Rue McClanahan Movies
Graduating cum laude from the University of Tulsa, Rue McClanahan studied acting with Uta Hagen and at the Perry-Mansfield school. After her professional debut with a Pennsylvania stock company in 1957, McClanahan headed to New York, where between acting gigs she worked as a waitress, took shorthand and sold blouses. Grabbing any opportunity available, she made her TV bow on a 1960 episode of the TV series Malibu Run, then appeared in a handful of exploitation films with come-hither titles like Five Minutes to Love (she played "Poochie, the girl from the shack," a credit she has since dropped from her resumé). She managed to find more prestigious work on the New York stage, starring in such well-received productions as MacBird, Jimmy Shine, Sticks and Bones and California Suite. She also played regular roles on the TV soap operas Another World and Where the Heart Is. A 1972 guest shot on Norman Lear's controversial series All in the Family led to her being cast as Vivian Harmon on Lear's popular sitcom Maude, a role she played until the series' cancellation in 1978. McClanahan's next project was her own starring series, 1978's Apple Pie, which unfortunately bit the dust after three shows. She went on to play the vitriolic Aunt Fran on the network version of Mama's Family (1983-85), then was co-starred with her Maude colleague Bea Arthur in The Golden Girls (1985-92). Her well-rounded portrayal of overly amorous museum worker Blanche Devereaux won her an 1986 Emmy award; she reprised the character in the Golden Girls spin-off Golden Palace (1992-93). The star of several made-for-TV movies, McClanahan co-produced and appeared in a brace of "dramedies," Mother of the Bride (1991) and Baby of the Bride (1992). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide- 2005
After too many years away, brittle big-city doctor Sydney Ludwick (Lisa Hartman Black) returns to her home town of Bloomfield for a high school reunion. She is mildly surprised to find out that her widowed mother Helen (Rue McLanahan), with whom she hasn't communicated since the death of her dad, has transformed the family home into a bed-and-breakfast. Likewise bidding fair to bring change to Sydney's life is the fact that her high school sweetheart Gus (Dale Midkiff) is now a widower. But nothing quite prepares Sydney for the revelation of a dark secret that her mother has been harboring for years, with the tacit assistance of local pastor Ed Jenkins (Don Harvey). The background music is provided by country singer Clint Black, husband of the film's leading lady. Produced for cable's Hallmark channel, Back to You & Me originally aired on July 23, 2005. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
The family friendly animal movie Miracle Dogs concerns a boy who befriends a three-legged dog. Soon his relationship with the canine deepens to the point that the boy is attempting to find new homes for a variety of homeless animals. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kate Jackson, Ted Shackelford, (more)
Rue McClanahan stars as Mother Superior in this Nunsense Christmas special, playing the musical nun with a cable access show and a taste for comedy. Joined by special guest John Ritter, the convent performs musical numbers such as Santa Ain't Comin' to Our House and Twelve Days Prior to Christmas. ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rue McClanahan, John Ritter, (more)
- 2001
In the conclusion of Touched by an Angel's two-part Season Seven finale, angel Monica (Roma Downey) and psychiatrist Rebecca Markham (Faye Dunaway) continue their (extremely separate!) efforts to help Diana Winslow (Delta Burke), a member of a famous gospel-singing family group, come to grips with the death of Danny Winslow--and to locate Diana's brother-in-law Jed (Randy Travis), who caused the accident that killed Danny. Diana remembers nothing of the tragedy, while Joshua Winslow (John Schneider), son of family patriarch Carter Winslow (John Schneider) remains on life support. Although the taciturn Carter is unable to forgive Jed, his wife Lila (Rue McClanahan) may be willing to do so--and forgiveness is the only thing that can keep the family from permanently breaking apart. Of course, Monica's first concern is the Winslows, but it turns out that Dr. Markham needs her assistance as well. Musical highlights in this episode, performed by the formidable guest-star lineup as well as the real-life gospel aggregation The Gaither Homecoming Singers, include "Shallow Water", "See Myself In You", "Don't Ever Sell Your Saddle", "God Trying to Get Your Attention". ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2001
In the first episode of Touched by an Angel's two-part Season Seven finale, Monica (Roma Downey) is celebrating her newly acquired ability to see humans "from the inside out." It doesn't take long to find the perfect test for her new skills, as manifested in a famous gospel-singing aggregation called the Winslow Family. When the group splits up after a bitter argument, Monica is certain that she can bring them back together--and thenl tragedy strikes. The bulk of the story is told in the form of a therapy session, as the troubled Diana Winslow (Delta Burke) tries to assuage her sorrow with the assistance of her cynical psychiatrist Rebecca Markham (Faye Dunaway). Among those appearing as the Winslows are guest stars Randy Travis, David Canary, John Schneider and Rue McClanahan, as well as the members of the real-life gospel group The Gaither Homecoming Singers. Musical highlights include "Shallow Water", "Oh, What a Time" and "Because He Lives". ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
A Saintly Switch is a fantasy comedy about a football player switching bodies with his pregnant wife as a result of a magic trick gone bad. ~ All Movie Guide
This video captures a live performance of the popular off-Broadway musical, in which a troupe of nuns (lead by Mother Superior, played by Rue McClanahan) show off their singing and dancing talent in a revue to benefit their fellow sisters (who were injured in an unfortunate incident in the convent's kitchen). You don't have to be Catholic to enjoy the music and humor of Nunsense, though it certainly wouldn't hurt! ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- 1998
In this feature-length episode of the enduring and endearing television detective drama, the world's most rumpled police investigator, Lt. Columbo investigates the mysterious disappearance of a controversial Hollywood gossip columnist. Columbo's prime suspect is a secretive mortician who specializes in celebrity funerals. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Falk, Patrick McGoohan, (more)
- 1997
Rue McClanahan) guest stars as Virginia Redfield, ultra-critical mother of "FYI" anchor Miller Redfield (Christopher Rich). When Mom threatens to disown Miller because he isn't married yet, he drops several hints suggesting that he is married to Murphy (Candice Bergen)--and that he is the father of her child. Murphy, of course, knows nothing of these prevarications...but when she finds out, all Hell and its Suburbs break loose! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
In this animated comedy/drama for the family, Annabelle (voice of Kath Soucie) is a calf who has a special wish for Christmas -- she'd like to be a reindeer and help Santa Claus drive his sleigh as he delivers his presents. Annabelle's friends tell her not to get her hopes up, but to everyone's surprise, Santa (voice of Kay E. Kuter) does indeed meet up with Annabelle, and the calf gets to help Santa make the holiday a special one for one young boy. Also appearing in the voice cast of Annabelle's Gift are Cloris Leachman, Jerry Van Dyke, Rue McClanahan, and Jim Varney; country music star Randy Travis narrates the story, and Alison Krauss and Nanci Griffith contribute songs to the soundtrack. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
The cautionary phrase "It could happen to you!" was seldom more appropriate than in this two-part, four-hour TV movie, inspired by a true story and based on actual court transcripts. The story begins in Fayetteville, NC in 1985, when Army sergeant Tim Hennis (John Corbett) is accused of murdering the wife and children of an Air Force captain. A combination of overzealous prosecution from the District Attorney's office and pressure from the armed forces and the media makes a swift conviction a fait accompli, though Hennis and his family continue to protest his innocence. Refusing to give up on the case, Hennis' defense team presses its own investigation, ultimately turning up a maelstrom of hitherto unknown evidence, surprise rebuttal witnesses, and a startling eyewitness testimony. First telecast by ABC, Innocent Victims was originally shown on January 21 and 22, 1996. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Hal Holbrook, Rue McClanahan, (more)
- 1994
While snobbish Dr. Harrison Archibald IV (Robin Thomas), his social-climbing wife Barbara (Gail Edwards) and his wealthy mother Amelia (Rue McClanahan) prepare a huge reception to celebrate a new hospital wing named for the Archibalds, a kid named Manny (Jonathan Hernandez) shows up, claiming to be the orphan child that Harrison and Barbara have been sponsoring. It turns out, however, that Manny (Jonathan Hernandez) is actually a homeless kid named Luis, who is faking his credentials in hopes of setting himself up in luxury. It falls to Monica (Roma Downey) to advise Luis that the truth shall set him free--advice that is surprisingly taken to heart by none other than Amelia. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
The feisty nuns of the Franciscan Order convent take to the streets in an effort to kidnap Sister Mary Amnesia, who has just won a large cash prize. The nuns are hoping the abduction will ultimately encourage Sister Mary to donate at least some of her winnings to their ill-repaired convent. Meanwhile, exciting as kidnap may be, it's nothing compared to the news of a famous talent scout's arrival in town. Nunsense 2: The Sequel features Rue McClanahan, Christine Toy, Terri White, and Christine Anderson.
~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide
- 1994
- Add A Burning Passion: The Margaret Mitchell Story to QueueAdd A Burning Passion: The Margaret Mitchell Story to top of Queue
This made-for-television movie tells the story of Margaret Mitchell, the well-known author of Gone With The Wind. Young TV-star-turned-Hollywood-bad-girl Shannon Doherty stars as Pulitzer Prize-winner Mitchell, whose impulses and insecurity inspired her passionate work. John Clark Gable, son of legendary Gone With The Wind star Clark Gable, is also featured in this biopic, which was generally panned by critics for Doherty's portrayal of Mitchell. ~ Bernadette McCallion, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Rue McClanahan guests as Cory's freewheeling grandmother Bernice, who breezes into town with all sorts of fantastic plans and promises (including a Cal Ripkinautograph!) for her grandson. In eager anticipation, Cory (Ben Savage) backs out of a fishing trip with dad Alan (William Russ), who invites his son's buddy Shawn (Rider Strong) along instead. Alas, Grandma blithely reneges on all her promises--and it looks like Cory will never recover from this devastating disillusionment. Meanwhile, Eric (Will Friedle) sets his sights on Mr. Feeny's gorgeous niece, played by no less than Keri Russell). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Another of several made-for-TV movies based on the best-selling novels of Danielle Steel, this one stars Jenny Robertson as Paxton Andrews, a sheltered Southern belle who falls for law student Peter Wilson (Steven Eckholdt) on the campus of Berkeley in the late '60s. After Peter is drafted and dies in Vietnam, the grief-stricken Paxton becomes the Saigon-based correspondent for a San Francisco newspaper, determined to use her column "Message from 'Nam" to bring comfort and solace to others whose loved ones are mired in the Southeast Asian quagmire. Before the inevitable slam-bang climax during the fall of Saigon, Paxton has not only grown emotionally and spiritually, but she has also enjoyed tender romantic interludes with a hard-bitten Army captain (Nick Mancuso) and a likeable sergeant (Ted Marcoux). Also featuring such formidable personalities as Rue McClanahan, Billy Dee Williams, and Esther Rolle, Danielle Steel's 'Message From Nam' originally aired October 17, 1993, on NBC. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Rue McClanahan and Kristy McNichol star in this affectionate family comedy concerning a mother who can't quite accept the fact that her daughter is grown up and getting married. As the elaborate plans suddenly begin to crumble, the family must scramble to ensure that the young girl's marriage gets off to a proper start. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Laughter is a blessed event in this made-for-cable adaptation of the popular off-Broadway revue. Due to an unfortunate accident in the kitchen of the Little Sisters of Hoboken convent, some 52 nuns have gone on to their reward; adding to the unpleasant event, the nunnery's coffers lack the funds to pay for a decent burial for all the sisters, leaving four of them in cold storage. Reverend Mother Mary Regina (Rue McClanahan), however, is determined to raise the cash, and decides she and her fellow nuns will put on a talent show, in which they'll show off their singing and dancing ability, with the proceeds going towards the Little Sisters' funeral fund. First staged in 1986, Nunsense became a sensation off-Broadway and became a wildly popular attraction on the road, spawning four spin-off shows to date. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
With series star Bea Arthur announcing that she did not wish to continue playing fiftysomething teacher Dorothy Zbornak any longer, it was decided that the seventh season of the NBC sitcom Golden Girls would be the last. Perhaps for this reason, the series' ratings plummeted from tenth to 30th place -- though even with a diminished viewership, the series remained one of NBC's most popular and profitable offerings. In the course of this final season, Dorothy's roommate Rose (Rue McClanahan) concludes that her relationship with former Mob accountant Miles Webber (Harold Gould) is not going anywhere, though this hardly means that Miles is completely out of her life. One piquant season-seven episode, "Old Boyfriends, reunites Betty White and Rue McClanahan (as Rose and Dorothy's roomie Blanche) with the actresses' former Mama's Family co-star, Ken Berry. The two-part "The Monkey Show" is built around Dorothy's sister Gloria, played in an earlier season by Polly Holliday and herein enacted by Dena Dietrich; this episode also features Dinah Manoff, playing her Carol Weston character from the Golden Girls spin-off series Empty Nest. In another Golden Girls/Empty Nest crossover, David Leisure (as Charlie Dietz) appears in "Questions and Answers," the centerpiece of which is a takeoff of the game show Jeopardy, featuring that series' host Alex Trebek and producer Merv Griffin. And the two-parter "Home Again, Rose" marks the one and only appearance of Blanche's daughter Janet, played by Jessica Lundy. In the hour-long season finale, Dorothy marries Blanche's uncle Lucas (Leslie Nielsen), thereby launching a set of circumstances that would ultimately lead Rose, Blanche, and Sophia into another Golden Girls spin-off series, The Golden Palace, in the fall of 1992. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bea Arthur, Betty White, (more)
This made-for-TV domestic drama is a follow-up to 1990's Children of the Bride. Rue McClanahan plays a 53-year-old newlywed, the wife of much-younger Ted Shackelford (replacing the earlier film's Patrick Duffy) It's bad enough when McClanahan unexpectedly becomes pregnant. It gets worse when the same thing happens to her unwed teenaged daughter Kristy McNichol. Directed by actor Bill Bixby, Baby of the Bride first aired December 22, 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
This sentimentalized biography of Oz creator L. Frank Baum (1856-1919) stars John Ritter in the title role. Richard Matheson's teleplay accurately depicts Baum as a business failure with the singular gift of being able to communicate with children. In keeping with Matheson's grounding in fantasy and the supernatural, Baum's characters occasionally come to life to palaver with the author and bring him inspiration. Annette O'Toole co-stars as Mrs. Baum, while Charles Haid is seen in the dual role of "Badham" and the Cowardly Lion. Also on hand as a Munchkin is Jerry Maren, who played one of the Lollipop Guild in the 1939 Hollywood adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. Made for television, Dreamer of Oz: The L. Frank Baum Story debuted December 10, 1990. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
