Christopher Plummer Movies
From his 1950 debut onward, Christopher Plummer has been regarded as one of the most brilliant Canadian actors of his generation. His portrayal of Hamlet was a major ratings coup when telecast over the CBC in the early '60s. Following his first Broadway appearance in 1954 (among his New York stage credits are JB, Royal Hunt of the Sun and The Good Doctor), efforts were made to convert Plummer into an American matinee idol, most of these attempts were resisted by Plummer himself. His first two films, Stage Struck (1957) and Wind Across the Everglades (1958), set no new box office records, although the latter, directed by Nicholas Ray, did earn strong critical notices. Plummer was shown to better advantage in such live network-TV presentations as The Prisoner of Zenda and A Doll's House.In 1965, the actor was cast as Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music, an assignment he despised, reportedly referring to the musical blockbuster as The Sound of Mucus. Nonetheless, and as Plummer has ruefully noted on many occasions, this one film did more to make the actor bankable in Hollywood than any previous effort. He went on to do steady, if varied, work throughout the rest of the century. Among Plummer's more notable films were The Return of the Pink Panther (1974), the British Empire extravaganza The Man Who Would Be King (1975), 1979's Murder by Decree (in which he starred as Sherlock Holmes), Somewhere in Time (1980), the legendary 1983 miniseries The Thorn Birds, 1991's Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, and 1995's Dolores Claiborne and Twelve Monkeys. In 1999, Plummer received some of the strongest notices of his career for his uncannily accurate portrayal of 60 Minutes anchor Mike Wallace in Michael Mann's The Insider. Throughout his long career, the actor has won many awards, including Tonys for the musical Cyrano and the biopic Barrymore, and an Emmy for his work in the TV miniseries The Moneychangers. Genie nominated for performances in the films Ararat and Blizzard in 2002 and 2003 respectively, Plummer and his daughter Amanda were both nominated for Emmy awards for their television performances in 2005. Though the father would ultimately walk away empty-handed, the award would stay in the family when Amanda was bestowed the honor for her memorable guest appearance in an episode of Law and Order: Special Victim's Unit. With roles in such high profile theatrical releases including The New World, Inside Man, and The Lake House keeping Plummer very much in the spotlight, it was obvious that his talent and passion for acting were still as strong as ever.
Talent seems to run in Plummer's family: he and first wife, actress Tammy Grimes, are the parents of acclaimed actress Amanda Plummer. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
The Insider tells the true story of a man who decided to tell the world what the seven major tobacco companies knew (and concealed) about the dangers of their product. Jeffrey Wigand (Russell Crowe) was a scientist employed in research for a tobacco firm, Brown and Williamson. Not long after he was fired by Brown and Williamson, Wigand came into contact with Lowell Bergman (Al Pacino), a producer for 60 Minutes who worked closely with journalist Mike Wallace (played here by Christopher Plummer). Bergman arranged for Wigand to be interviewed by Wallace for a 60 Minutes expose on the cigarette industry, though Wigand was still bound by a confidentiality agreement not to discuss his employment with the company. Despite Wigand's willingness to talk, CBS pulled his interview from at the last minute after Brown and Williamson threatened a multi-billion dollar lawsuit. The staff of 60 Minutes and CBS News were soon embroiled in an internal struggle over the killing of the story, and Wigand found himself the subject of lawsuits and a smear campaign, without his full story reaching the public. The Insider was directed by Michael Mann and also features Diane Venora, Philip Baker Hall, Debi Mazar, Colm Feore, and Rip Torn. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Al Pacino, Russell Crowe, (more)
- 1999
Everyone's favorite little French redhead is headed to Hollywood when she's offered a part in a film with her favorite actress. Watch as Madeline, in her own unique way, helps two people become friends. Recommended for ages five to eight. ~ Heather M. Fierst, All Movie Guide
- 1999
Famed little French redhead Madeline is off for another adventure, this time on an island inhabited by pirates. Join Madeline and her schoolmates as they learn that looks can be deceiving, as these pirates are not quite what they seem to be. Recommended for ages five to eight. ~ Heather M. Fierst, All Movie Guide
- 1998
In Madeline in New York, the French schoolgirl, along with her classmates, Pepito (the Spanish ambassador's son), and guardian Miss Clavel all visit the Big Apple. They take in the sites and experience a first-class adventure. While attending the Yankees season opener, Madeline catches a home run ball to win the Brooklyn Bridge. The mayor comes to her aid when Madeline discovers that operating the bridge is more than a schoolgirl can handle. Before the visit is over, Madeline becomes a citywide hero, introduces French fries to the country, has Madison Avenue named in her honor, and is the star of a traditional ticker-tape parade. The program is based on the book series by Ludwig Bemelmans and is narrated by Christopher Plummer. ~ Sally Barber, All Movie Guide
- 1998
In Madeline and the New House, the beloved French schoolgirl and her classmates rally to save the boarding school. The owner condemns the building after falling plaster causes a near disaster. Madeline and the girls are sent to live in an apartment where they find the neighbors less than friendly. Plucky Madeline takes matters into her own hands and involves the historical society in the renovation of the antiquated school. Along the way, the 12 girls receive a lesson in preserving their heritage and a "new" house. This program is based on the book series by Ludwig Bemelmans and is most appropriate for children ages two and older. ~ Sally Barber, All Movie Guide
- 1998
Madeline at the Ballet features the 12 little French schoolgirls in an on-stage adventure. Madeline longs to dance in the Happy Swan with the Paris Ballet. When ballet master Valmont selects all the schoolgirls for the production except Madeline, the normally plucky girl loses her spirit. It takes the help of a special friend to convince Valmont to give Madeline another shot at stardom. With hard work and encouragement, Madeline's dream comes true. This program is based on the book series by Ludwig Bemelmans. It is most appropriate for children ages two and older. ~ Sally Barber, All Movie Guide
- 1998
- R
In this atmospheric horror outing, an abandoned opera house has been donated to a high school, and theater instructor Ellen Gibby (Margot Kidder) organizes a team of student volunteers to restore the hall so it can be used for upcoming drama projects. However, the old theater holds disturbing memories for Kate (Sarah Lassez); her mother was a classical vocalist who was murdered 15 years ago in the opera house's dressing room after a performance of Pagliacci, appropriately enough by a stranger wearing the clown's costume. Since then, Kate has been haunted in her sleeping and waking hours by visions of the murder, and as Kate and her friends George (James Duval) and Monica (Tatyana Ali) work to bring the music hall back to its former glory, they find themselves stalked by the same murderous clown who killed Kate's mother. The Clown at Midnight also stars Christopher Plummer and Melissa Galianos. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Christopher Plummer, Margot Kidder, (more)
This powerful HBO biographical drama recounts the rise and fall of Walter Winchell, a gossip columnist and reporter who changed the face of news reporting. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Stanley Tucci, Glenne Headly, (more)
Ray (Richard Grieco) and Annette (Maria Conchita Alonso) are a pair of confidence artists in this complex thriller. Ray and Annette are looking for a big score, and they believe they've found one when they encounter a woman who has inherited a large amount of money following a death in the family. Ray and Annette are cooking up a scheme to get their hands on some of the cash, but while she's willing to share, he wants to keep it all for his own purposes. Ray's attempts to keep the money away from Annette and keep her out of the picture lead to an ugly confrontation. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Grieco, Christopher Plummer, (more)
- 1997
- R
In this grim and suspenseful thriller, a news journalist and his family exchange life in grimy, hectic New York for that in a peaceful Maine village. Unfortunately, the burg they chose is ruled by a harsh, ultraconservative preacher who hates all outsiders. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ron Silver, Christopher Plummer, (more)
This highly acclaimed animated version of the classic children's holiday tale features the voices of several stars, notably Christopher Plummer, James Belushi and Bronson Pinchot. The story is set in mythical Toyland two days before Christmas and centers on the attempts of young Jack and Jill to stop the wicked Barnaby (Plummer) from shutting down the Toyland factory and spoiling the holiday for children everywhere. The heroic children receive help from Toyland residents, Tom Piper, Mary Lamb and Humpty Dumpty. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Charles Nelson Reilly, Lacey Chabert, (more)
In 1997, phenomenally popular new age composer Yanni set out on an ambitious project to stage the first live concerts by a Western musician at two of the world's most famous and fabled manmade landmarks -- India's Taj Mahal, and China's Forbidden City. Yanni: Tribute is a video documentary that examines the hard work that went into staging these historic concerts, as well as highlights from the music Yanni debuted during the shows. Christopher Plummer serves as narrator for the documentary; selections performed include "Adagio in C Minor," "Waltz in 7/8," "Dance With a Stranger," and "Santorini." ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- 1996
Filmed in Canada and broadcast in America by the USA cable network, We the Jury offers a new and intriguing spin to the old 12 Angry Men format. There is absolutely no question that Emmy-winning TV personality Wynne Atwood (Lauren Hutton) shot and killed her cheating husband in the home of his mistress. But while the prosecution demands that Atwood be convicted of murder, her attorney, Wilfred Franciscus (Christopher Plummer), insists that the charge be reduced to manslaughter, arguing that his client had been driven to insanity by an abusive husband. Ultimately the verdict must be determined in the jury room, where at first the jurors are divided straight down gender lines. As the deliberations continue, things get hot, heavy, and potentially violent, with the various prejudices, biases, and even the ambitions of the jurors (one of whom wants to write a book about the trial!) threatening to build impenetrable roadblocks on the path of true justice. Attempting to keep his colleagues "on program" is the beleaguered jury foreman, played by future Da Vinci's Inquest star Nicholas Campbell. American viewers first saw We the Jury on October 16, 1996. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kelly McGillis, Lauren Hutton, (more)
- 1996
- R
A son is left in a dangerous situation as he struggles to deal with his father's legacy, in this made-for-television drama. After his father dies, Chris King (Andrew Lowery) is left to figure out why some determined thugs are interested in getting their hands on a suspicious package that his father may have had. ~ Bernadette McCallion, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Leslie Hope, Andrew Lowery, (more)
An intense film about time travel, this sci-fi entry was directed by Terry Gilliam, a member of the comedy troupe Monty Python. The film stars Bruce Willis as James Cole, a prisoner of the state in the year 2035 who can earn parole if he agrees to travel back in time and thwart a devastating plague. The virus has wiped out most of the Earth's population and the remainder live underground because the air is poisonous. Returning to the year 1990, six years before the start of the plague, Cole is soon imprisoned in a psychiatric facility because his warnings sound like mad ravings. There he meets a scientist named Dr. Kathryn Railly (Madeleine Stowe) and Jeffrey Goines (Brad Pitt), the mad son of an eminent virologist (Christopher Plummer). Cole is returned by the authorities to the year 2035, and finally ends up at his intended destination in 1996. He kidnaps Dr. Railly in order to enlist her help in his quest. Cole discovers graffiti by an apparent animal rights group called the Army of the Twelve Monkeys, but as he delves into the mystery, he hears voices, loses his bearings, and doubts his own sanity. He must figure out if Goines, who seems to be a raving lunatic, holds the key to the puzzle. ~ Michael Betzold, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe, (more)
- 1995
- R
Sean Astin stars as the title character in this creepy made-for-cable adaptation of the Kurt Vonnegut classic. Set in a future America, where a small, elite group controls the masses, teen Harrison Bergeron is chosen to lead a movement that promotes mediocrity. Christopher Plummer stars as John Klaxon, the mastermind behind the attempt to uniformly dumb-down Americans. ~ Bernadette McCallion, All Movie Guide
A daughter who has come to imagine the worst about her mother learns the facts are quite different -- and more shocking than she ever imagined -- in this adaptation of Stephen King's best-selling novel. Dolores Claiborne (Kathy Bates) has spent nearly a quarter of a century looking after a mean-spirited woman named Vera Donovan (Judy Parfitt) on a small island off the coast of Maine; when Vera is found dead after falling down a flight of stairs, Dolores is considered a prime suspect in her murder. Word of the affair reaches New York-based journalist Selena St. George (Jennifer Jason Leigh), Dolores's estranged daughter. Though she's about to leave on an important assignment, Selena instead flies to Maine to find out what's happened with her mother. Selena's father, Joe St. George (David Strathairn), died under mysterious circumstances 15 years before; more than a few people believe Dolores killed Joe, and many feel she did the same with Vera. Though the strong and tough-talking Dolores stands her ground, police detective John Mackey (Christopher Plummer) is convinced that there's more to her story than she's letting on, and in time Selena learns the ugly truth about her mother's connection to both deaths. This was Kathy Bates's second starring role in a film based on Stephen King's work; she earned an Academy Award for her breakthrough role in the movie version of King's Misery. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kathy Bates, Jennifer Jason Leigh, (more)
