Joanna Moore Movies
Southern-born Joanna Moore often said she'd never intended to be an actress, but an actress she was for nearly two decades. In films from 1956, Moore had her share of worthwhile and memorable roles. She was seen as the daughter of a blown-up murder victim in Orson Welles' Touch of Evil (1957); she was pathetically brilliant as retarded prostitute Miss Precious in A Walk on the Wild Side (1962); and she was as sexy as the Disney organization would permit as femme fatale Desiree de la Roche in Son of Flubber (1963). From 1963 to 1967 Moore was married to actor Ryan O'Neal, five years her junior; she bore him two children, Tatum and Griffin, both of whom later pursued their own acting careers. Joanna Moore retired from acting in 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie GuideOutwardly respectable Australian wife and mother Carmen Duncan harbors a secret past. A former German terrorist, Duncan is sought by both the authorities and her former associates. One of these, IRA assassin Michael Aitkens, insists that Duncan share some of the loot she's squirreled away. She escapes Aitken's clutches, with both the money and her 15-year-old daughter Annie Jones in tow. Thus do the two female leads become the "moving targets" of the title--though unlike other targets, Duncan has the will and the wherewithal to fight back, and fight back hard. This tight little Australian chase thriller, which boasts a to-die-for rock music score, was based on When We Ran, a novel by Keith Leopold. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
In this children's movie, a single executive enjoys her life on the fast track, but when she is talked into becoming a den mother to a rambunctious pack of Cub Scouts, her life is temporarily derailed. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
Jack Palance portrays undercover cop Lt. Alexander Bronkov, or "Bronk" for short. Bronk has a short fuse and an oversupply of compassion, which is not the best of all combinations when dealing with his rulebound higher-ups. In this made-for-TV movie, Bronk is assigned to bust up a drug ring, an assignment that puts him on the trail of corrupt officials in the government...and the police force. Bronk was the pilot for a weekly series starring Jack Palance, which ran from September 1975 to July 1976. Many viewers agreed with Palance's own public assessment of this short-lived project: "Stupid". ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
"The German Air Force is not at all what it used to be," says Anne Bancroft's Countess, about 16 minutes into The Hindenburg, pausing and then adding, "But then, nothing is these days." That seems to sum up the ponderous, irony-laden script and plot of Robert Wise's movie, which is posited -- in true post-Watergate fashion -- upon notions of conspiracy and cover-up behind the destruction of the German airship. The movie opens with a handy Universal newsreel that gives a vestpocket history of lighter-than-air flight, and that carries us to 1937 Germany. Colonel Franz Ritter (George C. Scott), a former hero pilot now working for military intelligence, finds himself assigned to the flight of the Hindenburg as chief of security; reports and rumors about the destruction of the zeppelin have circulated both in Germany and America, and the Nazi government takes these very seriously. What Ritter walks in on is a "Grand Hotel" of the air, several dozen passengers and crew whose ranks contain enough red herrings to keep Ritter (and us) jumping through hoops for most of the first half of the film, when we're not watching glorious shots of the zeppelin in flight. The answer to the script's presentation of the plot against the airship,and theidentityof the bomber and his motivations, are actually presented in the first 15 minutes, but there are so many false leads, subplots, and blind alleys put before us that the solution will probably pass by unnoticed. In the meantime, Ritter dances around with his ex-paramour (Bancroft), scheming businessmen (Gig Young), and passengers with skeletons in their closets (Alan Oppenheimer), an entertainer (Robert Clary) with a knack for offending loyal Nazis, several officers and crew with known "political" differences with the Nazi Party, a Gestapo man (Roy Thinnes) who's got an agenda of his own, and two genuine mystery men (Burgess Meredith, Rene Auberjonois) who don't seem to have any reason for traveling on this particular voyage. It's all a little tiring, or would be, if the setting and special effects weren't that interesting, and the cast wasn't so entertaining to watch in these relatively thankless roles. ~ Bruce Eder, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- George C. Scott, Anne Bancroft, (more)
Feeling somewhat confined and limited on Walton's Mountain, John (Ralph Waite) briefly takes leave of his family and accepts a shipyard job in faraway Norfolk. He finds temporary lodging in a boarding house managed by an attractive widow, Mrs. Champion (Joanna Moore). He also finds unexpected trouble when another of the male boarders jealously jumps to the conclusion that John "has designs" on his landlady! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Anyone who adopts the initials "J.C." as a nickname probably has a Messianic complex. In Iron Horseman, the hero, the head of a motorcycle gang, wigs out on LSD. While day-tripping, he has a prophetic religious vision. This leads him back to his home town, where he challenges the local church leaders-even unto knocking down chairs and tables in righteous anger, just like....you know. Originally titled J.C., this cinematic epiphany was directed by its star, William McGaha; the better-known cast members include Joanna Moore and Slim Pickens. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Con artist Carl Beaumont (Steve Ihnat) and nurse Angela Reese (Joanna Moore) have worked out a "perfect" scam: Angela determines which of her female patients has the most money, whereupon Beaumont moves in and swindles the targeted lady out of her savings--then kills her before she can talk. Unfortunately for Beaumont, his most recent victim lived long enough to point FBI Inspector Lew Erskine (Efrem Zimbalist Jr. in the right direction. But will Erskine be able to move quickly enough to save Beaumont's newest "mark", Sarah Whittaker (Mildred Dunnock), from sharing the same fate as the others? ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Inspector Erskine (Efrem Zimbalist Jr. swings into action when three convicts, led by William Hollis (Edward Binns), escape by tunneling out of prison--murdering a guard in the process. Now the trio plans to put their tunnelling skills to even more practical use by burrowing into a maximum-security bank. Featured in the guest cast is Joanna Moore, the ex-wife of Ryan O'Neal and mother of child actress Tatum O'Neal. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Jack Albany (Dick Van Dyke) is an actor in a television series who is mistaken for a real-life murderer Ace Williams (Jack Elam). Comedy ensues when gangster Leo Smooth (Edward G. Robinson) goes after Jack. Robinson reprises the role of the gangster tough guy he made famous in the 1930s. He leads a comical crew of criminals which include Ned Glass, Mickey Shaughnessy, Slim Pickens, Henry Silva and Tony Bill. Sally (Dorothy Provine) is the love interest who comes to the aid of the unhappy Jack. Jerry Paris, who starred as Van Dyke's neighbor in his highly successful television show of the 1960s, directs this Walt Disney-produced comedy. Disney had given the nod to the script and the production blueprints shortly before his death in 1966. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dick Van Dyke, Edward G. Robinson, (more)
Improvisational director Robert Altman hadn't yet found his cinematic "voice" when he helmed the conformist, stick-to-the-script Countdown. James Caan is top-billed as a scientist who is chosen over astronaut Robert Duvall for the upcoming NASA moon shot. In their haste to beat the Russians to the moon, the NASA folks have tried to sidestep several safety measures, but doctor Charles Aidman sees to it that every possible precaution is taken. When Caan makes it to the lunar surface, he stumbles upon gruesome evidence that the Russians had sent up a secret expedition themselves--and had fatally ignored all those extra security precautions which he's been subject to. Ted Knight, who received some of his best pre-Mary Tyler Moore roles in Altman's TV work, co-stars in Countdown. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- James Caan, Joanna Moore, (more)
Angus Duncan is cast as Darrin's old college chum, Charlie Harper. Eternally one-upping Darrin during their school days, Charlie continues to outdistance his pal in adulthood, boasting a millionaire's salary, a bigger agency, a prettier wife, and even triplet babies. Eventually, however, Samantha proves that Darrin is the real winner, while Charlie's shallow wife, Daphne (Joanna Moore), learns a lesson in genuine values. Written by Earl Barret, "Charlie Harper, Winner" originally aired on March 2, 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
The F.B.I. begins its third season as Federal Inspector Lew Erskine (Efrem Zimbalist Jr.) enters a poker game where the stakes are literally life and death. Working undercover, Erskine is playing with several high-ranking Mafia officers. His purpose: to prevent the assassination of mob chieftan Paul Nichols (Larry Gates)--and also to keep the unknown assassin from killing everyone else in the game! With this episode, William Reynolds becomes a regular as Special Agent Tom Colby. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
At an emergency hospital, a man calling himself Harry Robertson uses his medical skills to save the life of Maggie Tippet (Barbara Baxley)--then disappears. It turns out that "Harry Robertson" is actually fugitive Richard Kimble, and that Maggie Tippet is the girl friend of Bill Johnson, the "one-armed man" who committed the murder for which Kimble was sent to Death Row. Tipped off by Johnson as to Kimble's whereabouts, Lt. Gerard (David Janssen) makes a beeline to the hospital, certain that Kimble will pay a return visit--thereby neatly falling into a police trap. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Though he is using the alias "Joe Warren", Richard Kimble (David Janssen) is recognized by Sal Mitchell (Larry Blyden), a seedy nightclub performer who has a mind-reading act. Hoping to drum up publicity, Mitchell plans to arrange for Kimble's capture, thereby make it appear as if his "powers" are genuine. Crucial to the success of the scheme is a subtle accomplice, who likewise using an alias is posing as Kimble's current travelling companion. Appearing as Mitchell's wife Joan is Joanna Moore, onetime wife of actor Ryan O'Neal and the mother of child star Tatum O'Neal. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
There has never been any love lost between handsome, dissolute playboy Ernest Mullett (Peter Lawford) and his homely, hardworking brother, Farnum (Roger C. Carmel). The sibling rivalry intensifies when Farnum manages to take over Ernest's money, his job, his wife, Judith (Martha Hyer), and even his mistress, Barbara (Julie London). What we have here is a classic "Cain and Abel" situation -- and Ernest intends to literalize this Biblical allusion by eliminating Farnum for good. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Lawford, Julie London, (more)
When Charlie Osgood (Steven Hill) embezzles 95,000 dollars, his business partner, Eddie Turin (Richard Anderson), threatens to turn him over to the police. Not wishing to be arrested, Charlie elaborately fakes his own suicide, then runs off with his girlfriend, Danielle (Joanna Moore). Only when it is too late does Charlie discover that his foolproof scheme has a fly in the ointment -- and that his second "suicide" will be just a bit more successful than his first. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Steven Hill, Joanna Moore, (more)
Son of Flubber represented the first time that Walt Disney ever attempted a theatrical feature sequel: in this case, the earlier film was the 1961 moneyspinner The Absent-Minded Professor. While Flubber is more formula-bound than Professor, it proved an instant audience-pleaser, and a hit to the tune of nine million dollars. Fred MacMurray returns as professor Ned Brainerd, currently working on his new discovery, "dry rain." The comically destructive side effects of this discovery seemingly doom the professor to failure -- at least until the closing courtroom sequence -- but meanwhile he has better luck with Flubbergas, a byproduct of the antigravity glop he'd invented in the first film. In addition to MacMurray, Absent-Minded Professor alumni Nancy Olson, Keenan Wynn, Tommy Kirk, Leon Ames, Elliott Reid, Alan Carney, Gordon Jones, Forrest Lewis, and James Westerfield reprise their roles from the earlier film, while Ed Wynn shows up in a new guise as a nervous agricultural agent. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Fred MacMurray, Nancy Olson, (more)
Perry Mason (Raymond Burr) takes the case of self-made millionaire Otto Olney (John Larkin), who wants to sue art critic Colin Durant (John Larkin) for allegedly spreading rumors that the rare Gauguin painting recently purchased by Olney is a forgery. But Durant insists that he had never cast aspersions on Olney--and he offers to produce a witness, Maxine Lindsay (Erin O'Donnell), to prove his assertion. In his efforts to track down the elusive Maxine, Perry ends up in her bathroom--where Colin Durant, dead as a doornail, is taking his last shower! This episode is based on a 1962 novel by Perry Mason creator Erle Stanley Gardner. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
This western served as the pilot film for Warner Bros.' Temple Houston television series. It is the tale of a young, brash attorney (Jeffrey Hunter) in the Texas circuit court system. His old flame (Joanna Moore) is accused of murder. The case is resolved when Hunter reveals the real killer in contrived courtroom melodrama. A rather skimpy plot, but uncomplicatedly colorful and entertaining. ~ Lucinda Ramsey, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jeffrey Hunter, Preston S. Foster, (more)
Now working as an ambulance driver and using the handle "Doc", Kimble (David Janssen) is approached by a desperate married couple (Wright King, Joanna Moore) seeking help for their ailing son (Michel Petit). It soon develops that the "couple" are actually the brother and wife of kidnapper Ralph Simmons (Claude Akins), and that their "son" is actually a kidnap victim suffering from hemophilia. Though Kimble may be able to stop the captive boy's bleeding, will he be able to save his own life once his usefulness is at an end? ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
This moody and controversial drama takes place in Depression-era New Orleans. Dove (Laurence Harvey) has traveled by bus from Texas to find his wayward lover Hallie (Capucine). He meets young Kitty Twist (Jane Fonda) as the two get off in the crescent city. Teresina (Anne Baxter) gives him a job at her small cafe. In his free time, Dove searches for Hallie and finds her at work as a prostitute in the Doll's House. Dove implores Hallie to return to him but she refuses. When the lecherous lesbian madame Jo (Barbara Stanwyck) discovers Dove's intentions towards Hallie, she has him beaten to a bloody pulp by her hired goons. He is found by Kitty, now a happy hooker at the Doll House, and is taken back to the cafe where the compassionate Teresina heals his physical and emotional wounds. The film taken from the novel by Nelson Algren is much tamer than the original text. The title track, sung by Brook Benton, was nominated for an Academy Award. The "black-cat stalking" opening and closing sequences (by designer Saul Bass) is a perfect little "film-within-a-film." This footage, with its superb lighting, framing, panning, and editing, should be appreciated by anyone who wants to know more about the art of cinematography. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Laurence Harvey, Capucine, (more)
Once voted "most likely to succeed" by his alma mater, Dave Sumner (Howard Morris) is little better than a derelict when he is reunited with his old college chum Stanley Towers (Jack Carter). Now a prosperous -- if somewhat disreputable -- businessman, Stanley takes pity on down-and-out Dave and gives him a job. Little does Stanley suspect that good old Dave is harboring a secret. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Though introduced in the episode titled "Andy and Opie-Bachelors," Sheriff Andy's new girlfriend, county nurse Peggy McMillan (Joanna Moore), made her earliest series appearance in "Andy's Rich Girlfriend", which though filmed after her inaugural episode was telecast first, on October 8, 1962. Upon discovering that Peggy has a very wealthy father, Andy begins to think that the girl is out of his league. Barney takes it upon himself to "re-invent" Andy so that he'll be acceptable to Peggy's friends and family. "Andy's Rich Girfriend" was written by Jim Fritzell and Everett Greenbaum. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
When Aunt Bee leaves town, county nurse Peggy McMillan (Joanna Moore) promises to look after Andy and Barney. At first, Andy regards Peggy's willingness to do the cooking and housework as an act of friendship. Barber Floyd plants the notion in Andy's head that Peggy is merely trying to snare a husband. First telecast on October 22, 1962, "Andy and Opie-Bachelors" was written by Jim Fritzell and Everett Greenbaum. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Andy becomes jealous when he sees his girlfriend Peggy in the company of her old friend Don (Fred Beir). Sensing that Andy needs to play the field a bit, Barney tries to fix his pal up with another girl-and thus are introduced two of the series' most outrageous recurring characters, "fun girls" Daphne (Jean Carson) and Skippy (Joyce Jameson). Originally telecast on November 5, 1962, "Barney Mends a Broken Heart" was the last of four episodes to feature Joanna Moore as Peggy McMillan, but not the last one to be shown. The episode was written by Aaron Ruben. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
















