Troy Melton Movies
Stuntman and occasional supporting actor Troy Melton spent most of his career on television and appeared on numerous series, from the 1960s through the mid-'70s. Melton also worked on numerous films of the 1960s and 1970s, beginning with Davy Crockett and the River Pirate (1956).~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
In this vaguely allegorical science fiction-crime film, a Los Angeles cop tries to solve the murder of his best friend with the help of his new partner -- a member of a star-faring alien race. In the near-future world of Alien Nation, the "Newcomers" are a race of formerly enslaved humanoids seeking refuge and integration into Earth society. These unusual immigrants face anger and resentment from some humans, including Matthew Sykes (James Caan), a cop whose partner, Tug (Roger Aaron Brown), was killed in a shoot-out with several Newcomers. In order to get some insight into Newcomer society and track down the "slags" who killed Tug, Sykes volunteers to take on a new partner, Sam "George" Francisco (Mandy Patinkin), the first alien ever promoted to the rank of detective. As Sykes tries to overcome his bigotry against George and his kind, who eat raw beaver and get drunk on spoiled milk, the friendly, helpful George soon learns the identity of Tug's killer: William Harcort (Terence Stamp), a pillar of Newcomer society who is secretly manufacturing the same powerful narcotic that was used to enslave his race. It's up to Sykes and George to stop Harcort before he turns his fellow Newcomers into drooling addicts and pulls the skeletons out of his race's closet for all of humankind to see. Omen 3 director Graham Baker made his screenwriting debut with Alien Nation, as did co-writer Rockne S. O'Bannon. Kenneth Johnson, creator of the miniseries V, would adapt Alien Nation into a weekly television show in 1989 and several made-for-TV movies in the mid-'90s. ~ Brian J. Dillard, Rovi
- Starring:
- James Caan, Mandy Patinkin, (more)
- 1984
The seventh and final season of The Dukes of Hazzard goes "forward into the past", flashing back eight years to reveal how Duke cousins Bo (John Schneider) and Duke (Tom Wopat) came into possession of their precious souped-up Dodge Charger, the "General Lee". Rescuing a battered black vehicle from a junkyard, the boys fix up the car and paint it orange in order to enter a high-stakes race--and hopefully, save Uncle Jesse (Denver Pyle) from being evicted by Boss Hogg (Sorrell Booke). Unfortuantely for everyone concerned, the "General Lee" had a previous life as a getaway car for a particularly vicious gang of gold thieves! Country star Janie Fricke guests in this episode, which was directed by series regular Tom Wopat. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
This is an unusual entry in the knights-in-armor genre. Set in medieval England, the film follows the exploits of a young swordsman, Talon (Lee Horsley). Working as a mercenary knight, Talon possesses a unique three-bladed sword which fires its two extra blades when he touches a button. By chance, Talon learns that he is a prince who has forgotten his royal heritage. Using his sword and his wiles, he attempts to regain control of his kingdom, which has been taken over by a sadistic tyrannical knight and an evil sorcerer. In doing so, he can save a princess who has been taken hostage by the usurpers. Comedy is interspersed with gory and licentious drama throughout the film, which was directed and written by Albert Pyun. ~ Michael Betzold, Rovi
- Starring:
- Kathleen Beller, Simon MacCorkindale, (more)
- 1979
A trio of Texas con artists, claiming to have $3,000,000 in gold bullion, store their treasure in Boss Hogg's bank. Boss (Sorrell Booke) immediately formulates a scheme to steal the gold and collect the insurance, little realizing that the bullion is fake and that he himself will be out the three million! Needless to say, it is up to Luke (Tom Wopat) and Bo (John Schneider) to simultaneously thwart and rescue the billious Boss. Originally slated to air on December 14, 1979, this episode was moved forward as replacement for another second-season installment, "Uncle Boss"--which ended up on the shelf until November of 1980. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
The time is 1964, and the Beatles, already a hugely popular group, are about to go on the Ed Sullivan Show for the first time, an appearance that launched them into a worldwide phenomenon. Already, girls are fainting during their concerts from sheer excitement at being in the same theater with them. Pam Mitchell (Nancy Allen) is happy enough to be getting married but wants to bed one of the "Fab Four" before she does. Grace Corrigan (Theresa Saldana), a dedicated fan, is certain that if she can get some exclusive photos of the Beatles, her career as a photographer will be secured. And then there are two people who feel that the future of civilization as we know it depends on their efforts to ruin the Beatles' appearance on Ed Sullivan's show. In this madcap comedy, when these people (and others besides) descend on the New York hotel the Beatles are staying in, things begin hopping. This comedy was Robert Zemeckis' first feature. A protégé of Stephen Spielberg, he went on to direct Forrest Gump, Back to the Future, and Who Framed Roger Rabbit? among other popular features. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi
- Starring:
- Nancy Allen, Bobby Di Cicco, (more)
- 1976
- PG
Invisible Strangler tells the story of a boy who strangles his mother and while in a mental institution finds books which give him the key to making himself invisible. He then escapes from the hospital and goes on a murder spree, strangling his mother's friends in a series of unintentionally hilarious episodes, while they sit in their comfortable, expensive homes. The detective assigned to the case, Lt. Charles Barrett (Robert Foxworth) devises an unusual way to dispose of the killer. Sue Lyon, previously seen in Lolita, has a tiny role, as does Elke Somer. Originally shot in 1976 and titled The Astral Factor, this silly, obvious film sat on the shelf for 10 years before being released directly to video ~ Linda Rasmussen, Rovi
- Starring:
- Robert Foxworth, Stefanie Powers, (more)
Gilbert Wright's novel Madman's Chain had already been adapted to television by Alcoa/Goodyear Theatre by the time that Cry in the Wilderness premiered March 26, 1974. While the first version, titled Chain and the River, was a moderately suspenseful half hour, Cry in the Wilderness manages to keep viewers on the very edges of their seats for a full 74 minutes. George Kennedy stars as a farmer who is bitten by a rabid skunk. To protect his family from the madness that he is sure will overtake him, Kennedy has his wife Joanna Pettet chain him to a post in their barn. Left alone, Kennedy discovers that the dam has burst, and that his farm will soon be consumed by flood. The climactic deluge was largely (and superbly) created in the lab by special effects maestro Albert Whitlock. Cry in the Wilderness premiered March 26, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1973
Art thief Van Cleve (Ed Nelson) steals $5 million worth of priceless pre-Columbian artifacts. To determine the hiding place of the precious booty, the IMF hatch a scheme whereby Van Cleve becomes convinced that he has precognitive powers. Essential to the mission's success is an outsized simulated earthquake. Originally telecast on March 2, 1973, "The Western" was written by Arnold Peyser and Lois Peyser. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Greg Morris, (more)
- 1972
Anna Kosovo (Kathleen Widdoes), a friend of Ben Cartwright, has good reason to be terrified of her antagonistic immigrant husband Nick (Michael Pataki). Trapped in her own house by her husband, Anna-and her young son-must rely upon Ben to rescue them. Written by Preston Wood and Karl Tunberg, this episode is climaxed by a prolonged and tension-filled gunfight. "Frenzy" first aired on January 30, 1972-coincidentally just before the release of the otherwise unrelated Alfred Hitchcock theatrical feature Frenzy. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1971
The Virginia City Bank refuses to lend money to a group of Sierra Nevade ranchers who lost most of their stock during a particularly brutal winter. Ben Cartwright tries to come to the aid of the imperiled ranchers by bringing in a new breed of cattle from Montana, a breed capable of surviving the cold. Leading the cattle to Sawtooth, Ben conducts an experiment that lasts through the winter months and into early spring. On the verge of success, Ben is threatened with sabotage from a ruthless rival, forcing the Cartwright patriarch to place his trust in mercurial ranch hand Howie Landis (Glenn Corbett). Written by John Hawkins, Robert Pirosh, and Jack Rummler, "Winter Kill" originally aired on March 28, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1970
Aranda (Rodolfo Acosta, the Mexican-born sheriff of Prince River, regularly betrays his own people by participating in a land grab perpetrated by ruthless miner Owen Driscoll (Warren Stevens). The Cartwrights become involved when Aranda frames Mexican farmer Ramon Cardenas (Jaime Sanchez) for murder, the first step in Driscoll's scheme to buy out the other farmers for ridiculously low prices. A shocker ending caps this Bonanza episode, which was written by Ken Pettus and Dick McDonough. "El Jefe" first aired on November 15, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1969
Joe Cartwright is dumbfounded when his friend, bank employee Wade Turner (Gregory Walcott), abruptly leaves town before his marriage to his sweetheart Sarah (Sandra Smith). Wade's abrupt exit coincides with a shortage in the bank's accounts, prompting Joe to seek out his friend and demand an explanation. But no one knows the real reason for Wade's departure: he is slowly dying of a brain tumor. Featured in the cast is a young Dabney Coleman as Clyde. Written by John Hawkins, Jonathan Knopf and B.W. Sandefur, "A Darker Shadow" originally aired on November 23, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1969
Self-reliant 14-year-old Coley (Kevin Burchett) inherits a valuable gold mine from his otherwise luckless father. Having spent most of his life being rejected by the adult world, Coley suddenly finds himself in the middle of a custody tug-of-war between his long-estranged mother Margaret Claybourne (Patricia Smith) and his greedy uncle Caleb Melton (Dana Elcar). The Cartwrights' efforts to help the boy choose between his mother and uncle are stymied by the fact that Coley hates both potential guardians with equal fervor. Originally telecast on April 20, 1969, "Speak No Evil" was written by B.W. Sandefur and Norman Katkov. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1969
Inspector Erskine (Efrem Zimbalist Jr.) gives African American FBI agnet Harry Dane (Booker Bradshaw) plenty of latitude as Dane combs through a tough ghetto neighborhood in search of athlete-turned-criminal Nate Phelps (Billy Dee Williams). Meanwhile, Nate turns to his former girlfriend Lenore (Lola Falana), hoping she'll summon his underworld buddies for help in escaping the FBI agent. But none of Nate's cohorts want anything to do with him: He's a cop killer, and that's bad for business all around. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1968
The focus in this Bonanza episode of September 29, 1968 is on ranch hand Candy, played by David Canary. Candy and the Cartwrights offer their assistance to a US Army unit, presently under attack from a gang of gold bandits. Crisis mounts upon crisis when it develops that Captain Harris (Pat Conway) is married to Candy's ex-wife Ann (Sandra Smith)-and the leader of the outlaws is Candy's childhood friend Angel Montana (Carlos Rivas). "Salute to Yesterday" was written by John Hawkins. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1968
Ben's longtime unofficial ward Davy (Lou Antonio), a Ute Indian, tries to rejoin the tribe that had exiled him years earlier. Davey's re-entry into the culture of his ancestors is complicated when he falls in love with Bright Moon (Cherie Latimer), the daughter of Chief Lone Spear (Arnold Moss), and the intended bride of White Wolf (Ned Romero). The resultant inter-tribal bitterness and dissension enables a group of bigoted white men to sabotage a crucial treaty negotiation. Written by William Douglas Lansford and Richard Wendley, "In Defense of Honor" was originally slated to air on March 31, 1968, but was moved to April 28 due to coverage of President Johnson's refusal to run for another term. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1967
Jamison Fillmore (Richard Anderson), the crooked owner of a paddle-wheel steamboat, plans an aquatic escape after robbing the Ponderosa timber supplies and stealing a shipment of currency. Fillmore proves he's not kidding when he murders steamboat skipper Captain Larson (Karl Swenson), a friend of Ponderosa ranchhand Candy. Swearing revenge, Candy figures that the best way to catch a thief is to think like one. Also appearing are Sheila Larken as Julie, Kevin Hagen as Guy Gilray, and Christopher Dark as Testy. Filmed on location, "Showdown at Tahoe" was written by Thomas Thompson. The episode first aired on November 19, 1967, and was chosen for rebroadcast by NBC during the summer of 1972. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1967
Future Hawaii 5-0 regular James MacArthur guest-stars as Jase Fredericks, who tries to protect his inheritance, and his life, from his selfish uncle Bingham (Ford Rainey). The Cartwrights become involved when the conflict between Jase and Bingham boils down to Jase's prize stallion. Patricia Hyland costars as Jase's wife Kathy. Originally broadcast on December 3, 1967, "Check Rein" was written by Robert I. Holt and Olney Sherman. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1967
Armed with a new tape recorder, Opie and his friend Arnold (Sheldon Collins) plant a "bug" in one of the jail cells. They manage to record evidence that a tight-lipped prisoner named Eddie (Herbie Faye) knows the whereabouts of some stolen money. But when the boys present the tape to Andy, he angrily refuses to listen, explaining that it would be a violation of proper police procedure. How is Andy going to bring this one to closure? Written by Michael Morris and Seaman Jacobs, "Tape Recorder" first aired on October 30, 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1967
Henry Darrow guest-stars as Amigo, a role originally written for Sammy Davis Jr.). Persecuted all his life merely because of his Mexican heritage, Amigo has cast his lot with a band of terrorists, led by the vicious Cap Fenner (Gregory Walcott). When Ben saves his life, Amigo's loyalties are torn between the Cartwrights and the outlaws-with Joe Cartwright finding himself a pawn in the struggle. It has been reported that Henry Darrow landed his costarring role on The High Chaparral on the strength of his performance in this episode. First shown on February 12, 1967, "Amigo" was written by John Hawkins and Jack Turley. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1966
This futuristic sci-fi film contains a strong message against communism. It begins in the year 2087 and presents a totalitarian world ruled by Cyborgs. They are half-machine and their are incapable of free thought. Cyborg Garth has a glitch and is a rebel who swipes a time machine and travels back to 1965. There he encounters Marx, the scientist who started it all. Garth tries to prevent him from continuing his experiments. He succeeds and future humans are spared. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- 1966
A horse thief with a price on his head is shot by both Joe Cartwright and his friend, stone-broke farmer Morgan Tanner (Dean Harens). When the authorities arrive, Joe takes full credit for the killing-and claims the reward, which Morgan and his family need desperately. Why is Joe acting in this seemingly cold and selfish manner? Also in the cast are Luana Patten and Regina Gleason as Morgan's wife Lorna and daughter Martha. Written by Frederic Louis Fox, "Credit for a Kill" first aired on October 23 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1966
Hoss Cartwright befriends philosophical drifter Will Smith (Lonny Chapman), a brilliant poet but a chronic alcoholic. Characteristically, Hoss tries to reform Will-only to discover that his new friend is not the rootless vagabond everyone thinks he is. Jorja Curtwright is cast as the obligatory "woman from the past," Lydia Evans (note that last name-it's an important plot point). Written by Donn Mullaly, "The Genius" was originally telecast on April 3, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1965
Held in thrall by a gang of rustlers, the local cattleman's association hires a professional gunman named Simmons (Robert Wilke) to deal with the outlaws. The Cartwrights vote against engaging the services of Simmons, fearing that he will cause more harm than good. Their predictions apparently come true when one of the rancher's wives is mysteriously killed. Also appearing are Earl Holliman as Clegg and Don Collier as Tatum. First telecast January 31, 1965, "The Flannel-Mouth Gun" was cowritten by actor Leo Gordon and Paul Leslie Wilke. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
- 1964
A mysterious hulking figure prowls a university campus at night and yanks the door off of a locked storage room to steal chemicals -- a guard spots the intruder but before he can react, the man knocks him cold and kills him, carrying the body as if it weighed nothing. The police investigation, led by Lt. Branch (James Doohan), can't figure out how the door was removed or the guard was asphyxiated -- and the materials that were stolen are fairly mystifying as well, chemicals used in experiments with consciousness-expanding ("CE") drugs. Dr. Peter Wayne (Keith Andes), the head of the drug experimentation program, and his associate (and brother-in-law) Dr. Roy Clinton (Skip Homeier), insist that there's nothing missing that was worth a burglary, much less a murder, but the lieutenant insists on checking out a possible connection between the crimes and a group of students and faculty members who were previously dismissed from the university for their CE experiments. This leads to new puzzlements -- including a man (Aki Aleong) who turns up, seemingly dead, for no apparent reason -- and the murder of a philanthropist associated with the university, apparently committed by a man that no one except Dr. Wayne remembers seeing. And of what significance is one student's claim that he saw Dr. Clinton on campus, at the science building, on the night of the burglary, which Clinton insists can't be true? Or Clinton's suggestion that CE drugs may be at work on others around them, affecting their judgement and their abilities? The story poses lots of questions, as well as momentarily waxing poetic on the potential of consciousness-expansion, and then answers them very slightly too early and quickly, in this otherwise eerie and suspenseful mystery. ~ Bruce Eder, Rovi
- Starring:
- Keith Andes, Skip Homeier, (more)
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