Paul Simms Movies
- 2007
The band goes on tour, but a wild stay in a hotel leads to trouble. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
The murder of NewsRadio regular Phil Hartman just after filming wrapped on the season's fourth season not only enveloped the rest of the cast in grief and sorrow, but also nearly prompted NBC to cancel the show. Reportedly, the producer kept the series afloat by relinquishing a financial piece of the property to the network--but even this move did not prevent the series' fifth season from being its last. The opening episode acknowledges the loss of Hartman with an unforgettable storyline deftly blending tears with bellylaughs, as the staff of radio station WNYX reacts to the fatal heart attack that claimed the life of vainglorious news anchor Bill McNeal. Well, most of the staff, anyway: Nerdish reporter Matthew (Andy Dick) is still laboring under the misapprehension that Bill has merely relocated to Afghanistan. Shortly thereafter, Jon Lovitz joins the cast as Bill's replacement Max Lewis, a neurotic "radio gypsy" who has lost 37 jobs in the last 20 years. However, no power on earth seems capable of removing Max from the anchor desk at WNYX--not even the resentful Matthew, who cooks up a bizarre scheme to get Max canned. Other than the opener, this season is remembered for a wacked-out three-part story arc, in which WNYX owner Jimmy James (Stephen Root) is arrested on the suspicion that he is actually notorious federal fugitive D.B. Cooper. This turn of events forces news director Dave Nelson (Dave Foley) to fend off the machinations of Jimmy's evil replacement Johnny Johnson, played by the ubiquitous Patrick Warburton)--at least until Jimmy is saved by the eleventh-hour intervention of Adam West (It makes sense when you see it!) The series ends with a 2-parter, built around the staff's efforts to prevent Jimmy from retiring (as if anyone could blame him after the D.B. Cooper debacle). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dave Foley, Maura Tierney, (more)
There's a bit of unanticipated irony in the opening episode of NewsRadio's fourth season, with Jon Lovitz cast as a would-be suicide who perches himself on the ledge outside the office of radio station WNYX's news director Dave Nelson (Dave Foley). One year later, Lovitz would join the cast as a regular, replacing the beloved Phil Hartman, who was murdered shortly after filming wrapped on Season Four. A quartet of subsequent episodes feature a story arc with Lauren Graham guesting as a manic efficiency expert. The abrupt departure of series regular Khandi Alexander obliges the writers to come up with a "Rashomon"-style episodes wherein everyone has a different story as to why abrasive news anchor Catherine Duke has left WNYX. Also, Bob Odenkirk and David Cross of Mr. Show fame, joined by one of that series' writers, Dave Posehn, show up as three members of the singing quartet to which Dave had once belonged; news reporter Lisa (Maura Tierney) becomes one of the guys--almost literally--when the station's other female staffers call in sick--and in a two-parter, pompous anchorman Bill (Phil Hartman) proves to be jaw-droppingly efficient when he briefly takes charge of the station. Best of the fourth-season batch is the fantasy finale "Sinking Ship", wherein the cast finds themselves on the deck of the "Titanic" way back in April of 1912, with resourceful maintenance man Joe (Joe Rogan) endeavoring to repair the iceberg damage with his ever-present roll of duct tape. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dave Foley, Phil Hartman, (more)
Season Three of NewsRadio opens with WNYX radio-station owner Jimmy James (Stephen Root) considering a run for the presidency--and in an even more frightening development, nerdish radio reporter Matthew (Andy Dick) acquiring a mustache. But wait, there's more! News director Dave (Dave Foley) and reporter Lisa (Maura Tierney) re-take the SAT to find out if growing older has made them dumber; vainglorious news anchor Bill (Phil Hartman) begins drawing up plans when a psychic informs him that he has only 36 more years to live; Matthew impulsively punches out Bill and becomes King of the Office for a whole entire day; the staff goes ballistic when they find out that Dave was born in Canada; Jimmy is suckered into purchasing phony Citizen Kane memorabilia (the name of the sled ISN'T "Rose Bowl"); Lisa shows a curious sense of priorities when she temporarily takes over the station; and Bill is carted away to the insane asylum on the occasion of the series' 48th episode, which is titled "Our Fiftieth Episode". Guest stars this season include cartoonist Scott Adams in an episode built around Matthew's obsession over Adams' creation Dilbert; James Caan in a story that turns out to be about Green Acres; Ben Stiller as a greedy gym manager; Jerry Seinfeld as himself in the saga of Lisa and Bill attempting to get a new show some ratings; French Stewart as a temp who manages to out-weird even Matthew; and, in an episode taped for the previous season but withheld from view because of one of the Words You Couldn't Use On Television Much, Norm MacDonald as a slick attorney representing Jimmy in a workman's-comp dispute. Also, Season Three offers the first of the series' celebrated fantasy episodes, "Daydream", which is topped by the penultimate offering "Space", wherein for no other reason than the producers thought it would be funny, the entire cast is thrust forward into the year 2228. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dave Foley, Phil Hartman, (more)
- 1995
The only thing harder to predict than tomorrow's news is what the folks at WNYX, an all-news radio outlet in New York City, might do next on the popular situation comedy NewsRadio. NewsRadio focuses on news director Dave Nelson (Dave Foley), a recent arrival in New York from the Midwest who's not always certain how to deal with the whims of station owner Jimmy James (Stephen Root). Dave also has to juggle a not-so-professional relationship with staff writer Lisa Miller (Maura Tierney), massage the egos of on-air anchors Bill McNeal (Phil Hartman) and Catherine Duke (Khandi Alexander), and keep the many other eccentrics on the staff happy. NewsRadio debuted on NBC on March 21, 1995, and ran for five seasons. Khandi Alexander left the cast seven episodes into the show's fourth season; her character, Catherine, quit WNYX to take a job in England, while Alexander stayed busy in both television and movies. In the final season, Jon Lovitz joined the cast as news reader Max Lewis, a character added to the show after the tragic death of Phil Hartman, who was shot by his wife while the series was on hiatus. The final new episode aired on May 4, 1999. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- 1995
Wide-eyed Wisconsinite Dave Nelson (Dave Foley) becomes the latest in a long of a news directors brought in to the hype the ratings of New York all-news radio station WNYX as Newsradio beams forth its first season. Almost immediately, Dave clashes with newscaster Lisa Miller (Maura Tierney), who thought that she was in line for Dave's job. Lisa and Dave will eventually bury the hatchet and enjoy a brief affair, but not before our hero has made the acquaintance of the rest of the WNYX staff, namely his bombastic, buck-passing boss Jimmy James (Stephen Root), preening and pompous male news anchor Bill McNeal (Phil Hartman), antagonistic female anchor Catherine Duke (Khandi Alexander), terminally nerdish reporter Matthew Brock (Andy Dick), viper-tongued, all-knowing station secretary Beth (Vicki Lewis) and mercenary maintenance man Joe Garelli (Joe Rogan). In the opener for the series' seven-episode inaugural season, Dave finds out that his first responsibility is to fire his predecessor. Other crises loom large as Bill is forced to stop smoking in the office; a late-breaking news story takes second place to a turf battle involving desk sizes; Dave is stuck with the job of handing out unfairly distributed bonuses; and Beth spectacularly turns the tables on Bill when the lascivious newsman tries to make time with her at a restaurant. The season ends with a guest appearance by Janeane Garofolo as Dave's former girlfriend--who hasn't yet been informed that she is indeed his former girlfriend! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dave Foley, Phil Hartman, (more)
Baby-faced news director Dave Nelson (Dave Foley) continues to leap over unexpected obstacles in his efforts to put New York radio station WNYX at the top of the ratings heap as NewsRadio commences its second season. Ingredients essential to the action this season include a boobytrapped refrigerator (courtesy of indolent station maintenance man Joe Garelli [Joe Rogan]); a collection of nudie-cutie pictures featuring WNYX's acid-tongued receptionist Beth (Vicki Lewis); the short unhappy life of Mike the "office rat", and the rodent's subsequential funeral via the mail chute; the announcement by station owner Jimmy James (Stephen Root) that he plans to get married;a homicidal Santa Claus who has it in for swell-headed news anchor Bill (Phil Hartman); an embarrassing moment in which Dave overhears the staff making fun of him; a practical-joke war which threatens to go thermonuclear when Bill and his co-anchor Catherine (Khandi Alexander) are the combatants; a nocturnal poker game in which Jimmy loses Bill to a rival station; the dreams of nerdish staffer Matthew (Andy Dick) of having a "group home" in The Hamptons; and the on-again, off-again romance between Dave and news reporter Lisa (Maura Tierney) Season Two guest stars include John Ritter as a psychiatrist hired to de-stress the WNYX staff, Bebe Neuwirth as a friend of Beth's who copies her every move, and Mr. Show's David Cross as a pathetic magician. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dave Foley, Phil Hartman, (more)
- 1994
Though Larry vehemently refuses to admit that he has a problem, Artie (Rip Torn) and Roseanne stage an intervention after realizing that Larry's (Garry Shandling) addiction to painkillers is spiraling out of control. While Artie and Roseanne hold Larry at home and force him to quit cold turkey, suspicions around the office are aroused when Pat Sajak sits in for Larry during his week-long convalescence. Roseanne forces Larry to come clean with his crew, but their supportive display is spiked with cynicism when Paula (Janeane Garofalo) wins the office pool with her speculation that Larry's absence was drug-related. As Larry returns to the office longing for the company of Roseanne, the two express their feelings for one another over lunch, leading to an unexpected kiss and a proposal from Larry. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1994
Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) must choose between his dedication to the show and his dedication to his marriage when his first wedding anniversary falls around the same time as the seventh anniversary of The Larry Sanders Show. After inviting Larry to his and Margaret's (Leah Lail) anniversary dinner, Margaret breaks the news to Larry that she's going to file for divorce. She cities Hank's dedication to Larry over her as the source of her frustration, and Hank ultimately decides that his loyalties lie firmly with the show. Special guest stars include Leah Lail, Joan Embery, Wayne Rogers, and Jeopardy stalwart Alex Trebek. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1994
When it's announced that Artie (Rip Torn) will be producing this year's People's Choice Awards, Larry (Garry Shandling) vies for host duties and Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) makes his bid to become the announcer. In addition to the tension that arises when Artie doesn't hire them, Hank's feeling are hurt when Larry pulls one of his jokes from the show. After the host Artie had hired pulls out at the last minute, Larry gets the gig but is dismayed to discover that his co-hosts will be Dean Cain and Rita Moreno. As Larry and Artie nearly come to blows over the miscommunication, Elvis Costello seems a bit down in the dumps as well. Special guest stars include Deborah May, Reynaldo Duran, Elvis Costello, Rita Moreno, and Bob Odenkirk. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1994
Everything seems to be falling apart on The Larry Sanders Show as Danny DeVito cancels an upcoming appearance and the L.A. earthquake prompts Larry (Garry Shandling) to consider relocating the show and shooting on a new stage. As Larry hammers out the details, he can't help but be distracted by the subpar gifts his show gives away. In a last ditch effort to get DeVito back on the show, Paula (Janeane Garofalo) harasses the actor in hopes that he'll reconsider his cancellation. Special guests include Carol Siskind, Paul Wilson, Edward Ring, Danny DeVito, and Jimmie Walker. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Obsessive fans are nothing new when it comes to celebrities, and Larry (Garry Shandling) finds that out the hard way in this episode of HBO's popular talk show satire The Larry Sanders Show. When Larry takes notice that his number one fan is following his career (and his every move) a bit too closely, paranoia gets the best of our gracious host. Guest stars include Phil Hartman, Jeff Chayette, Lane Davis, Nelson Lesmo, Tony Perez, Kim Robillard, Jack Shearer, and Corbin Bernsen. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Taking note of Larry's (Garry Shandling) increasing depression in the face of slipping ratings, the lack of an Emmy nomination, and an impending divorce from wife Jeannie (Megan Gallagher), Artie (Rip Torn) and Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) decide to fix their down-in-the-dumps friend on a series of dates. Despite a bevy of attractive prospects, the only one Larry can truly find a connection with happens to be the same one he parted ways with in the past...his ex-wife, Francine (Kathryn Harrold). Special guest stars in this two-part opening of The Larry Sanders Show's second season include Deborah May, Eric Briant Wells, Victor Raider-Wexler, Kathy Ireland, and Los Lobos. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Taking note of Larry's (Garry Shandling) increasing depression in the face of slipping ratings, the lack of an Emmy nomination, and an impending divorce from wife Jeannie (Megan Gallagher), Artie (Rip Torn) and Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) decide to fix their down-in-the-dumps friend on a series of dates. Despite a bevy of attractive prospects, the only one Larry can truly find a connection with happens to be the same one he parted ways with in the past...his ex-wife, Francine (Kathryn Harrold). Special guest stars in this two-part opening of The Larry Sanders Show's second season include John Riggi, Karen Lynn Scott, Eric Briant Wells, Kristin Davis, Victor Raider-Wexler, Dana Delany, Helen Hunt, Teri Garr, and Susan Anton. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1993
The Larry Sanders Show gets a new producer in this episode of HBO's popular late-night talk show satire. When Artie gets stuck on the freeway during torrential rains, Paula (Janeane Garofalo), the show's booker, momentarily takes over the reigns as producer. Guest stars include Bruno Kirby, Les Lannom, D.V. DeVincentes, Stephen Wright, and Porno for Pyros. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Unsatisfied with the negotiating tactics of his current, more laid-back agent, Larry (Garry Shandling) decides to go for the gusto in his upcoming contract negotiations by hiring a new, more aggressive agent who isn't afraid to deal with the network on his own terms. Guest stars include Barry Levinson, James Karen, John Pleshette, Tommy Newsom, Doc Severinsen, and Bob Odenkirk. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Larry (Garry Shandling) finds that a change of pace may be in order in this episode of HBO's Emmy award-winning satire of late-night talk shows. When a new owner acquires the station and begins meddling with the format of The Larry Sanders Show, Larry seriously considers either moving the show to the East Coast or quitting the business entirely and moving to Montana. Guest stars in this final episode of the second sesaon include David Warner, Bob Odenkirk, Robin Quivers, Fred Pinkard, Howard Stern, and Chris Farley. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1993
A vacation is never truly a vacation for some, as Larry (Garry Shandling) discovers in this episode of HBO' s The Larry Sanders Show. Despite the fact that Larry is physically away from the show, the specter of discontent follows him as Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) begins alienating a series of co-hosts. It turns out that some of Hank's unusually grating behavior may be due to his nervous anticipation as he awaits the opening of his new restaurant. Guest stars include Martin Mull, Jerry Seinfeld, John Riggi, Burt Reynolds, and Pauly Shore. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1992
Television contract negotiations are the stuff of legends in the entertainment industry, and viewers get a healthy dose of the outlandish demands of television stars in this episode of The Larry Sanders Show. It's contract negotiation time for Larry's (Garry Shandling) sidekick, Hank (Jeffrey Tambor), and Hank has set his demands at an all-time high. In addition to demanding a raise, it seems that Hank could also use a new golf cart. Guest stars in this episode of The Larry Sanders Show include Robin Williams and George Foreman. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1992
A temporary change threatens to become permanent in the fifth episode of HBO's popular behind-the-scenes late-night talk show satire The Larry Sanders Show. When Larry's (Garry Shandling) friend takes over for faithful producer Artie (Rip Torn) on what was supposed to be a short-term basis, he begins scheming to ensure that Artie won't be coming back. This episode of The Larry Sanders Show features guest appearances by Bill Applebaum, Ian Buchanan, Robert Morton, and Jeff Cesario. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1992
Low television ratings can take a heavy toll on talk show hosts, and Larry (Garry Shandling) begins to feel the heat as viewers tune out in this episode of HBO's The Larry Sanders Show. Worried that this may be the result of waning quality, Larry hires a focus group to tune up the show. Special guest stars include Dick Simmons and Pamela Sue Martin. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1992
Larry's (Garry Shandling) insecurities shine through in the fourth episode of HBO's The Larry Sanders Show. When comedian Dana Carvey's guest appearance turns out to be a rollicking success, Larry's nervousness over the solidity of his host status leads him to become a bit paranoid. In addition to Carvey, this episode also features a special guest appearance by Anne-Marie Johnson. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1992
Arachnophobia rears its ugly head in the third episode of HBO's popular late-night talk show satire The Larry Sanders Show. With a spider-wrangler scheduled to appear on the upcoming show, Larry's (Garry Shandling) reluctance to gracefully accommodate his eight-legged guests finds him attempting to avoid the arachnids by arranging a skit with guest Carol Burnett. In addition to Burnett, this episode also features a guest appearance by popular comedic actor Jon Lovitz. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
