprises his role as Jennifer's married lover, politician Adam Warner. Since villain Michael Moretti (Armand Assante) was killed off in Rage of Angels, we are left with Moretti's vengeful brother James (Michael Nouri) in the sequel. Part One, which aired November 2, 1986, recaps the events of the past six years and introduces mobster Moretti. Part Two, telecast November 3, reunites Jennifer with her long-lost mother (Angela Lansbury), while Moretti blackmails Senate-bound Adam Warner. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1985
Art Carney effectively portrays a weary, wisecracking Santa Claus (not the department store variety, but the real McCoy) in the made-for-TV The Night They Saved Christmas. Right now, Santa has very little to be jolly about: his North Pole toy factory is threatened with demolition by greedy oil prospectors. Eco-conscious Jaclyn Smith and three kids come to the rescue. The film is highlighted by several songs written by Paul Williams, who co-stars as chief elf Ed. Filmed in part at the Arctic Circle, The Night They Save Christmas was a Holiday perennial for several years after its December 1984 debut. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Half Slave, Half Free is the reissue title for African-American director Gordon Parks' TV movie Solomon Northup's Odyssey. Based on the autobiography Twelve Years a Slave, the film relates the story of Solomon Northup, a black freedman who, in 1841, was kidnapped in Washington D.C. and sold into slavery. Avery Brooks stars as Northup, having spent a dozen years' servitude in Louisiana before managing his escape. Northup's own written words bespeak a rebellious spirit not far removed from the firebrand freedom fighters of the '60s. Curiously, director Parks downplays this in favor of sentimentality. Under its original title, Half Slave, Half Free was originally telecast December 10, 1984, on PBS. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1984
When wealthy businessman Richard Kennerly (Richard Crenna) dies, he leaves behind a great many unresolved issues. More specifically, he leaves behind a wife named Catherine (Joanne Woodward) a mistress named Nina (Lindsay Wagner)--and the children from both liasons. Upon learning of Nina's existence, Catherine gears herself for a confrontation with her romantic rival. Things take an unexpected turn when both women discover that Richard left no provisions in his will for his illegitimate 6-year-old son. Made for television, Passions premiered October 1, 1984 on CBS. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
