Isabel Sanford Movies
Defying her mother's wishes, African-American actress Isabel Sanford secretly worked as a nightclub performer in her teens. Upon winning 3rd prize in an Apollo Theatre amateur contest, Sanford could keep her new career a secret no longer. Married to a house painter who worked only on a seasonal basis, she held down a full-time job as a keypunch operator at the New York City department of Welfare, spending her evenings acting with such groups as Harlem Y and the American Negro Theatre. Seeking out better opportunities, Sanford packed her family into a bus and headed to Hollywood in the early 1960s. Her breakthrough film role was in Stanley Kramer's Guess Who's Coming to Dinner; she played Tillie the cook, who heartily disapproved of the upcoming interracial marriage between Katharine Houghton and Sidney Poitier (the hardest part of this assignment was not mouthing the "controversial" dialogue but preparing dinner in a key scene; Sanford had never learned to cook!) On the strength of this film, Isabel Sanford was hired for several guest spots on The Carol Burnett Show, which led to her most famous characterization: Louise Jefferson, the acerbic but loving wife of "movin' on up" Sherman Hemsley, on the immensely popular sitcom The Jeffersons (1975-82). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1996
In the conclusion of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's series finale, Will (Will Smith) may not have anyplace to stay in Bel-Air when the Banks mansion is put up for sale and the rest of the household leaves town to pursue their separate dreams. "Stuck on the soft side of life", Will hasn't made any plans for the future--and now that the time has come to say goodbye, he can't. Among the prospective buyers of the Banks home are Diff'rent Strokes regulars Arnold (Gary Coleman) and Mr. Drummond (Conrad Bain, and George and Louise Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford), with maid Florence (Marla Gibbs) along for the ride! Don't miss the classic "turning off the lights one last time" closing gag! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1995
In this hour-long episode of clips, a fortune teller (played by John Goodman) tells little Jackie and little Roseanne what their future holds. Meanwhile, an adult D.J. recalls his youth during a therapy session. The clips are introduced by the "Sitcom Moms Welcome Wagon," including famous sitcom moms Barbara Billingsley, June Lockhart, Isabel Sanford, Alley Mills, and Patricia Crowley. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- 1995
When Will (Will Smith) and Lisa (Nia Long) announce their engagement, Philip (James Avery) offers to pay for their honeymoon--provided that the couple see a relationship counselor before taking any further action. Just as Philip expects, both Will and Lisa discover that they are polar opposites in many respects, forcing them to seriously reconsider their wedding plans. At the same time, they must also put up with another couple that has shown up in the counselor's office--the eternally squabbling George and Louise Jefferson, played (as ever!) by Sherman Hemsley and Isabel Sanford). Elsewhere, Hilary (Karyn Parsons) tries to hire Geoffrey (Joseph Marcell) away from her family. This is the first of three consecutive episodes in which series regulars Daphne Maxwell Reid (Vivian) and Ross Bagley (Nicky) do not appear. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1985
The Jeffersonsmoved from its familiar Sunday-night time slot to a new Tuesday evening berth with this star-studded episode, which takes place in Atlantic City. Hoping to raise enough money to attend her godson's graduation, Florence (Marla Gibbs) heads straight to the gambling tables. Meanwhile, Florence's employer Louise (Isabel Sanford) scours the resort city in search of celebrities -- but when they begin to show up, she fails to recognize them (even Charo). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1985
Attending a big-league baseball game, George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley) fulfills a lifelong dream by catching a homer belted out by Reggie Jackson (as himself) -- only to drop the ball in front of thousands of stadium fans and millions of TV viewers. In the days that follow, poor George is a target for public ridicule, with friends and strangers alike razzing him for his slippery fingers. It is up to Louise (Isabel Sanford) to pick up the pieces of George's shattered self-esteem. In addition to Jackson, ballplayers Brian Downing and Mike Witt also appear. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1985
Left home alone while everyone else is busily occupied, Tom Willis (Franklin Cover) begins to question his own attractiveness and appeal. Those questions are "answered" when the sister of Mr. Bentley's latest girlfriend lavishes attention on the hapless Tom. This leads to a sexy dream sequence in which Tom is surrounded by a "harem" of genuine Playboy Playmates. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1985
In this first episode of a two-part story, Mike Evans and Berlinda Tolbert make return appearances as Lionel and Jenny Jefferson. Back home after an extended trip to Japan, Lionel and Jenny tell their respective parents that they are about to make an important announcement. Naturally, everyone assumes that Jenny is pregnant again -- but the news is not happy by any stretch of the imagination. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1985
In this second episode of a two-part story, Lionel (Mike Evans) and Jenny (Berlinda Tolbert) shock their respective parents when they announce that they plan to divorce. This bombshell leads to a huge fight between the Jeffersons and the Willises, which does not abate even during family night at Jessica's school. Upset by all the dissension and bitterness, Jessica (Ebonie Smith) runs out of the school and into the mean streets of New York. This episode represented the final series appearances of Mike Evans and Berlinda Tolbert. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1985
When George's student trainee, Clark (Larry B. Scott), is unable to get a date for his upcoming high school prom, George's housekeeper Florence (Marla Gibbs) offers to go with Clark to the dance. Upon her arrival, Florence comes face to face with one of her own high school classmates -- who never asked her to the prom, even though she'd wanted him to with all her heart. Veteran cartoon voiceover specialist Arthur Burghardt appears as Mr. Harris. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1985
To raise money for the Disabled Youth Services, Louise (Isabel Sanford) and Helen (Roxie Roker) stage a talent show with the help of Tom (Franklin Cover), Florence (Marla Gibbs), and Bentley (Paul Benedict). The winner will receive free TV time to promote his or her favorite charitable cause. George (Sherman Hemsley) schemes to use this opportunity to drum up business for his dry-cleaning store. "Off-Off-Off-Off Broadway" was The Jeffersons' 253rd and final episode. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1985
Needing community-service points to qualify for the Dry Cleaner of the Year award, George (Sherman Hemsley) becomes "nest mother" for his granddaughter Jessica's Red Robin troop. In his efforts to be helpful, George teaches the girls a few rather unethical methods for selling candy door-to-door. This episode marked the final series appearance of Ebonie Smith as Jessica Jefferson. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1985
When the president of Pelham Publishing retires, Tom Willis (Franklin Cover) is anxious to be appointed in his place. At first, Tom despairs over the possibility that he won't be promoted. Once his dream is fulfilled, however, Tom is still worried: Will he be able to handle the pressures and responsibilities of the job? ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1985
Charlie the bartender (Danny Wells) has the opportunity to multiply his profits by hosting a big party. When Charlie is unexpectedly called out of town, Louise (Isabel Sanford) offers to serve drinks in his place. What Louise doesn't know is that the party is a reunion for a gang of tough, unruly bikers. A strong all-male supporting cast, including Warren Berlinger and Reid Shelton, lifts this episode out of the ordinary. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1985
The ongoing professional war between George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley) and his dry-cleaning rival Cunningham results in another round of lavish promotions. This most recent battle proves so strenuous that Cunningham suddenly drops dead. George must now face the unbridled wrath of Cunningham's vindictive widow (played by future L.A. Law regular Susan Ruttan). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1985
Once again, the wedding anniversary celebration of George and Louise Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford) is interrupted by circumstances beyond their control. This time around, the Jeffersons are called upon to repair the marriage of their bartender friend Charlie (Danny Wells). This difficult assignment is made even more so by the revelation of a terrible secret: Good-time Charlie is an alcoholic. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1985
Left at home while the wives spend the weekend at a health spa, George (Sherman Hemsley) and Tom (Franklin Cover) seek out various methods of alleviating their boredom. Our heroes finally decide to set a world record by seeing how many times they can ride up and down an elevator. What starts out as a friendly competition snowballs into a bitter rivalry. An unbilled Edie McClurg is heard as the woman on TV. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1985
Louise (Isabel Sanford) is upset by the new tenant in 12-C, a young, slim "swinger" named Robin (played by future E.R. regular Kathleen Wilhoite). Her tranquility shattered by Robin's round-the-clock partying, Louise tries to rally her fellow tenants to lodge a formal complaint. She succeeds only in being labelled an "old killjoy" -- and the worst of it is, she's convinced that the accusation is right on target. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1985
Terrified that she will never get married, Florence (Marla Gibbs) places an ad in the personal column of a singles magazine. Imagine her delight when her ad is promptly answered. Now imagine her open-mouthed astonishment when the man answering the ad turns out to be the Jeffersons' eccentric neighbor Harry Bentley (Paul Benedict). Florence Gibbs' real-life sister Susie Garrett appears as Amanda. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1985
Having finished her first art-class oil paintings, Louise (Isabel Sanford) proudly shows them off to her friends and family. Though they agree that the paintings are (too put it mildly) hideous, they try to spare Louise's feelings by overpraising her work to the skies. When the misguided Louise announces her plans to enter a high-class art show, George is forced to resort to yet another deception -- this one involving a so-called "critic." Danny Wells makes his final series appearance as Charlie the bartender. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1985
A quilt can be more than a bed covering; it can hold a family's memories, as a child discovers when she helps her grandmother piece together a patchwork quilt. Children are shown in a class for quilt-making at the Boston Children's Museum in Reading Rainbow: Patchwork Quilt. The family theme is explored further as host LeVar Burton visits an Italian-American family that offers food made by hand in their store. The importance of families is also a dominant factor in the choice of books for review -- Being Adopted by Maxine B. Rosenberg, Angel Child, Dragon Child by Michele Maria Surat, and The Two of Them by Aliki. ~ Alice Day, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- LeVar Burton
- 1984
Florence (Marla Gibbs) is on cloud nine as she and her church choir prepare to go to an Ohio convention. Alas, the necessary traveling funds, along with the rest of the congregation's money, is stolen by none other than the church's "trusted" minister. Her faith in religion and her fellow man utterly shattered, Florence bleakly faces the prospect of a none-too-merry Christmas. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1984
Standing vigil at Jefferson Cleaners after several burglaries, George (Sherman Hemsley) and Louise (Isabel Sanford) manage to trap a pair of youthful thieves. Though George is all for calling the cops, Louise is convinced that she can reform the kids. George is so certain that the young burglars are irredeemable that he promises to write a 2,000 dollar check for the Help Center's children's arts program if Louise succeeds. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1984
In this opening episode of The Jeffersons' 11th and final season, George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley) is expected to be a donor for the Help Center blood drive. Terrified at the prospect, George pays Ralph (Ned Wertimer), the apartment building's doorman, to donate blood in George's name. When the precious fluid saves the life of Mrs. Wertimer, the wife of the Jeffersons' landlord, George is only to happy to take credit -- but Ralph has other ideas. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
