Karl Malden Movies
The son of Yugoslav immigrants, Karl Malden labored in the steel mills of Gary, Indiana before enrolling in Arkansas State Teachers College. While not a prime candidate for stardom with his oversized nose and bullhorn voice, Malden attended Chicago's Goodman Dramatic School, then moved to New York, where he made his Broadway bow in 1937. Three years later he made his film debut in a microscopic role in They Knew What They Wanted (1940), which also featured another star-to-be, Tom Ewell. While serving in the Army Air Force during World War II, Malden returned to films in the all-serviceman epic Winged Victory (1944), where he was billed as Corporal Karl Malden. This led to a brief contract with 20th Century-Fox -- but not to Hollywood, since Malden's subsequent film appearances were lensed on the east coast. In 1947, Malden created the role of Mitch, the erstwhile beau of Blanche Dubois, in Tennessee Williams' Broadway play A Streetcar Named Desire; he repeated the role in the 1951 film version, winning an Oscar in the process. For much of his film career, Malden has been assigned roles that called for excesses of ham; even his Oscar-nominated performance in On the Waterfront (1954) was decidedly "Armour Star" in concept and execution. In 1957, he directed the Korean War melodrama Time Limit, the only instance in which the forceful and opinionated Malden was officially credited as director. Malden was best known to TV fans of the 1970s as Lieutenant Mike Stone, the no-nonsense protagonist of the longrunning cop series The Streets of San Francisco. Still wearing his familiar Streets hat and overcoat, Malden supplemented his income with a series of ads for American Express. His commercial catchphrases "What will you do?" and "Don't leave home without it!" soon entered the lexicon of TV trivia -- and provided endless fodder for such comedians as Johnny Carson. From 1989-92, Malden served as president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi- 2007
While Norman Lloyd managed to avoid becoming a household name, over the course of a career in the arts that has spanned eight decades he's distinguished himself as an actor, director, writer and producer in film, television and the legitimate stage. In the 1930s, Lloyd acted in a number of ground-breaking theatrical productions alongside his friend John Garfield under the direction of Elia Kazan, and he later became a member of Orson Welles' Mercury Theater company. As a film actor, Lloyd has worked with such directors as Alfred Hitchcock, Charlie Chaplin and Martin Scorsese, and as a television producer his credits include Alfred Hitchcock Presents and an award-winning series of adaptation of great plays for public television. However, the show-business blacklist against leftist artists in the Fifties stalled Lloyd's career, and while he's always had the respect of his peers, for years he struggled to put his career back on track. Who Is Norman Lloyd? is a documentary by filmmaker Matthew Sussman which gives Lloyd and some of his illustrious colleagues the opportunity to answer the titular question while discussing his life and work; the film includes interviews with Ray Bradbury, Cameron Diaz, Arthur Hiller, Karl Malden, Pat Hitchcock and many others. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Norman Lloyd, Peggy Lloyd, (more)
As originally screened at the Tribeca Film Festival, at the Cannes Film Festival, and on Turner Classic Movies, the mammoth, epic-length documentary Brando chronicles in encyclopedic detail (and with a consistently reverent overtone) the life and career of the man widely regarded as the most formidable American actor of the 20th century - famous for not only reshaping, but reinventing the craft of film acting and teaching audiences how to view a motion picture performance. Divided into chronological, thematically-unified segments, the film first treats Marlon Brando's dysfunctional upbringing - his alcoholic mother, his abusive father, his stint at a military academy - before charting his acting tutelage at the behest of Stella Adler and his early cinematic and theatrical roles, including work for Elia Kazan, who famously made many aggressive (and unsuccessful) attempts to discipline the headstrong actor onscreen. Throughout this segment, many Hollywood A-list actors appear - among them, Al Pacino, Johnny Depp and Robert Duvall - expostulating at length on Brando's influence over their approaches to performance, and attempting with great effort to define the elusive style known as "method acting" that Brando helped to create. The second half of the documentary moves into Brando's career during the '70s, '80s and '90s, covering the production of The Godfather, the actor's noteworthy political activism, and his tumultuous personal life. Francis Ford Coppola, who of course teamed with Brando for the first Godfather installment and for Apocalypse Now, is noticeably absent from the proceedings. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi
- Starring:
- Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, (more)
Directed by Rick McKay, who traveled across five continents during the documentary's production, Broadway: The Golden Age is both a celebration of current Broadway stars and a tribute to Broadway legends past. Through a plethora of interviews and vast amounts of archival footage, McKay presents a variety of factoids, anecdotes, and memories from over 100 Broadway actors, writers, and directors. The careers of Laurette Taylor, Kim Hunter, Jessica Tandy, and Marlon Brando are all animatedly retold, as is some of the Broadway "lore of olde," such as Angela Lansbury's struggle to land a role in Mame and the shocked reaction to West Side Story on its opening night. In addition to footage and discussion regarding highly successful Broadway stars, a variety of actors recount their experiences and struggles in finding even a small amount of critical recognition. The cast includes Shirley MacLaine, Bea Arthur, Edie Adams, Alec Baldwin, and Kaye Ballard, and many others. ~ Tracie Cooper, Rovi
- Starring:
- Edie Adams, Bea Arthur, (more)
- 2000
President Bartlet (Martin Sheen) has 48 hours to commute the death sentence of a man convicted of a controversial murder after the Supreme Court refuses to stop the execution. While struggling with the moral, ethical, legal, and religious issues of his decision, he calls on his former priest, Father Thomas Cavanaugh (Karl Malden) for guidance. Toby (Richard Schiff) weighs in on the topic after having a conversation about the death penalty with his rabbi (David Proval). Political strategist Joey Lucas (Marlee Matlin) wants to ask the president why her candidate has not received enough money from the Democratic National Committee. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi
- 1993
When a busload of school children is hijacked and held for ransom, a small town is paralyzed by fear. Meanwhile, the resourceful bus driver plots a daring rescue. This stranger-than-truth story is based on an actual incident. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Karl Malden, Tim Ransom, (more)
- 1992
Hard-boiled San Francisco police detective Captain Mike Stone returns to his old beat in order to find the crook who killed his partner (played during the 1972- 1977 series by Michael Douglas, whose scenes are taken from clips of the original series) in this crime drama. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Karl Malden
- 1992
As the title implies, this film is a compilation of highlights from the Academy Awards ceremonies. Hosted by Karl Malden, the film includes famous acceptance speeches, production numbers, and funniest moments. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- 1991
This documentary, narrated by James Mason, traces the life of legendary big screen actor Steve McQueen. The product of a broken home and reform school, McQueen made a brilliant career in film in the 1960's and 1970's playing characters not unlike his own. He played the wily and rebellious loner in numerous roles, many clips are featured including from: The Magnificent Seven, Love with the Proper Stranger, The Cincinnati Kid, The Reivers, The Great Escape, The Sand Pebbles, Pappilon, and Bullitt. There are also home movies with his wife, Neile McQueen Toffell, and their children, and colorful stories from friends and fellow actors such as Chuck Norris, Karl Malden, and Don Gordon. Directors, producers, agents share anecdotes about the star's film career and life. McQueen, a race car enthusiast, is also remembered by his friends in the racing world. Steve McQueen was, indeed, a man on the edge. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, Rovi
- 1991
In 1988, Nancy Klein, the pregnant wife of Long Island accountant Marty Klein, was involved in a car accident that left her comatose. Convinced that Nancy would never recover if she went to full term with the baby, Marty asked the doctors to perform an abortion. Almost immediately, Nancy Klein became a cause celebre for pro-life and pro-choice activists alike. Made for television, Absolute Strangers recreates this traumatic event and the drawn-out courtroom litigation that followed. Henry Winkler, who produced the film, returned to acting after a long absence to play Klein; others in the cast include Jennifer Hetrick as Nancy, Richard Kiley as Dr. R. J. Cannon, Karl Malden and Audra Lindley as Nancy's parents, and Patty Duke as a lower-court judge. Though it is clear that the filmmaker's sympathies are clearly on Marty Klein's side, the script remains even-handed throughout, observing that the pro-choicers can be just as narrow-minded and contentious as the "absolute strangers" who wish to usurp Marty Klein's rights concerning his wife's wellbeing. Written by playwright Robert Anderson (Tea and Sympathy, I Never Sang For My Father), Absolute Strangers premiered April 14, 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Henry Winkler, Richard Kiley, (more)
- 1990
Based upon Patty Duke's bestselling autobiography, Call Me Anna details the Academy Award-winning actress's rise to stardom and her lifelong struggle with manic depression. Born Anna Marie Duke, the youngster from Queens embarked upon an acting career at an early age. Her manager, John Ross, essentially removes her from her family (including a depressed mother and alcoholic father) at the age of seven and tyrannically manages her career. While this effectively aids her professionally, his abuse takes a toll upon the sensitive young girl. She makes a name for herself when she lands the part of Helen Keller in the Broadway smash The Miracle Worker and gains national fame when her work in the film version earns her a coveted Oscar. She goes on to star in her own television series, and embarks upon a number of relationships, including ones with Desi Arnaz Jr. and John Astin (whom she marries). Eventually, Duke shows signs of mental illness, brought about both by her parents and her managers, and enters into therapy with a doctor, who is able to give her the help she desperately needs. ~ Craig Butler, Rovi
- Starring:
- Patty Duke, Howard Hesseman, (more)
- 1989
In this crime drama, based on the true story of Leon and Marilyn Klinghoffer, from 1985, terrorists attempt to hijack a luxury cruise ship in the Mediterranean. The attempt resulted in the death of a handicapped passenger. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- 1988
My Father, My Son was based on the wrenching autobiographical book by Admiral Elmo Zumwalt. This TV movie begins in 1968, when Secretary of the Navy Zumwalt orders the anti-personnel drug Agent Orange to be sprayed on enemy troops in Vietnam; the Admiral has been assured by his superiors that the drug is essentially harmless. Meanwhile, Zumwalt's son Elmo III (Keith Carradine), having survived numerous debilitating childhood diseases, is serving in Nam. Fifteen years pass: Elmo III has contacted cancer, and Admiral Zumwalt must come to grips with the likelihood that his son's illness was caused by Agent Orange. Though the film does not shy away from politicizing, the focal point of My Father, My Son is the ever-strengthening relationship between Admiral Zumwalt and his stricken son (who died shortly after this film was first telecast in May of 1988). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1988
Harold Clurman: A Life of Theatre profiles the career of celebrated director/producer Harold Clurman. A man known for his passionate commitment to working with actors, Clurman devoted his life to the theatrical arts, serving not only as a director and producer, but as a respected critic as well. The program features footage of Clurman on the job delivering thought-provoking lectures and helping actors construct roles. Meryl Streep narrates. Stella Adler, Karl Malden, and Julie Harris are interviewed. ~ Betsy Boyd, Rovi
- 1987
Often trailers and coming attractions are of as much or more interest to viewers than the actual movie. Included here are some of the trailers and coming attractions seen in the Academy Award-winning Best Pictures from 1927's Wings to 1959's Ben Hur, also including The Bridge on the River Kwai, On the Waterfront, The Greatest Show on Earth, The Lost Weekend and others. ~ Tana Hobart, Rovi
High-priced hooker Claudia Draper (Barbra Streisand) has been arrested for the murder of one of her clients. The attorney engaged by Claudia's parents hopes to cop an insanity plea so that she can avoid a trial and manslaughter conviction. But she refuses this, citing a proviso in New York law that may result in her spending the rest of her life in an institution. Against all odds, struggling lawyer Aaron Levinsky (Richard Dreyfuss) tries to prove that Claudia is not crazy and is capable of standing trial. He certainly has his work cut out for him; from what we've seen in the film thus far, the violently impulsive Claudia is not only "nuts," but certifiably so. Though she has plenty of opportunity in Nuts to give out with her usual bravura Streisandisms, Streisand (who also produced the film and wrote the songs) is surprisingly restrained through most of the proceedings. And then there's that extended-monologue climax. Nuts was adapted by Tom Topor, Darryl Ponicsan, and Alvin Sargent from Topor's stage play. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Barbra Streisand, Richard Dreyfuss, (more)
- 1986
Lenny Von Dohlen plays Billy Galvin, the son of a no-nonsense construction worker (Karl Malden). Though his dad insists that he go to college to become an architect, Billy would rather go into his father's line of work. To prevent this, dad pulls strings to keep Billy out of the ironworker's union. His bullheadedness inevitably leads to ill-will and emotional disaster. Produced for PBS' American Playhouse TV series, Billy Galvin was afforded a very brief theatrical run. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Karl Malden, Lenny Von Dohlen, (more)
- 1985
This live action trip back to Wonderland finds Alice dodging the Jabberwocky and encountering a Wonderland crew including Humpty Dumpty, Tiger Lily, and Tweedledum and Tweedledee. The voice cast is staggering, including (to mention a few) father and son Lloyd Bridges and Beau Bridges, Phyllis Diller, and George Gobel, Ringo Starr, Jonathan Winters, Sally Struthers, Karl Malden, and many, many more. ~ Rovi
- 1984
Convicted murderer Dr. Jeffrey MacDonald had hoped that, by telling his side of the story to investigative journalist Joe McGinniss, the authorities would be persuaded of MacDonald's innocence. Instead, McGinniss ended up unswerving in his belief of MacDonald's guilt, and the result was the devastating best-seller Fatal Vision. In this two-part TV adaptation of McGinniss' book, Gary Cole plays MacDonald, a former Green Beret officer, while Frank Dent essays the role of McGinniss. MacDonald's wife and two children are brutally murdered in their Fort Bragg, North Carolina home on February 17, 1970. The prime suspect, MacDonald insists that the killings were committed by a gang of stoned-out hippies, a story that at first is accepted in toto by the doctor's father-in-law Freddy Kassab (Karl Malden). But after MacDonald is officially exonerated, Kassab notices several holes in his son-in-law's story, and becomes convinced that MacDonald was in fact the murderer. Through Kassab's persistence, as well as the uncovering of new forensic evidence, MacDonald is ultimately convicted for all three murders in 1979. Since the TV premiere of Fatal Vision on November 18 and 19, 1984, there has been a growing movement by MacDonald's sympathizers to discredit McGinniss' book and to retry the case--a movement that has been hampered time and again by MacDonald's own erratic behavior. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Karl Malden, Eva Marie Saint, (more)
- 1984
Filmed in Dallas, the made-for-TV With Intent to Kill gets under way as high school football hero Bo Reinecker (Alex McArthur) tries to piece together the events leading up to murder of his girl friend Lisa Nolen (Catherine Mary Stewart). Claiming to have experienced a total blackout, Bo is ultimately found not guilty of the murder by reason of insanity and placed in an institution for four years. Meanwhile, the dead girl's father, Tom Nolen (Karl Malden), and her sister Wynn (Holly Hunter), bitterly prepare a campaign to put Nolen away in prison for life. Things come to a boil when Bo is released--and Tom and Wynn take "due process" into their own hands. With Intent to Kill made its CBS debuted on October 24, 1984. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
This 1982 made-for-TV version of the Lewis Carroll classic Alice in Wonderland features an all-star cast. Such celebrities as Donald O'Connor, Maureen Stapleton and Eve Arden struggle to perform while buried under mounds of makeup and tons of eccentric costuming as Carroll's alternate-world loonies. Alice in Wonderland was first telecast Oct 3, 1983, on PBS' Great Performances. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1983
- PG
In this drama, a Yugoslavian native leaves the US and returns home after a 20-year absence. Back in his home fishing village, he begins caring for his grandchildren so their parents can go to West Germany and work. The grandfather makes the children work very hard, despite the fact that a local teacher begs him to ease up on the boy so he can attend school. The grandfather eventually dies, but by that time, the children have become determined to keep caring for the farm. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Damien Nash
Although penned by the same screenwriter, David S. Ward, this sequel to The Sting (1973) is tarnished by comparisons to its predecessor. Jackie Gleason fills the shoes of Paul Newman as Harry Gondorff and Mac Davis slips into the Robert Redford role of Johnny Hooker, two con men pals whose latest "sting" involves Hooker pretending to be a down on his luck boxer. Their goal is the fixing of a prizefight, which will rook a tacky nightclub owner (Karl Malden) out of a fortune while simultaneously getting revenge on their old nemesis, Doyle Lonnegan (Oliver Reed). On their side is Veronica (Teri Garr), a seasoned scam artist, but what Gondorff and Hooker don't know is that Lonnegan is manipulating events behind the scenes. Director Jeremy Paul Kagan followed up this terribly unfunny and inferior sequel with the much better received The Journey of Natty Gann (1985), while Ward became a director of such comedies as Major League (1989) and King Ralph (1991). ~ Karl Williams, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jackie Gleason, Mac Davis, (more)
- 1981
Underpublicized and underappreciated, the US ice hockey team heads for the 1980 Winter Olympics at Lake Placid, New York. Driven a manner than can be described as merciless by coach Herb Brooks (Karl Malden), the team has learned how to swallow months of defeat and disappointment press on to success. The result: A stunning victory over the high-profile Russian and Finnish skating teams. Actual scenes from the Olympic finals are seamlessly blended with recreations of the event in this made-for-TV movie. Miracle on Ice costars Andrew Stevens as team captain Mike Eruzione. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1980
Alex Karras and Susan Clark produced but did not star in the TV movie Word of Honor. Karl Malden plays a small-town newspaper reporter who receives a tip from a woman about the kidnap-murder of a teenaged girl. The woman implicates local banker Don Crane, but only on Malden's promise that he will never divulge the woman's identity. When it looks as though Crane will beat the rap, Malden steadfastly refuses to go back on his word, which earns him the enmity of everyone except his wife (Rue McClanahan) and a visiting "liberal" Manhattan journalist. The stack-the-cards setup of Word of Honor is just on the verge of credibility when the film blows the works with a too-convenient ending. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Karl Malden, Rue McClanahan, (more)
- 1979
- PG
- Add Beyond the Poseidon Adventure to Queue Add Beyond the Poseidon Adventure to top of Queue
Irwin Allen's second water-logged disaster film picks up where The Poseidon Adventure left off; Salvagers Michael Caine, Karl Malden and Sally Field enter the Poseidon to take what they can, unaware that evil salvager Telly Savalas and his henchmen lie in wait. When an explosion rocks the ship, the enemies find themselves trapped inside in a battle for survival both against nature and themselves. The good guys pick up some survivors along the way, including Peter Boyle as a stereotypically hot-headed Italian, Mark Harmon as the All-American boy next door, and Slim Pickens as the ship's wine steward in what may be one of the most poorly-written parts of all time. Field looks good in the water, and Caine is charming despite a lack of material, but the merits end there. ~ Jeremy Beday, Rovi
- Starring:
- Michael Caine, Sally Field, (more)
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