Stacy Keach Movies
A fine dramatic actor who never quite made it as a movie star and so settled with a highly successful career as a television leading man, Stacy Keach is best known for playing the title character in the television detective drama Mike Hammer (1984-1987). Though born with an irreparable harelip, Keach is a sturdy and handsome fellow who is often cast as policemen or other authority figures.Keach is the son of a British actor and drama coach, Stacy Keach Sr., and was born in Georgia but raised in Los Angeles. While attending the U.C. Berkeley, Keach became interested in drama. An agent told him that his harelip would make it impossible for Keach to get leading roles. Keach disbelieved him and went on to study drama at Yale. He then received a Fulbright scholarship to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. In New York, he essayed a number of Shakespearean roles and those of other classic plays. He also worked in more contemporary productions such as the off-Broadway McBird!, which won him his first Obie and a Vernon Rice Drama Desk Award. He again won these awards after he played Hamlet at the New York Shakespeare Festival. In 1969, Keach won a Tony nomination for his Broadway debut, portraying Buffalo Bill in Arthur Kopit's Indians. For his performance in The Kentucky Cycle, Keach earned a Drama League Outstanding Artist Award, the Helen Hayes Award for Best Actor, and a Drama Award nomination for Best Actor. Keach made his feature-film debut as an alcoholic wanderer in The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter (1968). Keach's movie career took off afterward and he appeared in several major movies in quick succession, including Brewster McCloud (1970) and The New Centurians (1972). In 1971, Keach made an award-winning short film, The Repeatery. Later, he also made a television version of Pirandello's complex Six Characters in Search of an Author. As a movie actor, Keach's heyday ended by the early '80s, after appearing in both American and international productions of widely varying quality; Keach then turned to television.
Mike Hammer was a very successful show, but production abruptly stopped when British customs officers at London's Heathrow Airport found Keach carrying a significant amount of cocaine. He spent several months imprisoned in England, but was released in 1986. Having kicked his drug habit, Keach repaired his damaged career and started showing up regularly in television miniseries such as The Blue and the Gray (1985).
Keach continues his stage work, often narrates documentaries, and occasionally appears in feature films such as Escape From L.A. (1995). Keach is a member of the Los Angeles Classic Theatre Work, the Yale Theater Circle, and the Players Club. In addition, he works on the Artistic Advisory Board for the National Foundation for the Advancement in the Arts, the Artists Committee for the Kennedy Center Honors, and the Helen Hayes Honorary Committee. In the '90s, Keach was named Honorary Chair for the Cleft Palate Foundation and in 1995 won the Celebrity Outreach Award for his charitable work. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1995
This series, Planet of Life, presents the history of evolution on this planet. Originally produced for the Discovery Channel, each episode covers a separate chapter in the biography of the world. This episode examines the evolution of humans with the use of computer animation. This video posits that one group of primates moved onto the plains where they evolved the ability to stand upright, in order to survive. These inhabitants of the veldt may be modern humans' direct ancestors. Stacy Keach narrates. ~ Rob Ferrier, All Movie Guide
In this video, Nova revisits the terror and destruction of the L.A. earthquake and offers predictions for future occurrences of earthquakes in California. ~ Laura Mahnken, All Movie Guide
- 1994
This video from the PBS series Nova takes the viewer to Nebraska to learn the fascinating story of the state's geologic history. Ten million years ago, a tremendous volcanic eruption buried the region in up to ten feet of ash. The remains of flora and fauna are preserved in stone, and provide clues and answers to questions about life in those times. Paleontologist and Nebraska native Mike Voorhies, who discovered the prehistoric site, shares what he has learned from the physical evidence of another era. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
James Michener's best-selling historical novel comes to the screen in this made-for-TV drama. In 1821, the Texas territory was still ruled by Mexico, but a growing number of settlers were unhappy with the despotic leadership of the notorious General Santa Ana (Lloyd Battista). In time, a movement arose calling for Texas to win its independence from Mexico, and under the leadership of Stephen Austin (Patrick Duffy) and Sam Houston (Stacy Keach), these demands evolved into a full-scale revolution, leading to the legendary battle of the Alamo, spearheaded by Davy Crocket (John Schneider) and Jim Bowie (David Keith). Originally shown as a two-part miniseries, James A. Michener's Texas also features Rick Schroeder and Randy Travis; Charlton Heston narrates. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patrick Duffy, Stacy Keach, (more)
Stars of country music fill out the cast of this made-for-TV western. Kenny Rogers plays a bounty hunter who sets off with his newlywed partner (Travis Tritt) to track down the kidnappers who ran off with Tritt's wife (Laura Harring). ~ Jason Ankeny, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Horror virtuoso John Carpenter hosts this goofy horror anthology, originally produced for Showtime as a gory stepchild of HBO's Tales from the Crypt series. Playing an emaciated, eye-rolling "coroner," John introduces the audience to a triptych of creepy vignettes in the EC horror-comics mode while paddling about in the guts of assorted cadavers and cracking jokes more gag-inducing than anything oozing on the slab. Two of the stories are directed by Carpenter himself: "The Gas Station" is a retread (pun intended) of Halloween-style scare tactics as a pretty gas-station attendant watches various oddballs pass by her window after hearing that an escaped killer is on the loose; "Hair" is a morbid, hilarious look at man's obsession with his own virility in which Stacy Keach turns to a bizarre hair-growth clinic (run by David Warner & Debbie Harry) which promises instant results, but at a horrific price. The third segment, directed by Tobe Hooper, involves a baseball player (Mark Hamill) who receives an eye transplant after a car accident and soon begins having optical flashbacks revealing (you guessed it) the identity and tendencies of the eye's former owner -- a serial killer. The second segment is by far the most entertaining, featuring a wonderfully neurotic performance by Keach, but the first and last chapters are too derivative to offer much for the discriminating horror buff, although the same fans will enjoy several cute cameos from other genre directors, including Wes Craven, Sam Raimi and Roger Corman. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
This stylish animated adventure is based on the '90s animated television series, which in turn is based on the original comics and Tim Burton's live action "Batman" films. Unlike the campy 1960s version of Batman, this version is half-mad from the superhero's obsession with justice. It is only his unusual sense of ethics that keeps him from becoming a full-blown psychotic. The story describes the origins of Batman as it follows the Dark Knight's attempts to capture the elusive, deadly Phantasm who kills a crime lord and makes it look as if Batman did it, causing a media smear campaign against the Caped Crusader. At the same time, millionaire Bruce Wayne holds a party at his mansion. There he meets Councilman Arthur Reeves, the man behind the accusations. Reeves derides playboy Wayne for allowing his college sweetheart Andrea Beaumont to leave him. Suddenly Wayne flashes back to his pre-Batman days. He remembers how he met her while visiting his parents' graves to renew his vow that he would spend his life fighting crime to avenge their wrongful deaths. He has already devised an early version of his alter-ego Batman, but that is nearly forgotten when he falls in love with Andrea. The story then jumps from past to present and back as the mysterious Phantasm strikes again. Batman continues his investigation and discovers a disturbing link between Andrea, who suddenly shows up after many years absence, and the villain. Meanwhile, the Phantasm, feeling that Batman is too close to learning his/her identity hires the Joker to kill him. But the Joker has his own agenda and much action ensues before the mystery of the Phantasm identity is solved, Batman clears his name, and justice is served. This film was originally made to go straight to video, Warner's studio liked it enough to release it theatrically. Some of the violence may be inappropriate for very young children. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kevin Conroy, Dana Delany, (more)
- 1993
Action genre veteran David A. Prior wrote and directed this thriller that unfolds like a B-movie version of Midnight Run (1988). David Keith stars as Mace, a former cop now working as a bounty hunter or "skip tracer." When his daughter is murdered, the mayor (Charles Napier) of a small Southern town hires Mace to find the killer, who's suspected to be Mitch (Robert Hays), the victim's date from the evening of her death. Mace tracks down his target but when Mitch is nearly killed in an explosion, it becomes clear that he's innocent and the real killer is trying to wipe him out. After being ambushed and nearly killed, Mace and Mitch are joined by Sarah (Pamela Anderson), a hooker who witnessed the attack. As the three of them try to stay alive, they uncover a political conspiracy involving the deputy mayor (Stacy Keach) and the corrupt police force that Mace once quit in disgust, led by a crooked detective (Leo Rossi). Also known as Skip-Tracer. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- 1992
This PBS documentary chronicles the highly political and oftentimes tragic dynasty of the Kennedy family, and the profound impact it has made on America throughout the years. Hosted by historian David McCullough, the documentary features several Kennedy experts, including fellow historian Theodore Sorenson, author Doris Kearns Goodwin, the late Speaker of the House Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill, and a bevy of family friends and colleagues who have served the Kennedy clan in their many political endeavors. ~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide
- 1992
President Abraham Lincoln leads the Union in the fight to end the awful bloodshed of the Civil War. The year is 1863. The president had a continuous struggle with the commanders of his army, and the bloodshed from the fighting at Antietam and Fredericksburg distressed him greatly. 1863 was the year of his Emancipation Proclamation and Gettysburg Address. Listen to the story of the events that led to the amazing address at Gettysburg. Actor Jason Robards brings to life the voice of President Lincoln. PBS originally aired this program, the second of a four-volume set narrated by actor James Earl Jones. ~ Linda J. Shriver, All Movie Guide
- 1992
A shrewd politician, Abraham Lincoln had the intelligence, ambition, and principles to grow into his job as president. This is the first of four videos in the Lincoln series, which originally aired on PBS. Produced and directed by Peter W. Kunhardt, this program is narrated by renowned actor James Earl Jones, and features award-winning actor Jason Robards reading from letters, speeches, and diaries. Highlights include period photographs. The other three programs in the series are titled Lincoln: The Pivotal Year, 1863, Lincoln: I Want to Finish This Job, 1864, and Lincoln: Now He Belongs to the Ages, 1865. ~ Steve Blackburn, All Movie Guide
- 1992
This video is the fourth installment of the Lincoln series, originally aired on PBS. This volume focuses on the last days and hours of Abraham Lincoln's life. Viewers watch as Lincoln's enemies plot their final revenge on the man they believed had dishonored their heritage. The video also reveals how Lincoln's own dreams foreshadowed his murder and how the series of public funerals, following his death, helped fuel his legendary status that has only grown with time. ~ Karla Baker, All Movie Guide
- 1992
By the third year of the Civil War, personal and national tragedy had worn down President Lincoln. However, he focused on his job tenaciously, having a strong sense of history. This is the third of four programs in the Lincoln series, which originally aired on PBS. Produced and directed by Peter W. Kunhardt, this program is narrated by renowned actor James Earl Jones and features award-winning actor Jason Robards reading from letters, speeches, and diaries. Highlights include period photographs. The other three programs in the series are titled Lincoln: The Making of a President, 1860-1862, Lincoln: The Pivotal Year, 1863, and Lincoln: Now He Belongs to the Ages, 1865. ~ Steve Blackburn, All Movie Guide
- 1992
The American Experience: The Kennedys -- The Later Years (1962-1980) is the second part of a two-part documentary series on PBS. In 1960, John F. Kennedy is elected the 35th president of the U.S., both the youngest president and the first Roman Catholic to hold the office. He is assassinated in 1963. In 1968, Senator Robert Kennedy is killed after winning several presidential primaries. Senator Ted Kennedy loses his post as Majority Whip, but runs for president in 1980. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- 1992
Warren Oates was a well-respected American supporting actor who achieved his greatest success during the 1960s and 70s. He chiefly played villains and losers for such innovative directors as Sam Peckinpah. This documentary, narrated by his friend Ned Beatty gives a good picture of the actor as a man, since it was produced with the cooperation of his family. However, the producers were unable to secure rights to screen clips of many of his performance in his most significant films (e.g. Major Dundee and The Wild Bunch), so this tribute is somewhat incomplete. Nonetheless, the film is graced by interviews fellow actors such as Peter Fonda and Robert Culp who offer their insights and fond recollections. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Fonda, Stacy Keach, (more)
- 1992
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Like humans, dolphins have large brains and a complex social structure. In this Nova documentary, Private Lives of Dolphins, we see footage of behavior never witnessed before. While the privacy of dolphins at research stations in Florida and Australia may not be as secluded as in the open seas, we do get a glimpse of their behavior in the wild. In addition, the dolphin's relationship with humans is closely examined. This fascinating study of the dolphin's intelligence, and their interactions with both their own kind and with us, furnishes the viewer with a unique insight into the development of the mammalian brain. ~ Alice Day, All Movie Guide
Sunset Grill directed by Kevin Connor is a suspenseful, well-written and acted contemporary film noir with an idiosyncratic look at life on the wild side. Ryder Hart (Peter Weller) is a burnt-out former L.A. private detective who hears about the murder of a trafficker in illegal aliens, but who does not get involved until his wife is murdered. Investigating the murder, Ryder meets tycoon Shelgrave (Stacy Keach), who collects Mayan art, and his seductive assistant Loren (Lori Singer). The rather complicated plot includes double-crosses, possible murders of illegal aliens to sell their organs, and it culminates in a bloody shootout. Director Conner deftly ties up all the loose ends of the plot and gives them an internal consistency, as one incident leads to and explains another, creating a portrait of a complex, anti-hero, whose pain is explained but not sentimentalized. The plot is over-complicated, and the supporting cast contains more lunatics than most asylums, however Sunset Grill delivers what it promises: complex, contemporary mystery at its very best. ~ Linda Rasmussen, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Weller, Lori Singer, (more)
- 1992
In this suspenseful drama, a trucker exacts his revenge upon the druggy driver that killed his son. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Stacy Keach, Lisa Banes, (more)
- 1991
Though featuring a down-beat ending, this true tale of a Czech journalist who gives her life helping the oppressed during the years prior to WWII is an inspirational one. Milen Jesnska began her quest to help others in 1920 Prague when she defied her father's wishes that she become a doctor like him and went into journalism. For a while she lives in Vienna with her husband, Jewish music critic Ernst Pollack, and during that time begins writing regularly to Franz Kafka. After leaving her husband and returning to Prague to be with her father, she and Kafka meet, and she becomes his friend and translator. In 1923, she covers an important workers' strike and meets and marries Jaromir, a communist architect. Becoming a communist herself, Milena writes articles for a Marxist newspaper. As Nazis come to power in Germany, they become her next cause. She boldly speaks out against them and because of this is sent to a concentration camp during the war. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Valérie Kaprisky, Stacy Keach, (more)
Mark L. Lester's follow-up film to his Class of 1984 is a rancidly violent peek at a near-future high school world of terror -- The Jetsons meet The Terminator. In Lester's world, total anarchy rules (at least in Seattle). Classrooms are sinkholes of violence, and around the kill-zone high schools "Free Fire Zones" are set up that look like re-creations of Dachau. Rival youth gangs roam these areas with enough artillery for a second Vietnam War. The gangs' insane violence is exacerbated by a drug called Edge. When the Department of Educational Defense needs to supply new teachers, they look to a secret government agency headed by Dr. Bob Forrest (Stacy Keach) who sends new teaching recruits (Pam Grier, John P. Ryan, Joshua Miller) to the beleaguered high school. These novice teachers are not your ordinary teaching-college graduates, however. They are "tactical education units" -- cyborgs reprogrammed to teach readin' and writin' and 'rithmetic. If the students don't learn their daily assignments, they learn an even bigger lesson -- learn or die. The strict disciplinarian robots compel the student gangs to unite and fight the new educational menace. Under the leadership of Cody Culp (Bradley Gregg), who has just gotten out of reform school and has seen that there is more to life than killin' and cuttin' and Edge, the punks take up arms against the cyborgs who are invading their high-school turf. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bradley Gregg, Traci Lind, (more)
- 1990
- PG
Waylaid and left for dead by an enemy agent, U.S. intelligence officer Harlan Erickkson (Stacy Keach) awakens with amnesia. Because his assailant had switched clothes and identification with him, Erickkson now believes that he's the enemy spy. The authorities think so too, and lock up Erickkson for nearly 20 years. Upon his release, Erickkson, still suffering from memory loss, is inexorably drawn to his home town. Once we meet his family, we can understand why Erickkson has blocked out his prior existence! The film segues from an espionage melodrama to a "family skeleton" affair straight out of Faulkner. Veronica Cartwright and Genevieve Bujold, cast respectively as Keach's bibulous sister-in-law and a local radio deejay, do what they can with impossibly written roles. False Identity was directed by star Stacy Keach's brother James. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Stacy Keach, Geneviève Bujold, (more)
- 1989
The Forgotten deserves at least a small niche in TV history as the first-ever TV movie made especially for the USA cable network. Based on a story by Vietnam veteran Paul Staples, the film concerns six American Green Berets, held for 17 years in a Vietnamese POW camp. They are finally released in secret, during a delicate trade-talk session between Vietnam and the United States. Keith Carradine, the ex-prisoners' CO, begins to suspect that government-man Stacy Keach, who is in charge of the debriefing, may be pursuing a hidden agenda that will result in the early deaths of Carradine and the five men under his command. Stacy's brother James Keach directed Forgotten and also co-wrote the script with another of his stars, Steve Railsback. First aired April 26, 1989, The Forgotten set the "viewer discretion" standard for all future USA TV movies with its grim flashback sequences depicting the torture methods of the NVA. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
