Garrett Morris Movies
Another of Julliard's illustrious alumni, Garrett Morris' first significant professional job was as performer and arranger with the Harry Belafonte singers. Morris went on to appear in such Broadway productions as Porgy and Bess, Hallelujah Baby, and Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death. He also wrote two plays, The Secret Place and Daddy Picou and Marie LeVeau. His first film gig was as a makeup artist on This Property is Condemned (1967); he made his movie acting bow in 1970. After a season's worth of supporting appearances on the 1973-74 sitcom Roll Out, Morris was hired as one of the Not Ready for Prime Time Players on NBC's Saturday Night Live. After his SNL stint, Morris could be seen in film supporting roles, most amusingly as "Famous Amos" takeoff Chocolate Charlie in the otherwise indifferent 1985 horror film The Stuff. He also made a return visit to Broadway, starring in I'm Not Rappaport. Back on TV, Garret Morris was seen regularly as Stan Kemrite on Martin (1992-1994) and on the weekly sitcoms of Ellen Cleghorne and Jamie Foxx. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
A 12-year-old boy with a tricked-out mountaintop fort attempts to foil three bumbling jewel thieves in search of a valuable dog collar in this fast-paced family comedy that's fun for parents and children alike. Wherever there are valuable jewels, notorious stone stealer Jackie Seemore is sure to be close by. On the heels of his latest heist, Jackie has disguised himself as a blind nun and is about to be picked up at Cedarville Airport by his two dimwitted assistants, Bud and Arty. Led through the airport by a Seeing Eye dog with an especially luminous collar, Jackie has donned a false veneer that is so effective even his most trusted sidekicks don't recognize him. Later, when the villainous trio pulls into a nearby rest stop to clean up, they have a chance run in with precocious adolescent Owen. Recognizing that the dog is unhappy being teased by Bud and Arty, Owen befriends the tormented animal -- which subsequently escapes into the nearby woods. Upon finding the frightened dog, Owen brings her to his secret hideout that was built upon a nearby mountaintop and fortified with booby-traps to keep away the local bullies. But Owen isn't the only person who resides on this mountaintop, because according to local legend a frightful old man deemed "The Madman of the Mountain" resides somewhere on this formidable hill as well. Naming the dog "Diamond" for her sparkling collar, the brave young boy vows to defend her from Jackie and his henchmen at all costs. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Luke Benward, Brittany Curran, (more)
A vacationing family is befriended by an adorable stray dog that may just hold the secret to keeping such a disparate clan together in this lighthearted tale of friendship for the entire family. Colin York (Jon Gries) is a loving husband and father who suffers from obsessive compulsive disorder. As long as he doesn't venture outside of his "zone" everything is fine, but the moment he does it all starts to come unglued. When Colin's wife Jennifer (Cynthia Watros) inherits her family's idyllic summer home, the prospect of spending an entire summer on an island doesn't exactly thrill the couple's teenage daughter Anna (Brittany Robertson). Anna would rather be with her friends than be forced to entertain her geeky six year-old brother Patrick (Ashton Dierks). The tempestuous teen's sour opinion of island life quickly begins to sweeten, however, once she meets handsome local Sean Redhorse (Brian Burnett). When reports of an escaped circus animal begin to circulate among the island inhabitants, concerned father Colin does his best to keep his two children safe. One night, when a curious Patrick ventures out to find the missing animal, he instead stumbles across a lovable little pup named Frank. Though Frank is injured and Colin makes no secret of his contempt for man's best friend, it's obvious that the dog means the world to his children. Recognizing this, Colin agrees to help nurse Frank back to health and put him up for adoption at the end of the summer. Yet despite Colin's reluctance to being a pet into the household, by the end of the summer this whole family will release that when you have a friend like Frank, you hold on to him for all it's worth. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jon Gries, Cynthia M. Watros, (more)
- 2007
Few television programs have broken as many taboos as Screw publisher Al Goldstein's groundbreaking late-night cable program Midnight Blue, and in this collection of audacious clips, Goldstein takes a look beyond the porn and politics and into the lives of the era's hottest celebrities. From the notorious "Barbra Streisand Porno Movie" to a visit to the 1979 Hooker's Ball where football legend O.J. Simpson offers his candid views on the sexual state of the nation, these are the interviews that would influence and inspire the celebrity gossip programs for decades to come. After witnessing Go-Go's beauty Belinda Carlisle fly solo in a late-night pleasure session, viewers can get a peek at the infamous Rob Lowe sex tape -- footage that nearly brought the handsome Brat Packer's Hollywood career to a screeching halt. Other guests include Arnold Schwarzenegger, R. Crumb, Tiny Tim, Gilbert Gottfried, Larry Flynt, Debbie Harry, Buck Henry, and vintage commercials for some of New York City's hottest adult sweet spots offer an intimate look at a time when the debauchery of the disco era was at an all-time high. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Al Goldstein, Alex Bennett, (more)
- 2001
In the conclusion of a two-part story, the Green Lantern has been whisked off to Mars to stand trial for his life at the behest of the Martian Manhunters--an organization of which his fellow Justice Leaguer J'onn J'onnz is also a member. Convinced that the Green Lantern will not receive proper justice, the rest of the Justice League rushes to the rescue, while the Green One's longtime superirs, the Guardians of the Universe, show up as character witnesses. But is the whole trial merely a sham, to cover up a sinister conspiracy of evil? This story is adapted from the Justice League of America comic-book continuity "No Man Escapes the Manhunter", and does not feature either Batman or Wonder Woman. Both episodes of "In Blackest Night" were released on DVD in tandem with another Justice League two-parter, "The Enemy Below," in April of 2003 under the umbrella title "Justice on Trial." ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- James Remar, Kurtwood Smith, (more)
- 2001
In the first episode of a two-part story, the Justice League must put aside its difference to save one of its own from certain death. The member in question is the Green Lantern, who has been targeted for prosecution (or is it persecution) by a Martian court. Making things difficult is the fact that the Green Lantern's comrade J'onn J'onnz is a member of the selfsame "Manhunter" faction that has arrested the Green One. This story is adapted from the Justice League of America comic-book continuity "No Man Escapes the Manhunter," and does not feature either Batman or Wonder Woman. Both episodes of "In Blackest Night" were released on DVD in tandem with another Justice League two-parter, "The Enemy Below," in April of 2003 under the umbrella title "Justice on Trial." ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- James Remar, Kurtwood Smith, (more)
Robert Townsend directs this biopic on the life of one of the great early rock & roll entertainers -- Little Richard (played by Leon). The film charts Richard's rise from his humble origins in Macon, Georgia, to his chart-topping success to his much-reported return to the Church. ~ Jonathan Crow, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Leon, Jenifer Lewis, (more)
- 2000
In the fifth and final season of The Jamie Foxx Show, up-and-coming vocalist Jamie King (Jamie Foxx) has broken up with his girlfriend Fancy (Garcelle Beauvais) and has embarked upon a nightclub singing career -- though not as the partner of Nicole Evans (Rhona Bennett), the girl who caused his split with Fancy in the first place. As his career moves in fits and starts, Jamie begins missing Fancy, and by mid-season he has proposed marriage. As a wedding present, Jamie's Uncle Junior (Garrett Morris) and Aunt Helen (Ellia English) turn over 75 percent ownership of the King's Tower hotel to the engaged couple. This arrangement is not to the liking of Jamie's former roommate Braxton (Christopher B. Duncan), who as King's Tower's general manager had assumed he would take over the hotel once Junior and Helen retired. As it happens, however, the marriage may never come off: Fancy has been offered a fantastic job in New York, and there may be no room for matrimony in her life. But when all is said in done, The Jamie Foxx Show arrives at a happy ending for all concerned, involving a wedding, a great financial deal, and marvelous guest appearances by Gladys Knight and Marilyn McCoo, respectively cast as Jamie's mother and new mom-in-law. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jamie Foxx, Garrett Morris, (more)
- 1999
As season four of The Jamie Foxx Show gets under way, aspiring actor Jamie King (Jamie Foxx) and sexy hotel desk clerk Fancy Monroe (Garcelle Beauvais) have resumed their relationship -- leaving Fancy's former fiancé, Dr. Silas Landry, out in the cold (and out of the series). Elsewhere at the King's Tower Hotel in L.A., Jamie's Uncle Junior (Garrett Morris) and Aunt Helen (Ellia English) have decided to promote Fancy to director of sales, and the hotel's accountant, Braxton (Christopher B. Duncan), to general manager (hopefully, this takes some of the sting out the fact that Braxton has apparently broken up with his girlfriend Cameron). Sizing up his chances for showbiz success, Jamie resigns himself to a "civilian" job with an ad agency called Jingles 2000, where he meets several new series regulars: boss Bob Nelson (Blake Clark) and co-workers Nicole (Rhona Bennett), Phil (Alex Thomas), Mouse (Suli McCullough), and Curtis (Chris Spencer). Despite the fact that he has taken the job on the rebound, Jamie does well enough to be promoted to supervisor -- only to lose that position and his whole job when he is caught making a demo tape with company equipment. Fortunately, he has become close with Nicole, who likewise yearns to become a star. Teaming up with her for a Vegas act, Jamie is delighted that his career is at last getting somewhere. As the season draws to a close, the relationship between Jamie and Nicole has gone beyond the "professional" stage, forcing Jamie to choose between continuing his singing career and returning to his first love Fancy -- a dilemma that takes two whole season-ending episodes to resolve. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jamie Foxx, Garrett Morris, (more)
- 1998
Season three of The Jamie Foxx Show ended as aspiring actor Jamie King (Jamie Foxx) bade farewell to his friends and loved ones at the King's Tower Hotel in Los Angeles, in preparation of a lengthy tour as the opening act for rappers K-Ci & JoJo. Alas, at the beginning of season three, Jamie is back in L.A. without a penny to his name, his big showbiz chance having blown up in his face when he had an argument with the two singers. Even worse, the love of Jamie's life, King's Tower desk clerk Fancy Monroe (Garcelle Beauvais) has started dating other men, resolving herself to the conclusion that her relationship with Jamie was doomed from the start (though they still remain friends). Ironically, Jamie's nerdish former roommate, accountant Braxton T. Hartnabrig (Christopher B. Duncan), is at long last enjoying a rather robust romantic life with his new girlfriend, Cameron Caldwell (Susan Wood), an attractive blond who works for a delivery service. As for Jamie's Aunt Helen (Ellia English) and Uncle Junior (Garrett Morris), their relationship remains as testy as ever -- though Junior is capable of expressing jealousy over Helen's mid-season cosmetic makeover. As the season winds down, Fancy has become seriously involved with Dr. Silas Landry (Alan F. Smith). He proposes, she accepts, a wedding date is set -- and then everything changes when Jamie and Fancy realize they're still in love with each other. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jamie Foxx, Garrett Morris, (more)
- 1997
Jamie King (Jamie Foxx) remains the star resident employee of the rundown L.A. hotel owned by his Aunt and Uncle as he continues to pursue his dream of showbiz stardom during season two of The Jamie Foxx Show. The good news this season is that Jamie finally ends up in bed with the hotel's sexy front-desk clerk Fancy Monroe (Garcelle Beauvais); the bad new is Jamie doesn't get any farther than lying down before his innate nervousness overwhelms him. Moving out of the King's Tower Hotel mid-season, Jamie moves in with the hotel's snobbish accountant, Braxton T. Hartnabrig (Christopher B. Duncan). This "Odd Couple" relationship comes to an abrupt end when Jamie accidentally starts a fire in the apartment, forcing himself and Braxton to return, sadder but not a lot wiser, to King's Tower. The season ends as Jamie gets a job doing the opening act for the rap group K-Ci & JoJo, whom he met in time-honored sitcom fashion by bumping into their car. As he prepares to go on tour with the singers, Jamie is completely oblivious to the fact that former "ice queen" Fancy (Garcelle Beauvais) has fallen in love with him. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jamie Foxx, Garrett Morris, (more)
Pursuing his dream to hit it big in show biz, aspiring actor Jamie King (Jamie Foxx) makes the big move from Texas to L.A. as The Jamie Foxx Show launches its first season. He establishes residence -- and takes a job -- at the once-famous but now rundown King's Tower hotel, managed by his Uncle Junior (Garrett Morris) and his Aunt Helen (Ellia English). Before long, he has made the acquaintance of the hotel's snotty accountant Braxton P. Hartnabrig (Christopher P. Duncan); dopey bellman Dennis (Andy Berman, who would leave the series after nine episodes); and (much to his delight) curvaceous front-desk clerk Fancy Monroe (Garcelle Beauvais). Foxx's first-season adventures include his ongoing efforts to woo and win the ice-cold Fancy; his foredoomed attempt to start a business with unreliable Uncle Junior; his staging a Hollywood masquerade party which ends with some fantasy indulging; his feverish struggle to talk an old friend out of jumping from a high hotel window; and his bittersweet reunion with his mom (played by Gladys Knight), a former nightclub singer. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jamie Foxx, Garrett Morris, (more)
- 1994
Cvetic (John Terry) is growing more and more contemptuous of his patients, leading to some bizarre behavior on his part. Carol (Julianna Margulies) is caught on the horns of a dilemma when she is bound by ethics not to reveal details of an accident imparted in confidence by a patient. Ross (George Clooney) grows restless in his relationship with Linda (Andrea Parker). And Carter (Noah Wyle) learns a few more valuable life lessons as he treats transvestite patient Henry (Vondie Curtis-Hall). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
"The Coneheads" were a sketch on the Saturday Night Live television show of the late '70s which were expanded to feature-length proportions with this film. The story concerns Beldar (Dan Aykroyd) and Prymaat (Jane Curtin), who leave the planet Remulak to prepare for an invasion of Planet Earth. But due to a malfunction, they find themselves plunged into the Hudson River and forced to take up residence in Paramus, New Jersey where Beldar gets work as an appliance salesman and makes a deal for a phony social security card. Before long, all thoughts of invading Earth are left behind as Beldar and Prymaat quickly adapt to suburban life -- except for their coneheads and metallic-sounding voices, they become a typical middle-class suburban family. The Coneheads have a child, Connie (Michelle Burke) and Beldar becomes a New York cab driver and starts up his own driving school. Connie grows into a teenager and a neighborhood boy, Ronnie (Chris Farley), develops a crush on her because he likes to rub her conehead. But a nefarious INS agent, Gorman Seedling (Michael McKean), and his toady assistant, Turnbull (David Spade), are hot on The Coneheads' trail because of Beldar's false social security card. Not only that, but the Remulakian Highmaster (Dave Thomas) is beginning to wonder what ever happened to Beldar's invasion of the third rock from the sun. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtin, (more)
Wazzup? Superstar Martin Lawrence (Open Season, Big Momma's House) is back in 27 uproarious episodes from the hilarious second season of his classic show! Whether he's stepping into the boxing ring, delivering a baby or running amok in Hollywood, Martin never ceases to amaze and amuse. With his long-suffering girlfriend Gina and core crew of Tommy, Cole and Pam by his side, as well as an outrageous group of oddballs: back-sassing Sheneneh, clueless Jerome and wise-cracking Mama Payne, Martin proves that a second helping is even better than the first!
- Starring:
- Martin Lawrence, Thomas Mikal Ford, (more)
- 1993
Flung into a deep depression following his wife's accidental death, jazzman Morris Poole (Michael Madsen) borders on suicide, punishing himself for the tragedy. They had been in the middle of a violent argument when she accidentally fell from an upper-story window. Eventually he gets involved with another gal, who finds the still-depressed Poole pretty hard to figure out, as he just can't keep his mind from his first-wife loss. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Michael Madsen, Lynette Walden, (more)
Martin Lawrence (Bad Boys, Big Momma's House) plays Martin Payne, a brash radio personality who always speaks his mind, often to the frustration of Gina (Tisha Campbell), his feisty but eternally forgiving girlfriend. Always around are Martin's "hang out partners," Tommy, Cole, and Pam (Tichina Arnold), a co-worker of Gina's. Find out wazzup in the outrageous world of Martin.
- Starring:
- Martin Lawrence, Thomas Mikal Ford, (more)
Nell Carter stars a a popular singer and Dinah Manoff costars as her maid du jour in the made-for-TV Maid For Each Other. A spoiled-rotten widow whose wealthy husband left her penniless, Dinah hasn't quite latched onto the concept of being at someone else's beck and call. As for Nell, she doesn't suffers fools very easily. This situation is fitfully amusing in itself, but the fun really begins when Nell and Dinah uncover an insidious plot involving corporate espionage and murder. Maid for Each Other debuted January 13, 1992. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
The made-for-TV Earth Angel stars Cathy Bodewell as Angela, a prom queen who dies in 1962. Unfortunately, Angela has not always lived up to her name, and her entry into Heaven is held up indefinitely. She is given a chance to redeem herself by returning to earth in 1990, where she is to successfully complete an important mission. Thing of it is, she has no idea what her mission is-though she suspects it has something to do with romance. Clearly intended as a hybrid of Ghost and Peggy Sue Got Married, Earth Angel was first telecast March 4, 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Cathy Podewell, Cindy Williams, (more)
- 1989
Within a single year, Gilda Radner rose from talented but obscure improv comedienne to "America's Sweetheart" thanks to NBC's Saturday Night Live. The 60-minute video The Best of Gilda Radner is culled from SNL's vintage years, 1975 to 1980. Included are such beloved Radner creations as Roseanne Roseannadanna ("Thought ah wuz gonna die!"), Emily Litella ("Never mind!"), Lisa Looper ("That was so funny I a'most fergot t' LAFFFFF") and, of course, Baba Wawa. We are also treated to Gilda's takeoff of Lucille Ball and her extended "Dancing in the Dark" number with Steve Martin. You may find yourself alternately laughing and crying through The Best of Gilda Radner--crying because this matchless performer left this world much too soon. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
Upon the death of his barber, Al (Ed O'Neill) must endure the humiliation of visiting a salon and submitting to a stylist. The results inspire Al's family to make several barbed comments about his rather epicene appearance, which son Bud (David Faustino) sums up as the "No Closet Can Hold Me Look." Rather than undergo another assault on his machismo, Al decides to grow his hair long--REAL long. This episode received three Emmy nominations. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1987
Emboldened by what he thinks is the right "rhythm", uptight Steve (David Garrison) joins Al (Ed O'Neill) and his buddies for poker night. At game's end, a sweaty Steve emerges the loser, giving up his entire paycheck. Knowing what horrible fate is in store for him if Marcy (Amanda Bearse) finds out, Steve begs Peg (Katey Sagal) to persuade Al to give the money back. Former Saturday Night Live regular Garrett Morris appears as Russ. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1986
In an episode clearly inspired by the "Hurricane" Carter saga, ex-prizefighter Typhoon Thompson (Isaac Hayes) gets out of prison after serving several years for the murder of his manager. Now all Typhoon lives for is to get even with the person whom he claims is the real murderer--and to exact vengeance against Hunter (Fred Dryer), the police detective who sent him up. As dead bodies pile up all over LA, it looks as if Typhoon has embarked upon a killing spree...but Hunter begins to suspect that someone else is responsible for the carnage. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
