Geri Jewell Movies
Actress and comedienne Geri Jewell marked a first: the first performer with a life-altering physical disability to hold a regular part on a primetime network sitcom. Despite a permanent condition of cerebral palsy that impacted her speech and physical coordination, Jewell clung steadfastly to a dream of establishing herself as a stand-up comic, a dream realized with a successful series of engagements at L.A.'s hallowed Comedy Store in 1978, then the Media Access Awards in 1980. Witnessing great talent and tenacity, producer Fern Field sensed Jewell's potential and introduced her to television mogul Norman Lear, whose work creating such programs as All in the Family, Good Times, Maude, and The Jeffersons had put him at the top of his game during the 1970s. Deeply impressed by Jewell, Lear tapped her to play Geri Warner, the 23-year-old cousin of Blair Warner (Lisa Whelchel), on the all-girls prep school sitcom The Facts of Life. Though not a regular, Jewell appeared intermittently on the program from 1981 to 1984, and via her disability helped the series explore issues theretofore unaddressed in primetime programming. Following the end of Jewell's run on Facts in 1984, she turned up on an episode of 21 Jump Street and in the Gail Singer all-female stand-up documentary Wisecracks (1991), but found her most substantial audience as cleaning woman Jewel on HBO's 19th century western drama Deadwood (2004-2006). Meanwhile, Jewell continued to tour as a comedienne, a motivational speaker, and a disability trainer for such organizations as the U.S. Army and the CIA. She also opened for musical acts including Robert Goulet and Judy Collins and landed a major role as Aunt Lolly in the 2006 comedy The Night of the White Pants, co-starring Tom Wilkinson and Nick Stahl. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
His life seemingly spiraling out of control with no means of pulling out of the earthbound dive, a Dallas powerbroker follows his daughter's punk rock boyfriend for a wild night of youthful mayhem that may just bring him back around if it doesn't kill him first. There was a time when Max Hagen (Tom Wilkinson) had it all, but somewhere between a heart attack, an impending third divorce, and being kicked out of his lavish mansion by his soon-to-be ex-wife Barbara (Janine Turner), everything fell apart. Now faced with the arduous prospect of pulling himself up by the bootstraps and attempting to re-claim his ever shrinking lot in life, Max finds an unlikely ally in the form of his daughter's renegade boyfriend Raff (Nick Stahl), a free-spirited rock-and-roller who may just hold the key to teaching this old dog a few new tricks. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Wilkinson, Nick Stahl, (more)
- 2005
Al (Ian McShane) is apparently suffering from kidney stones, and his health has worsened to the point where he cannot speak. He has locked himself in his office, and writhes on the floor in agony as his minions knock and deliver news, uncertain as to what to do. Francis Wolcott (Garret Dillahunt, who played Jack McCall in season one) arrives in the camp, looking to buy gold claims, and is immediately taken for a fish by E.B. (William Sanderson), who offers to sell Wolcott the last letter written by Wild Bill Hickok, falsely claiming that it makes reference to a massive find. Maddie (Alice Krige) knows precisely who Wolcott is, and tells Joanie (Kim Dickens), who is dismayed to learn that Maddie had a hidden motive for coming to Deadwood. Wolcott is a "specialist" who has a particular fondness for one of Maddie's girls, and who has been known to become violent with whores. He is also a talented geologist in the employ of the ruthless and powerful mining magnate George Hearst, and it's clear that Maddie plans to use his perverse interests against him. Alma (Molly Parker) tells Ellsworth (Jim Beaver) that she's thinking of buying E.B.'s hotel, mainly because she despises E.B. and would like to see him out in the street. She also decides to fire Miss Isringhausen (Sarah Paulson), complaining about the young woman's "air of disapproval." Trixie (Paula Malcomson) asks Sol (John Hawkes) to teach her accounting. Wolcott enlists both E.B. and Cy (Powers Boothe) to circulate rumors about the validity of the camp's gold claims. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2004
Al (Ian McShane), cleaning a bloodstain off the floor of the Gem, offers some advice. "You might, Dan (W. Earl Brown), want to learn how to indicate interest in a girl without murdering another person." E.B. (William Sanderson) has murder on his mind, suggesting to Al that offing Seth (Timothy Olyphant) and Alma (Molly Parker) in their sleep might be the best way to gain control of Alma's gold claim. But then smallpox vaccine arrives in the camp, along with news of a probable treaty with the Sioux, and Al, sensing a change of times, preaches patience. "We are about to be swimming in money," he tells E.B. Alma, having taken Trixie's (Paula Malcolmson) words to heart, is ready to accept E.B.'s bid and return with the girl (Breeseanna Wall) to New York, but Seth insists on assaying her claim first. Ellsworth (Jim Beaver) is just the man to do it, but at the claim, he lets Seth get far enough ahead of him that he can say to Dan, "If I'm to get my throat cut...I'd rather not exert myself further." With Dan's reassurance, Ellsworth points out a rich vein of gold to Seth. Trixie, meanwhile, has apparently decided that her prospects for continued survival in Deadwood are poor. On returning to camp, Seth meets with Al, who tells him, "If a treaty is signed, it'd be wise for you and me to paddle in the same direction." Seth wants Al to guarantee Alma's safety, and he does. Flora (Kristen Bell), knowing that Cy (Powers Boothe) suspects her, convinces Miles (Greg Cipes) that it's time for them to make their move. Joanie (Kim Dickens) tries to protect her, but as Cy puts it to one dismayed onlooker, "You could help your delicate sensibilities by turning the f*ck away." ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2004
Seth (Timothy Olyphant) and Charlie (Dayton Callie) manage to track down Jack McCall (Garret Dillahunt). After dealing with him, they head back to Deadwood. A young brother and sister, Miles (Greg Cipes) and pretty Flora (Kristen Bell of Veronica Mars), arrive in town, looking for their long-absent father. Unable to find him, Miles takes a job sweeping up at the Gem from an unusually generous Al (Ian McShane). Dan (W. Earl Brown) takes a particular interest in Flora, as does Joanie (Kim Dickens), when Flora makes her way across the street to look for her father at the Bella Union. Surprisingly, while she declined to take work as a prostitute at the Gem, she seems willing to have Joanie take her under her wing. Al calls Trixie (Paula Malcolmson) back to the Gem after noticing Alma's (Molly Parker) apparent sobriety on her way to her husband's funeral. Trixie admits to helping Alma get off dope, claiming it was for the sake of the little girl (Breeseanna Wall). E.B. (William Sanderson) finally realizes that Al wants Alma's claim back because there's gold there, and convinces Al to offer him a percentage to get Alma to sell. Andy (Zach Grenier) has nearly fully recovered thanks to the ministrations of Doc (Brad Dourif) and Smith (Ray McKinnon), but mostly thanks to Jane (Robin Weigert). He returns to the Bella Union to get his things, but rejects Cy's (Powers Boothe) offer to start working together again. Seth returns to town. Having been unable to find someone to assay Alma's claim, he decides to ask Al for a recommendation. "Get his opinion, too," Sol (John Hawkes) tells Seth, "who should guard that henhouse we're gonna build." Trixie angrily confronts Alma about putting her own desires above the welfare of the child. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2004
Wild Bill Hickok is dead, and the people of Deadwood prepare to try the man who murdered him, Jack McCall (Garret Dillahunt). Discussing the "hoople-heads," Al (Ian McShane) tells Cy (Powers Boothe), "Sometimes I wish we could just hit 'em over the head, rob 'em, and throw their bodies in the creek." Cy sardonically replies, "But that would be wrong." Al is worried about trying and possibly executing McCall in town, because it might irk some people in Washington to see Deadwood enforcing its own laws. Still, he agrees to hold the trial at the Gem, while making his view of things clear to the judge. Seth (Timothy Olyphant) struggles to keep his anger in check until a verdict comes down. Alma (Molly Parker), upset with Jane (Robin Weigert) for abandoning her while she cares for the girl (Breeseanna Wall), asks E.B. (William Sanderson) to help her find someone to replace Jane. E.B. goes to Al, and, informing him of the widow's laudanum habit, suggests that Trixie (Paula Malcolmson) could help Alma with the child, while encouraging her along in her habits. Cy, worried about Andy (Zach Grenier) scaring or infecting his customers, has him brought out into the woods and left to die, angering Joanie (Kim Dickens). Doc (Brad Dourif) threatens to spread word of smallpox unless Cy sends someone to Fort Kearney to obtain vaccine. Jane finds Andy in the woods. At trial, McCall testifies that Bill murdered his brother sometime back; he's not quite sure when. After Bill's funeral, Reverend Smith (Ray McKinnon) has a seizure. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2004
Seth (Timothy Olyphant) is not happy in his new post as health commissioner. He proposes a town dump and infirmary to the mayor, E.B. (William Sanderson), whose lack of interest sends Seth to make his case to the media, in the form of A.W. Merrick (Jeffrey Jones). Seth is also looking into purchasing another piece of property in camp. Smith's (Ray McKinnon) health continues to deteriorate. He seems soothed by the music of the new piano at the Gem, but Al is forced to throw him out to keep him from humiliating himself. Doc (Brad Dourif) explains that the reverend has a tumor, and there's nothing to be done. Joanie (Kim Dickens) tells Eddie (Ricky Jay) that she doesn't want to take Cy's (Powers Boothe) money for her new place. Eddie offers to steal from Cy to back her himself. One of Mr. Wu's (Keone Young) couriers is killed and robbed of some dope that was meant for Al's (Ian McShane) business. Al agrees to help Wu track down and punish the thieves. Soon enough, he determines that a dope fiend in his employ, Jimmy Irons (Dean Rader-Duval), collaborated on the murder/robbery with one of Cy's underlings, Leon (Larry Cedar). This presents a dilemma for Al. As he explains to Wu, if he turns over two white men for one dead Chinese, "When they finish stringing you up, they'll come get me." Al goes to Cy for advice, but Cy is unsympathetic. Because Cy doesn't have to maintain a business relationship with Wu, he "can stand on principle." In other words, as Cy puts it, "A white dope fiend is still white." Al has more trouble when Magistrate Claggett's bagman, Silas Adams (Titus Welliver), arrives from Yankton with a demand for more money to make Al's murder warrant disappear. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2004
Al (Ian McShane) is upset when a new brothel, the Bella Union, opens up across the street. He goes over to meet the proprietor, Cy Tolliver (Powers Boothe), along with the woman who runs his whores, Joanie Stubbs (Kim Dickens), and the man who runs his gaming operation, Eddie Sawyer (Ricky Jay). Al expresses his concerns about the overlap, but Cy casually dismisses them, explaining that the more upscale Bella Union offers a "different atmosphere" from the Gem. Al, unsatisfied, tries to find out who betrayed him by arranging the sale. E.B. Farnum (William Sanderson), who owns the hotel, and brokered the sale for profit, is understandably worried about his continued health. Brom (Timothy Omundson) tells Bill (Keith Carradine) and Charlie (Dayton Callie) about how Al duped him. Bill explains that there's little he can do about it, and Charlie notes that there was a large stain on the floor of his hotel room when he checked in, noting of the fella who sold Brom the claim, "He may have checked out short a useful amount of blood." Charlie, planning to leave for Cheyenne, and worried about Bill, tries to arrange a dinner with Seth (Timothy Olyphant) and Sol (John Hawkes), while they continue negotiations to buy their plot from Al so that they can begin building their store. Brom refuses to accept his losses and leave town, despite Alma's (Molly Parker) concerns. He confronts Al directly, demanding his money back. Al, pleading ignorance, but worried that Brom will call in the Pinkertons, offers to refund Brom's money if Dan (W. Earl Brown) and Brom thoroughly "reconnoiter the rim" of his claim, and find no trace of gold. "Make it look like an accident," Al advises Dan before the two set out. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2004
With Ned Mason killed by Bill (Keith Carradine) and Seth (Timothy Olyphant), it seems clear that the Metz family was killed by road agents, and not Sioux. Al (Ian McShane) knows that the trail could lead back to him, and calls in Ned's brother, Tom (Nick Offerman), and his partner, Persimmon Phil (Joe Chrest), to discuss the matter. Worried about Bill's influence on Deadwood, Al tries to convince Tom to avenge his brother's death. Al is also concerned about what the little girl (Breeseanna Wall) will say if she regains consciousness, so while Doc Cochran (Brad Dourif) is tending to his whores, Al pays a visit to the doc's, where Jane (Robin Weigert) has been left to stand guard over the child. Sensing Jane's fear of him, Al warns her not to interfere with him. "If I take a knife to you," he says, "you'll be scared worse and a long time dying." Al sees that the girl is now awake, and dispatches his underling Dan Dority (W. Earl Brown) to deal with the situation. Doc, meanwhile, is also dispensing laudanum to Alma Garret (Molly Parker), who seems to have developed a dangerous habit. Her husband, Brom (Timothy Omundson), after an encounter near his claim with Ellsworth (Jim Beaver), realizes that he's been duped, and suspects Al. He decides to go to Bill for help. Sol (John Hawkes) tries to negotiate to buy their plot for the store, but Seth's temper, and Al's paranoia about their connection to Bill hamper his efforts. Charlie (Dayton Callie) encourages Seth's budding friendship with Bill, telling Seth that while he shares many traits with Bill, Seth also somehow manages to "get along with people, turn a dollar, look out for yourself." ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2004
On the night that Sheriff Seth Bullock (Timothy Olyphant) and his friend and business partner, Sol Star (John Hawkes), plan to leave Montana for Deadwood, with plans to open a hardware store, Bullock is faced with a dilemma. He's got Clell Watson (James Parks), a horse thief due to be hanged the next morning, in his jail, and an angry mob outside that wants to kill Watson in a less orderly fashion. After dealing with the situation bravely and honorably, Seth and Sol set out a little earlier than planned. Also among the many making their way to the lawless frontier town are legendary gunfighter Wild Bill Hickok (Keith Carradine) and his cohorts, Calamity Jane (Robin Weigert) and Charlie Utter (Dayton Callie). Already making his mark in town, Whitney Ellsworth (Jim Beaver), a prospector, is talking to the owner of the Gem, Al Swearengen (Ian McShane) about his gold claim. "I don't trust you as far as I can throw you," Ellsworth, a fair judge of character, tells Al, "but I enjoy the way you lie." Al's attention is quickly diverted when one of his prostitutes, Trixie (Paula Malcolmson), guns down an abusive john. He's also involved in conning Brom Garret (Timothy Omundson), a wealthy New Yorker, into buying a seemingly worthless gold claim. Seth and Sol arrive in town, and rent a space for their store from Al, to whom Seth takes an almost immediate dislike. Bill seems eager to spend all his time losing all his money at poker to the obnoxious Jack McCall (Garret Dillahunt), but when a family is found slaughtered not far from town, presumably by Sioux, he joins Seth on a ride out to the scene of the carnage. The premiere episode of Deadwood was directed by Walter Hill (The Long Riders). ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
This concert and interview documentary features the racy wit of Canada and the U.S.'s most popular female comedians, including Jenny Jones, Whoopi Goldberg, Phyllis Diller, Ellen DeGeneres, and Paula Poundstone. In addition to screening their stand-up gigs and providing interviews with these funny ladies, the documentary provides some historical perspective about the origins of present-day feminine humor using clips of performances by Eve Arden, Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Phyllis Diller, Whoopi Goldberg, (more)
- 1982
Though Two of a Kind was hardly George Burns' television debut, it was his first dramatic TV appearance. Burns is cast as Ross "Boppy" Minor, who is shunted away to a nursing home by his unfeeling son-in-law Cliff Robertson. Robby Benson co-stars as Nolie Minor, Boppy's mentally retarded grandson. Both outcasts from "normal" society, Nolie and Boppy form a strong bond in this touching domestic drama. An Emmy Award went to songwriters James Di Pasquale and Dory Previn for their theme song "We'll Win the World." Two of a Kind first aired October 9, 1982. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- George Burns, Robby Benson, (more)
