Deborah Raznick Movies
- 1981
Laverne (Penny Marshall) wants to sing for "Hoot Night" at Cowboy Bill's, but feels she lacks such necessary commodities as stage presence and talent. Turning on her persuasive powers full-throttle, Laverne begs Carmine (Eddie Mekka) to give her some music lessons. Series costar Cindy Williams (Shirley) makes her directorial debut with this episode, which is highlighted by a performance of the big-band-era title tune, not to mention a rendition of "The Lock", an original song penned by Michael McKean (Lenny). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1980
This final episode of Laverne & Shirley's fifth season finally explains why Laverne (Penny Marshall) hangs around with such goofy chums as Lenny (Michael McKean) and Squiggy (David L. Lander). It seems that the poor girl surrounds herself with people because she has a phobia about being left alone. Endeavoring to cure her friend, Shirley (Cindy Williams) arranges for Laverne to spend an evening all by herself at a Chinese restaurant. Featured in the cast are Pat Morita, the former "Arnold" on Happy Days), as Mr. Wong, and iconic 1950s singer Julius LaRosa as himself. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
