Sheila James Movies
- 1988
The second of two TV-movie attempts to revive the Dobie Gillis sitcom series of the 1950s and 1960s, Bring Me the Head of Dobie Gillis rounds up as many cast members of the old show as humanly possible. Dwayne Hickman took a break from his busy career as a CBS daytime-drama executive to recreate the role of Dobie Gillis, while Bob Denver was back as his beatnik "good buddy" Maynard G. Krebs. Also making return appearances are Sheila James as Zelda Gilroy (now Mrs. Dobie Gillis), Steve Franken as ridiculously wealthy Chatsworth Osborne Jr., and William Schallert as Dobie's college teacher Mr. Pomfritt. The plot concerns the attempts by Dobie's former high school sweetheart, the ever-mercenary Thalia Menninger, to wrest Dobie away from wife Zelda and claim him for her own. Tuesday Weld, the original Thalia, wasn't interested in reprising the character (nor was Dwayne Hickman interested in working with the troublesome Ms. Weld again), so the role was assumed by another 1950s TV icon, Connie Stevens. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Denver, Dwayne Hickman, (more)
- 1976
While conducting an inspection of a ramshackle fast-food stand, John (Randolph Mantooth) takes a liking to the establishment's delicious chili dogs--so much so that he talks everyone at the station (except Roy [Kevin Tighe]) into setting up "Station 51 Enterprises" in order to market the tasty dogs. The emergency roster this week includes a man wounded by a power mower, and a chemical plant fire. Former Dobie Gillis regular and future California state senator Sheila James appears in this episode. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 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
- 1964
This is one of the first sitcom episodes to acknowledge the phenomenon known as Beatlemania. Hoping to cash in on the popularity of the Fab Four, Uncle Joe organizes a female rock group called the Ladybugs, consisting of his three nieces and Sheriff Ragdale's daughter Sally (played by Sheila James, formerly Zelda Gilroy on Dobie Gillis, and better known in recent years as California State Senator and feminist activist Sheila James Kuehl). Musical comedy legend Donald O'Connor directed this episode, in which the "Ladybugs" perform their deathless signature tune "I'll Be Your Ladybug If You'll Be My Beatle"--which the girls had previously introduced on the March 22, 1964 edition of The Ed Sullivan Show! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
In the conclusion of a two-part story arc, Mrs. Drysdale demands that the city of Beverly Hills tear down the replica of Granny's Ozark cabin that has been erected in the back yard of the Clampett mansion. At the same time, a group of well-meaning social workers, headed by a girl named Ginny Jennings (Sheila James), mount a campaign to rescue Granny's "home" from the wrecking ball. John Stephenson, best known for his voice-over work as Mr. Slate on The Flintstones, appears as Professor Graham. "Jed Foils a Home Wrecker" originally aired on June 3, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Homesick Granny is yearning for the simple pleasure of her old mountain cabin in the Ozarks. Not wishing to lose the Clampett account, banker Drysdale mollifies Granny by constructing a replica of the old cabin in the backyard of the Clampetts' Beverly Hills mansion. The presence of this eyesore incurs the wrath of Mrs. Drysdale -- and the heart-on-sleeve compassion of a band of social workers. Sheila James, the former Zelda Gilroy on Dobie Gillis, guest stars as Ginny Jennings, while cartoon voice-over specialist John Stephenson is seen as Ginny's professorial mentor. "Cabin in Beverly Hills" first aired on May 27, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1956
Teenage Rebel was the misleadingly lurid title bestowed upon this film version of Edith R. Sommer's Broadway play A Roomful of Roses. Ginger Rogers heads the cast as Nancy Fallon, a divorcee who has trouble communicating with 15-year-old daughter Dodie (Betty Lou Keim). Left in the custody of her father, Dodie feels as though her mother has deserted her. The situation doesn't improve very much when Nancy marries Jay (Michael Rennie), providing her daughter with another excuse for resentment and petulance. The responsibility for resolving this dilemma is laid at the feet of Jay's young son Larry (Rusty Swope). Teenage Rebel represents the film debut of Warren Berlinger, superbly repeating his stage role as one of Keim's school chums. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ginger Rogers, Michael Rennie, (more)
- 1954
- Add Seven Brides for Seven Brothers to QueueAdd Seven Brides for Seven Brothers to top of Queue
Based extremely loosely on the Stephen Vincent Benet story Sobbin' Women," Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is one of the best MGM musicals of the 1950s. Most of the story takes place on an Oregon ranch, maintained by Adam Pontabee (Howard Keel) and his six brothers, played by Jeff Richards, Russ Tamblyn, Tommy Rall, Mark Platt, Matt Mattox, and Jacques d'Amboise (it is no coincidence that five of those six boys are played by professional dancers). When Adam brings home his new bride Milly (Jane Powell), she is appalled at the brothers' slovenliness and sets about turning these unwashed louts into immaculate gentlemen. During the boisterous barn-raising scene, the brothers get into a scuffle with a group of townsmen over the affection of six comely lasses: Virginia Gibson, Julie Newmeyer (later Newmar), Ruth Kilmonis (later Ruth Lee), Nancy Kilgas, Betty Carr, and Norma Doggett (yep, most of the girls are dancers, too). Yearning to become husbands like their big brother, they ask Adam for advice. Alas, he has been reading a book about the abduction of the Sabine Women (or, as he puts it, the Sobbin' Women); and, in order to claim their gals, Adam explains, the boys must kidnap them--which they do, after blocking off all avenues of escape. Vowing to remain on their best behavior, the boys make no untoward advances towards their reluctant female guests--not even during one of the coldest winters on record. Comes the spring thaw, the angry townsfolk come charging up the mountain, demanding the return of the stolen girls (who, by this time, have "tamed" their men). A happy ending is ultimately had by all in this delightful if politically incorrect concoction. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Howard Keel, Jeff Richards, (more)
