Morgan Paull Movies
Lead and supporting actor, onscreen from the '70s. ~ All Movie Guide- 1972
Ironside (Raymond Burr) investigates a perversely amusing situation wherein an elusive criminal has been burglarizing other criminals. The trail of evidence leads to a halfway house for ex-cons, run by former jailbird Lou Karns (Pat Hingle). Though lighthearted in nature, the episode turns serious when the unknown thief steals money from the Mob, whereupon Karns and his "customers" may well be targeted for extermination. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1972
It looks like it's going to be a "Dark Christmas" for the family of Richard Ghormley (John Lupton), former employee of smuggler William Shrack (Eugene Peterson). Though innocent of any wrongdoing himself, Ghormley knows too much about Shrack's operation for his own good. Inspector Erskine (Efrem Zimbalist Jr.) races against time to prevent Ghormley from being killed by professional hitman Stuart Tilden (Don Gordon)--who has already shot down several people who've have the misfortune to get in his way. Appearing as Tilden's erstwhile girlfriend is Sondra Locke, future leading lady (both onscreen and off) of Clint Eastwood. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1972
Outtakes and stock footage from the 1970 Oscar-winner Patton were utilized to flesh out the made-for-TV Fireball Forward, which was the brainchild of Patton producer Frank McCarthy. Ben Gazzara plays a fictional American general obviously patterned on "Old Blood And Guts". Gazzara suspects that there's a Nazi sympathizer in his ranks, and dedicates himself to ferreting out the traitor. One thing Fireball Forward has that Patton didn't is a romantic interest; Anne Francis plays the girl Worth Fighting For. Scripted by Edmund H. North (another Patton) alumnus, Fireball Forward, which first aired March 5, 1972, was the 2-hour pilot for an unsold television series. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ben Gazzara, Ricardo Montalban, (more)
- 1971
Racketeer Rudy Walden (Peter Mark Richman) has managed to corrupt several members of a college basketball team, bribing them to shave points and "fix" certain games. By the time the FBI has gotten wind of Walden's activities, star player Billy Blaik (Anthony Costello) has been added to his list of potential accomplices. Before the story reaches its climax, the villains have resorted to kidnapping--with murder the next item on the menu. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1971
- PG
Just as they did for 1965's Shenandoah and 1968's Bandolero!, director Andrew V. McLaglen and screenwriter James Lee Barrett team up with actor James Stewart for this Western about a band of ex-convicts trying to go straight. Stewart stars as Mattie Appleyard, the leader of the group. After serving his time, Mattie retrieves a 25,000-dollar check from a banker who looked after his funds while he was in prison. Along with his two pals, Mattie intends to use the money to open up a general store and make a fresh start. Unfortunately for them, the banker and a former jailer both look to stand in the way of their dreams. George Kennedy, who also had roles in Shenandoah and Bandolero!, co-stars as Dock Council, the former prison official, and a young Kurt Russell appears in one of his first non-Disney films. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- James Stewart, George Kennedy, (more)
In 1943 North Africa, George Patton (George C. Scott) assumes command of (and instills some much-needed discipline in) the American forces. Engaged in battle against Germany's Field Marshal Rommel (Karl Michael Vogler), Patton drives back "The Desert Fox" by using the German's own tactics. Promoted to Lieutenant General, Patton is sent to Sicily, where he engages in a personal war of egos with British Field Marshal Montgomery (Michael Bates). Performing brilliantly in Italy, Patton seriously jeopardizes his future with a single slap. While touring an Army hospital, the General comes across a GI (Tim Considine) suffering from nervous fatigue. Incensed by what he considers a slacker, Patton smacks the poor soldier and orders him to get well in a hurry. This incident results in his losing his command-and, by extension, missing out on D-Day. In his final campaign, Patton leads the US 3rd Army through Europe. Unabashedly flamboyant, Patton remains a valuable resource, but ultimately proves too much of a "loose cannon" in comparison to the more level-headed tactics of his old friend Omar Bradley (Karl Malden). Patton won 7 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Scott, an award that he refused. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- George C. Scott, Karl Malden, (more)
