Deborah May Movies
- 1983
Another two-part TV movie from the pen of novelist Sidney Sheldon, Rage of Angels stars Jaclyn Smith as attractive lawyer Jennifer Parker. While working as assistant D.A., Parker is targeted for persecution by organized crime, but she perseveres and emerges as one of the most successful defense attorneys in America. She is, however, not quite so lucky in matters of the heart, becoming simultaneously entangled with charismatic mob lawyer Michael Moretti (Armand Assante) and married U.S. Senate aspirant Adam Warner (Ken Howard). Serving up everything but the kitchen sink in plot complications and sinister conspiracies, Rage of Angels was telecast on February 20 and 21, 1983, garnering excellent ratings and an Emmy award for musical composer Billy Goldenberg. The film spawned a two-part sequel in 1986, Rage of Angels: The Story Continues, again with Jaclyn Smith in the lead. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Gene Wilder's remake of this 1976 French comedy is a Hollywood version of what happens when Theodore (Wilder), an ordinary ad agency executive, is captivated by a gorgeous woman (Kelly Le Brock). The woman just happens to be standing on a grate when her skirt blows up over her waist (a scene first made famous by Marilyn Monroe in The Seven-Year Itch), and one glimpse is enough to change Theodore's whole life. Although he is married, he is willing to risk his happy relationship with his wife for a romp in the hay with the beautiful stranger. Unfortunately, even when he tracks down the object of his lust he is woefully inept at sneaking out on his wife to consummate his desire. Three of his male office mates help him as much as they can, but Ms. Milner (Gilda Radner) is really incensed when she finds out that the object of Theodore's attention is not herself. Stevie Wonder's score included his hit song "I Just Called to Say I Love You", which received an Oscar nomination. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gene Wilder, Charles Grodin, (more)
Johnny Walker (Anthony Michael Hall) is a hot-shot high-school quarterback who receives intoxicating offers from spirited college recruiters in this adolescent teen comedy. Bathroom humor and sight gags are strung together in a story involving booze, broads, and other benefits for the coveted quarterback. Robert Downey Jr., Uma Thurman, and Paul Gleason co-star. Even cameos from Jim McMahon and Howard Cosell can't save this feature from itself, though it isn't the fault of the cast. Originally rated PG-13, it was reedited to R (with scenes added) for a home video release. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Anthony Michael Hall, Robert Downey, Jr., (more)
- 1988
- Add In the Line of Duty: The F.B.I. Murders to QueueAdd In the Line of Duty: The F.B.I. Murders to top of Queue
The first of several 1980s TV movies based on official FBI files, In the Line of Duty: The F.B.I. Murders premiered on November 27, 1988. Veteran TV "good guys" David Soul and Michael Gross do a typecasting about-face, playing two vicious, homicidal Miami-based bank robbers. The deadly duo's crime spree was climaxed by a bloody 1986 gun battle. Extremely violent, the film tempers its bloodshed with several instructive scenes showing how the FBI pieced together the clues that enabled them to track down their quarry. Doug Sheehan, Ronny Cox and Bruce Greenwood represent the forces of the Law. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
It is Valentine's Day, and Dan Cupid has cast a curious spell over the "FYI" staff. Against her better judgement, Murphy (Candice Bergen) arranges a date between Frank (Joe Regalbuto) and a girl named Meg (Terri Treas), whereupon he reciprocates by pairing Murphy up with a guy named Richie (Harley Venton)--two "marriages" that were made someplace other than Heaven. Meanwhile, Murphy's 13th secretary Leslie (Deborah May) gets a yearning for the very married Jim Dial (Charles Kimbrough)...and there's every indication that he might feel the same way about her. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 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, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patty Duke, Howard Hesseman, (more)
- 1991
- PG
Based on the Willa Cather novel, this Hallmark Hall of Fame telefilm stars Jessica Lange as Alexandra Bergson, a single woman who inherits her family farm, much to the dismay of her siblings. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jessica Lange, David Strathairn, (more)
- 1991
As their romance escalates, Joe (Tim Daly) and Helen (Crystal Bernard) intend to celebrate Valentine's Day by revisiting "that special place." Trouble is, they can't agree on where exactly that "special place" is. In other affairs of the heart, Roy (David Schramm) prepares to pay a terrible price for lying in a classified ad while seeking out a date. Tony Shalhoub makes his first series appearance in the role of moonstruck Italian cab driver Antonio Scarpacci. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1991
- R
Certain fans of cheesy women-in-prison movies may be somewhat disappointed in this feature, as there is no nudity throughout the picture. In this story, Kristen Bell (Kristen Cloke) has taken the rap for her boyfriend's theft of an expensive ring and has been sentenced to prison. She finds herself in the thick of swirling conspiracies and alliances and is pushed into low-level "trusty" status, which only serves to put her into closer proximity with the head of prison security, a man who seemingly has it as his mission in life to rape her. The prison inmates include at least one certified dangerous psychotic, played by genre favorite Karen Black. Meanwhile, Kristen's no-good boyfriend (David Keith) has managed to take over the identity of a policeman (Ray Sharkey) who died while chasing him. It seems the cop was to become the warden of the prison Kristen is in. This is good luck for Kristen, but might not be such a good deal for the dissimulating jewel thief. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- David Keith, Deborah May, (more)
- 1992
Treatment of a problem only recently addressed, the promotion manager of a sporting equipment firm becomes the victim of sexual harassment. ~ Tana Hobart, All Movie Guide
- 1992
The premiere episode of Garry Shandling's searing television satire The Larry Sanders Show finds talk show host Larry Sanders (Garry Shandling) struggling against an intrusive suggestion of on-air advertising. Faced with the prospect of promoting "The Garden Weasel" on his popular late-night talk show, Sanders balks at the prospect and finds himself in a battle of wills with a tenacious network executive. This episode of The Larry Sanders Show features guest stars Deborah May and Robert Hays. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1992
- R
Because of her thieving new husband, a young woman is thrown into jail where she is harassed by fellow prisoners and by the warden. Before long, hubby gets a chance to take on the identity of a guard so he can help her escape. ~ Kristie Hassen, All Movie Guide
- 1993
A group of destitute aliens led by Haneek (Deborah May), arrive at DS9. The group insists that it is en route to its fabled "promised land," which turns out to be the planet Bajor. Persuaded that the aliens are indeed the chosen people of Bajor, Kira is once more torn between loyalty to her homeland and duty to her colleagues. Originally broadcast November 27, 1993, "Sanctuary" was scripted by Frederick Rappaport, from a story by Gabe Essoe and Kelly Miles. ~ Hal Erickson, 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
The network is preparing a new show to follow The Larry Sanders Show in the late-night lineup, and everyone and their brother seems to have an opinion on who should serve as host. Despite all the hoopla surrounding Larry's follow-up act, however, our gracious host seems more concerned with the possibility of not winning a major award again. Guest stars include David Letterman, Deborah May, Gloria Dorson, Kevin Nealon, Richard Lewis, Bobcat Goldthwait, and Tom Snyder. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1994
Larry (Garry Shandling) was already skating on thin ice with the network following his departure from the show, and now the suits upstairs are quickly tiring of Larry's constant on-air barbs made at their expense. Despite Artie's (Rip Torn) persistent pleas for him to let up, Larry's venom only becomes more potent. When Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) is injured during a skit, the network bigwigs finally decide to draw a line in the sand. With Artie's job and the future of the show on the line, Larry finally relents and offers an on-air apology...though Hank's subsequent threat to sue the network brings about an even more troublesome dilemma. ~ 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
- 1995
When Larry (Garry Shandling) takes two weeks off from the show to recover from plastic surgery, Sandra Bernhard fills in as guest host for The Larry Sanders Show. Despite Bernhard and her manager Ellen's (Lois Foraker) suggestions to Artie (Rip Torn) as to how the show might be improved, the reluctant producer politely declines. Angered at having their ideas rejected by Artie, the fill-in host and her wrangler leak a story to the press concerning Bernhard replacing Larry, prompting the angered host to cut his leave short and return to the show in hopes of clearing the air. Despite his initial enthusiasm at being back on the soundstage, Larry's parade is dampened when the network brass express interest in replacing the high-salaried host and retaining their high ratings on the cheap. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1995
Ever since Paula (Janeane Garofalo) began dating Larry's (Garry Shandling) agent, Stevie (Bob Odenkirk), the conflicted host can't help but feel that Stevie is using the relationship to his advantage by having an increasing number of his own clients on the show. When Paula needs to find a guest and Stevie offers Jennifer Aniston with the stipulation that Paula will book Andy Kindler as well, Larry's suspicions seem to be confirmed. Meanwhile, an ethnic joke on the show has sparked protests and Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) attempts to weasel out of paying back a 20-dollar loan. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1995
Another of the many TV-movies produced for NBC's off-and-on "Moment of Truth" series, The Other Mother was based on the autobiographical novel by Carol Schaefer, herein played by Frances Fisher. The astonishing resilient Carol manages to endure a messy divorce, handling the raise of two children all by herself, and survive a nasty bout with cancer. Having weathered all these crises, Carol feels it is time to tackle an unresolved issue from her past. Thus, she embarks upon a journey (both spiritual and physical) to locate the child that she gave up for adoption 18 years ago--and faces obstacles that may, in her own words, "threaten everything I valued in life." Although the core of the drama is the rights of birth parents vs. the rights of privacy of adoptive parents, the film manages to engender sympathy and understanding for both sides of the argument. The Other Mother: A Moment of Truth Movie was first shown on April 17, 1995. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Frances Fisher, Deborah May, (more)
- 1996
After finding religion and inviting Rabbi Susan Klein (Amy Aquino) to the set, Beverly (Penny Johnson) becomes upset because her previous request to give her pastor a tour was rejected. Despite Artie's (Rip Torn) repeated pleas to Hank to keep his religious beliefs separated from the show, Hank rebels by donning his yarmulke on-air, upsetting the network brass who fear loss of sponsors. Despite the stress of this holy war, Larry (Garry Shandling) finds refuge on his new massage chair until it becomes apparent that he's not the only one enjoying it's relaxing effects. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1996
When Larry (Garry Shandling) catches wind that the network reps may be grooming guest host Jon Stewart to fill a more permanent position on the show, an embittered Larry will stop at nothing to see that Stewart's career on The Larry Sanders Show is put on ice. With sabotage on the brain, Larry schemes to steal Stewart's illustrious guests and replace them with Charles Nelson Reilly. Meanwhile, Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) purchases an unreliable car from Elvis Costello, leaving the sidekick at odds with how to handle the situation. As the battle between the hosts pans out, Larry is somewhat disturbed at the affection showered upon him by David Duchovny, who seems to seek a bit more than Larry's friendship. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1996
Greene (Anthony Edwards) is a changed man after the departure of Susan Lewis -- and the change is not for the better. Surreptitiously checking into Jeanie's (Gloria Reuben) confidential file, Greene learns the truth about her HIV status. Meanwhile, Carter (Noah Wyle) is taken aback by Keaton's (Glenne Headly) travel plans, and Benton (Eriq La Salle) bears down even harder on Gant (Omar Epps). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1996
Greene (Anthony Edwards), Weaver (Laura Innes), and Doyle (Jorja Fox) argue over the treatment of a drunken woman who tried to kill her unborn child. Jeanie (Gloria Reuben) is surprised by the benign attitude of Al (Michael Beach) after he serves her divorce papers. And Lydia's (Ellen Crawford) marriage is over before it begins. This episode introduces Kirsten Dunst as Charlie, a teenaged dope addict -- and also (for the time being) bids farewell to Sherry Stringfield as Susan Lewis. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
