Richard Penn Movies
- 1998
Given total control by the network when he returns to serve as guest host, Larry's (Garry Shandling) nemesis Jon Stewart finds his power slipping when the suits inform him that his show won't air due to a controversial Nazi skit. Meanwhile, despite Larry's best efforts to solidify his relationship with his brother Stan (Wayne Federman), he finds himself repeatedly distracted by his obsession with seeing Stewart fail. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1998
Widow Nancy (Patty Duke) has never seen eye to eye with Stephanie (Hillary Danner), the fiancee of Nancy's son Michael (Mark Kiely). In fact, Nancy and Stephanie have just finished a bitter argument over what sort of wedding to have when word comes that Michael has been seriously injured in a car accident. Hovering over her comatose son, Nancy insists that Michael be taken off life support, while Stephanie pleads with the doctors to save him--and somewhere in Limbo, Angel of Death Andrew (John Dye) gently informs Michael that even if he survives surgery, he will be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of life. In a lighter moment, Heavenly caseworker Monica (Roma Downey) shows up at Michael's bachelor party...popping out of a cake! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1996
Reluctant to tell his daughter, Rachel (Yvonne Zima), that he and Jenn (Christine Harnos) are about to get a divorce, Greene (Anthony Edwards) instead takes her ice skating -- and invites Lewis (Sherry Stringfield) along, much to Rachel's open dismay. Elsewhere, Vucelich (Ron Rifkin) has invited his research assistant, Benton (Eriq La Salle), to an exclusive dinner party, whereupon Benton asks Jeanie (Gloria Reuben) to accompany him -- a request that causes no end of embarrassment when he mistakenly thinks that he himself has been uninvited. And Carter (Noah Wyle) can't bring himself to tell Mr. Rubadoux (Red Buttons) that his wife has died. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1994
Season Seven of Murphy Brown commences as Murphy (Candice Bergen) tries to enroll her son Avery (played for the first time in this episode byDyllan Christopher) into the prestigious--and very exclusive--Ducky Lucky Preschool. Hoping to win over the school's snobbish board members, Murphy calls in several favors and throws a "celebrity" party. This may well be the only TV program in history to feature both California Senator Barbara Boxer and kiddie-show icon Captain Kangaroo (Bob Keeshan)! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1991
With the help of odds-maker Carlton (Alfonso Ribeiro), Will (Will Smith) wins $100 at the country club's Monte Carlo fundraiser. Then he discovers that, according to club tradtion, he is expected to donate the money to charity--specifically, Uncle Philip's favorite charity, the LAPD. Subsequently, Philip (James Avery) blows his top when he finds out that Will has not contributed his winnings...or has he?. An underprivileged kid and a basketball camp figuring prominently in the story's outcome. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 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, All Movie Guide
