Don Corvan Movies
- 1985
In the 200th episode of Alice, trophy-winning amateur athlete Jolene Hunnicutt (Celia Weston) hopes to try out for a pro basketball team. Appointing himself Jolene's trainer is her current boss Mel (Vic Tayback), who is notorious for showing no mercy toward his trainees. The question: Will Jolene be able to survive the "Ordeal-by-Mel"? ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1985
Alice ends its nine-season run with the series' 202nd episode, in which Mel Sharples (Vic Tayback) finally sells the diner that bears his name--and surprise of surprises, he doles out huge bonuses to his staff. Mel's waitresses Alice (Linda Lavin), Vera (Beth Howland and Jolene (Celia Weston) proceed to reminiscence on the highlights of the past nine years, which of course are served up in the form of "flashbacks" from earlier episodes. In the course of events, Alice finally gets her chance at showbiz stardom, Jolene draws up plans to open her own beauty shop, and Vera announces her pregnancy. This episode was written by the series' executive producers Madelyn Pugh Davis and Bob Carroll Jr., whose previous collaborations included the classic 1950s sitcom I Love Lucy. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1985
The first wedding anniversary of Vera (Beth Howland) and her policeman husband Elliot (Charles Levin) threatens to be a disaster from the word "go". Not only is Vera unable to pry her husband away from his professional duties, but she can't even get him to remember their "special song"--until she gets arrested! The singing quartet The Indian River Boys (John George Campbell, Stephen Tolman, Curry Worsham and Rick Cox) weave in and out of the proceedings as a Greek Chorus of cops and jailbirds, while future political pundit Bill Maher and onetime Grease costar Barry Pearl (he was the original "Doody") show up as police officers. With this episode, Alice moved from Sundays to Tuesdays, where it would remain for the rest of its run. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1985
Once again short of funds, Vera (Beth Howland) takes a second job as a radio deejay. Calling herself "Nightbird", Vera adopts an uncharacteristically sexy voice for her on-mike persona. Sure enough, our heroine attracts a huge fan following consisting of lonely males--and nearly wrecks her marriage to Elliot (Charles Levin) in the process. Watch for prolific character actor Stephen Tobolowsky in a supporting role. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1985
In the first episode of a two-part story, Kip Niven returns to the series, but not in his familiar role as Vera's duplicitous ex-fiance Steve Marsh. Instead, he shows up as Steve's cousin Travis Marsh, a heavily bewhiskered country-western singer. After hearing Alice (Linda Lavin) warble a tune, Travis invites her to join his travelling band--but his interest in Alice is a bit more than professional! Linda Lavin and Kip Niven sing "Higher and Higher". ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1985
In the conclusion of a two-part story, Alice (Linda Lavin) has joined the travelling band fronted by country singer Travis Marsh (Kip Niven). At Travis' insistence, a reluctant Alice performs a solo number, which enchants the audience--and entrances Travis, who has obviously fallen in love with her. The episode reaches its climax as a confused Alice finds herself torn between Travis and her old beau Nick Stone (Michael Durrell). Guest star Kip Niven sings "Sweet Honeymoon". ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1984
Cult favorite Gregory Walcott (Plan Nine from Outer Space) appears in this episode as Big Jake, the father of waitress Jolene Hunnicutt (Celia Weston). When Big Jake, his three sons, his mom and his dog arrive in Phoenix, Jolene welcomes them with open arms. But when they all squeeze into her tiny apartment intending to stay in town indefinitely, Jolene wishes that she'd kept her arms closed! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1983
Vera (Beth Howland) must relinquish her new policeman husband Elliot (Charles Levin) for a few hours during the Holidays when he goes undercover as a department store Santa. Unfortunately, the disguised Elliot spots Vera locking lips with her ex-fiance Steve (Kip Niven), and it looks like it'll be a Blue Christmas. Featured among the many child actors in this episode is future Full House costar Candace Cameron and soon-to-be Hogan Family regular Danny Ponce. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
