Jeremy Licht Movies
- 1985
A middle-aged Annette Funicello stars in this made-for-Disney film about a blue-collar family whose lives are forever transformed when they win the lottery. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Movie Guide
Based on the popular television series created by Rod Serling, this film of horror and the supernatural tells four separate stories--each by a different director: John Landis, Steven Spielberg, Joe Dante and George Miller. In one, a bigot is taught a lesson when he is transported to experience the lives of three different victims of prejudice and intolerance. Another takes a trip to an old-age home where the arrival of a special man turns some of the residents into youthful people once again. In the third, a woman befriends a timid young child who turns out to be a maniacal brat with bizarre powers. The final segment shows how a man with an aversion to flying has a rough time when he panics and then sees a strange creature on the wing outside his window seat. ~ Kristie Hassen, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dan Aykroyd, Jeff Bannister, (more)
- 1982
In this standard sci-fi romance, the widow Andrea (Adrienne Barbeau) lives on a Greek island with her son Timmy (Jeremy Licht) and, like the other islanders, is amazed when a stranger Keir Dullea washes up on shore during a magnetic storm. She brings the apparently injured man home to help him recuperate his health, and a relationship develops between the two of them. At first seeming to suffer from amnesia, the stranger has a mysterious quality that comes more into focus when he performs certain miracles. As he demonstrates his powers, it is slowly revealed that he is a time-traveler, and his brother, in fact, once traveled back 2,000 years further in time. That makes the stranger the "Next One" on this time journey -- appearing as a second Christ to the population, at least for awhile. With limited special effects and a chaste romantic scenario, this film debuted as a pay-for-view TV feature and was not released theatrically. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Keir Dullea, Adrienne Barbeau, (more)
- 1982
Hardly a person is now alive who does not remember the 1978 ecological disaster at the chemical-waste deposits in Love Canal, New York. This made-for-TV film stars Marsha Mason as housewife Lois Gibbs, who suspects that her children have fallen ill due to leakage of toxic waste at the nearby deposits. The New York State Department of Health closes down the elementary school, but for Lois and nearly 700 of her neighbors, this just isn't enough. Lois begins a loud and aggressive movement to force the United States Government to relocate the residents of Love Canal, and to reimburse them for the loss of their property. Robert Gunton co-stars as Lois' husband, who faces unemployment as the result of his wife's refusal to sit down and be quiet. Written for television by Michael Zagor, Lois Gibbs & the Love Canal had its broadcast premiere on February 17, 1982. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Marsha Mason, Bob Gunton, (more)
- 1982
Skeezer is an irresistible dog with a special affinity towards handicapped children. Nurse/therapist Karen Valentine uses Skeezer to brighten the lives of the emotionally disturbed and mentally handicapped kids in her charge. The authorities aren't keen on Skeezer's presence, but rest assured they'll change their minds before the film's 97 minutes have elapsed. Skeezer is based on a true story, as chronicled in Elizabeth Yates' book Skeezer, Dog with a Mission. The made-for-TV film was first telecast as an NBC "Operation Peacock" special on December 27, 1982; it subsequently won an "outstanding children's program" Emmy award. Incidentally, the dog playing Skeezer was named O. J. (no wisecracks, if you please). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1981
The Ordeal of Bill Carney is a TV movie inspired by a landmark court decision. Ray Sharkey plays Carney, an Army reservist whose spine is damaged in a jeep accident. Left a quadriplegic, Carney loses custody of his two children to ex-wife Betty Buckley. Despite the concerted efforts of the Disabled Veterans of America, as well as paraplegic lawyer Richard Crenna, the courts refuse to restore custody to Carney. But with the moral support of Crenna and his girl friend, Carney keeps up the court battle, and eventually emerges victorious. The film sagaciously avoids all temptations to wallow in sentiment; Carney refuses to feel sorry for himself, and his attitude is contagious. The cast of Ordeal of Bill Carney includes three comparative newcomers on the verge of TV stardom: Ana Alicia as Carney's new lady friend, and David Faustino and Jeremy Licht as his children. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1980
After learning that his ex-wife has died, a man must assume custody of his two sons, whom he hasn't seen in several years. All three find much trouble adjusting to the awkward and painful situation. This moving made-for-TV drama is based on a young-adult novel by Richard Peck. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1980
In this family drama, a man whose wife has just left him is faced with caring for his children by himself. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1980
Made for television, a former professional baseball player (John Ritter) coaches a team of misfits to the little-league crown. ~ John Bush, All Movie Guide
- 1980
Jill Robinson's Bed-Time-Story, inspired by actual events, was the source for the made-for-TV A Cry for Love. Divorcee Susan Blakely, with no alimony and two kids to support, begins turning to amphetamines. While at her lowest ebb, she meets Powers Boothe, an alcoholic and three-time loser in marriage--who, incredibly, turns out to be the ideal man for her! Joseph Bologna and Renee Taylor were the guiding hands behind the Cry For Love teleplay. The film debuted on October 20, 1980. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1979
The Seekers was the third and last TV movie based on John Jakes' Kent Family Chronicles (the others were The Bastard and The Rebels). Heading the huge all-star cast is Randolph Mantooth as Abraham Kent, son of elderly Revolutionary War vet Andrew Kent (played by Martin Milner, replacing the first two films' Andrew Stevens), who has resettled in the treacherous Northwest Territory. Part One of this two-part, four-hour production finds young Abraham trying out a series of occupations, while his brother Gilbert (George Deloy) goes into his father's publishing business. Part Two takes us up to the War of 1812, as seen through the eyes of Jarod and Amanda Kent (Timothy P. Murphy and Sarah Rush), who shortly thereafter head westward. Originally syndicated as part of the Operation Prime Time package, The Seekers made its debut during the week of December 2, 1979. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1979
Jonah (Jeffrey Bravin) is a lonely deaf child who has been misdiagnosed as retarded. Jonah's mother (Sally Struthers) and father (James Woods) struggle to establish communication from their withdrawn son. As the specialists shake their heads and cluck their tongues, Jonah's parents finally manage to teach the child sign language, thereby opening up his world both intellectually and emotionally. And Your Name is Jonah is proof enough that Sally Struthers once had potential for greatness, and confirmation that James Woods was on the right artistic track as early as 1979. Despite competition from the network premiere of Taxi Driver, And Your Name is Jonah managed to post excellent ratings upon its original telecast. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
