Stuart Nisbet Movies
- 1990
In the first episode of a two-part story (originally telecast as a single one-hour special), a heavy rainstorm forces the Seaver family to spend Halloween indoors. To pass the time, the family begin trading ghost stories, beginning with Jason's (Alan Thicke) fanciful yarn about yellow-eyed aliens. When Maggie's (Joanna Kerns) tale of horror turns out to be an educational tract, it looks like everyone is in for a dull evening...until...AUUUGGGGHHH!!! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
The Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker story was a "natural" for TV-movie adaptation, and Fall From Grace more than fills the bill. Bernadette Peters heaps on makeup by the trowel as Tammy Faye, the wife of televangelist Jim Bakker (here played with boyish fanaticism by Kevin Spacey). The Bakkers build up their "PTL" organization ("Praise the Lord") into a massive empire encompassing millions of dollars in donations, a cable-TV network, valuable land holdings and a garish religious theme park, Heritage USA. A North Carolina newspaper rocks the boat by investigating inequities in the Bakkers' financial setup. The whole enterprise falls apart when it's discovered that Jim has siphoned off funds to cover up an extramarital affair. Telecast in the spring of 1990 to coincide with the beginning of Jim Bakker's long, long prison sentence, Fall From Grace tries to be fair...for at least fifteen minutes. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
In an episode clearly inspired by Peyton Place, a former student of Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury) scandalizes the town of Cabot Cove when she publishes a thinly-disguised "roman a clef" titled "The Sins of Castle Cove." The locals aren't too happy that their personalities and peccadilloes have been woven into the plotline of the book--and at least one person is willing to commit murder to suppress the novel's publication. Can it be that Jessica will find a clue to the killer within the pages of the book in question? Julie Adams, Gloria DeHaven, Kathryn Grayson and Ruth Roman return as Cabot Cove's four most garrulous gossips. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1988
To Heal a Nation is the true story of Jan Scruggs (Eric Roberts), a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War. In 1979, Scruggs, employed by the US Department of Labor, becomes obsessed with the dream of erecting a monument to those who died in Vietnam. In pursuit of this dream, Scruggs and his fellow fundraisers run up against bureaucratic indifference and public hostility-not to mention the reservations of certain veterans who disapprove of the monument's "radical" design. On November 13, 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is erected in Washington DC-an intensely emotional moment, vividly recreated by combining dramatizations with actual news footage. Originally presented as GE Theater TV production, To Heal a Nation debuted May 29, 1988. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1984
Originally broadcast as a two-hour TV movie, this opening episode of Highway to Heaven has since been divided into two one-hour installments for syndication. In part two, probationary angel Jonathan Smith (Michael Landon), adopting the guise of an earthly handyman, continues in his efforts to bring some joy and sunshine into the lives of the unhappy residents of Havencrest, a retirement home slated for demolition. Although most of the elderly residents respond positively to Jonathan's efforts, a bitter, selfish old lady named Estelle (guest star Helen Hayes) refuses to have anything to do with either Jonathan or her contemporaries. Not only is Estelle's attitude hurting her, but it also might ruin Jonathan's chances of ever earning his wings. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1984
Having gone to his Heavenly reward in 1948, lawyer Arthur Morton is "reborn" in 1987 as Jonathan Smith (Michael Landon), a probationary angel who in order to earn his wings must return to Earth and offer help and support to unfortunate mortals. In this debut episode of Highway to Heaven, Jonathan is assigned to Havencrest, a retirement home that is facing demolition. Adopting the earthly guise of a handyman, our hero sets about to improve the quality of life of Havencrest's surly and sullen residents. Originally telecast as a two-hour TV movie, the opening episode of Highway to Heaven has since been divided into two one-hour installments for syndication. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1981
An airliner crashes into the icy waters of Santa Monica Bay, killing several passengers. Investigating, Quincy (Jack Klugman) comes to the conclusion that many of the victims died needlessly, due to an insufficient supply of inflatable lifeboats. Thus begins another crusade for the feisty medical examiner, as he lobbies for stronger safety measures during over-the-water airline flights--and as usual, he meets with stiff opposition from the insensitive powers-that-be. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1980
The hospital where Quincy (Jack Klugman) works is in full security-lockdown mode when President Sarejo (Rudy Solari), a Latin American dictator, is rushed to the emergency room for a serious operation. It soon becomes apparent that a group of radicals has also arrived in Los Angeles, possibly planning to assassinate the ailing leader. But before this can happen, two members of the President's cabinet die of apparent heart failure--whereupon Quincy swings into action to determine if the deaths were mere happenstance, or the result of a vast and insidious conspiracy. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1979
Beggarman, Thief is the 4-hour sequel to the ratings-busting miniseries Rich Man, Poor Man; both productions were based on the works of novelist Irwin Shaw. For the purposes of the sequel, a new member of the Jordache clan is introduced: filmmaker Gretchen Jordache Burke, played by Jean Simmons. It is Gretchen's task to keep the family together after the murder of her brother Tom (played by Nick Nolte in Rich Man, Poor Man) and the recent disappearance of her other brother Rudy (Peter Strauss, re-creating his RMPM role). Originally presented in two parts, Beggarman, Thief was first telecast November 26 and 27, 1979. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jean Simmons, Glenn Ford, (more)
- 1977
Elizabeth Christman's novel A Nice Italian Girl was the source for the TV-movie Black Market Baby. Desi Arnaz Jr. plays a slick lothario who is paid by an illicit adoption agency to impregnate impressionable college student Linda Purl. The racketeers stand to make $50,000 by selling the baby to an anxious middle-aged couple. When Arnaz falls in love with Purl and tries to help her keep her baby, the crooks take swift and violent action. Originally titled A Dangerous Love, Black Market Baby was released theatrically overseas as Don't Steal My Baby--a title more appropriate to the overall tawdriness of the film. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Linda Purl, Desi Arnaz, Jr., (more)
- 1976
In this crime drama, two dogged FBI agents are on the case to investigate one of the U.S.'s most infamous bank robberies. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Darren McGavin, Leslie Nielsen, (more)
- 1976
This TV movie delves into the unhappy later years of novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald (here played by Jason Miller). Broke and virtually written-out by the late 1930s, Fitzgerald is compelled to accept screenwriting work in Tinseltown where he is frustrated that his work is extensively rewritten and revised -- if not rejected altogether. On a personal level, Fitzgerald must deal with his wife Zelda (Tuesday Weld), now sequestered in a North Carolina mental institution. Seeking some reason for living, Fitzgerald inaugurates an affair with Hollywood columnist Sheila Graham (Julia Foster). Not all that incisive, and saddled with an unsympathetic drunkard as a central character, F. Scott Fitzgerald is still superior to Hollywood's previous version of the Fitzgerald/Graham romance, Beloved Infidel. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1975
In this pilot film for the NBC TV series Medical Story, idealistic young intern Dr. Steve Drucker (Beau Bridges) clashes with three of his superiors over whether a prominent actress should have a hysterectomy. The woman in question is played by Harriet Karr, who had undergone a similar experience in real life. In fact, Karr's ordeal was the inspiration for this film, which was produced and written by her husband, Abby Mann (who also partially adapted the script from an unrelated novel by Dr. Howard A. Oglin). Medical Story first aired on September 4, 1975; the series itself was broadcast weekly until January 8, 1976. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1974
The 1932-vintage fire engine purchased by Roy (Kevin Tighe) and John (Kevin Tighe) a few episodes back has been fully restored, and is ready for the annual California Fire Fighters Parade. First, however, the paramedics will have to tackle a few emergencies, among them a department store fire with several casualties, a car accident caused by a heart patient, and a bitter child-custody battle which pours over into the hospital--with potentially tragic results. Featured in the supporting cast is buxom B-picture icon Yvette Vickers (Attack of the 50 Foot Woman etc.) ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1974
There's definitely something in the air when a pungent perfume bottle smashes in the back seat of Adam-12. Despite the all-pervading stench, Officers Pete Malloy (Martin Milner) and Jim Reed (Kent McCord) valiantly remain on the job. Unforutnately, most of their calls turn out to be false alarms, notably a reported burglary at a church--which may have been committed by the parish minister (Stuart Nesbit. Featured in the cast is another longtime member of producer Jack Webb's "stock company", Olan Soule. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1972
Three of the Cartwright men-Joe, Hoss and Jamie-head to the town of Upright to sell a rundown saloon. They decide to hold onto the property when it develops that a fortune in gold might be hidden on the premises. The boys' insistence upon retaining the saloon messes up Ben's business deal with Miss Frost (Anne Seymour), a leading light of the Temperance movement. A pre-MASH Loretta Swit appears as Ellen Sue. Written by Joseph Bonaduce, "A Visit to Upright" originally aired on March 26, 1972. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1972
This episode is distinguished by the presence in the cast of two of Frank Sinatra's offspring: Frank Sinatra Jr. is cast as Officer Tom Boyd, while his sister Christina Sinatra is seen as LAPD stenographer Marilyn Tate. Falling in love with Marilyn, Officer Pete Malloy (Martin Milner) finds his romance stymied by the overprotectiveness of the girl's uncle--none other than his hotheaded colleague, Officer Ed Wells (Gary Crosby. Elsewhere, Pete and his partner Jim Reed (Kent McCord) come to the aid of a woman in the last stages of an extremely late pregnancy. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1971
Existing evidence suggests that an elusive and very prolific thief known as the Golden Gate Bandit is responsible for the murder of policeman Jack Campbell (Stuart Randall). But Ironside (Raymond Burr) suspects that someone else is using the thief's crime spree to cover up their own homicidal activities. Characters essential to the action are the cop's widow Gloria Campbell (Vera Miles) and a lifelong loser named Christopher (Brandon De Wilde, in one of his final TV appearances). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1971
In New Mexico, the Partridges take a runaway teenager named Maggie (Laurie Prange) under their wings. Trouble is, they aren't aware she's a runaway (at least not at first) because of her extremely inventive lies. Once the truth is known, Shirley (Shirley Jones) tries to a arrange a reunion between the girl and her family--only to have her run away again. Clearly, the time has come to reveal the root cause of the girl's troubles, and this requires a great deal of soul-searching on the part of Maggie's father (Sandy Kenyon) and grandfather (Ian Wolfe). Song: "Point Me in the Direction of Albuquerque". ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
In this comedy, a bungling bookkeeper's assistant works in the Dalton city hall and finds himself framed for embezzling by his corrupt superiors. A sweet young woman helps him clear his name. He is also assisted by Leo the computer. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1971
The Virginia City Bank refuses to lend money to a group of Sierra Nevade ranchers who lost most of their stock during a particularly brutal winter. Ben Cartwright tries to come to the aid of the imperiled ranchers by bringing in a new breed of cattle from Montana, a breed capable of surviving the cold. Leading the cattle to Sawtooth, Ben conducts an experiment that lasts through the winter months and into early spring. On the verge of success, Ben is threatened with sabotage from a ruthless rival, forcing the Cartwright patriarch to place his trust in mercurial ranch hand Howie Landis (Glenn Corbett). Written by John Hawkins, Robert Pirosh, and Jack Rummler, "Winter Kill" originally aired on March 28, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1970
Multi-talanted dwarf actor Michael Dunn guest-stars as George Marshall, a former circus midget who, fulfilling a promise to his late wife, gives up show business to lead a normal life in Virginia City. Despite the assistance of his friend Ben Cartwright, George is unable to secure employment because of his size, thus he turns to crime. The story reaches a climax when the daughter of George's chief tormenter, banker John Flint (Edward Binns), is trapped in a very narrow mine shaft. Written by directed by Bonanza star Michael Landon, "It's a Small World" first aired January 4, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1970
Robert Lansing is cast as Gunny, a former Army officer dishonorably discharged for desertion, and now the owner of a small freight-hauling concern. Though Ben Cartwright cannot forgive Gunny for his dereliction of duty, he is willing to let the man prove his mettle by delivering three 30-foot beams to a distant construction site-but only after the Cambeau Construction Company has turned down this highly dangerous mission. Once Gunny undertakes the job, the envious Mr. Cambeau (William Sylvester) is keenly interested in the ex-officer's success-or failure. First shown on January 11, 1970, "Danger Road" was written by Milton S. Gelman and Brian McKay. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1970
Bonanza's twelfth season commenced on September 13, 1970 with the episode titled "The Night Virginia City Died." Several Virginia City buildings have burned to the ground; the townsfolk are in an uproar, and the local constabulary is apparently helpless. Meanwhile, the Cartwrights have befriended a pretty young stranger named Janie (Angel Tompkins), the new sweetheart of Deputy Clem (Bing Russell). Only the audience knows that the profoundly disturbed Janie is the elusive arsonist whom everyone is seeking. Written by John Hawkins, this episode was specially contrived to "destroy" the old Virginia City sets at the Paramount studios so that the Bonanza company could move into its new home at Warner Bros. "The Night Virginia City Died" also boasted a new Bonanza theme song by David Rose, which would endure until the old theme was brought back by popular demand in 1972. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
