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 Guide- 1959
Although Albert Magnum (Alan Hewitt) has the reputation of being a playboy, his friendship with Virginia Pond (Joanna Moore) is strictly platonic. Thus, when Albert warns Virginia to steer clear of her violently jealous ex-husband, Joseph (Gary Merrill), he is acting out of the purest motives. Unfortunately, Joseph doesn't quite see things the same way, as Albert learns to his regret when he confronts Joseph during a fishing trip. This is the final episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents' fourth season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1962
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
- 1959
Just at a point when he has everything to live for, wealthy Dave Ramey (Brian Keith) is stricken down with polio. Now confined to an iron lung, Ramey obsesses over the possibility that his wife, Cindy (Joanna Moore), plans to kill him. When Cindy falls for a handsome stranger named Arnold Barrett (Yale Wexler), it would appear that Ramey's fears are about to be realized -- but as we all know, appearances on Alfred Hitchcock Presents have a habit of being deceiving. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1958
After the death of her first husband, Judy (Joanna Moore) marries Steve (Steve Forrest), the man who sold her the insurance policy on her late hubby's life. When Judy and Steve quickly run out of money, Judy pins her hopes on a sweepstakes ticket that husband number one purchased just before his death. Unfortunately, the ticket stub is in the pocket of her dead husband's jacket -- the jacket that he was buried in. Based on a story by frequent Hitchcock collaborator Cornell Woolrich, "Post Mortem" had been previously been dramatized on the radio anthology Suspense. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1958
George Nader plays a reporter whose career is ruined by liquor. A comeback opportunity presents itself when Nader is a bystander at the arrest of a well-known criminal. The reporter knows that the crook, who has been accused of an ambush murder, is innocent, and he sets about to collar the real killer. Nader goes "cold turkey" on the booze despite tempations at every turn, and gets his man. Appointment with a Shadow is one of a handful of films directed by onetime I Led 3 Lives star Richard Carlson. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- George Nader, Joanna Moore, (more)
- 1967
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)
- 1975
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
- 1968
- NR
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)
- 1958
Flood Tide can be described as The Children's Hour gone ballistic. Michel Ray is David Gordon a sweet-faced little boy who dotes on his widowed mother Anne (Cornell Borchers) - but has a nasty, pathological penchant for lying. When a body washes up on the beach and a man is arrested, David tells a few "convenient" lies that get the fellow arrested. The owner of the adjacent beach house, Steve Martin (George Nader) returns from a trip, learns of the situation, and discusses in detail why he thinks the boy is being deceptive; he then spends the rest of the movie romantically pursuing Anne while attempting to earn David's trust and extract a confession from him that will free the unjustly convicted fellow. Flood Tide was directed by Abner Biberman, who as a former movie villain had a good grasp of what makes a sociopath tick--even a ten-year-old one. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- George Nader, Cornell Borchers, (more)
One of a handful of Elvis Presley vehicles for United Artists release, Follow That Dream is a leisurely comedy/musical with a homey appeal that will delight even non-Presley fans. Based on Richard Powell's novel Pioneer Go Home, the film casts Elvis as Toby Kwimper, the most responsible member of an itinerant rural family comprised of Pop Kwimper (Arthur O'Connell) and nubile cousin Holly Jones (Anne Helm). Claiming "squatter's rights," the Kwimpers set up housekeeping, much to the dismay of local gamblers Carmine (Jack Kruschen) and Nick (Simon Oakland). In an attempt to force the family off their land, social worker Alicia Claypool (Joanna Moore) tries to prove that Toby is "degenerate," but succeeds only in making a fool of herself. Beyond a handful of pleasant songs, the film's highlights include Elvis' unwitting breakup of the local gambling casino, and the climactic trial scene featuring Roland Winters as a dyspeptic but basically likeable judge. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elvis Presley, Arthur O'Connell, (more)
- 1971
- R
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
- 1959
While on the road to Denver, gallant Bart (Jack Kelly) rescues the beautiful Linda Burke (Joanna Moore) from a runaway horse. Upon reaching his destination, Bart discovers that Linda has helpfully sent word that he is a topnotch gambler. And apparently that's not all Linda has told the townsfolk; before the episOde is half over, our hero has been framed for murder. Watch for Stacy Keach Sr., father of the contemporary character actor (and creator of the classic radio series Tales of the Texas Rangers), in a supporting role. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1958
In this sci-fi film, a college professor must deal with the cataclysmic consequences that ensue when a transmogrifying dragonfly bites a prehistoric fish from Madagascar. Soon after the bite, the strange fish becomes gigantic and begins passing on its new ability to morph all it comes in contact with back into their primal forms. When it bites a dog, the dog becomes a wolf. When some fish slime ends up in the professor's pipe, the professor put it to his lips, and he turns into a rampaging Neanderthal with a very large stone-axe that he freely wields around the terrified college campus. Bloody mayhem ensues. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Arthur Franz, Joanna Moore, (more)
- 1987
Outwardly 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
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)
- 1963
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
- 1958
George Baxter (Jack Raine), a courier for the South African Diamond Company, arrives at his firm's California office to find the place in a state of disarray, with a strange girl (Joanna Moore) standing the middle of the room. Baxter concludes that the place has been robbed, but before he can say or do anything the girl has ducked into the nearby office of Perry Mason (Raymond Burr), claiming to be a typist for a temp agency. Later on, Baxter is found murdered, and a man named Duane Jefferson (Alan Marshall) is charged. Perry wants to defend Jefferson, but the man refuses to identity the woman who could prove his innocence (and guess who that woman is?) Based on a 1956 novel by Perry Mason creator Erle Stanley Gardner, this episode offers a genuinely shocking twist just before the climax. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1958
Audie Murphy heads the cast of the better-than-usual oater Ride a Crooked Trail. It all begins when gunslinger Joe Maybe (Murphy) is mistaken for a famed U.S. marshal. This wouldn't be so bad, except for the fact that Joe has already drawn up plans to rob the town's bank with his cohort Sam Teeler (Henry Silva). The dilemma deepens when Joe falls in love with Teeler's ex-girlfriend, Tessa Milotte (Gia Scala), and begins entertaining notions of reforming. A youthful Walter Matthau steals the show as boozy, braggadocio Judge Kyle. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Audie Murphy, Gia Scala, (more)
- 1980
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
- 1957
This parody of Hollywood westerns centers on a boorish hellion of a cowboy star who makes life for the studio people around him a waking nightmare. His press agent is particularly beleaguered as she has been assigned to try to keep the errant star in line. She really has her work cut out for her when a little boy wins a national contest and gets to spend a month in the cowboy's home. Now the agent must conceal her difficult charge's true nature from the innocent boy. Fortunately, the lad has a good effect on the star and helps him settle down and become a decent fellow. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jock Mahoney, Julie Adams, (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)
- 1965
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)
- 1964
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)
- 1962
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
- 1962
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
