Richard Kiley Movies
Richard Kiley trained for a theatrical career at the Barnum Dramatic School. Just before his World War II service, Kiley played small roles in several Chicago-based radio programs. He relocated to New York in 1947, making his Broadway debut in a 1953 revival of Shaw's Misalliance (which earned him a Theatre World Award). He spent the next two decades alternating in "straight" plays and musicals: his credits in the latter category include Kismet, Redhead, No Strings and, of course, his Tony-winning dual performance as Cervantes and Quixote in Man of La Mancha. In films from 1950, Kiley was often cast as a menace, never more so than in 1953's Pickup on South Street, in which he commits the heinously antisocial act of murdering Thelma Ritter. He was more sympathetic as the alcoholic teacher in The Blackboard Jungle (1955), whose faith in his abilities is irreparably damaged when his juvenile delinquent students wantonly destroy his valuable record collection. On television, Kiley starred in the original 1956 staging of Rod Serlings Patterns and was Emmy-nominated for his work in The Thorn Birds (1983), Do You Remember Love? (1988), Separate But Equal (1990),and his own starring series A Year in the Life (1989). He finally won the Emmy for a 1994 guest appearance in Picket Fences. Ironically, the most successful film endeavor with which Richard Kiley was associated was one in which only his voice is heard; he's the fellow who explains the cloning process in the opening animated sequences of Jurassic Park (1993). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide- 1985
Given the credibility of the story and the sincerity of the players, it is surprising to learn that the made-for-TV Do You Remember Love? is not based on a true story. Joanne Woodward stars as a brilliant college professor and poet, struck down in her prime by Alzheimer's disease. Her husband Richard Kiley tries to cope, but is ultimately disheartened by Woodward's degenerating condition. Even sadder is the fact that Woodward, in her cogent moments, is fully aware that she is losing her ability to function. Written by Vickie Patek, this potentially depressing drama has a logically conceived uplifting finale. Do You Remember Love? was first telecast May 21, 1985. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1985
1985's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is the only filmed version of the Mark Twain classic to cover every episode in the original novel and not merely such familiar vignettes as the "King and the Duke" business. Presented in four parts, Finn opens in 1844, with young Huck (Patrick Day) being kidnapped from the home of the Widow Douglas (Sada Thompson) by his brutal, drink-sodden Pap (Frederic Forest). Huck escapes by faking his own death and rafting down the river in the company of escaped slave Jim (Samm-Art Williams). Part two offers the seldom-dramatized scene in the novel wherein an abolitionist is lynched; part three recounts the Shepardson/Grangerford feud; and part four culminates with the chicanery of the King (Barnard Hughes) and the Duke (Jim Dale) and the capture of Jim. Featured in the huge cast are Lillian Gish, Geraldine Page, Butterfly McQueen, Richard Kiley, and Eugene Oakes as Tom Sawyer. Originally clocking in at 240 minutes, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was first telecast in February and March of 1986 on PBS' American Playhouse; it is currently available in a 105-minute videocassette version. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patrick Day, Frederic Forrest, (more)
- 1984
- Add National Geographic: Surviving Everest to QueueAdd National Geographic: Surviving Everest to top of Queue
This three-part "Collector's Edition" details the struggle and beauty of climbing the world's tallest mountain. The first part, "Surviving Everest," is an interview video-montage of several of the adventurers who have successfully reached the peak of Everest. The second part, "Return to Everest" is a retrospective of Sir Edmund Hillary (the first man to reach the summit) and his relationship with the mountain and the Sherpa people who live in the foothills. The third and final segment is an interview with Sir Edmund Hillary, with questions on his historic climb and his feelings on his success. ~ Ed Atkinson, All Movie Guide
- 1984
Brought to video by National Geographic, this educational tape is a return to the once unthinkable summit of Mount Everest. Starring the original cast members from 30 years prior -- climbing legend Sir Edmund Hillary and his Sherpa companion, Tenzing Norgay -- this documentary examines there return to the glory years with a detailed account of the original and subsequent conquest. Included is a rare look into the culture of the people of Kungbu, Nepal, and the noble relationship that exists between these two courageous pioneers. Additional highlights include footage of the 1953 historic ascent that sent a message to the world of no mountain too high. ~ C. Dwayne Smith, All Movie Guide
This mammoth TV miniseries, based on the best-selling novel by Colleen McCullough, proved to be a ratings bonanza; indeed, its viewership was surpassed only by the 1978 blockbuster Roots. Set in Australia, the story covers 42 years in the life of Ralph de Bricassart (Richard Chamberlain), a Roman Catholic priest engaged in a constant struggle between his calling and his carnal desires. The women in de Bricassart's life include Meggie Cleary (Rachel Ward, in her first American TV role) and Meggie's iron-willed grandmother Mary Carson (Barbara Stanwyck). Also in the cast are Jean Simmons and Richard Kiley as the Clearys, Sydney Penny as the young Meggie, Bryan Brown as Luke O'Neill, Mare Winningham as Justine (Meggie's daughter) and Christopher Plummer as the Archbishop. This 4-part, 10-hour presentation earned an Emmy award for Barbara Stanwyck, and Golden Globes for Stanwyck and Richard Chamberlain. Originally telecast March 27 through March 30, 1983, The Thorn Birds was followed 13 years later by The Thorn Birds: The Missing Years, again starring Richard Chamberlain. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Chamberlain, Rachel Ward, (more)
- 1983
- Add Starfest: The Stars Salute Public Television: Starfest to QueueAdd Starfest: The Stars Salute Public Television: Starfest to top of Queue
It's a star-studded extravaganza of epic proportions as the biggest names in showbiz gather together on-stage to pay tribute to public television in a 1983 television special captured live at the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas and hosted by acting veterans Diahann Carroll and Richard Kiley. A highly-charged musical variety special that features a winning-collection of Broadway and Tin Pan Alley favorites including "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" and "The Impossible Dream," this once-in-a-lifetime television special offers the talents of such Tinseltown luminaries as Patti LuPone, Steve Allen, Rich Little, Jayne Meadows, opera diva Roberta Peters, and a 36-piece orchestra fronted by renowned bandleader Raymond Offenberg. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1983
Rainforest: Heroes of the High Frontier looks at the brief history of rainforest research. Through some inventive camerawork, the directors follow enthusiastic researchers to the tops of rainforest trees (known as the rainforest canopy), where more than half of the earth's species reside. Lighthearted music and the exuberant energy of the researchers give this video a playful tone. The researchers, however, do not fail to mention the importance of rainforest conservation as the main component in the continuation of their important research. ~ John Schietinger, All Movie Guide
- 1982
The made-for-television Pray TV was the subject for hot debate long before its February 1, 1982 debut. This even-handed exploration of the televangelism business stars Ned Beatty as the Reverend Freddy Stone, whose religious empire nets $3 million annually. John Ritter co-stars as Rev. Tom McPherson, a newly ordained clergyman who joins the Stone operation. As Ritter begins to question the religious ethics behind Stone's lucrative ministry, a subplot develops involving Reverend Gus Keffer (Richard Kiley), who in contrast to Stone must operate on a shoestring, minus the glittery trappings of TV, radio, and SRO revival meetings. Lane Slate's teleplay takes great pains to offend no one; whether this is good or bad is up to you. Pray TV bears no relation to the earlier theatrical-feature comedy of the same name. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1981
Golden Gate revolves around a San Francisco-based newspaper empire run by a family named Kingsley (it could just as well have been "Kane," since the family was based on you-know-what Frisco-based publishing dynasty). Richard Kiley, the cold and commanding Kingsley patriarch, suffers a heart attack. Kiley's long-estranged son Perry King returns to San Francisco to save the newspaper from bankruptcy, and to stave off a hostile takeover by a crooked money man. There's plenty of tense infighting and terse dialogue, courtesy of veteran TV scenarist Stirling Silliphant. Golden Gate may have smelled like a pilot film, but the story was too self-contained to allow for a subsequent series. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1981
- R
Based on a novel by Scott Spencer, Endless Love details the doomed romance between 17-year-old David (Martin Hewitt) and 15-year-old Jade (Brooke Shields). Banished from Jade's home by her daddy Hugh (Don Murray), David obsessively cooks up a scheme to get back into the family's good graces. Since this plan involves setting Jade's house on fire, one can easily predict that the puppy-love romance is in for a bumpy ride. Jailed for arson, David heads directly to Jade the moment that he's released, with tragic results. Posting respectable earnings thanks to the popularity of Brooke Shields, Endless Love was also the film debut of Tom Cruise, billed 18th in the cast list. A young James Spader lends a supporting role. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Brooke Shields, Martin Hewitt, (more)
- 1981
Isabel (Jean Stapleton), a widowed executive secretary, is forced into early retirement by executive Lymon Jones (Richard Kiley), whom she herself trained. Actually, Jones has an ulterior motive; he's fallen in love with Isabel, and wants to marry her. Now Isabel must choose between Jones or keeping her job in order to train Jones's successor Peter Coyote. For her work in Isabel's Choice (working title: A Life of Her Own), Jean Stapleton won an award from the National Commission for Working Women. The made-for-TV film was first telecast December 16, 1981. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1980
A gangster who was wrongfully executed for a killing is promised leniency from Satan if he returns to earth in the body of a lawman who is trying to stamp out evil. Trouble is, the dead man has a hard time being evil enough to get revenge. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Strauss, Richard Kiley, (more)
- 1977
- R
Adapted from Judith Rossner's best-selling novelization of a true story, Richard Brooks's melodrama turns one woman's search for a liberated life into a cautionary tale about promiscuity. After an affair with her college professor, no-longer-good Catholic girl Theresa Dunn (Diane Keaton) follows the lead of her hedonistic sister (Tuesday Weld) and moves out of her oppressive family home to forge a life of her own. A compassionate teacher of deaf children by day, Theresa metamorphoses into a sexually free cruiser of singles bars by night. She prefers the satisfying attentions of unpredictable, danger-tinged stud Tony Lopanto (Richard Gere) to the more noble intentions of social worker James (William Atherton), but she ditches anyone who prevents her from being her "own girl." As Theresa's life threatens to spin out of control, she makes a vow to clean up her existence once and for all. But before she makes the break, she goes to one more bar and brings home one more man (Tom Berenger). ~ Lucia Bozzola, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Diane Keaton, Tuesday Weld, (more)
- 1976
The Macahans is a two-hour TV movie utilizing characters originally created for the 1962 Cinerama extravaganza How the West Was Won. In his first post-Gunsmoke project, Zeb Macahan stars as frontiersman Zeb Macahan, who in the early 1860s returns to Virginia to visit his family. It takes only the slightest encouragement for Zeb's brother (Richard Kiley) to agree to bring his family along with Zeb on another westward trek. Eva Marie Saint, the brother's wife, isn't keen on leaving her cozy Southern household, but neither is she anxious to be in Virginia when the Civil War breaks out. Narrated by William Conrad (who had coincidentally starred on the radio version of Gunsmoke) and jam packed with action, The Macahans served as the pilot for the subsequent James Arness TV series How the West Was Won, which ran from 1978 to 1979. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1975
Ten years before she was murdered, Dian Fossey, subject of the film "Gorillas in the Mist," was one of the naturalists featured in this documentary about primates. Fossey studied the mountain gorillas of central Africa. The other scientist, Birute Galdikas-Brindamour, studied the orangutans of Borneo. Both worked towards the survival of two species severely impacted by the encroaching demands of human beings. Footage is included of Fossey and Digit, one of the many gorillas she befriended and learned from in her years of fieldwork and study. ~ Leslie Birdwell, All Movie Guide
- 1975
Except for Me and Thee is the syndicated title of Friendly Persuasion, the pilot film for an unsold TV series based on the novel by Jessamyn West. Richard Kiley and Shirley Knight star as Quaker farmers Jess and Eliza Birdwell, whose pacificism is put to the test when the Civil War breaks out. In keeping with the humanitarian edicts of their religion, the Birdwells aid several slaves in their escape from the South. Brothers Michael and Kevin O'Keefe play the Birdwells' eldest sons (Michael continued acting into the 1990s).Friendly Persuasion was previously adapted into a popular film in 1956, starring Gary Cooper and Dorothy McGuire; Dmitri Tiomkin's theme music from that film was redeployed for Except for Me and Thee. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Kiley, Shirley Knight, (more)
- 1974
Colonial America provides the backdrop for the adventures of a peddler who comes from the wilderness into the meetings of the founding fathers. ~ All Movie Guide
Stanley Donen directed this lugubrious musical fantasy based on the classic Antoine de Saint-Exupery children's parable, featuring a musical score by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe -- their first film score since Gigi. The simple story concerns a French aviator (Richard Kiley) who crashes his airplane in the middle of the Sahara desert and comes upon a young blonde prince (Steven Warner) from another planet. The Little Prince tells the pilot that he is inspecting the universe and stays in the desert long enough to convey to the pilot his impressions of the earth and stories of other planets he has visited. In a supporting role as a serpent that the Little Prince met amongst his travels in the universe, Bob Fosse stops the show with a slithery dance routine. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Kiley, Steven Warner, (more)
- 1972
The FBI and the Reds are both on the prowl for traitorous scientist Frederic Scott (Richard Kiley). While on assignment for the spy ring to whom he has sold out, Scott suddenly dashes off to parts unknown in search of his estranged wife Margaret (Marian McCargo). This clash of priorities threatens to prove fatal for both the traitor and his wife. Featured in the cast is Hurd Hatfield, best remembered for his saturnine portrayal of the title character in the 1945 film version of The Picture of Dorian Gray. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
The Broadway Theatre Archive presents this performance of Ronald Ribman's The Ceremony of Innocence. Set in the 11th century, the story involves English King Ethelred (Richard Kiley) who must choose between going to war with the invading Danes or stopping the violence and bloodshed of his people. Also starring James Broderick and Jessie Royce Landis. Performed at the NET Playhouse and broadcast on PBS in 1975. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- James Broderick, Richard Kiley, (more)
- 1971
Richard Kiley guest-stars in this episode of the TV weekly Name of the Game. Kiley plays a Ralph Nader-style consumer advocate, currently masterminding an expose of the fish-canning industry. When several attempts are made on Kiley's life, Crime magazine editor Dan Farrell (Robert Stack) investigates. The dilemma: the culprit may be one of Crime's biggest advertisers. Pernell Roberts, Diana Muldaur, Nancy Olson and Ed Flanders co-star in Beware of the Watchdog, which debuted on March 5, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1971
A charming doctor who kills his female patients is discovered by a private detective in this made for television movie. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1971
Generally cast as a villain in such series as the F.B.I., Richard Kiley is herein seen as the victim. Kidnapped by three homicidal extortionists, pediatrician Herbert Barth (Kiley) manages to break free and escapes into the wilderness. The rest of the episode is a variation on the old "Most Dangerous Game" theme, as Barth is hunted down like an animal by expert marksman James Vaughn (Jerry Ayres). This episode was filmed on location in the forests of Utah and Washington State. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
