Roger Rees Movies
With his dark eyes and small frame, the classically trained British actor Roger Rees was perfectly cast as Nicholas Nickleby in the theatrical production of Dickens' novel. He performed this lead role with the Royal Shakespeare Company, earning him a Tony award, Olivier award, and an Emmy nomination for the televised version in the early '80s. He had performed with the company since 1968, when he worked as a scenery painter. Perhaps he is most recognized for his role as Robin Colcord, Kirstie Alley's wealthy jet-set boyfriend on Cheers during the 1989 season. He also had in a brief but memorable role as Melvin, the Sheriff of Rotingham in Mel Brooks' Robin Hood: Men in Tights in 1993. Rees continued to work mainly in theater, but he also appeared in several TV movies and sitcoms. He put his crisp British pronunciation to work as a voice actor in several cartoons and books on tape. In 2002, he returned to films with a few featured roles, including Guillermo Kahlo in Julie Taymor's biography Frida. He also landed the starring role of Virginia farmer Nat Banks in the drama Crazy Like a Fox during the same year. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
New York City may be the city that never sleeps, but that means some people have to stay awake all night to look after the folks whose days begin after the sun goes down; this made-for-premium-cable drama looks at a group of cabbies trying to get by while working the night shift. The Lady Luck Cab Company is a taxi service run by Box (Sarita Choudhury), who inherited the failing business from her late father and is struggling to keep it afloat against long economic odds as Lady Luck's drivers work long shifts in some of the Big Apple's less picturesque neighborhoods. Hershey (Danny Glover), one of Lady Luck's drivers, was once a professional boxer, but when his athletic career went south, so did his wife, and now he drives a hack while trying to romance George (Pam Grier), a good-looking waitress who likes Hershey, but is frustrated with his schedule, which rarely allows him a night off. This is bad news for Hershey, since Ralph (Paul Calderon), a regular at the diner where George works, has been making a play for her as well. Another driver, Salgado (Michelle Rodriguez), is a short-fused Latin American woman who is frequently the victim of sexual harassment from her customers, which makes her all the more difficult to be around. Jose (Bobby Cannavale) thinks he's hit the jackpot when he discovers a briefcase full of cash has been left in his cab, though he has reason to believe it's stolen. And Rasha (Sergej Trifunovic), a refugee from Bosnia, is still tormented by the violence that cost his family their lives, and has trouble concentrating on his driving, leading him into more than one auto accident. While the drivers deal with their individual dilemmas, all of them are suddenly wary of their customers, thanks to reports of a serial killer preying on New York's cab drivers. Produced for the Showtime premium cable network, 3 A.M. was screened at the Sundance Film Festival prior to its broadcast debut, where it earned an enthusiastic reception. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Danny Glover, Pam Grier, (more)
Charles Dickens' classic holiday tale of one man learning the true meaning of Christmas is brought to the screen once again in this made-for-TV movie. Ebenezer Scrooge (George C. Scott) is a cynical old man whose greatest concern is money, and who regards compassion as a luxury he can't afford. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of Jacob Marley (Frank Finlay), his former business partner, who arranges for Scrooge to be visited by three spirits in an attempt to show him the error of his ways -- the Ghosts of Christmas Past (Angela Pleasence), Christmas Present (Edward Woodward), and Christmas Yet to Come (Michael Carter). The spirits force Scrooge to examine the failings of his own life, as well as the bravery and optimism of his loyal but ill-treated employee Bob Crachit (David Warner). A Christmas Carol also features Susannah York as Mrs. Crachit, Anthony Walters as Tiny Tim, and Joanne Whalley as Fan. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- George C. Scott
With William Shakespeare now a hot commodity at the box office (and his body of work conveniently out of copyright), the usual trickle of film adaptations of the Bard's work is becoming a small flood, and director Michael Hoffman has assembled a cast of leading stage and screen actors for this whimsical film version of one of Shakespeare's most popular comedies. This interpretation of A Midsummer Night's Dream moves the action to Tuscany near the turn of the 20th century, as both mortals and enchanted creatures deal with romantic problems. Among the flesh-and-blood crowd, Duke Theseus (played by David Strathairn) is preparing for his wedding to Hippolyta (Sophie Marceau), while having to counsel Egeus (Bernard Hill), who has promised the hand of his daughter Hermia (Anna Friel) to Demetrius (Christian Bale). Hermia, however, wants to elope with her true love, Lysander (Dominic West), while her best friend Helena (Calista Flockhart) is mad about Demetrius. Meanwhile, fairies living in the forest are watching these romantic misadventures. Puck (Stanley Tucci) serves up love potions that mix and match the already confused lovers, while the Queen of Fairies, Titania (Michelle Pfeiffer), and her King, Oberon (Rupert Everett), have to deal with a group of hapless actors rehearsing a play in the forest -- one of whom, Bottom (Kevin Kline), has fallen under Puck's spell and becomes Titania's new lover. Will anyone end up with the person they really love? Who will get hurt riding their bicycles in the woods? Will Helena sit down and eat a square meal? Director Hoffman, a longtime Shakespeare buff, appeared as Lysander in a production of the play while a college student, and has since spearheaded a campaign to build a new $3 million theatre for his alma mater in Boise, ID. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kevin Kline, Michelle Pfeiffer, (more)
- 2000
In this gritty urban drama, Jimmy (Bokeem Woodbine) and Luther (Justin Pierce) are two young men who've fallen deep in debt to a loan shark who is not very patient about getting his money back. In an act of desperation, Jimmy and Luther plan a scheme to blackmail a wealthy doctor, but it doesn't take long for them to realize that they've picked the wrong man to fool with. Soon the duo are locked in a deadly chase, with the police, the mob, and a violent lunatic all on their trail -- and the police are the least likely to kill them on sight. Blackmale also stars Roger Rees, Sascha Knopf, and Erik Dellums. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bokeem Woodbine, Justin Pierce, (more)
- 1992
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Since two TV movies were inspired by the marriage of England's Prince Charles and Princess Diana, it is only logical that at least one made-for-TV feature would greet the decline and fall of that overexposed union. Charles and Diana: Unhappily Ever After, permitted the viewer the perverse delight of seeing Catherine Oxenberg, who'd previously played Diana in 1982's The Royal Romance of Charles and Diana, back again as the same (albeit older and wiser) character. Roger Rees costars as the redoubtable Charles, who despite his mile-wide character flaws comes off as relatively sympathetic. Other "royals" lurking about are Amanda Walker as Queen Elizabeth, David Quilter as Prince Philip, Benedict Taylor as Prince Andrew, and Tracy Brabin as "Fergie". Our favorite scene: Diana, dressed to the nines, sitting in the back of her luxurious limo and talking into her designer car phone, whining about how miserable her life is. Later retitled Charles and Diana: A Palace Divided, this gloriously trashy endeavor was first telecast December 13, 1992. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
Against all odds, the widows of two-timing Eddie LeBec, Carla (Rhea Perlman) and Gloria (Anne DeSalvo), are now the best of friends. In fact, the two ladies get along so well that Carla agrees to split her inheritance from Eddie 50-50 with Gloria. This, however, is before Carla discovers that she could have had 50,000 dollars if she hadn't been so blasted generous. Meanwhile, Woody (Woody Harrelson), cast in a revival of the rock-musical Hair, agonizes over appearing in the play's notorious nude scene. And where in the world is Cliff Clavin? ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
Sam (Ted Danson) wants to own a bar again, but Cheers is presently beyond his reach. Thus, he settles for a smaller, run-down establishment (euphemistically described to him as a fixer-upper) where the only "customers" have four legs and hairy bodies. Meanwhile, Rebecca (Kirstie Alley) pursues her campaign to get multimillionaire Robin Colcord (Roger Rees) in the sack. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) and Lilith (Bebe Neuwirth) are convinced that they aren't providing their infant son Frederick with proper care. After all, how could it be otherwise, since the boy has been diagnosed with only average intelligence? Meanwhile, Carla (Rhea Perlman) tries to arrange a clandestine conjugal visit between Rebecca (Kirstie Alley) and her imprisoned boyfriend Robin Colcord (Roger Rees). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
In an event deemed worthy of a TV Guide cover, the cast and crew of Cheers celebrates the series' 200th episode. Moderated by John McLaughlin of The McLaughlin Group fame, this special telecast not only features the then-current cast of Cheers, but also several former regulars and semi-regulars. Foremost among the latter is Shelley Long, whose much-publicized acrimonious exit from the series in 1987 made viewers wonder if she would dare wander into any sort of "reunion" (but she did). Innumerable highlights from past episodes are shown, and there's a special tribute to the departed members of the company, notably Nicholas Colasanto as the beloved Coach. Originally telecast as a one-hour special, this episode has since been divided into two half-hours for syndication. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John McLaughlin
- 1990
In an event deemed worthy of a TV Guide cover, the cast and crew of Cheers celebrates the series' 200th episode. Moderated by John McLaughlin of The McLaughlin Group fame, this special telecast not only features the then-current cast of Cheers, but also several former regulars and semi-regulars. Foremost among the latter is Shelley Long, whose much-publicized acrimonious exit from the series in 1987 made viewers wonder if she would dare wander into any sort of "reunion" (but she did). Among the highlights from past episodes are several outtakes, the fabled food fight from the 1986 Thanksgiving episode, and the 1989 dream sequences in which Sam (Ted Danson) forces himself on Rebecca (Kirstie Alley), and vice versa. Originally telecast as a one-hour special, this episode has since been divided into two half-hours for syndication. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John McLaughlin
- 1990
The folks at Cheers challenge their rivals at Gary's Olde Towne Tap to a grudge basketball game. When Sam (Ted Danson) finds out that Gary plans to cheat his way to victory, he brings in a ringer: Cheers' temporary bartender (and full-time Boston Celtic) Kevin McHale. But McHale will agree to play only on a very special condition. This episode was dedicated to Cheers casting director and AIDs activist Stephen Kolzak, who died September 19, 1990. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
In the first episode of Cheers' two-part season-eight finale, Rebecca (Kirstie Alley) is crushed to learn that her megamillionaire boyfriend Robin (Roger Rees) has been using her to get insider-trading information. Hoping to get Rebecca on the rebound, Sam (Ted Danson) advises her to turn Robin into the authorities. But Robin throws another spanner in the works by proposing to Rebecca. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
In the conclusion of a two-part story, Rebecca (Kirstie Alley) says she is willing to marry Robin (Roger Rees), even though he has indulged in illegal insider trading. Worried that Rebecca will be implicated in her boyfriend's crimes, Sam (Ted Danson) blows the whistle on Robin and is rewarded by his corporate bosses with the ownership of Cheers. Convinced that Sam's motives were mercenary, Rebecca refuses to have anything to do with him -- at least until the cliffhanger which brings the eighth season of Cheers to a close. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
In the first episode of a two-part story, Rebecca (Kirstie Alley) may finally be able to realize her long-delayed dream of a romantic evening alone with megamillionaire Robin Colcord (Roger Rees). Alas, Robin seems more interested in attending a testimonial for ballplayer Carl Yastrzemski in the company of Sam (Ted Danson). Even so, Rebecca seems willing to wait for Robin as long as it takes -- while Sam wrestles with his conscience over whether or not to reveal a secret about the "eligible" Colcord. Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers appears as himself. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
In the conclusion of a two-part story, Rebecca's (Kirstie Alley) long-delayed night of passion with multimillionaire Robin Colcord (Roger Rees) has at last come to fruition. But the lustre of the occasion is tarnished when Sam (Ted Danson) tells Rebecca that Robin has another girlfriend. Despite her broken heart, would Rebecca be willing to take Robin back -- or would she at least be willing to accept the man's expensive gifts of contrition? Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers appears as himself. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
Annie Golden returns as Margaret O'Keefe, the former postal trainee whom Cliff (John Ratzenberger) had fired for a rule infraction. Back in Boston, Margaret wants to renew her romantic relationship with Cliff -- a prospect that literally strikes him blind. Elsewhere at Cheers, Rebecca (Kirstie Alley) decides that it's time to put on a new face (and literally, at that). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
Rebecca (Kirstie Alley) has high hopes for a romantic day with her zillionaire sweetheart Robin Colcord (Roger Rees). In fact, she has planned this special day down to the minutest detail. But what Rebecca hadn't planned on was that Robin would prefer to spend the day indulging in a series of childish competitions with Sam (Ted Danson). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Roger Rees returns as Robin Colcord, the multimillionaire jailbird -- and former sweetheart of Rebecca (Kirstie Alley). Though Robin insists that he has left prison an impoverished man, Rebecca believes that he is merely feigning his destitution to test her love. Meanwhile, the gang goes on a wild treasure hunt to locate a stuffed money belt that Robin claims to have squirreled away somewhere in Cheers. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
Season eight of Cheers ended with Sam (Ted Danson) and Rebecca (Kirstie Alley) on the sofa in his office, poised to consummate their new-found relationship. Season nine opens "the morning after" (more or less), with Rebecca staunchly denying to everyone -- including herself -- that she has slept with Sam. When Rebecca's ex-zillionaire boyfriend Robin Colcord (Roger Rees), now a fugitive from justice, suddenly shows up, he begs Rebecca to tell him that nothing went on between her and Sam -- prompting a surprising response from Sam. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
Sam (Ted Danson) borrows the yacht belonging to Robin (Roger Rees) for the big regatta race. Together, he with his crew -- Norm (George Wendt) and Carla (Rhea Perlman) -- prepare to make maritime history, only to discover that someone has planted a bomb in the yacht's refrigerator. Back on dry land, Rebecca (Kirstie Alley) is driven to distraction by Woody's (Woody Harrelson) fundamental goodness. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
As Cheers entered its eighth season, viewers began to wonder if the long-awaited romance between Sam Malone (Ted Danson) and Rebecca Howe (Kirstie Alley) would ever blossom. Certainly Rebecca had not backed down from her determination to marry into wealth, as witnessed by her torrid relationship with Trump-like billionaire corporate raider Robin Colcord (Roger Rees). Perhaps hoping to prove his value in Rebecca's eyes, Sam spent most of season eight trying to buy back Cheers -- only to realize this goal in a most surprising fashion. In other developments, psychiatrists Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) and Lilith (Bebe Neuwirth) became parents with the birth of baby Frederick. Not long afterward, the much-married Carla (Rhea Perlman) became a widow when her hockey-star husband Eddie LeBec died in a freak accident; Carla's grief quickly turned to rage when she discovered that, not only had Eddie been unfaithful to her, but he'd had another wife in another town all along. Meanwhile, the romance between guileless bartender Woody Boyd (Woody Harrelson) and wealthy Kelly Gaines (Jackie Swanson) continued along its bumpy but generally satisfying path. The season came to a riotous conclusion when Rebecca's boyfriend Robin was arrested for illegal insider training -- with Sam turning Colcord in out of fear that Rebecca would be implicated. Out of gratitude, the corporation that owned Cheers gave the bar to Sam as a present, leading Rebecca to conclude that Sam had blown the whistle on Robin out of greed. But before Rebecca could renounce Sam once and for all, the couple found themselves locked in a very amorous embrace on the couch in Sam's office -- at which point the seventh season reached its cliffhanger ending. Cheers returned to third place in the ratings during the 1989-90 season, beaten out only by The Cosby Show and the sophomore season of Roseanne. Three Emmys were bestowed upon the series: Ted Danson finally copped a statuette as Outstanding Lead Actor in a comedy; Bebe Neuwirth (not yet a an "official" regular) won as Outstanding Supporting Actress; and the series' sound-mixing team (Robert Crosby, Thomas J. Huth, Sam Black, and Robert Douglass) walked away with its fourth award. Finally, although Cheers spawned no spin-offs this season, it can be said to have godfathered a similar ensemble sitcom assembled by two former Cheersstaffers: Wings, which began a long and healthy run in April 1990, and in the Thursday-night time slot following its "parent" series. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ted Danson, Kirstie Alley, (more)
- 1991
In episode one of a two-part story, Robin Colcord (Roger Rees) celebrates his release from prison by proposing to Rebecca (Kirstie Alley). She instantly accepts -- only to have second thoughts after a few too many drinks at her bridal shower. Meanwhile, Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) has become addicted to the bar's new singalong karaoke machine. Originally slated to air January 17, 1991, this episode was bumped forward one week by network coverage of the Persian Gulf War. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
Season eight of Cheers opens with a shocking confession from Rebecca (Kirstie Alley). Taking Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) and Lilith (Bebe Neuwirth) into her confidence, Rebecca admits to having wildly erotic dreams about Sam (Ted Danson) -- little realizing that Sam is eavesdropping on this "private" conversation. Roger Rees makes his first series appearance as Trump-like megamillionaire Robin Colcord in this, the introductory episode of a two-part story. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
In this conclusion of a two-part story, Sam (Ted Danson) and Rebecca (Kirstie Alley) are at last on the verge of a serious relationship. Suddenly, however, Rebecca is swept off her feet by Trump-like multimillionaire Robin Colcord (Roger Rees), a situation which proves literally nightmarish for Sam. 79-year-old character actor Al Rosen makes his final appearance as Al, Cheers' most taciturn customer. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
